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What We Got Up To In 2013: Islamic Ecology ~ Permaculture ~ Facilitation

Peace all, 

Over the past few weeks, we've been worming away, developing the fertility of the soil (both literally and metaphorically!), preparing it to receive seeds as the world moves into the next solar cycle. 

We will share our news, events, collaborations and courses as developments manifest, God willing, in 2014. Please stay tuned. We ask you to support us as you are able, participate where you can, raise ideas for collaborations, and keep us in your prayers.

We also would like to share with you some of what took place for WIN over 2013. Below is a summary (with links) to read and share. 

ISLAM & PERMACULTURE 

In 2010, we designed and delivered probably the first Islam & Permaculture Course anywhere in the world. 

This year (2013), WIN Reps ran several more Permaculture courses and workshops (in Brighton, Surrey and London) including one on Islam, Sufism & the Permaculture Approach at the London Permaculture Festival which drew well over 60 people>> Click here to read a short summary. 


VIDEO: INTERCONNECTEDNESS & RELATIONSHIP: BASIS FOR AN ISLAMIC ECOLOGY

WIN Reps spoke at the Inclusive Mosque Initiative on the above topic. You can watch the Youtube video here 


GM FOOD & ISLAM ON THE WEB 

We launched a comprehensive Islam & GM Food web-section (which took us quite a few months work!), with a clear statement as to WIN's position on GM Food! 



NON-VIOLENCE & ISLAM: POST WOOLWICH: WIN STATEMENT

We were deeply disturbed by the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby. We reflected on this and put out a public statement, drawing on the wider context and our exploration of non-violence over the years - including in the Islam tradition, particularly the life of Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Badshah Khan - 'Non-violent soldier of Islam'):  'THE ESSENTIAL NEED FOR AN ISLAMIC NON-VIOLENCE'S >>> http://tinyurl.com/p43adre

PERMACULTURE BLOG POSTS ON WIN Blog: 

Islam & Permaculture, by WIN Rep, Shumaisa Khan 

9 Months No-Dig Permaculture in Small Growing Space

  

Why No Digging?: Nature as a Teacher  

Permaculture: Growing Food in a Small Space 

All Permaculture-related Blog Posts>>  http://wisdominnature.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/permaculture

PERMACULTURE PLOT WORK DAYS

We held two work days at our no-dig permaculture plot. A Big thank you again to those who helped.

 
DEEPENING FACILITATION: FEEDBACK FROM 'FACILITATING CHANGE' WEEK IN WALES

WIN Rep Muzammal Hussain reported on the "challenging, yet exhilarating" 'Facilitating Change' week in rural Wales for grassroot facilitators from the UK and Europe.  Read the full post 

CONSENSUS-DECISION-MAKING AT HOME: a piece by WIN Rep, Elizabeth Lymer>> http://tinyurl.com/jvzt6tg

G8: HUNGER SOLUTIONS: AWAY FROM CORPORATE CONTROL, TOWARDS FOOD SOVEREIGNTY>> 

In the leadup to the G8 we put out a statement about world hunger, power, and corporate control>>   http://tinyurl.com/mulxakd

ALSO!>>  
WIN facilitated a participative 'Ecology and Faith' forum in Bath: WHO CARES? HOW CAN FAITH HELP OR HINDER A MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD?  Some photos

We also switched our elist from the more corporate Yahoo to the grassroots Riseup! And finally set up a PayPal account to give more options for you to donate dosh to WIN to support our work on Islamic ecology, permaculture & facilitation>> http://www.wisdominnature.org.uk/Finance/donate.htm#account

That's all for now!

Wishing you a wonderful end of year.

'til 2014....

  

Why No Digging?: Nature as a Teacher

"Why no digging?"... This important question was recently asked on social media following a post I wrote yesterday titled, '9 Months No-Dig Permaculture in Small Growing Space'. 

I felt the answer to this question deserved a blog post of its own, and which can then be referred to in future posts around no-dig approaches to food growing.

My own understanding of permaculture is that it draws on nature as a teacher. Nature can be an example of how to nourish and regenerate the earth. (A Divine name, for instance, is Ar-Razzaq: The Nourisher, or Ever Provider, and there are many other beautiful ones that could also be relevant here). 

Nature demonstrates deep and coherent principles of sustainability, and if through witnessing and reflecting on nature, we can be humble enough to allow nature to be our teacher, there are principles we might discover that nature embodies and that we can apply in creating our own systems, whether this be around food growing, economic systems, or social ones. Of course these can all interact, and that is one of the beauties of this interconnected dynamic world we are part of!

So, back to digging. If we look at nature, we can see that it rarely digs in the sense that it rarely dramatically inverts the soil. Instead, nature tends to work gently. In a forest, for instance, leaves fall, they slowly breakdown on the surface, and are gradually taken to deeper layers, in particular through earthworm activity. This process of organic matter being left on the soil surface and taken down (without digging) is a part of the process that naturally builds the fertilty of the soil and feeds life, a foundation for the creative effortless development and sustenance of a forest and the abundance that comes from it for an incredibly diverse range of life forms. 

Permaculture would be not about copying this exactly, but about drawing on these principles to design systems (permaculture is a design approach) that provide for our needs in a sustainable way - which means also caring for our wider family: the earth and our fellow human beings.

Breaking it down a bit more, here are some specific tangible reasons for not digging (or at least minimising it):

• By inverting the soil, many microorganisms accustomed to living and functioning at a particular soil depth will die, and this impacts negatively on soil fertility (and increases the need for adding fertilisers/external inputs).
• Digging can bring weed seeds to the surface, increasing the need for further digging and leading to an upward spiral of digging! Instead what we have been doing on our plot is, in part, seeing weeds as a form of life that store valuable nutrients. By just hoeing weeds along the surface of the soil, we leave them on the surface (as mulch) where they suppress further weed growth and break down naturally, gradually releasing nourishment for other life, like leaves do when falling on the soil surface in a forest.
• Soil is a carbon sink. Digging releases the carbon stored in the ground into the atmosphere, so is counter to what we ideally want to be doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

When we began our plot with a no-dig approach, it was a bit of an experiment! We were not sure how things would turn out. Although it's been only nine months and it's raised eyebrows, we've certainly found that weed growth on our plot seems to be much less now than on many others in the area, meaning less work in the long run, and the soil looks much richer as well.

While digging is something I would try to avoid where possible, there is an unofficial permaculture principle that underlies all of them, and prevents permaculture from becoming dogmatic. This principle is 'It depends'! After all, there are instances where some kind of digging would be appropriate and helpful (e.g. in heavily compacted soil). The aim, instead of no digging [full stop], is rather to create the conditions that minimise the need to dig, particularly over the longer term, and that means digging as little as possible in the first place. In our case, we have been fortunate whereby we have got away essentially without digging the soil at all.

All the best to everyone who is working (or working less!) to do this, and thank you to all my teachers who have helped me to explore the wonderful approach of permaculture which continues to support me in drawing on principles in nature to inspire my work in all its forms.

And thank you Saimma, for the question!

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I have found these two books to be really helpful (and both of which have pages about tilling/not tilling the soil):

The Permaculture Garden: by Graham Bell (simpler)
The Earth Care Manual: By Patrick Whitefield (more comprehensive) 

London Permaculture Festival 2013: Our stall & workshop experience...

...A really fulfilling day at the London Permaculture festival yesterday, with many good conversations and connections around the stall. 

The workshop we facilitated titled Islam, Sufism & the Permaculture Approach was more popular than expected, with well over 60 people participating. 

After a short introduction, I invited the participants to introduce themselves to each other in pairs; we then had some zhikr with light percussion followed by a short period of silence; and we then explored relations between the self/individual, the community, nature, the economy, and the Divine all from an Islamic perspective. The photos is of the flipchart which captures key ideas shared by the group.


We then reflected together on the key emphasis/qualities of Sufism in relation to Islam (a BIG question!). 

We then considered how the permaculture ethics (earth care, people care and fair shares) as well as several permaculture principles and a Permaculture placement tool relate to Islam & Sufism

The participants comprised a good handful of Muslims dotted around the room amongst people of diverse beliefs. The diversity helped draw out a number of key themes that enriched the sharing. There were wonderful contributions, and much learning for all of us. 

Gratitude to all who attended, and to the organisers of the wonderful festival.

We look forward to further collaborations with at least some of the wonderful people we connected with...

Islam, Sufism & the Permaculture Approach: @ LondonPermacultureFestival: Sun 14th July 2013

Wisdom In Nature invites you to:

ISLAM, SUFISM & THE PERMACULTURE APPROACH

A workshop at the London Permaculture Festival

Date: Sunday 14th July 2013

Time: Workshop: 3pm-3.50pm; London Permaculture Festival: 11am-7pm

Venue: Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Rd, Camden , London, NW1 7AY. Getting there/Map: Click here 

Much could be said about the relationship between these three perspectives. This short workshop will be but a little dip! While we may adapt according to numbers of people and our sense of what is needed, the intended theme will be: 'Relationship', and how this is at the heart of Islam, Sufism and Permaculture. We hope to also include some Sufi chanting (optional participation), and sharing.

Workshop Facilitators: Shumaisa Khan (WIN) & Muzammal Hussain (WIN)

Also a chance to find out more about the work of Wisdom In Nature and ways of collaborating.

Cost:  £5 / £4 concs (u18's free) entrance to the Permaculture Festival: No additional cost for the Workshop!

 

Web: www.wisdominnature.org.uk ;

Twitter: www.twitter.com/wisdominnature  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wisdominnature; Facebook event page: http://tinyurl.com/kylc69b

About Permaculture: Permaculture is as a practical system for sustainable living, based on observing principles and patterns in nature. Rather than seeing living systems as disconnected parts, permaculture helps us to see them as a whole and aims to maximise the relationships between things. Permaculture has empowered people worldwide to develop projects that work with nature, rather than against it.

WIN will also have a stall at the festival. Come speak with us!

About the London Permaculture Festival:

The London Permaculture Festival  is a non-profit grassroots event and is one of the largest permaculture events in the country.

With Workshops, Storytelling, Music, Kids Dome & more.

Topics include: Islam, Sufism & Permaculture; Introduction to Permaculture; Surviving climate change; Our own body ecology and health; Systems, Patterns and Principles in Permaculture Design; Sustainability and parenting; Multi-stakeholder co-ops and community share issues; How to grow food in containers; Create a worm composter; Keeping chickens; Natural beekeeping; Growing plants from seed; and others...

Festival Website/More info: http://www.londonpermaculturefestival.com

A Perspective on Islam and Permaculture

You may have noticed that quite a few of WIN's activities of late are around permaculture, and that our new strapline includes permaculture.  If you're wondering what the heck it is and what does it have to do with Islam, then you might find this blog post helpful!

Permaculture - A Brief Intro

Permaculture is a design system for meeting human needs, one which integrates various components to achieve a functional and self-regulating whole. Inherent to this is understanding the connections and relationships among the components. Relationships occur at different levels - the relationships between the various components that contribute to soil; the relationships between the soil, water, flora and fauna, etc.; and the relationship between human economic, physical, cultural, and social needs and ways of meeting them, which of course connect to the non-human elements of the wider ecosystem. Permaculture is about maximising beneficial relationships among the various components.

According to Bill Mollison, the 'father of permaculture', it emerged as a response to perceived social problems amidst the oil crisis in the 1970s. He recognised that the ecological problems were connected to social problems, and both the ecological and social problems were the result of the economic system in place.

Permaculture and Islam

What does all this have to do with Islam? Islam, in a sense, is a whole system in which the economic, social, ecological, and spiritual are integrated, which is the antithesis of contemporary society. The norm is people working at increasingly sedentary jobs in an industrial economic system that is based on money that has very little value – its value comes from the belief in it rather than tangible value. This system is characterised by compartmentalisation and disconnectedness – they keep the system going.

For example, most people would not tolerate sweatshop labour to take place in their neighbourhood because there would likely be face-to-face interaction with local people. It would be difficult to live with oppression in such proximity. But globalisation has made this an unlikely scenario – we are extremely disconnected in real terms, despite being more connected than ever in other ways. Real disconnectedness is associated with an excessive waste of energy – including human energy – and of natural resources, and of course contributes to ill health of both humans and other species. Related to this is one of the principles of permaculture - integrate, rather than segregate.

Muslims are not immune from the fragmentation I have just described.   Practising Islam seems to have become confined to certain religious acts - such as salat and zakat, while reflection and contemplation - which the Qur'an makes significantly more references to - have been relegated to the periphery. For Muslims then, permaculture offers a design system that can help us apply the whole system approach that Islam is, which can be quite transformative and powerful.  One need only remember what Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, accomplished in Mecca.  In fact, we can draw parallels between the avarice and social inequality we see today and Meccan society at that time.  A similar transformation needs to happen now - without which all the outer economic, social, and ecological activism will fail.

Permaculture offers a useful set of tools which we can apply to practice a broader and deeper Islam, but permaculture is simply a design system, so Muslims, through the whole system approach of  Islam, can enrich permaculture.   We at Wisdom in Nature are keen to develop our theoretical and experiential knowledge of permaculture and share and apply this with other Muslims, but one of the challenges we face is the lack of demand.  Most people tend to confine activism to signing petitions, buying some ethical products, single issue campaigns, etc., all of which may have a place but tend to address symptoms of a diseased world rather than the cause of the disease.

See our website for more information about workshops on permaculture and other areas that Wisdom in Nature can deliver.

A version of this article which was written by Shumaisa Khan was printed in SISTERS Magazine in April 2013. 

Post Woolwich: WIN Statement: 'The Essential Need for an Islamic Nonviolence'

"Today's world is traveling in some strange direction. You see that the world is going toward destruction and violence. And the specialty of violence is to create hatred among people and to create fear. I am a believer in nonviolence and I say that no peace or tranquility will descend upon the people of the world until nonviolence is practiced, because nonviolence is love and it stirs courage in people."
Abdul Ghaffar Khan (a.k.a. Badshah Khan: 'Nonviolent Soldier of Islam')

"But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs."
(Qur' an 42:43)

As an organisation guided by core Islamic principles, we acknowledge that there have been disturbing acts of violence which have taken place, that have been voiced, explicitly or otherwise, to be under the umbrella of Islam. The recent killing in Woolwich, London is one such act.

While we believe these acts to be contrary to Islamic teachings, and planned and carried out by individuals or groups that do not represent the vast majority of Muslims - in our view nonetheless, it is clear that there is an essential need for a conscious, nonviolent movement in the Muslim world that captures dissatisfaction, frustration and anger that may be present. Such a movement would support the transformation of such feelings into energy  that can be channelled into actions that heal, rather than fracture - actions that are ultimately motivated by love for all, as opposed to, at the other extreme, by hatred and vengeance.

Simultaneously, real peace is built on the foundation of justice for all, and the healing of wounds. In this spirit, there is a collective responsibility, and qualities such as fairness, non-exploitation of humans and the wider natural order, coupled with self-determination, lie at its heart.

Wisdom In Nature condemns the attack that took place in Woolwich last week, and we keep Drummer Lee Rigby's family and loved ones in our heart and prayers.  Pain is never isolated, especially in a globalised world. Pain is ultimately shared, just as we ultimately are all as one.

In this spirit of unity and compassion, WIN is open to, and invites collaboration with other parties wishing to raise awareness of the tradition of nonviolence in Islam, and within our respective capacities, to co-learn and co-develop holistic programs in this key area.

Abdul Ghaffar Khan

With Islamic contemporary history having figures of nonviolence, perhaps most notably and best documented, being Abdul Ghaffar Khan (a.k.a. Badshah Khan: see photo) [1] who in the last century raised an 'army' of 100, 000 'soldiers' of active nonviolence, we thus have inspiration and material in our own tradition, as well as material and inspiration from that of others - indeed all authentic traditions point to the same essential Truth.

From near the beginnings of WIN, we have felt the need to give importance to 'process' i.e. the belief that how we achieve our goals is as important as the goal itself. Our process-oriented approach remains integral to our work, and an active nonviolence is central to our core strand of 'Engaged Surrender'[2], which underlies our activities.


Closely related to this is the need to create spaces that invite authentic listening to a diverse range of voices, including those of the marginalised who may not otherwise easily get heard. The current state of the world re-affirms to us the immense importance these principles hold, and the need to stay firmly and explicitly with them.  At its best, it is easier said than done. Yet, it is our prayer that we can develop and actualise this concept further, embodying it further ourselves, and with the wider community.

If you have any questions, please get in touch. 

Wisdom In Nature

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Tel. 0845 456 3960 (local rate)
Web: www.wisdominnature.org.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/wisdominnature
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wisdominnature

Notes: 

 

[1] Abdul Ghaffar Khan (a.k.a. Badshah Khan), a friend of Gandhi, was a Muslim Pathan who in the 20th century lived by principles of active non-violence, rooted in Islam. Badshah Khan raised a non-violent army of 100, 000 Khudai Khidmatgar ("Servants of God") that resisted British rule over India.

[2] Engaged Surrender is one of Wisdom In Nature's core strands. i.e. WIN's work is underpinned by a nonviolent, process-oriented activism, expressed through a contemplative dimension within the framework of Islam (Surrender to the Divine). More info about Engaged Surrender and WIN's core strands can be found by clicking here.

[3] Wisdom In Nature (WIN) was originally called LINE (London Islamic Network for the Environment). WIN offers workshops and training in Islamic ecology, Permaculture and Facilitation Skills, and engages in a transformative approach. It is open to people of all faiths and beliefs, and is based in the UK. More info: www.wisdominnature.org.uk

 

Video of WIN talks: Interconnectedness & Relationship: Basis for an Islamic Ecology

Earlier this month, WIN Reps Shumaisa Khan and Muzammal Hussain spoke at an Inclusive Mosque Initiative event. 

The topic was: 'Interconnectedness and Relationship: Basis for an Islamic Ecology'. 

The talks were followed by a discussion.

Areas covered included: Nature as a teacher, Permaculture, Interconnectedness between campaigns/issues, Economy, Islamic ecological concepts, technology, intentional communities, and the challenge of deeper group work.

You can watch the full video below:

Event: Interconnectedness & Relationship: Basis for an Islamic Ecology: Sun 3rd March 2013, London

We are very happy to be speaking at this exciting event hosted by the Inclusive Mosque Initiative.

 

 ---

 

 

 

The Inclusive Mosque Initiative invites you to:

 

INTERCONNECTEDNESS & RELATIONSHIP: BASIS FOR AN ISLAMIC ECOLOGY

 

Date: Sunday 3rd March 2013
Time: 2pm-4pm

Venue: St Johns Church, 73 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8TY; Map: Click here

 

With Shumaisa Khan & Muzammal Hussain of 'Wisdom in Nature'

Talks followed by question/answer session.

 

Registation is requested with a suggested donation of £5 on the day, if you can afford more then please feel free to do so. This covers the venue and speakers costs.  

 

Registration link is here: http://www.inclusivemosqueinitiative.org/registration-2.htm

 

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/199320436878536/

Islamic Group: Away from GM Crops - Towards Holistic Approaches Aligned with Core Islamic Principles

 WIN's Position on GM Food 

Away from GM Crops -
Towards holistic approaches aligned with core Islamic Principles 

  

"At WIN, through our research, discussions and reflections, we believe that the release of GM organisms into the wider ecology should, from an Islamic perspective, be opposed.

 

Furthermore, we believe that there are approaches - such as permaculture, organic farming and agroforestry - that have fewer risks, are based on a greater recognition of the interconnectedness of life, and which instead of undermining relationships, draw on principles that nurture them. They thus are more in alignment with core principles from the spiritual traditions including Islam. 

We ask Muslim communities around the world to wake up to the fact that industrial farming practices, of which GM is a part, do not fit with core Islamic values. In the same light, we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that GM crops are fed to animals destined for halal slaughter. 

If the 'halal' stamp is incapable of defining what is Islamic, we must move beyond the false comfort zone the term 'halal' has provided, for it is now beyond any doubt that a more authentic 'Islam' needs to emerge, one that is alive to the challenges of our time, yet remains in union with the spirit of this beautiful tradition.

Also, we believe that as we move away from large scale industrial farming towards smaller scale decentralised food production, this would not only be more compatible with a sustainable, life supporting future, but would also lead to greater empowerment. Such a move will also draw people, land, livelihood and traditional local knowledge together, enriching biodiversity and nurturing community.

Witnessing the small, but growing numbers of Muslims working at the grassroots with fellow citizens of the world to create a new, more wholesome paradigm gives us much hope.

We have produced the GM section on our website in a style that we hope is readable, while outlining key background information to help readers appreciate the reasoning and principles leading us to take the clear position we have.

We received no funding for this project, and the production of this part of the website was completed entirely through voluntary efforts.

Wisdom In Nature is open to collaboration and partnerships with like-minded people, networks and organisations. Applications for volunteering are also welcome. Please get in touch!"

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Visit the
GM & Islam section on
Wisdom In Nature's website>> 

 Click here

Two Faith-based Nonviolence Events- London, Jan 21st & 22nd 2013

WIN would like to draw attention to two upcoming events in London focusing on non-violence, that resonate with the underpinning Engaged Surrender strand of WIN: 


1) The Need for Faith Inspired Non-Violence Today
Monday January 21, 2013 6-9pm
St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace
78 Bishopsgate London, EC2N 4AG
A Public Seminar on the legacy and influence of Martin Luther King with guest speaker Dr Qamar al Huda. Moderator Dr S. Ayse Kadayifci-Orellana. In association with the Cordoba Foundation.

Registration required - see http://www.stethelburgas.org/civicrm/event/info?id=481&reset=1



2) Seminar: Non Violence and Peace Building in Islam
Tuesday January 22, 2013 10:30am - 4pm
Initiatives of Change Centre
24 Greencoat Place, London, SW1P 1RD 

Organised by The Cordoba Foundation, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Initiatives of Change and Salam Institute for Peace and Justice.


A public seminar that will focus on addressing the Islamic traditions of nonviolence and peace-building, with talks from:

 * Professor Mohammed Abu Nimer (Salam Institute for Peace and Justice / American University)
 * Dr Qamar ul Huda (United States Institute of Peace)
 * Dr Ayse Kadayifci-Orellana (Georgetown University / Salam Institute for Peace and Justice)

Registration required - see  http://www.thecordobafoundation.com/events.php?id=1&art=93

GM Food Website Section coming soon...

GM Food has been a hot issue for quite a few years. Back in 1996, GM Soya products were being imported unlabelled into the UK, which meant that it made it difficult to avoid eating them. The anti-GM movement began to grow, and the issue exploded when Dr Arpad Pusztai announced results of GM feeding trials he had been conducting on rats and said that he would not eat GM foods. It seems that politicians got involved, and he was gagged. It was announced that he was confused, but this turned out to be false. 

A few Muslims were involved in campaigning against the genetic modification of our foods at the time, including myself through writing letters, giving talks, producing literature, mobilising for a march and putting together the occasional article. 

The GM debate is coming back on the scene with the UK government seemingly pretty pro-GM. As well as debate around GM, there are some bigger questions: 

For example, "What kind of food systems are best placed to provide people with sufficient good quality food, while also nurturing the land, and empowering and nurturing local communities?"; and "Given that there is more than sufficient food to feed everyone on the planet, why are people going hungry?"

Maybe, if we reflected on  questions like this, leaving aside corporate interests, we would move closer to understanding viable solutions to key challenges.

Over recent months, at WIN, we've been working hard to develop a GM Food & Islam section for our website. Within it, we look at fundamental questions like the ones above. We also raise important questions for Muslim communities, for as a social group we must take responsibility for having largely turned a blind eye to the wider context around food and farming. There is a need thus for serious reflection on the state of the world, as well as on ethical principles outlined in teachings that we hold dear.  We are in the final stages before we launch the website, and hope that it will not only be informative but will also encourage dialogue and positive action.  

Stay tuned!...

Islam & Climate Booklet: Now Available Outside UK!

We are now able to take orders for our colour photo-booklet, Islam & Climate Change~A Call to Heal, from countries outside the UK. 

 

This inspiring booklet was produced by our small team of activists with attention to both process and outcome. No corporate nor government funding. Powered by the People!

 

The booklet is both informative and inspiring. It is ideal for groups, congregations, schools etc..  

 

For more information: Click here

 

You can also download the online PDF for free from here

 

Please feel free to share with relevant contacts.

 

 

 

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!... 

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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