Listen to Speaker Audios from WIN Public Meeting

A big thank you to everyone who helped at or attended the public meeting, 'Engaged Islam ~ Contemplative Action In Our Changing Times', in London over a week ago. We experienced stimulating talks and discussions, good wholesome food, and lovely people! Audios of the talks have been uploaded onto the WIN website, so those who were not able to be present on the day can still enjoy...

Listen to audios

• All Audios 
• Derek Wall  (Green activist, writer and economist)
• Shumaisa Khan (Food & Ecological Justice Researcher & WIN activist)
• Muzammal Hussain  (WIN activist)

Concept Underpinning Four Strands: 'Engaged Surrender'

WIN's four core strands are underpinned by the concept of Engaged Surrender: a nonviolent, process-oriented activism, expressed through a contemplative dimension within the framework of Islam (Surrender to the Divine).

Surrender to the Divine

Islam is essentially surrender of the individual self to the Divine. Related to this is that pure, natural state in which all human beings have been created - the state of fitrah. Conditioning can pull us away from this natural state. Re-establishing ourselves in the fitrah requires conscious work. Engaging outwardly from this state is what this concept, Engaged Surrender refers to, which we have defined in a way that we have considered to be appropriate to our context.

Mirroring the World We Want

Wisdom In Nature is a 'process-oriented' group. The idea is simple. We believe that how we do things is as important as what we want. Indeed our intention is to mirror the world we want in the way, in 'how' we do things. if we want a peaceful world, we must resolve inner conflicts and discover the peace in ourselves. If we want a just world, we must learn to live justly. 

"If you want democracy, you must demonstrate its principles."
Aung San Suu Kyi

Some related aspects worth mentioning here are as follows:

At WIN we draw on a deep democratic approach within our own work...

Read Full Piece>>

WIN's Second Core Strand: 'Deep Democracy'

The Deep Democracy strand comprises an intention to move:
Away from concentration of power amongst the rich and privileged;
towards more equalisation of power that honours diversity, draws out consensus and empowers all.

Democracy: Beyond the Superficial

Deep democracy aims to draw out the diverse voices and tap into the wisdom each brings. The protests of various social movements around the world are indicative of the failure of  superficial forms of democracy; the phrase “we are the 99 percent” is a voice representing the masses of people whose lives are exploited at the hands of the 1 percent.   

The concentration of power in the hands of a few leads to marginalization of voices that undermines the wholeness of individuals, communities, and ultimately, our world. Greater wisdom emerges when people actively listen to each other.   Putting the time into processes conducive to deeper dialogue often also saves time in the long run that may otherwise have to be spent on resolving conflicts and undoing damage to people and ecosystems.    

Can Process be Sacred?  

The Qur' an states:

"Far better and more lasting is what God will give to those who believe and trust in their Lord; who shun great sins and gross indecencies…..; conduct their affairs by mutual consultation…" (Qur' an: 42:19)

Read full piece>>

First Core Strand: Earth & Community

Here's the beginning of a web page we've put up outlining one of WIN's four core strands. We've called this strand "Earth & Community". (The others are Deep Democracy, Whole Economics, and Climate Justice, all underpinned by a contemplative dimension. The aim is to articulate a clearer framework for what WIN represents.) The development of this strand is ongoing as our ideas evolve and develop. Feedback is very welcome.

The Earth & Community strand comprises an intention to move: away from corporate domination and consumerism;
towards simplicity, sharing and a deeper connection to the earth & its diverse communities.

Introduction: What Do We Love?

The Qur'an succinctly draws attention to one of the trappings of the world:

"And you love wealth with boundless love!" (Qur' an: 89: 20)

One of the patterns of the human ego, or the self that needs transforming - is a compulsion for unbounded wealth and power. This can trap us into seeking the infinite from a finite outer world, resulting in a disturbance of the mizan or balance in both eco- and social systems.

And yet, this compulsion does not end at us humans. Indeed, the expression of this pattern, of this drive or love for power and wealth, can be magnified through corporations.

Corporations: Power, Profit, and Privileges

As corporations gain more wealth and power, their increasing influence on socio-political structures gives them privileges otherwise unavailable.

From the relationship of commercial banks with government, to yet another supermarket invading a local community, fossil fuel companies influencing climate politics, and pharmaceutical companies leveraging the medical profession, examples of corporate privilege are visible almost everywhere.

Read full piece>>

WIN - Cultivating Contemplative Activism within Islam

Wisdom in Nature (WIN) is a contemplative activism group grounded in Islamic principles. What does contemplative mean in the context of an activist group? Contemplative activism, as we practice it, means that as far as is possible we give space for reflection before we act – for example, we start our meetings with a short period of silence. This practice helps draw out inner wisdom that influences the extent to which we can wisely and sustainably engage in activism ‘out there’. A contemplative approach also draws on and cultivates wholeness - the idea that various domains are interconnected - social issues, the economy, and the environment; the inner and the outer; and the means and the ends. With regard to the last point, we emphasize that the means is just as important as the end and actually serves as a goal in itself.

The implications of a process orientated approach can also be seen in terms of funding. From party politics to published scientific literature, sources of funding are recognized as having an influence over values and outcomes. While WIN depends on donations, we focus on individuals and have managed to work without financial support from corporations or government. Such an approach also facilitates the cultivation of cooperative relationships with other groups and the use of existing assets and resources. Our emphasis on process is also reflected in the means through which we make decisions. We have found that creating the space and investing time into decision-making that draws out consensus enables greater ownership over decisions by those involved and contributes to a deeper democratic process. Such an approach can also be seen in movements developing across the world – democracy movements in North Africa, the real democracy movement in Spain, Occupy Wall Street (and other occupy movements) in the US, and Climate Camp here in Britain.

The aspects of contemplative activism that I have mentioned above are not necessarily confined to faith-based activism (and not all faith-based groups apply contemplative approaches); secular groups also use such approaches. But contemplative activism does have a tradition and basis in Islam that has been undervalued, and that we are trying to revive. We articulate our approach through a framework consisting of four strands, each of which involves a turning away from destructive patterns and a turning toward ways that nurture our world and its diverse communities. These are: earth and community; deep democracy; whole economics; and climate justice – all of which are underpinned by a contemplative dimension within the framework of Islam. Our activities include educational workshops and training, participation in demonstrations, and practicals on the land.

©Shumaisa Khan

WIN Rep talks at Lambeth Palace: Summary of speech

Below is a summary of a talk I gave at Lambeth Palace in March this year, at a national Interfaith conference on sustainability. Attending the conference was a valuable experience for me. I observed some inspiring and thought provoking talks, as well as a number of small group discussions. At the same time, I noticed that 'power' and the extent to which it can be centralised in faith groups was something that a number of small groups showed some resistance to reflecting on. 

The conference was on a selection basis (as opposed to first come, first serve) in a prestigious venue, and no doubt many of the people who attended were probably in positions of privilege in their faith communities. Might it be that some might ultimately lose some of that privilege if the issue of power was brought more fully to awareness? This is something I have thought about.  Amongst a bunch of other things, I'm looking at writng a piece focussing more on my experience of the day, but for now here's that summary of the talk I gave at the conference!... 

------

An Islamic Ecological Engagement: Uniting the Strands

By Muzammal Hussain, Founder of Wisdom In Nature

The Outer and the Inner

The faiths – by providing a framework that re-orient life from the material to the spiritual – offer a means of lessening our attachment to the physical world, to materialism and to wealth accumulation. Faiths can thus offer a quality that is of profound value to environmental care.  

We are spiritual beings. However, we also have the gift of a body - a vehicle to help bring wholeness into the world. Along with the concept of stewardship expressed in a number of faith traditions, the fact that we physically exist places on us a responsibility. In Islam, this role of a ‘steward’ is called khalifah.

Yet, if faith traditions re-orient us to the inner whilst placing an outer responsibility, what kind of approach might we take outwardly? How might it be distinct from an approach which disregards the inner?

Nature, social ecology & an interconnected world

One quality might be that with a spiritual or Divine centre, we are able to act without ‘our issue’ becoming an idol in the marketplace of competing issues.

We might also look to nature. The Qur’an guides people to contemplate nature which it refers to as ayat or ‘signs’ - the same term used to describe verses in the Qur’ an. For Muslims, thus, nature is a ‘sign’ of the Divine; and can offer inspiration that moves us to wholesome solutions. In nature we can witness mutually supportive relationships, and multi-directional processes rather than linear ones.

If we can apply the lessons of nature to environmental care, we might take an approach that is co-nurturing and ultimately more resilient. Rather competing with issues, our approach might integrate the social, economic and ‘environmental’. Indeed some say that the economic system - based on fictitious money, usury and unending growth on a finite planet - is at the heart of the environmental crisis. There is no absolute separation, and to make any would go against the nature of things in a world where things are inter-connected.

To me, ecological activism - the activism that I strive to participate in - is activism that values interconnectedness - honouring the relationship between different strands of existence however much cultural norms differentiate between them.

From a social perspective, it means awareness around class, gender, culture, power and privilege, for example. Without an appreciation of social diversity, so everyone - with our unique stories, hurts and hopes - can feel and is included, how effectively can we work in communities as we take our work forward?

Ultimately a joined-up, integrated approach, whose centre is the Divine is one, which I believe, was embodied by the Prophets, who were compassionate and holistic as they engaged outwardly.

Wisdom In Nature: Islamic grassroots activism

The group I am involved with, Wisdom In Nature, attempts an integrated approach. We used such processes to complete our photo-booklet ‘Islam & Climate Change ~ A Call to Heal’.

Also, we do not accept donations from government or corporations. Indeed our day-to-day funding comes only from individuals.

A natural extension of our work is to support local initiatives. Our Islamic community food project at Spitalfields City Farm is an example of this. Participants connect with the earth, train in facilitation using inclusive processes whilst also discovering their own direction – all within a framework that values spirituality.

With a presence in London and more recently in Brighton, we look forward to collaborations and community building as we further an integrated approach in these locations. 

© Muzammal Hussain

Islam & Climate Change ~ A Call to Heal: Order Hard Copies!

We've already had a number of requests for hard copies of our booklet: Islam & Climate Change: A Call to Heal.

These popular booklets are printed in full colour using recycled paper, and we still have copies available, whether for your family, friends, mosque/congregation, or organisation.

If you would like to get a flavour of the quality, here are comments from fellow ecologists...

"I was very impressed by the design, by its simplicity and directness. You have managed to put it all over in the context of your faith using the quotations and the key words that call us all to a deeper engagement with the way we live on this planet. I have books of many words, which don't speak as directly as this."

"We have received the booklets in perfect condition."
"Thank you very much for the excellent booklets!"
"Thank you very much for sending the booklets, which look great! Wonderful achievement, congratulations to all the team."


Order Copies

If you would like copies for yourself or to distribute, we are able to post batches of 10 or more.

Please let us know how many you would like (i.e. 10, 20, 30, 40 or more..), and we will confirm a suggested contribution to help cover costs. i.e.

10 booklets.............. £20
20 booklets.............. £36
30 booklets.............. £52
40 booklets.............. £68
50 booklets.............. £85
100 booklets............ £165

Any other quantity of booklets: please contact us to discuss.

The above is inclusive of P&P, and the confirmed amount would need to be paid directly into our account.

Please also take note of the following:

• To order, email us at: orderclimatebooklet (AT) wisdominnature.org.uk ; If you would like to speak to us on the phone, please call us on tel. 0845 456 3960.
• For each order, we would need to know: a) your name; b) a full postal address for delivery; and c) the number of booklets you would like.
• You will need to order a minimum of 10 copies. Unfortunately we are unable to respond to requests for fewer copies due to administrative limitations. Individual copies may however be available at many events at which we have a formal presence.
• Delivery is to UK addresses only.
  

We ask that you allow 1-2 weeks for delivery.

May 2011 Gathering of the Islamic Community Food Project (London)

Community organising with the earth in mind

"On the earth there are Signs for those of inner certainty, as also within your own selves..." (Qur' an 51: 20-21)

Next gathering: Sun 8th May 2011: Registration details below

Time: 11am-4pm

Venue: Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London, E1 5AR (near Brick Lane). Nearest tubes: *Use either Bethnal Green or Liverpool Street* (both on the central Line and still walking distance) as other local lines are scheduled to be closed during the weekend. Buses D3. Map & Directions: http://tiny.cc/l0nrw

Organised by Wisdom In Nature (WIN) with Spitalfields City Farm

Some people call it a 'food growing project'; others, like Corporate Watch describe it as 'part of a rising social movement that can shake...the global corporate food system'. So, what happens in the Islamic Community Food Project? Who is it for? And what will you be doing if you join in?...

Open to people of all faiths and beliefs; Tower Hamlets residents especially welcome.

Be empowered: Practicals on the land & grassroots organising with like-minded participants.

Develop experience in social change & facilitation - life-enhancing skills so vital in today's world.

Hear and share ideas & stories - take small, vital steps to make the imagined real.

Bring a team spirit & the yearning of your soul to create a sustainable, more compassionate world for all!..

As more people organise from the grassroots, community food initiatives are on the rise. These small steps not only empower, but offer alternatives to the globalised food system that favours multinationals. At the same time, within Muslim communities awareness is growing that Islam offers ecological principles that extend beyond the term 'halal'. This project aims to contribute to a more holistic way of thinking - one that empowers individuals, helps build resilient communities, and genuinely draws us towards a sustainable and more compassionate world.

WHO IS THE EVENT FOR?

-Anyone seriously thinking about being involved with the ongoing project. All kinds of experience and backgrounds are welcome. Also present will be those already involved.

- A background in community organising or Islamic ecological activism is a plus, but is not essential. The project caters for anyone motivated to contribute. You will have more to offer than you may now imagine!

EVENT CONTENT

-This is the fourth gathering.

-We will participate in a hands-on practical on the land with Spitalfields City Farm.

-There will also be a workshop with Wisdom In Nature: Existing participants will give a brief presentation about the project to help everyone get up to speed. We will then get creative, yet realistic, as we co-organise our next key step on our journey - a stimulating, fun, open event for July on the theme of the project: We will ask ourselves, what would we like to see there? And what can we each offer? (The outline so far centres on: a campfire, picnic, workshops, talks). The collective spirit in organising will be of co-learning and being empowered, which will include taking responsibility. The project is ongoing, and for those who want to continue there will be follow-up activities for organising and taking action together.

WHAT TO BRING

Please dress for the weather and bring sturdy footwear. Tea/coffees/refreshments will be provided. Please bring food to share for lunch.

COST: £5 per person. Reduced rate for unemployed/regular WIN donors/regular participants (£2).

REGISTER: To reserve your place, please send an email titled 'Register', with your full name to: communityfood AT wisdominnature.org.uk (replace AT with @ & delete the gaps); You will then receive confirmation and further info. Note that each person must register for her/himself only, and registration is for the full day.

Past Posts: www.wisdominnature.blogspot.com/search/label/icfp ; More info: Wisdom In Nature: tel 0845 456 3960 (local rate).

An Islamic Ecological Activism: Uniting the Strands

Inter-connectedness

A core quality of an authentic spiritual tradition is that it offers practices and guidance for its followers that can reveal holistic solutions to the challenges of the time. I believe that this is true of Islam, yet I also believe that there is much work to be done to uncover the essence of the tradition, such that will allow its beauty and relevance to be known in the challenging times we find ourselves in.

In my own life, I find myself in a process of re-evaluating and gathering the different strands that represent my own core values and the different facets of my existence. Whilst one of these strands is the spiritual, however hard I look I can find no separation between this and other strands that represent me - my relationships with others, my means of gaining income, the passions to which I give my time, and so on. Neither can I separate these aspects of me from the wider community and political landscape. Life is just too interconnected.

This process of gathering is also reflected in my journey of initiating and co-participating within the UK’s first local Islamic ecological activist group.

Whilst my journey into initiating Wisdom In Nature arose in part out of my noticing the need for more ‘environmental’ awareness, more fundamentally it emerged out of sensing more intimately that we live in an inter-connected world - that humanity is not separate from nature, but is a part of it. My increasing appreciation of the latter has strong resonance with my deepening appreciation of the Islamic concept of tawhid, of Oneness or Unity. Ultimately everything arises from a single source, and to attempt to engage in life’s challenges by compartmentalising them - albeit convenient and with some limited use - cannot lead to real, long-term solutions and would go against the true nature of things.

This interconnectedness is increasingly self-evident in a world in which communication can travel wide and far so rapidly, and in which we have developed powerful, albeit questionable, technologies, both at the macro and the micro level, which very quickly can have profound far-reaching consequences - from the genetic modification (GM) of food, to advertising and nuclear technologies for instance. Thus, any awareness that inter-connectedness is a fundamental truth of existence is being amplified by the state of the world today.

To me, ecological activism - which is the activism that I strive to participate in - is activism that is guided by an awareness of this interconnectedness. It includes the so-called ‘environmental’ but is not limited to it.  With the principle of tawhid being such a core concept in Islam, activism that is Islamic must also, I believe, be ecological. We must act in a way that honours the relationship between the different strands of existence however much our cultural norms might choose to differentiate between them.

The name to reflect the reality

Hence, whilst I concede that Wisdom In Nature was initially called the ‘London Islamic Network for the Environment’ (LINE), the word ‘environment’ - which can imply separate-ness, as well as a competing of issues rather than their integration with respect to the natural order – was amongst the main factors that led us to re-evaluate and change that name. Indeed, the ecological challenges we face and the potential solutions are, in one sense, not bound by the environment but are in us. We have caused the problem, and thus it is our consciousness and patterns that must be transformed. It is for us to become the solution.

Consequently the word ‘nature’ in our new name, Wisdom In Nature, refers in part to our innate nature, or as in the Qur’an, to the fitrah. By living according to the fitrah or our natural disposition - which necessitates inner work and getting to grips with the nafs or ego and its disguised compulsions – we can with more ease live in harmony with the wider creation, or the ‘environment’.

Simultaneously, the laws and principles in nature can offer insights and inspiration that can move us to wholesome solutions in tune with the principles in creation that creatively nurture life. The Qur’an continually guides us to witness and observe the natural world which it refers to as ayat or ‘signs’ that when reflected on with receptivity can simultaneously draw us closer to God, and open us to reconnect to the fitrah.

In addition, having had Islam in our name easily led to assumptions about who we are and what we do. If we are an Islamic group, what does that really mean? Are all ‘Islamic’ groups very similar, or are they more diverse than we might like to think? We were also aware that we were sometimes wrongly considered a ‘Muslim’ only group by those somewhat over-enthusiastic to compartmentalise, yet we enjoy and are grateful to have the presence of participants that do not call themselves Muslim. The process, thus, of defining and re-articulating what we call ourselves was helpful in re-establishing what we are really about, what we understood to be the core values of Islam, rather than simply slotting the term into a name.

The means and the end

Whilst the grassroots and activist nature of the group can be seen in what we do, less visibly yet more importantly it is intrinsic to our process – i.e. how we do things. Rather than being led from the top-down, we lean strongly to using consensus-based, bottom-up processes that draw out the diverse voices, creativity, and wisdom of the group. We might also consciously bring in awareness around gender, power relations, privilege and class for example, helping to build cohesiveness and community as we move forward with our ecological work.

We used these kinds of processes within the numerous meetings we had to complete our colour photo-booklet ‘Islam & Climate Change ~ A Call to Heal’. This took considerable time, but we gained a strong sense of ownership that helped take it to completion. None of our members were, or wanted to be paid (that includes myself!), to complete the project, and with minimal funds in our account we still beat the odds to finish it. The end-product clearly reflects the value we hold dear and the care that has gone into it.

Another aspect of our grassroots ethos is that we do not accept donations from government or corporations. Indeed our day-to-day funding comes entirely from donations from individuals. Whilst we need and are actively inviting more individuals to donate regularly, we remain true to our principles, despite there being the attractions of numerous external sources to whom we could go.

Thus, we have discovered ourselves to be a group that in its understanding of the term ecological, aims to weave together the different strands of activism - the inner, social, process, economic and ‘environmental’, within a common value system. Rather than simply campaigning for people to recycle more for instance, valuable though that is, we work to link issues and look deeper into them 

Opening the potential

There is a huge potential waiting to be born out of joining together theological knowledge and spiritual maturity with practical work to connect to the land and awareness of grassroots organising and social change. This is a potent combination that draws together the desire for social change within a world view of compassion and love. Separating the spiritual from the outer and the active is an illusion, and this is touched on in Surat Al-Ma ‘un, Chapter 107, in the Qur ‘an.

Our intention with Wisdom In Nature is to continue working within this integrated framework, a natural extension of which is to support, where we are able, the development of local initiatives that feel comfortable working in a similar way. Our community food project with Spitalfields City farm is an early example of this effort.

With our main geographical focus being in London and more recently in Brighton, as we draw more willing volunteers as well as funding from individuals, we look forward to collaborations and a growing contribution to an ecological activism as we further our work in these locations.

In whatever way you can, we invite you to join in.

----

This is a version of an article that was originally published on the Muslim Institute website. 

Islamic ecology in the classroom

Ecology and community cohesion

Rokeby School's collaboration with the Climate Change Youth Development Trust (CCYDT) gave 20 of their pupils the opportunity to participate in weekly workshops on faith climate perspectives. One of the faith perspectives was to be the Islamic, and I had received invitation to deliver that week's workshop at this East London school. Alongside motivating action through faith, the aim, was to simultaneously nurture community cohesion. This conveniently resonated with my own value system of viewing the social ecology as inseparable from the wider one. I was excited to be a part of this.

Facilitator's homework

Prior to the workshop, I had been well primed as to the range and nature of the pupils by the director of CCYDT, Sabino Miranda: I knew that the pupils would be boys, mostly Muslim, but also Hindu, Christian and no formal faith, within an age range of 13-15 years, with a few a little older. 

Most workshops I had delivered have been for adults and so I decided to reach out to my good friend and colleague across the pond, Mohamad Chakaki, to explore and hear ideas. Mohamad has given many more workshops to school age children than myself and I value his thoughts.

My ideas following these interactions were as follows: Keep it varied, keep it moving, and allow for some healthy disorder! 

Making it universal

I had 1½ hours. We began with a go-round ice-breaker so everyone spoke from the start. Then, rather than going straight into any Islamic eco-theology, I had decided it might work better to explore principles through exercises that stimulated each participant to connect with their own inner compass/sense of ethics first, and then being given a chance to share. I attempted to frame this in a universal language to support inclusively. 

Such a foundation can, I feel, potentially lend itself to the terminology and principles associated with any faith tradition. The group would thus be better equipped to look at what initially emerged in an open way, and then later in the workshop, within the framework of core Islamic concepts that underlie the outward aspects of the faith, including action to restore ecological balance. 

The first exercise was the 'spectrum line', which is designed to draw out viewpoints and discussion on different issues. Participants choose to stand anywhere along the length of an imaginary line according to how strongly they agree or disagree with a statement. E.g. "Can we have too much of a good thing?" (to later explore the idea of mizan/balance). Varied ideas sprung from this exercise allowing for a healthy spread of viewpoints.

Then, using a numbering system, the pupils were divided into four groups, each taking on one of two questions for discussion (e.g. "Think 'natural world'. Think 'human communties'. Does the natural world have anything to teach us?"). They had fifteen minutes for this which I thought this might end up being too short. However, they got their ideas down faster than I anticipated. Their presentations were both intersting and varied in content. 

 

Weaving it together

Afterwards I attempted to weave into a short talk what had emerged from the exercises whilst drawing on key Islamic concepts. I followed this with a five minute slide-show on Muslims engaged in ecological action (Although they can have a place, I like to avoid too many visuals preferring instead to be more directly relating with those present). There was then space for questions, a bit of last minute sharing, and then the distributing of the WIN photo-booklets on Islam & Climate Change for the pupils.  

All in all, it was a fulfilling day, and although I am sure I had the luxury of a pretty focussed group of children, I'm looking forward to to engaging more with a younger age group as I am able.

 

Post workshop reflections
 

Here are some reflections/ideas/'things' I feel I want to make note of for myself following this workshop. Happy to hear anyone else's reflections on any of these areas as well..

• With children, short varied exercises can engage them better than something that goes on for too long or too much of the same. 
• Taking a group of children deep into Islamic eco-theology in a short time can be challenging, and is indeed impossible at 5pm when they've been at school since 8! On the other hand, giving a flavour of 2 or 3 basic concepts such as fitrah (natural disposition/innate goodness, which some seemed to grasp really well), mizan (balance), and tawhid (unity/oneness) is feasible to weave effectively into a single workshop on climate change dynamics and taking action. 
• I found I could have addressed key themes/topics - that were raised by the children within the workshop - better than i did during my short talk at the end. What I might do next time in a similar situation is actually note down keywords as the themes/topics came up, and glance and reflect on them at appropriate times before I give a talk. 
• A certain level of disorder is to be expected from time-to-time - not everyone can stay focussed the whole time. Thus, a limited degree of chaos or 'play' alongside the intended sequence of events seemed to act as a healthy release that then allowed a more naturally guided return to the formal thread of activities. That's how it felt with this kind group, but I'd be interested to hear of anyone else's experiences!? How much 'disorder' is healthy?...
• I arrived at the school just 5 minutes before the workshop (due to a misunderstanding over timings) so had less time to organise e.g. pre-prepare some flip-charts, familiarise myself with the space etc... than I had imagined. This however pushed me to think more in terms of essentials and go more with instinct, which I have found can be a strength. On other occasions though, I am aware that too little time to settle before a workshop does little to help me be present.
• With regards the 'spectrum line' exercise, after drawing out some thoughts from a group of participants bunched close together, thought-provoking questioning can tap into deeper layers. This of course needs balancing with the comfort level of the person being questioned and drawing our a variety of viewpoints in the time available.

So that's it for now. Whilst I always like to reflect on and learn from any workshop, I hadn't written such  reflections on a public forum, but I thought I'd give it a go to see if might be useful. So this is it! 

Sun 27th Feb: Islamic Community Food Project (London)

Connecting with the earth ~ Connecting with people

"On the earth there are Signs for those of inner certainty, as also within your own selves..."
(Qur' an 51: 20-21)

Next Event: Sunday 27th Feb 2011: Registration details below

Time: 11am-4pm

Venue: Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London, E1 5AR (near Brick Lane). Nearest tubes: *Use either Bethnal Green or Liverpool Street* (both on the central Line and still walking distance) as other local lines are scheduled to be closed during the weekend. Buses D3. Map & Directions: http://tiny.cc/l0nrw

Organised by Wisdom In Nature (WIN) with Spitalfields City Farm

Open to people of all faiths and beliefs; Tower Hamlets residents especially welcome.

Be empowered: Practicals on the land & grassroots organising with like-minded participants.

Develop experience in social change & facilitation - life-enhancing skills so vital in today's world.

Hear and share ideas & stories - take small, vital steps to make the imagined real.

Bring a team spirit & the yearning of your soul to create a sustainable, more compassionate world for all!..

WHO IS THE EVENT FOR?

Anyone seriously thinking about being involved with the ongoing project. Also present will be those already involved.

A background in community organising or Islamic ecological activism is a plus, but is not essential.

As more people organise from the grassroots, community food initiatives are on the rise. These small steps not only empower, but offer alternatives to the globalised food system that favours multinationals. At the same time, within Muslim communities awareness is growing that Islam offers ecological principles that extend beyond the term 'halal'. This project aims to contribute to a more holistic paradigm - one that empowers individuals, helps build resilient communities, and genuinely draws us towards a sustainable and more compassionate world.

Through this project, you will part in hands-on practicals, be empowered to co-learn together and engage in grassroots decision-making & organising followed up with action. The project is ongoing, and this event will lead to further opportunities to connect, organise and take action with like-minded participants.

The programme will include:

A workshop on taking action together, facilitated by Wisdom In Nature; and a practical on the land with Spitalfields City Farm.

Please dress for the weather and bring sturdy footwear. Tea/coffees/refreshments will be provided. Please bring food to share for lunch.

COST FOR EVENT: £5 per person. Reduced rate for unemployed/regular WIN donors/regular participants (£2).

REGISTER: To reserve your place, please send an email titled 'Register', with your full name to: communityfood_AT_wisdominnature.org.uk (replacing _AT_ with @ ) ; Note that registration is for the full day.

Project Blog Posts: www.wisdominnature.blogspot.com/search/label/icfp ; More info: Wisdom In Nature: tel 0845 456 3960 (local rate).

Sun 23rd Jan: Register for Islamic Community Food Project: Upcoming Event

Awareness, Grassroots Organising, & Action..

Date: Sunday 23rd January 2011

Times: 11am-4pm

Venue: Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London, E1 5AR (near Brick Lane). Nearest tubes: *Use either Bethnal Green or Liverpool Street* (both on the central Line and still walking distance) as other local lines are scheduled to be closed during the weekend. Buses D3. Map & Directions: http://tiny.cc/l0nrw

Organised by Wisdom In Nature (WIN) with Spitalfields City Farm

Open to people of all faiths and beliefs; Tower Hamlets residents especially welcome.

Be empowered: Practicals on the land & grassroots organising with like-minded participants.

Develop experience in social change & facilitation - life-enhancing skills so vital in today's world.

Hear and share ideas & stories - take small, vital steps to make the imagined real

Bring a team spirit & the yearning of your soul to create a sustainable, more compassionate world for all!..

As more people organise from the grassroots, community food initiatives are on the rise. These small steps not only empower, but offer alternatives to the globalised food system that favours multinationals. At the same time, within Muslim communities awareness is growing that Islam offers ecological principles that extend beyond the term 'halal'.

With a deeper food ethic waiting to emerge more fully, there is much that spiritual traditions can offer and each of us can do, to contribute to a more holistic paradigm - one that empowers individuals, helps build resilient communities, and genuinely draws us towards a sustainable and more compassionate world.

Through this project, participants take part in hands-on practicals, are empowered to learn from each other and engage in grassroots decision-making & organising followed up with action. The project is ongoing, and the approach is both contemplative and active.

The programme will include:

A workshop with Wasi Daniju & Muzammal Hussain from Wisdom In Nature.

A practical on the land with Naomi Glass from Spitalfields City Farm.

Please dress for the weather and bring sturdy footwear. Tea/coffees/refreshments will be provided. Please bring food to share for lunch.
COST FOR EVENT: £5 per person to be paid in advance. Reduced rate for regular donors to Wisdom In Nature and regular participants. See registration form for more details.

REGISTER: There are a limited number of places. Registration is essential (except for existing participants) and is for the full day. The registration form can be found via the Wisdom In Nature website, or you can download from here: http://www.wisdominnature.org.uk/Action/Events/events2011/ICFP_Jan11_RegForm.doc

Wisdom In Nature - Islamic Ecological & Community Activism: www.wisdominnature.org.uk ; tel 0845 456 3960 (local rate).

Reflections Across the Pond: Green, Muslim and American

The flying question

It was 2004. I was at a public meeting on climate change. The lecture hall was buzzing with energy. Ideas, questions and answers were exchanged between the audience - mostly students - and the speakers, one of whom was Mayer Hillman. 

Mayer is the author of the informative 'How We Can Save the Planet', and during the course of this event did not hesitate in showing his distaste to flying. He also made it more personal and correspondingly more uncomfortable. 

"Who will now commit to never flying again?" 

He threw the question at us with force, like a long-standing campaigner who believed it was now or never. As he asked this, I checked in with myself and found myself grappling internally. I was aware that the warming effect of flying can be several times greater than other forms of transport because greenhouse gases have more of an impact at high altitude. Also, the distances we fly tend to be large with flying being a cheap and time-saving travelling option. The place that aviation takes with regards social norms and its contribution to climate change is hard to over-emphasise, which is why there is a necessary movement resisting its expansion.

In response to Mayer's question, a surprising number of people put up their hand. The part of me that wanted to be seen as righteous wished I was one of them, but I would have been lying if I did. With dozens of close friends and relatives in other continents, uncomfortable though it felt with Mayer's glare piercing the room, I had to keep my hand down. Although I had, by that time, virtually made an internal commitment to not flying for leisure holidays - and even in other situations to use coach, train or boat, for example - I could not commit to never flying again.

It was Autumn 2010. Here was another moment when I grappled with the flying question. My wife is from the US and I had not seen most of her immediate family for three and a half years. At the same time, she would be in the States for a significant period of time to complete her PhD. Was I to also go? Over a few weeks of consideration and weighing things up in my awareness, I began to move towards the idea of joining her and her family in New Jersey for part of that time. I also felt I could squeeze more from that one trip by also connecting with friends in nearby states.

In November, thus, I did set off, travelling by plane, for three weeks in the US. It so happened that whilst I was there I also managed to meet with some inspiring individuals in the US Green Islam movement. Here, I share some of these experiences as well other parts of my trip.

DC Green Muslims

Within a few days of my landing, I visited Washington DC to catch up with an aunt and uncle. I found out from my friend Mohamad Chakaki, co-founder of DC Green Muslims, that Sarah Jawaid from the group was speaking at an inter-faith climate change meeting on the day I was due to arrive! This sounded perfect, and I managed to make it just in time for this event, being met at the local metro station by Ryan Strom, another member of the DC Green Muslims team.

On the panel along with Sarah, was a Christian and Jewish speaker. Plenty of ideas were shared. Some of the more memorable comments included one from the Jewish speaker, Josh Tulkin, Founding Board Member of the Baltimore Jewish Environmental Network, who pointed out the disconnect between our actions and climate impacts - that when we start our car, for example, it's not that we're literally putting a gun to someone's head, yet the accumulative effect of these seemingly innocent actions build up to cause loss of life, which goes against all faith traditions.

Another memorable comment came from Sarah, who described an innovative means by which the DC Green Muslims had stimulated people to be more present in themselves and to their surroundings. She and her co-organisers had invited people to a Green Dinner event. Shortly before the start time, the windows to the room were boarded up, and cardboard was balanced vertically on the tables to prevent people, once they had arrived and taken their seat, from seeing their neighbour. The idea was to wake people up to the space they were in and to notice how it made them feel, however awkward or uncomfortable. 

Sarah added that the state of the altered room was basically a metaphor for what we often experience daily in our lives, yet become desensitised to. Following a period of being present to this altered room, the participants were then given a chance to re-arrange it themselves to their liking! The DC Green Muslims have impressed me with their imaginative grassroots approach, and this is but one example.

Park 51

Back in New Jersey, my wife and I took a day trip to New York absorbing some of Manhattan. It was a Friday and we stopped for prayers at the Park 51 Community Centre, a couple of blocks away from Ground Zero. 

The sermon (khutba) was given by Imam Feisal Abdul-Rauf, and was one of the most liberating I had experienced. It wasn't just the content, but the way it was delivered - with love and presence, opening up a space that was much bigger than just words being spoken . The content itself was about compassion, and inviting Muslim to move beyond the label 'Muslim' to what the term actually points to, the surrendering of the self  to the Divine - and to reflect on what that means including in our caring for those who might have different viewpoints to our own. I left the centre with a feeling of gratitude and hope.

Green Deen

That same evening, we were fortunate to be able to meet Ibrahim Abdul-Matin and to attend a workshop he was facilitating at Columbia University in New York. Ibrahim is the author of the newly released and very readable book Green Deen - What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet. 

At his workshop, there were about 30 participants, mostly students. After some mostly seated exercises, Ibrahim got us moving - we took positions in different corners of the room according to where we stood in response to questions he threw at us. We then shared with those standing with us, and then with the wider group. It was a well run, engaging workshop, and Ibrahim's background in community organising was evident. 

One of the comments he made to the group that stayed with me went something like this, 

"You have value not because of what you own, what you wear, nor because of what you earn. You have value simply because God created you". 

This wasn't academic stuff, rather a way - albeit pitched for those who believe in God - of getting to the basis of our self-worth that necessarily brings down the walls of an artificial value-system which society imposes onto us, and out of which arises consumerism and the compulsive pursuit of status. 

Massachusetts

It was the last week of my trip and I spent a couple of days in Boston, Massachusetts. From there, I visited Cambridge to connect with Mohamad Chakaki, a friend whom I mentioned earlier and with whom I thoroughly enjoy hearing and sharing ideas. I also met with Misha, a close relative and outstanding student, who is at Harvard, and an Auntie on my mother's side. This was my second time in Cambridge, having visited nineteen years previously after a period of working in Canada during a summer. The area I visited - around Harvard Square - was certainly much busier, with plenty more cars, but I could still sense some of the quality of intimacy that I had experienced the previous time. 

Progressive New York Radio 

After an extended  seven hour coach journey back to New Jersey, I took to the phone to be interviewed by Saadia Aslam from Radio Tahrir. Radio Tahrir is a weekly programme about the Arab and Muslim Community and is broadcast on the independent New York radio station, WBAI Radio. 

Saadia asked me about the work Wisdom In Nature is doing in the UK. I talked about our new booklet, Islam & Climate Change: A  Call to Heal, our Islamic Community Food Project, and our emphasis on process and  working in a holistic way that includes consciously integrating social ecology into our work. Saadia was also keen to hear my experiences of the Green Islam movement in the US. I enjoyed sharing and am impressed by the dedicated work the radio station is doing. 

The podcast of my interview can be found on the following webpage - It's the November 23rd 2010 broadcast, and the interview starts at about 30 minutes after the music piece by Maher Zain.

Progressive Muslims

During the course of my trip, on several occasions I heard the name IMAN. IMAN or the Inner-City Muslim Action Network is an organisation that Ibrahim Abdul-Matin profiles in his book, and which Mohamad Chakaki also enthusiastically talked to me about in Cambridge. 

I discovered that IMAN aims to weave together social justice with the arts, and to also bring in the environmental. One of their projects is called Project Green Reentry. This involves supporting ex-offenders in Chicago with on-the-job training as they essentially construct their own homes sustainably. This is meant to help them to socially integrate whilst simultaneously respecting the earth. As a keen believer in a holistic approach - I increasingly feel that isolated environmentalism, or indeed isolated activism of any kind, is ultimately self-defeating as it will work against the interconnected nature of things - I am keen to learn more about the intelligent work that IMAN is doing.

The two sides of the Pond

So, how does the 'Green Islam' movement in the US compare with that in the UK? 

Whilst I haven't explored the movement in the US sufficiently enough to give a confident answer, it was clear that the folks I met there hold alot of respect for the work going on here! Whilst it's true, however, that we've been working with this for a longer period, perhaps they underestimate what they have achieved in such a short space of time. 

My own sense about the movement in the US, from direct contact with a few key individuals, is that it has set in motion a creative energy and quality of work that is refreshing. There also seems to be a healthy experimenting with ways, verbally or otherwise, to express Islamic principles so they can be practical and alive to those of us growing up in contemporary western culture. I felt that our more 'mature' movement in the UK can certainly take inspiration and lessons from the movement there. 

At the same time, we have a grounding and a history through which many lessons have been learnt and a certain degree of resilience developed. All in all, there appears to be much scope for a mutually nurturing relationship, whose benefits can and must extend beyond our immediate space and time.

Back in the UK

Now in the UK, I am soon met by the graceful dance of snowfall, and the corresponding clumsiness of our predictable inability to cope well with it! I am grateful for having had the privilege of being able to travel to the US. The technology we have today can make vast distances appear small and I am acutely aware of the need to take time to reflect and to be grateful, and to also acknowledge that there are physical limits to the pace of consumption that our planet can take. Although I have not chosen never to fly again, I have consciously chosen to not take flying for granted. 

So, now it's also time to get some more work. The economic situation. Hmm, that's another aspect which, in this inter-connected world, needs co-healing...

© Muzammal Hussain

Order Print Copies of Islam & Climate Photo-Booklet!

As you may know, thanks to kind support from a number of individuals, we now have hard copies of our booklet, Islam & Climate Change: A Call to Heal. The booklets are printed in full colour using recycled paper by the cooperative printers, Calverts, who are based in London.

If you would like to get a flavour of the quality, here are comments we received from fellow ecologists...

"Thanks so much - we have received the booklets in perfect condition."

"Thank you very much for the excellent booklets!"

"Thanks very much for sending the booklets, which look great! Wonderful achievement, congratulations to all the team."

"I was very impressed by the design, by its simplicity and directness. You have managed to put it all over in the context of your faith using the quotations and the key words that call us all to a deeper engagement with the way we live on this planet. I have books of many words, which don't speak as directly as this."  

If you would like copies for yourself or to distribute, we are able to post batches of 10 or more.

Please let us know how many you would like (i.e. 10, 20, 30, 40 or more..), and we will confirm a suggested donation. i.e.

10 booklets.............. £20
20 booklets.............. £36
30 booklets.............. £52
40 booklets.............. £68 

The above is inclusive of P&P, and the confirmed amount would need to be paid directly into our account: http://www.wisdominnature.org.uk/Finance/donate.htm#account


Please also take note of the following:

• To order, *do not* reply to this blog post. Instead, email us at: orderclimatebooklet (AT) wisdominnature.org.uk ; If you would like to speak to us on the phone, please call us on tel. 0845 456 3960.
  
• For each order, we would need to know: your name; a full postal address for delivery; and the number of booklets you would like.
• You will need to order a minimum of 10 copies. We are unable to respond to requests for fewer copies due to administrative limitations. (Individual copies may however be available at many events at which we have a formal presence).
• Delivery is to UK addresses only.
  

We ask that you allow 1-2 weeks for delivery.