Information about this website:

All of the images available here are drawn from the rich heritage of architectural decoration in the Islamic world, a subject that has long fascinated me. The bulk of the images derive from my own photo-archive, the fruits of a whole series of trips to different parts of the Islamic world, together with my own drawings and analyses of Islamic patterns taken from various publications. This collection is augmented with a selection of earlier printed material dealing with the same subject.

I feel that this marvellous artistic tradition deserves to be better known and that it has a great deal to offer, not only to art-historians and other specialists, but to designers and lovers of art and beauty everywhere. At their best these images express a refined and even sublime aesthetic sensibility, but they always remain perfectly accessible. Because of this they seem to me to offer a particularly appropriate antidote to the fears and suspicions that may have been induced by recent notions of a ‘clash of civilisations’. The need to express and appreciate Beauty, through Art, is surely a universal human response.

How to find your way around
The problem here, as with any extensive collection of images, is to locate those that might be relevant or inspiring without becoming bogged down by those that are not. To make the archive as accessible as possible then, there are various search options for both general, and more specific, requirements.

Firstly, there are a series of Slideshows each presenting 50 select images of architectural decoration from a particular country or region; go to the Photo-Archive page and select Slideshows.

The Photo-Archive itself can be browsed in its entirety region by region, image by image; go to the Photo-Archive page, select Main Archive by Region, then choose the country/region required

For those with more specific requirements there are other search options The images are indexed in a number of different ways; by the Medium in which they were made (ceramics, plaster, wood etc.); by the Architectural Feature involved (doors, domes, ceilings, walls etc.) also by their location (in a particular Town), and by specific Monuments. To explore the Photo-Archive in this way go to Other Browse Options.

In addition to the above, every image on the website can be found via its individual Catalogue Number., and finally, you can visit the General Catalogue for a complete list of code numbers and individual captions

Other features of this website
In addition to the photo-images themselves, there is a range of other material relating to the general subject of Islamic pattern available on this website, including - Background Notes; Drawings, Diagrams & Analyses; Earlier Published Material. There is also a Glossary and a select Bibliography.

‘Sultans of Science’ is a global touring exhibition celebrating the contribution of Muslim Scholars in Science and Technology during the Golden Age of the Islamic World (700-1700 BC) and the influence their inventions and contributions has towards modern society.

Focused on increasing knowledge and understanding of these invaluable contributions, ‘Sultans of Science’ has been created as a global travelling exhibition in order to enable its message to be far reaching through science centres and museums around the world.

Purely informative and enlightening in content the exhibition is not politically or religiously motivated. The content features interactive displays with information on inventions, innovations and discoveries covering a broad spectrum of science topics such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, optics amongst others, which were ahead of its time.

‘As if I'm there!...’

You too can visit these unique places. Just download and run the programs below. Once inside the program, move the mouse to the direction you want to look at. You can use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out. If there is no intervention for five seconds, the program will start showing you around automatically. To use the program as your screensaver press the F5 key. Press F9 to get a list of the 3D sites you downloaded (residing in the same directory) and load the one you like by moving the selection with the direction keys and pressing Enter. Click the left mouse button to jump to the closest (visible) site. Press F1 for help.

A good site covering various topics of Islam expounded by scholars of the Muslim world.

A mystical adventure tale on the Sufi path of Love, wherein a Sufi Master sends seven companions on a quest to find King Solomon's magic seal ring, said to control the Jinn, those terrifying demons of living fire. On their journey, the companions discover not only the fate of the Jinn, but also the path of Love and the infinite Mercy of God.

About ISLAMICA

Who we are:

Islamica Magazine is a full-color, 128-page glossy quarterly international magazine headquartered in Los Angeles, California with editorial offices located in London, England, Amman, Jordan and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Islamica aims to broaden perspectives on Islam and to provide a voice for Muslims to articulate their concerns while establishing cross-cultural relations between Muslims and their neighbors and co-religionists. The majority of our readership is in North America, however we have a significant presence in the UK and Europe and are distributed in over 20 countries around the world.


The topics we cover include Religion, Family, Mysticism, Law, Politics, History, Philosophy, Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Psychiatry, Health, Education, Current Affairs, Culture, Science & Technology, Media, Literature, Poetry, Fiction, Art & Architecture.





Why we are here:

The disinformation that often passes for erudition on Islam and the Muslim world is due largely to ignorance. However, the reality is that informed Muslim perspectives exist on a wide range of issues, but these views often remain outside the mainstream social, political and religious discourse. Instead media savvy “experts,” whether Muslim, non-Muslim, militant, or simply misinformed, are championed by an expedient mainstream media to educate the larger public about critical issues we all face. In reality many of these expert opinions fail to adequately represent the moderate, Muslim mainstream.


The irony of the situation is that reasonable, articulate, grounded and authentic voices exist within and without the Muslim community in the West. However, these voices remain outside the popular discourse because few forums exist that can bridge the divide. In a society that is so profoundly influenced by the written word, Muslims remain on the fringe. While our scholars continue to produce extremely vital publications, they are often specialized and outside the purview of the common reader. They speak often, but are generally heard by Muslim communities or specialized groups that are already familiar with their ideas and thoughts.


It is not that Muslims in America lack fresh ideas, but rather what we are missing is a forum to communicate existing ideas inside the broader cultural and political discourse. It is this forum that Islamica hopes to establish. There are few Muslim periodical publications editorially and stylistically strong enough to generate both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences. Islamica Magazine hopes to fill this void.


What our goal is:

Islamica neither seeks to become the authoritative voice of Islam in America, nor does it assume the role of presenting Islam to the Western world. In the best traditions of both historic communities, we seek to present ideas, discussion and thoughtful debate on the most pressing issues of our time. We invite any and all to participate in this dynamic process that we hope will, insha'Allah, unfold between the pages of Islamica.

Institute for Islamic Services.

IIS ACTIVITIES

DAILY SCHOOL FEEDING SCHEME

At first, the IIS concentrated in schools in the locality, but as the services became well known in the townships, there were more applications for assistance received. Atteridgeville, Saulsville and Jeffsville became the number one townships with the most children fed daily. Later on, Lotus Gardens was added on the list with three centre benefiting; H.S. Ebrahim Lotus Gardens Primary School, Bradhaven Primary School and the Creche in Diander Street. To date 6 000 hungry mouths are fed daily from twenty schools plus three feeding centers. The schools range from special care to primary and secondary schools. Much emphasis is laid on the children who have no other source of obtaining food before they go to school.

DAILY FEEDING AT THE CENTER

At 330 Carmine Street in Laudium, there is a feeding scheme where the destitute and unemployed benefit the number on a day is 250.

Another feeding scheme takes place every Friday after jumma salaah out-side Masjid – ar- Rahman in Asiatic Bazaar Marabastad. We feed the, poor, destitute, wayfarer and unemployed both Muslims and non-Muslims as was taught by the Prophet {s.a.w.} who came as a mercy unto mankind not only to the Muslims.

Below is an out look of the fortnight ingredients that are purchase to fulfill the above feeding schemes:

RUNNING OF PRE- SCHOOLS

The two crèches are situated at 337 Jacinth Street Laudium(50 pupils) and 18 Diander Street Lotus Gardens(72 pupils). At these crèches children are taught basic life skills, Islamic and secular education and coupled with recreational activities. Feeding of nutritious food is conducted at these crèches on a daily basis. This center is a life saver to the mothers who go out to look for work or who go for piece jobs.

MONTHLY GROCERY VOUCHERS

The families that do not have a proper source of income or no income at all are visited by the welfare department of the IIS to ascertain their status. After meeting all the criteria, then they are put on the list of the grocery voucher recipients. 68 thoroughly investigated families who live below the bread line are direct beneficiaries of monthly grocery vouchers. The figure given to each family varies depending on the size of the family.

MONTHLY FRUIT AND VEGETABLE VOUCHERS

As for the instant and well investigated cases, 140 fruit and vegetable vouchers are issued as alleviation to the destitute. A further 30 families are assisted via the Lotus Gardens Primary School. This gives us a total of 170 vegetable and fruit vouchers

SELF-HELP FOR THE POOR

The Institute For Islamic Services does not only concentrate on feeding the destitute, but also assist those affected by the scourge of unemployment. These are lifted up their feet by giving them some goods to sell. The profit made from the sales helps them to buy more stock and to look after their families.

HOSPITAL SHUTTLE SERVICES

Because the Institute heavily rely only on one vehicle, its members and staff have resorted to using private cars to transport its hospital cases. An average of five cases everyday are assisted with transportation to go and receive their medical attention. This is one of the reasons why the petrol account of the Institute for Islamic Services comes quite high every month. The sickly people who are ferried to and from hospitals on a daily basis sometimes become so high that we are forced to send an appeal the community to assist us so as to purchase another vehicle. We hope our funds this year will be sufficient or we hope a generous donor can come to the rescue of the IIS so that the shuttle service can be properly done.

DAWAH ACTIVITIES

Hand in hand with the entire feeding scheme, we are also concerned about the spiritual well-being of those who do not know much about Islam. As the feeding takes place at our various centres, Islam is imparted to those who do not know about it. At 330 Carmine Street, our Da’ee has his hands full embracing and explaining Islam to the new reverts. Classes on Islam take place every day at this center. We also have video and audio sessions for those who want to listen to a variety of speakers. Free literature, booklets and pamphlets on Islam is available to those who want to read at their leisure at home.

BUILDING OF MOSQUES

As for the spiritual aspects of different societies, the Institute for Islamic Services has discovered that there is a saturation and overload of Mosques in affluent areas. This overflowing of Mosques in places like Laudiun, Erasmia, etc, has created a vacuum and lack of Masjids in poorer areas of South Africa. The wheel is already turning in putting up Mosques in areas that need them most. A noble idea of establishing places of prayer in various localities will bear fruits that will see an eradication of poverty as well as social inequalities. This is because the IIS will establish centres that will incorporate income- generating facilities for the benefit of spiritually and financially improving the social standards of the disadvantaged.

The first Islamic centre is already fully functional in the most populace township in the southern hemisphere. i.e. Soshanguve. This centre caters for both the spiritual, educational, and economic needs of the community. We are inviting individuals, families and organizations to join us in putting up these buildings and any other projects in areas that do not have.

TUKS UNIVERSITY (UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

Another centre is currently underway at the University of Pretoria (Tuks). The IIS in conjunction with Pretoria Islamic Society and Muslim Students Association (MSA) of Tuks will establish an Ibadaah facility that will supplement the educational needs of the more than 350 students.

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

Not only is the Institute for Islamic Services committed to eradicating the in-equalities, poverty and calamities locally, but we have in the past and are still under-taking the international relief work. Amongst the numerous countries that we have done relief work comprise Afghanistan, Kosova, Albania, Palestine, Iran, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Mozambique, Sudan etc. All experiences for the members to travel overseas strictly come from their own pockets. No funds come from that which is collected from the public.

RADIO 1584

This platform where people can interact through their voices has been serving the community for over six years. Although it has been operating under its potential due to some technical problems, the Radio looks at the yield it has achieved. It is still the official sponsor of the Lotus Gardens Primary School annual Speech contest where young children vie one another with their talents. The station is also instrumental in the annual Bazaar where funds are raised to carry on with the feeding of the poor. For this station to grow, we require funds for purchasing proper and suitable equipment and transmitters. Once these are purchased, then the station can broadcast to a wider audience.

THE SCRIBE

The Scribe newspaper is a big Dawah and information supplementary activity of the Institute for Islamic Services. Besides being an information and Dawah voice, the profits obtained from the advertisements in the Scribe are ploughed back in the community. By advertising in the Scribe, not only does your business grow, but you will be supporting the projects of the Institute for Islamic Services. The Scribe has widened its distribution to areas such as Bronkhorstspruit, Witbank, Rustenburg and Krugersdorp including Azaadville, Springs, Benoni, Zeerust, Pietersburg, Mayfair, and Fordsburg. Etc.

Institute for Islamic Services Monthly Expenditure

MONTHLY GROCERY VOUCHER…………………………………………………R11 150 = 00.

MONTHLY FRUIT & VEGETABLE VOUCH(170)....…………………………….....R4 200 = 00.

MONTHLY CASH-GRANTS TO THE TERMINALLY ILL……...............................R6 100 = 00.

INGREDIENTS FOR FEEDING SCHEME AND AMOUNT:

6 x 50kg sugar beans

4 x 50kg small white beans

4 x 50kg samp

4 x 50kg butter beans

1 x 50kg course salt

2 x 10kg mother-in-law masala

2 x 50kg oil dhal

2 x 20liter cooking oil

2 x 10kg turmeric powder

Total amount per fortnight order…………………………………………………………………..+/-R7 500 = 00.

1 x 72kg Rice@ R350/Day………………………………………………………………………………R7000 = 00.

4 x 48kg Gas……………………………………………………………………………………………..R1 466 = 43.

Petrol/diesel for transporting food and other miscellaneous activities of the IIS………..................R3 564 = 00.

Additional bread for the month (Some bread is anonymously donated) – 200loaves/week………..R2400 = 00.

The Monthly Total amount is...........……………….............................. +/-R43 300= 00.

*N.B.* A generous donor contributes a sheep per day so as to give a variety in diet for the poor that are daily fed. The above figure does not include other costs such as labour for cooking the food. Nor does it include other costs like lights and water.

OPEN INVITATION AND APPEAL

We at The Institute for Islamic Services are committed to serving the best interests and needs of the community and it is only by your participation and assistance that we can extend our help to the many other deserving and destitute people. Besides cash, WE APPEAL TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO JOIN PHYSICALLY IN CONDUCTING ANY OF THE PROJECTS. THE DOORS ARE WIDE OPEN FOR ANYBODY THAT WANTS TO BE PART OF THE IIS. ANYBODY WHO WANTS TO VIEW THE PROJECTS CAN CONTACT ANY ONE OF THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

We further appeal to all businesses and members of the community to donate your Lillah, Zakaat, Sadaqah (charities), old clothes, groceries, food, and blankets to the I.I.S. for distribution.

You may also Contact the following Institute for Islamic Services officials for assistance:

FARHAD. M. HUSSEIN: 082 908 8786

ASLAM OMAR 082 648 9797

SATAAR NORMOHAMED: 082 674 9250

WAHEED ABDOOLA: 083 786 3932

CASSIM GANI: 082 978 6198

GALIEB ESSA: 083 280 7867

ABDULKADER MAHAMED: 082 5623 143

CASSIEM GUMA: 012 998 9969

SHAHEEN OSMAN: 083 786 0416

ISMAIL ESSA: 082 367 8632

SATTAR ABDULLAH: 082 786 8888

YUSUF MUSTAFA: 084 383 4488

HAFEZ YUSUF JOOSUB: 072 507 2480.

OGUZ ARSLAN: 072 415 5146

PLEASE MAKE YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS TO:

Institute for Islamic Services…………FNB Laudium Branch, Branch Code: 252245

For Zakaat-……….Account No: 6052 911 5665

For Lillah-………...Account No: 6052 911 7398

For Mosque building ABSA Bank, Andries Street branch Account No: 90 53 71 13 12

An excellent website giving comprehensive details about the lives and teachings of many of the great Sufi mystics from the asian sub-continent and other parts of the world.

A website dedicated to distributing a wide range of Islamic material ranging from Books, DVDs, CDs, Clothing & Gifts.

An excellent website dedicated in publishing the works of Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi (1165-1240).

Anqa is an Arabic word denoting a legendary bird, which may be depicted as a phoenix, gryphon, eagle, thunderbird or sphinx. It symbolises the purest Spirit of all spirits.

The Anqa is described by Ibn 'Arabi as "the dust-cloud within which God opens up the forms of the universe".


Anqa Publishing is dedicated to bringing out the works of the great Andalusian mystic, Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi (1165–1240), and his line. These writings contain some of the most beautiful and comprehensive depictions of the vision of One Reality in all its facets.

Our aim is to produce:
• High-quality translations of these classic texts, most of which have never appeared before in Western languages.
• New and authoritative editions of the Arabic texts, using the best manuscripts available.
• Contemporary writings and studies of Ibn 'Arabi's teaching.

Anqa Publishing was formed as an independent company in Oxford, UK, in 1998.


Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi (or Ibn al-‘Arabi, as he is also known), is a towering figure in world spirituality. His peerless exposition of the Unity of Existence, which has had a deep and continuing influence on Sufism and the wider Islamic world, is now increasingly being appreciated in the West. Ibn ‘Arabi’s message is not just for mystics, but for all who want to want to understand their true relationship with God and what it really means to be human. His profound vision is certainly as important in today’s world as it ever has been.

http://www.ibn-arabi.com/