Sadin, Kaaba key keeper keeping tradition alive

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  Sadin Nizar Al-Shaibi, a member of the family which keeps the key of the Kaaba.
  

Jeddah: Nadim Al-Hamid

Saturday 6 October 2012

Last Update 6 October 2012 4:49 pm

Since Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) handed over the key to the Kaaba to Othman bin Talha, the prophet’s companion’s lineage sons have been inheriting it and the title Sadin of the Kaaba until today.
The Sadin is the keeper of the Kaaba’s key.
“Sadins are originally members of the Al-Shaibi family whose history can be traced to pre-Islamic period,” said Sadin Nizar Al-Shaibi.
The family’s history in key keeping goes back to the days of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, according to Al-Shaibi.
“During the days of Prophet Muhammad, his companion Abdullah bin Abbas, who was responsible for Zamzam water, asked the Prophet to assign Kaaba key-keeping to him,” he said, “but the prophet told him that in Surah An Nisa, Allah ordered us to return the trusts to those to whom they are due (Allâh commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due), and then he took the key to our grandfather Talha.
Usually the key is with the senior Sadin who is currently Shiekh Abdulqader Al-Shaibi. The key is used twice a year: once in the month of Muharram and the second is in the first day of the month of Sha’ban.
“In the past the Kaaba was opened twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. Now it is opened only twice a year for washing it and this would be done in an Islamic ceremony and in the presence of a large number of officials and Islamic countries ambassadors and consuls and guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,” he said. The Kaaba is washed with zamzam and rose waters and oud.
“It’s a massive and great honor of which we are proud, and we ask Allah to enable us perform our duties toward this trust perfectly,” he said.

http://www.arabnews.com/sadin-kaaba-key-keeper-keeping-tradition-alive

Mohammed retakes top spot in English baby names

Mohammed reclaimed its place as the most popular name for baby boys born in England and Wales in 2011 - convincingly ahead of Harry, in second place, according to data released by the government this week.

The government declared that Harry was the most popular boy's name, but if you add up the five most popular different spellings of Mohammed, that name comes top.

Mohammed is also the most popular boy's name of the past five years for England and Wales, ahead of Oliver and Jack. It came first or second every year since 2007, the only name to do so.

And it could become even more popular in 2012, given the adulation around long-distance runner Mo Farah, who won two gold medals for Britain at the Olympics.

The popularity of the name comes as Britain's Muslim population is expected to double in the next 20 years.

The country, which was about 2% Muslim in 1990, grew to 4.6% Muslim in 2010, with nearly 2.9 million followers of the faith, according to analysis by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

By 2030, the United Kingdom will be just over 8% Muslim, with more than 5.5 million adherents, the Washington-based think tank projected in a 2011 report, "The Future of the Global Muslim Population."

Mohammed first became the most popular boy's name in England in 2009, then was knocked back into second place the next year as Oliver enjoyed a huge surge in popularity.

Harry, the name of Prince William's younger brother and J.K. Rowling's boy wizard, leaped into second place in 2011, with 7,523 boys given the moniker, topping the 7,007 Olivers.

But the name of the Muslim prophet was given to 7,907 baby boys, according to CNN analysis of Office of National Statistics data. Mohammed, Muhammad and Mohammad were all among the top 100 most popular names, with Muhammed and Mohamed also coming in the top 200.

A total of 37,564 babies have been given a variation of the name in the past five years. Some 36,653 Olivers and 36,581 Jacks were born in England and Wales since 2007. The British government keeps separate statistics for Scotland and for Northern Ireland, the other two nations that make up the United Kingdom.

The 2011 British census had an optional question about religion. Results are expected in November.

At least four different spellings of the name Mohammed are among the 1,000 most popular American boys' names in 2011, according to the Social Security Administration.

Mohamed is the top, in 428th place, with Muhammad in 480th, Mohammed in 562nd and Mohammad in 609th.

The United States is about 0.8% Muslim, with about 2.6 million adherents, the Pew Forum calculates.

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/14/mohammed-retakes-top-spot-in-english-baby-names/

Eid al-Fitr on Sunday, August 19, 2012, insha’Allah.

 Eid al-Fitr on Sunday, August 19, 2012, insha’Allah.

"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint." Qur’an 2: 183

The Fiqh Council of North America recognizes astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shar’i method for determining the beginning of lunar months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. FCNA uses Makkah al-Mukarrama as a conventional point and takes the position that the conjunction must take place before sunset in Makkah and moon must set after sunset in Makkah.

On the basis of this method the date of Eid al-Fitr for the year 1433 AH is established as follows:

1st of Shawwal will be on Sunday, August 19, 2012

Eid al-Fitr 1433 AH:
The Astronomical New Moon is on August 17, 2011 (Friday) at 15:54 Universal Time (6:54 p.m. Makkah time). On Friday, August 17, sunset at Makkah is 6:49 p.m. and moonset is 6:30 p.m. Moon is born after sunset in Makkah and moon sets before sunset. On Saturday, August 18, sunset at Makkah is 6:49 p.m. and moonset is at 7:11 p.m. Moon is born 24 hours before sunset, while moonset is after sunset. Therefore, first day of Shawwal, i.e., Eid al-Fitr is Sunday, August 19, insha'Allah.
May Allah (swt) keep us on the right path, and accept our fasting and prayers. Ameen. For more detailed information, please visit: www.fiqhcouncil.org  or www.moonsighting.com


http://www.isna.net/articles/News/Eid-a-Fttr-2012.aspx

ISNA Joins White House Iftar

(Washington, DC - August 17, 2012) This past Friday, ISNA President Imam Mohamed Magid and ISNA Director of Community Outreach Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi  attending the Annual White House iftar with President Barack Obama at the White House.  Imam Magid was seated next to the President at dinner, providing him with the opportunity to discuss many issues of concern to American Muslims communities.

In the President's brief remarks, he recognized the incredible role that Muslim women play in enriching our nation and world.  A transcript of his full remarks may be found below.


Remarks by the President at Iftar Dinner

Thank you, everybody.  (Applause.)  Please, please have a seat.  Good evening, everyone.  And welcome to the White House.

Of all the freedoms we cherish as Americans, of all the rights that we hold sacred, foremost among them is freedom of religion, the right to worship as we choose.  It’s enshrined in the First Amendment of our Constitution -- the law of the land, always and forever.  It beats in our heart -- in the soul of the people who know that our liberty and our equality is endowed by our Creator.  And it runs through the history of this house, a place where Americans of many faiths can come together and celebrate their holiest of days -- and that includes Ramadan.

As I’ve noted before, Thomas Jefferson once held a sunset dinner here with an envoy from Tunisia -- perhaps the first Iftar at the White House, more than 200 years ago.  And some of you, as you arrived tonight, may have seen our special display, courtesy of our friends at the Library of Congress -- the Koran that belonged to Thomas Jefferson.  And that's a reminder, along with the generations of patriotic Muslims in America, that Islam -- like so many faiths -- is part of our national story.

This evening, we’re honored to be joined by members of our diplomatic corps, members of Congress -- including Muslim American members of Congress, Keith Ellison and Andre Carson -- as well as leaders from across my administration.  And to you, the millions of Muslim Americans across our country, and to the more than one billion Muslims around the world -- Ramadan Kareem.

Now, every faith is unique.  And yet, during Ramadan, we see the traditions that are shared by many faiths:  Believers engaged in prayer and fasting, in humble devotion to God.  Families gathering together with love for each other.  Neighbors reaching out in compassion and charity, to serve the less fortunate.  People of different faiths coming together, mindful of our obligations to one another -- to peace, justice and dignity for all people -- men and women.  Indeed, you know that the Koran teaches, "Be it man or woman, each of you is equal to the other."

And by the way, we’ve seen this in recent days.  In fact, the Olympics is being called "The Year of the Woman."  (Laughter.)  Here in America, we’re incredibly proud of Team USA -- all of them -- but we should notice that a majority of the members are women.  Also, for the very first time in Olympic history, every team now includes a woman athlete.  And one of the reasons is that every team from a Muslim-majority country now includes women as well.  And more broadly -- that's worth applauding.  (Applause.)  Absolutely.

More broadly, we’ve seen the extraordinary courage of Muslim women during the Arab Spring -- women, right alongside men, taking to the streets to claim their universal rights, marching for their freedom, blogging and tweeting and posting videos, determined to be heard.  In some cases, facing down tanks, and braving bullets, enduring detentions and unspeakable treatment, and at times, giving their very lives for the freedom that they seek -- the liberty that we are lucky enough to enjoy here tonight.

These women have inspired their sisters and daughters, but also their brothers and their sons.  And they’ve inspired us all. Even as we see women casting their ballots and seeking -- standing for office in historic elections, we understand that their work is not done.  They understand that any true democracy must uphold the freedom and rights of all people and all faiths. We know this, too, for here in America we're enriched by so many faiths, by men and women -- including Muslim American women.

They’re young people, like the student who wrote me a letter about what it’s like to grow up Muslim in America.  She’s in college.  She dreams of a career in international affairs to help deepen understanding between the United States and Muslim countries around the world.  So if any of the diplomatic corps have tips for her -- (laughter.)  She says that "America has always been the land of opportunity for me, and I love this country with all my heart."  And so we’re glad to have Hala Baig here today.  (Applause.)
 
They are faith leaders like Sanaa Nadim, one of the first Muslim chaplains at an American college -- a voice for interfaith dialogue who's had the opportunity to meet with the Pope to discuss these issues.  We're very proud to have you here.  (Applause.)

They are educators like Auysha Muhayya, born in Afghanistan, who fled with her family as refugees to America, and now, as a language teacher, helps open her students to new cultures.  So we're very pleased to have her here.  (Applause.)

They are entrepreneurs and lawyers, community leaders, members of our military, and Muslim American women serving with distinction in government.  And that includes a good friend, Huma Abedin, who has worked tirelessly -- (applause) -- worked tirelessly in the White House, in the U.S. Senate, and most exhaustingly, at the State Department, where she has been nothing less than extraordinary in representing our country and the democratic values that we hold dear.  Senator Clinton has relied on her expertise, and so have I.

The American people owe her a debt of gratitude -- because Huma is an American patriot, and an example of what we need in this country -- more public servants with her sense of decency, her grace and her generosity of spirit.  So, on behalf of all Americans, we thank you so much.  (Applause.)

These are the faces of Islam in America.  These are just a few of the Muslim Americans who strengthen our country every single day.  This is the diversity that makes us Americans; the pluralism that we will never lose.

And at times, we have to admit that this spirit is threatened.  We’ve seen instances of mosques and synagogues, churches and temples being targeted.  Tonight, our prayers, in particular, are with our friends and fellow Americans in the Sikh community.  We mourn those who were senselessly murdered and injured in their place of worship.  And while we may never fully understand what motivates such hatred, such violence, the perpetrators of such despicable acts must know that your twisted thinking is no match for the compassion and the goodness and the strength of our united American family.

So tonight, we declare with one voice that such violence has no place in the United States of America.  The attack on Americans of any faith is an attack on the freedom of all Americans.  (Applause.)  No American should ever have to fear for their safety in their place of worship.  And every American has the right to practice their faith both openly and freely, and as they choose.

That is not just an American right; it is a universal human right.  And we will defend the freedom of religion, here at home and around the world.  And as we do, we’ll draw on the strength and example of our interfaith community, including the leaders who are here tonight.

So I want to thank all of you for honoring us with your presence, for the example of your lives, and for your commitment to the values that make us "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."  (Applause.)

God bless you.  God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.) 

http://www.isna.net/articles/News/ISNA-Joins-White-House-Iftar.aspx

Don't talk

Don't talk while Driving,

Don't talk while road crossing,

Don't talk while Railway crossing,

Don't talk continuously more than 10 min,

Don't talk ur right ear, use ur left Ear,

Don't respect missed calls esp for women,

Don't answer unknown no esp for women,

Don't talk while less Charge, Charged fully always,

Don't talk in Lift, petrol bunks, under ground area, esp tower less area

 

Don't Use head phone while in the raod, railway crossing, etc

B.A. Islamic Studies at Chennai

Great opportunity for Islamic Brothers & Sisters.... B.A. Islamic Studies (Part Time) offered by B.S.Abdur Rahman University.

Classes will be Conducted at Nungambakkam and only in the evening.

For further details refer the attachment or call the below no.

Ph: 98414 92528.

It may save lives! "heart attack!"

Dr. Virend  Somers, is a Cardiologist from the Mayo Clinic, who is lead author of the report in the July 29, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 

Most  heart attacks occur in the day, generally between 6  A.M. and noon.  Having one during the night, when the heart should be most at rest, means that  something unusual happened. Somers and his colleges have been working for a decade to show that sleep apnea is to blame.  

1. If you take an aspirin or a baby aspirin once a day, take it at  night. 
The reason: Aspirin has a 24-hour "half-life"; therefore, if most heart attacks happen in the wee hours of the morning, the Aspirin would be strongest in your system. 

2. FYI, Aspirin lasts a really long time in your medicine chest for years, (when it gets old, it smells like vinegar). 

Please read on.

Something that we can do to help  ourselves - nice to know.


Bayer is  making crystal aspirin to dissolve instantly on the tongue. 
They work much faster than the  tablets.     
Why keep Aspirin by your bedside? It's about Heart Attacks
- There are other symptoms of a heart attack, besides the pain on the left  arm. One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin, as well as nausea and lots of sweating; however, these symptoms may also occur less frequently. 
Note: There may be NO pain in the chest during a heart attack. 
The majority of people (about 60%) who had a heart attack during their sleep did not wake up. 
However, if it occurs, the chest pain may wake you up from your deep sleep. 
If that happens, immediately dissolve two aspirins in your mouth and swallow them with a bit of water.
Afterwards:- Call 911. 
- Phone a neighbor or a family member who lives very close by. 
- Say  "heart attack!" 
- Say that you have taken 2 Aspirins. 
- Take a seat on a chair or sofa near the  front door, and wait for their arrival and  
DO NOT LIE DOWN! 

A Cardiologist has stated that if each person after receiving this e-mail, sends it to some people, probably one life could be saved!  
I have already shared this information. What about you?  
Do forward this message. It may save  lives!

JOB AT THE INDIAN EMBASSY FOR HAJ SEASON

Applications are invited from Indian/Saudi nationals for temporary posts of Data Entry Operators, Clerks, Drivers and Office Boys-cum-Cleaners for Haj season – 2012.

 

Applications in the prescribed proforma along with copies of valid Iqama, passport, educational certificates and Driving License (for those applying for drivers’ posts) and no objection letters from sponsors should reach Haj Section, Consulate General of India,P.O.Box.No. 952, Jeddah-21421 latest by 13.06.2012.

 

The prescribed proforma can be obtained from the Haj Information Desks at our offices in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah or down loaded from our websitehttp://www.cgijeddah.com(HajSection→Haj news & contacts).

 

Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University and conversant with Arabic language in addition to one Indian language will be given preference for the post of clerks.

 

Those applying for the post of Data Entry Operator should also possess a diploma / certificate in Computer applications from a recognized University / Institution and at least a year’s experience as Data Entry Operator.

 

For the posts in Makkah and Madinah, candidates residing in those places will be given preference.

Photocopies of Passport, Iqama, Educational Certificates, No objection letter from the sponsor (In original) along with two recent passport size photographs should be attached with the application.

 

Applications without the required enclosures are liable to be rejected.
 

RED ALERT: WARNING.Passport Tearing at Indian Airports...

Assalamu Alaikkum 

           Dear Brother this is very important message i would like to share with you, this is happening around India particularly in Hyderabad and Chennai Airport immigration office, they tore one of our muslim family's pasport visa page when they reached at USA. the USA official send them back to India immediately,
  
RED ALERT: WARNING.

Passport Tearing at Indian Airports....Read it Carefully.!!! 

Be Careful at the Indian Airports, This is a well organized conspiracy by Indian Immigration, Police, Customs and Air India staff with networking at all the Indian International Airports.. Be careful when ever you give your passport to Immigration/ Customs/Air India staff. The pass port can be easily tampered and can create trouble to you. They have found easy way of making money from NRIs. This is the way it works:

At the time of the passenger's departure, if the passenger is not looking at the officer while he is stamping the exit, the officer very cleverly tears away one of the page from the passport. When the passenger leaves the immigration counter, the case is reported on his computer terminal with full details. Now all over India they have got full details of the passenger with Red Flag flashing on the Passport number entered by the departure immigration officer. They have made their money by doing above.

On arrival next time, he is interrogated.

Subject to the passenger's period of stay abroad, his income and standing etc., the price to get rid of the problem is settled by the Police and Immigration people. If someone argues, his future is spoiled because there are always some innocent fellows who think the honesty is the basis of getting justice in India .

Please advise every passenger to be careful at the airport. Whenever they hand over the passport to the counters of Air India , or immigration or the customs, they must be vigilant, should not remove eyes from the passport even if the officer in front tries to divert their attention.

Also, please pass this information to all friends, media men and important politicians. Every month 20-30 cases are happening all over India to rob the NRIs the minute he lands. Similar case has happened with Aramco's Arifuddin. He was traveling with his family. They had six passports. They
Got the visa of America and decided to go via Hyderabad from Jeddah. They reached Hyderabad .Stayed about a month and left for the States. When they reached the States, the page of the American visa on his wife's passport was missing. At the time of departure from Hyderabad it was there, the whole family had to return to Hyderabad helplessly. On arrival at Bombay back, they were caught by the police and now it is over 2 months, they are running after the Police, Immigration officers and the Courts. On going in to details with him, he found out the following: One cannot imagine, neither can believe, that the Indian Immigration dept can play such a nasty game to harass the innocent passengers.

All the passengers traveling to & fro India via Bombay and Hyderabad must be aware of this conspiracy. Every month 15 to 20 cases are taking place, at each mentioned airport, of holding the passengers in the crime of tearing away the passport pages. On interviewing some of them, none of them was aware of what had happened. They don't know why, when and who tore away the page from the middle of the passport. One can imagine the sufferings of such people at the hands of the immigration, police and the court procedures in India after that. The number of cases is increasing in the last 2-3 years. People who are arriving at the immigration, they are questioned and their passports are being held and they have to go in interrogation. Obviously, the conspiracy started about 2 to 3 years ago, now the results are coming. Some of the Air India counter staff too is involved in this conspiracy.

KINDLY SEND THIS TO AS MANY AS YOUR FRIENDS ACROSS THE WORLD AND ALSO REQUEST THEM TO CHECK THE PASSPORT AT THE CHECKING COUNTERS AND BEFORE LEAVING THE AIRPORT

Thanks : Bro. UBAIDULLAH

*Information & Cyber security Researcher 

http://adiraixpress.blogspot.com/2012/05/warning.html

NO EXCUSE FOR PRAYER

Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Scholarship Programme for Muslim

Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, introduced its scholarship program in many countries including India in the year of 1983 with a view to promote professional education among Muslim community. This emerged as the main source of our program.

To Qualify for Scholarships, Students should meet the following Requirements

 

Must have secured minimum 60% marks in English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Mathematics in SSC (10+2) examination.

Applicants for bachelor courses in Business Administration (BBA) and Law must have scored minimum 60% marks in

English and optional/elective subjects in SSC (10+2). 

Age not over 24 years and not in receipt of any other scholarship.Only if the students or their parents are financially weak and

unable to pay for his/her education. Students opting for payment seats need not apply.

Students benefiting from this scholarship must undertake to serve their community and country on completion of their studies.

Approved areas of study Under the Program:

Bachelor's Degree Courses in Medicine (including Ayurveda, Unani & Homeopathy) Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Lab Technician, Bio-Technology and Microbiology, Engineering(all branches) Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Food Technology, Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Law.

How to complete the Application Forms:

 

Application must be in typed form or written clearly with ink in block letters and TWO sets be prepared with all supporting documents.

1. All information must be provided in English. Please attach certified translation of any document not in English.

2. All information requested must be provided ; otherwise processing of the application may be delayed or may not be processed.

3. Indicate your State of Domicile: viz Assam, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh etc on the the top of the Application Form

CONCEPT OF THE PROGRAMME

The IDB Scholarship Program is more than just a scholarship program in the traditional sense, i.e. as a straight financial assistance to needy and qualified students. It is also a tool for the improvement of the social and economic conditions of the Muslim community as a whole. It is a scholarship program and a community development program at the same time, since the scholarship is given as an interest-free loan (qardh-e-hasna) to the students but as a grant to the community to which they belong to in the shape of its refunds.

 

Besides, the students are also required to take part in the development of their community through their respective profession. The repaid fund is recycled, to provide scholarships for other deserving students, to complement the IDB Scholarship Program and to ensure continuity of the Program in the long run, while the community development services rendered by the students will contribute to the overall development of the community and the country.

Scholarship Division,

Islamic Development Bank,

P.O. Box 5925,

Jeddah 21432,

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel:+966-2- 646 6833; F

ax: +966-2- 646 6887;

E-mail:scholar@isdb.org

 

IDB Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities

In Non-Member Countries (SPMC)

Contact of Counterpart Organizations (CPOs) for Islamic Development Bank

Muslim Education Trust

E-3, Abul Fazl Enclave,

Jamia Nagar, New Delhi INDIA.

Phone Off.: 91 11 26957004; 26941354; 65738725; 26941028

Tele/Fax: 91 11 26949076; 26929354

Email: sitdelhi@rediffmail.com

metdelhi@rediffmail.com

sitdelhi@yahoo.com

MUST WATCH - The Longest Video On Youtube

A COMPLETE AL QURAN RECITAION  BY QARI  SHEIHK ABDUL BASIT   THIS VIDEO LENTH IS AMAZING AROUND, 60 Hrs, 33 mints & 27 Sec.     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my1lrx0nmOw&feature=related

Sri Lankan mosque forced to abandon prayers by protesters

A mosque in Sri Lanka has been forced to abandon Friday prayers amid community tensions in the central town of Dambulla.

About 2,000 Buddhists, including monks, marched to the mosque and held a demonstration demanding its demolition.

A mosque official told the BBC he and several dozen companions were trapped inside and feared the crowd would destroy the building.

Overnight the mosque had been targeted by a fire-bombing - no-one was hurt.

The BBC's Charles Haviland in Colombo says the tensions have been growing in the neighbourhood.

Shortly after the protest the mosque was evacuated and its Friday prayers cancelled.

Many Buddhists regard Dambulla as a sacred town and in recent months there had been other sectarian tensions in this part of Sri Lanka, our correspondent says.

Last September a monk led a crowd to demolish a Muslim shrine in Anuradhapura, not far from Dambulla.

Buddhism is the religion of the majority of the population in Sri Lanka.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17781372

MEASI IAS/Civil Services training centre

Assalamu allaikum Brothers,

As a Life member of Muslim Educationao Association of Southern India(New college) I brought a resolution in the General Body in 2008 to start training to IAS/ State Civil services. But unfortunately it was defeated.

I became the Executive member of MEASI in 2011 by the grace of Allah.

During the Executive meeting of MEASI on 12/04/2012 at Chennai, New College premises,

I read out the resolution on the formation of IAS/Civil services training centre at New College premises and it was unanimously passed.

There are mushroom training centres recently in the name of our community to exploit the ignorance of such training. Alert our boys and girls not to fall pray for any duping and deceiving.

Insha Allah a methodical training is going to start in the ensuing academic year at New college, June, 2012 to prepare the candidates for writing the preliminary examination in May, 2013.

Pray for success.

AP,Mohamed Ali    

News World news Pakistan New wave of well-off Pakistani women drawn to conservative Islam

All the women working in the information technology division of the Bank of Punjab's headquarters in the western Pakistani city of Lahore wear headscarves tightly wound around their cheeks and chin, framing their faces as they tap at their keyboards. A year or so ago not one covered their heads with the hijab.

"I was the first," says 28-year-old Shumaila, as she waited with some impatience in the city's iStore for her new £800 Apple MacBook to be loaded with the software she had ordered.

"I started reading the Qur'an properly and praying five times a day. No one made me wear the hijab. That would be impossible," she laughs brightly. "I showed the way to the other girls at work."

They are not alone. Though there are no statistics and most evidence is anecdotal, a new wave of interest in more conservative strands of Islamamong wealthier and better educated women in Pakistan appears clear.

It is part of a broader cultural and religious shift seen in the country over decades but which observers say has accelerated in the past 10 years.

"The other girls who were working with us left." Shumaila said. "They found the new environment a bit unfriendly."

One indication of the trend is the growing proportion of women within the conservative religious political organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). Syed Munawar Hassan, the leader of JI in Pakistan, said that women made up an increasing proportion of the organisation's 6 million members and 30,000 organisers. "Our women's wing is doing very well," he said. "They are some of our best organisers."

JI, like its counterparts elsewhere in the Islamic world, has traditionally recruited among the lower middle class, swollen in recent decades in Pakistan by rapid urbanisation and economic growth. But the new wave of devotion is now touching the elite in a new way. Al-Huda (The Guidance), an organisation set up in 1994 to spread a new and often rigorous piety among Pakistani women, has gained a foothold among the upper reaches of society.

The group, which critics accuse of encouraging intolerant strands of Islam influenced by those practised in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia or Kuwait, has grown from an initial single small centre in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, to a presence in every city, and is expanding among the Pakistani diaspora abroad.

Members attend intensive courses in Qur'anic studies and Arabic and are directed to do social welfare work, too. Not all enjoy the experience of al-Huda, however.

"I found it very limiting and rigid. But it is very popular among women from very wealthy families that are quite conservative. Recently there are a lot of young women coming to a very traditional Islam. There is a deep desire for learning," said Maha Jehangir, a 30-year-old consultant and former al-Huda member.

Jehangir, who lives in a large house in one of the most exclusive parts of Islamabad, said questions posed by the events of the past decade were particularly important for young women.

"People who grew up within the war on terror are asking, what does it mean to be a Nato ally? Is India our worst enemy? We are bombarded by all this information and there is a deep need for answers. That leads to religious inquiry," Jehangir said.

Many found the answers in conservative strands of religious practice, she said.

Other influences that underpin the new piety among wealthy women include the experience of many Pakistanis who have spent time in the Gulf.

Amna, a 21-year-old business student whose father was a manager for a major firm in Saudi Arabia, said that it was wrong to think that women who were richer or more educated would inevitably be more secular.

"Everything we learn comes from the Qur'an. Maths, computers, banking – the Qur'an contains everything," said Amna, who wears a Saudi-style full veil covering all but her eyes even at the all-female college in Islamabad where she studies.

However, if there is a demand for more rigorous, literalist strands of Islamic practice among wealthy and educated women, there is also an interest in more tolerant varieties.

In Lahore, the al-Mawrid institute is attracting more and more "educated ladies, doctors, professors, housewives who do not know about Islam", says Kaukab Shehzad, a 43-year-old teacher.

The institute, in the wealthy suburb of Model Town, was set up three years ago but had to move after receiving threats from radical scholars, she said. "We read the Qur'an in detail but we discuss other religions too. We were attacked for saying that the niqab [Saudi-style veil] is not justified in the Qur'anic teachings and for arguing against their interpretation of the idea of jihad," she said.

Though solidarity with Muslim communities overseas is encouraged by many conservative practitioners, many of the new devout shun such a global vision and identity. Shumaila, the bank worker and Apple enthusiast, says she is not interested in events in the Middle East: "We've enough going on here."

Jahangir, the former al-Huda member in Islamabad, recently spent two years studying in a religious school of the Deobandi branch of Islam, also followed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. A graduate of both Massachusetts and London Universities, she too said that political activism was of little interest: "I don't try to make sense of the Taliban. I find [them] obscure and irrelevant. For me, [the Deobandi school of Islam] is far more of a route to spirituality than a political ideology."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/09/pakistani-women-conservative-islam