Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Ahmadinejad unveils world without Israel!
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad used his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to unveil a vision of a world without Israel, in which America and Europe would be freed of what he said was Zionist oppression. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks during the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters. Culminating a concerted assault on what he described as the injustices and oppressions practiced by the "big powers" since World War II, he said that the ungodly era of lewdness and violence was coming to a close and that "the age of monotheism has commenced." The world was "nearing the sunset of the time of empires," he said, and urged the dominant world powers to eschew their "obedience to Satan" and "submit to the will of god." If they did so, "they will be saved." If not, "calamities will befall them." But whether or not these powers chose to reform themselves, he said, the day was fast approaching when "occupied lands will be freed. Palestine and Iraq will be liberated from the domination of the occupiers." And the people of America and Europe would be liberated from Zionist oppression. "This is the promise of god," he said. "Therefore it will be fulfilled." Earlier in his address, the Iranian president insisted again that his country's nuclear program was peaceful and transparent, and repeated and elaborated on the charges he had levelled at Columbia University on Monday against Israel - which he did not mention by name, but rather called "the illegal Zionist regime." He told the assembled world leaders that the people of Palestine had been punished for 60 years for what had happened in Europe. They had been held "under occupation of the illegal Zionist regime," he said. "The Palestinian people have been displaced," he went on, "incarcerated under abhorrent conditions." They were being deprived of water and medicine "for the sin of asking for freedom." Ahmadinejad accused Israel of terrorism and castigated "the brutal Zionists" for carrying out targeted assassinations. He also described immigration to Israel as the gathering "of Jews from around the world" with false promises, and their enforced settlement "in the occupied territories" where there were induced "to malevolence against the Palestinian people." He spoke of a range of global injustices being rooted in the domination by the victors of World War II over the vanquished, and being perpetuated by the skewed composition of the permanent membership of the UN Security Council. The big powers, he said, had "put themselves in the position of god" and lost "their respect for the dignity of humans." As a remedy, he proposed the formation of "a coalition for peace," guided by "monotheism, justice and compassion for humans," and the reforming of the Security Council based on justice and democracy. On the nuclear issue, he said Iran's activities were "completely peaceful and transparent" and castigated the "illegal" sanctions initiatives against his country. But "the nuclear issue of Iran is now closed," he said, however, indicting that Iran had prevailed, thanks to the "resistance of the Iranian people." "Strive as in a race to achieve the goal of excellence in all that you do." For real insights visit: http://www.geocities.com/mewatch99/ Regards, Nashid
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] The Evils of Harry Potter and the Kufr of Magic
B i s m i l l a a h i r R a h m a a n i rR a h e e m The Evils of Harry Potter and the Kufr of Magic Listen/Download 95 Minutes By Abul-'Abbaas Moosaa Richardson An important lecture on the topic of Magic, more specifically how it has found its way in to Muslim homes by way of books, video games and other media, usually under the guise of fiction and educational benefit. The evil characteristics of magic are outlined with examples from the Qur'aan and the Sunnah in addition to an analysis of the Harry Potter phenomena (a magic-laden fictionally trilogy) which has grasped the attention span of children around the world with remarkably ability. What Prompted this Lecture? We strongly encourage the Muslims to propagate this lecture, as the subtle and not so subtle magic that opposes our deen and corrupts our communities is often overlooked due to its fictional classification. In addition, it shows the importance of guardianship, being concerned with our children's time, their books, games etc. Finally, it exposes the evil contained in the Potter series, this lecture was prompted by the fascination of young Muslims in the community with Harry Potter, loving him, admiring him and wanting to be like him - all under the eyes of their parents, unaware or uninterested in what our beloved Muslim children are reading and watching. From the topics discussed: a.. Protecting ones' self and one's family from the shaytaan b.. The responsibility of guardianship/parenthood c.. The verdicts on magic according to the Qur'aan and Sunnah d.. The types of magic (illusionary and afflictive) e.. Black magic, white Magic - good and bad magic? f.. Harry Potter; his character, companions, teachers, passions and goals g.. Examples of the magic contained in the Harry Potter books h.. Divination - predicting the future i.. The position of the sharee'ah concerning fiction September 21, 2007 http://www.troid.org/comprehensive-issues/magic-and-the-evil-eye/the-evils-of-harry-potter-and-the-kufr-of.html K a r i m a
Re: Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Du'aa' In Ramadaan
Assalaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh, Good point Abida, as regards suh postings, the classification of Hadith into da'eef and Sahih etc by Sheikh Al Albani is not taken by every scholar (actually the majority do not take it) as he is a late comer onto the scene of hadith classification (actually some 500 years or more have passed since the hadith collossols such as Ibn Hajar al Asqalani al Shafi'ee rahimahullah has come and gone, and the hadith critiques and analysers such as them finished what was the critique of the ahadith literature). So when a contemporary sheikh (Allah yarhamu) who only had tabarruk ijaazah on the field begin 're-classifying' ahadith into different categories, what we get is a division in the Ummah. People who cling to a previously Sahih hadith are told that now that hadith is 'da'eef'. This causes ramifications throughout the Ummah, and is one of the causes of division that can be seen in our present nations as we speak. So in such a case, it is safer to stick with Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah (also known as al sawad al adham - or the largest group from every generation) which has always been the madhhabs and their 'ulama al Haqq. As 1400 years has come and gone, and most of the tabaqaat books are bot presentin our midst, of jarh wal ta'deel etc of the rawis, sticking to the teachings of 'ulama who were masters in their field would seem to be a safer option - And Allah Alone Knows Best. May Allah subhaanahu wa ta'ala protect us from the trials and tribulations of this dunya and allow us to be people of hikmah and 'ilm.Ameen. Fi Amanillah Orhan Abu Khadijah [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Assalaamalaikum This is good to learn new and masnoon duas. But duas for seher & Iftar that are already narrated in our culture does not make a big difference. You know this is just a game of words. A lot many people get confused with these trivial corrections. The main purpose is to fast correctly and remeber Allah ( swt). JazakaAllah khair . abida [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Duaa when seeing the new moon Al-Tirmidhi (3451) narrated from Talhah ibn Ubayd-Allaah that when the Prophet saw the new moon, he would say, Allaahumma ahillahu alaynaa bil-yumni wal-eemaani was-salaamati wal-islaami rabbii wa rabbukallaah (O Allaah, make the new moon rise on us with blessing, faith, safety and Islam. My Lord and Your Lord is Allah). Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2745. This duaa is not just for the new moon of Ramadaan; rather the Muslim should say it when he sees the new moon at the beginning of every month. No duaa for Sehri There is no duaa that the Muslim should say when starting to fast (sehri) each day. Rather he should simply have the intention that he is going to fast tomorrow. The intention is subject to the condition that it is made at night, before the dawn comes, because the Prophet said: Whoever does not intend to fast before dawn, there is no fast for him. al-Tirmidhi, 730. According to a version narrated by al-Nasaai (2334): Whoever does not intend to fast from the night before, there is no fast for him. Classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 573. What is meant is that whoever does not intend to fast and resolve to do so from the night before, his fast is not valid. The intention (niyyah) is an action of the heart. The Muslim should resolve in his heart that he is going to fast tomorrow. It is not prescribed for him to utter it out loud and say, I intend to fast and other phrases that have been innovated by some people. And Allaah knows best. Phrases innovated by some people: 1. Allaahoumma (innee) aswoumou (radan) laka faghfirli maa qaddamtou wa maa aa-khartou. 2. (Wa) bisawmi radinn nawaitu (min shahri ramadwaan). 3. Nawaitu an aswouma radan lillaahi taaalaa min faradwi ramadwaana (haazaa). 4. Nawaitu an aswouma haazal yawma lillaahi taaalaa min faradwi ramadwaana. Note: It is obligatory to have the intention for the Farz fasts prior to the dawn. But with regard to Naafil fasts, it is permissible to make the intention to fast on the day, if you have not eaten or drunk or had intercourse after Fajr, because it was proven in the hadeeth of Aaishah that the Prophet entered upon her one day at duha time and said, Do you have anything (any food)? She said, No. He said, Then I am fasting. (Muslim 2/809). Correct Duaa after Iftaar Ibn Umar said: The Messenger of Allaah used to say when breaking his fast: Zahabaz-zwamau wabtallatil-urooqu, wa thabatal-ajru inshaa Allaah (Thirst is gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain if Allaah wills). Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2357; al-Daaraq
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Female Muslim In Need - Help Needed
Female Muslim In Need - Help Needed As- salaamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahamtullah Wa Barakaatuh RE: Muddassar Arani Course of Action: File concerns to the MPs See letter below. I enclose a copy of the letter that I would welcome individuals to sent out to their MPs so that concerns can be raised in relation to what is taking place. If any one is able to have this placed on the Websites for the community to file concerns this will be appreciated. Date Your Name Your Address MPs Name MPs Address Dear Member Of Parliament, I write this letter as a concerned member of your constituency with regards the treatment of a Human Rights Lawyer, Muddassar Arani, by both the press and government organs. Since 2004, Ms Arani has been subjected to a witch-hunt in the press for defending high-profile suspects within the so-called 'War On Terrorism'. I obviously need not remind you that this 'war', without definition, target or objective, is causing untold misery within the Muslim community and making them feel victimised for the sake of political gain. Some of those victims obviously require representation, however the Government, Courts and press through their treatment of Ms Arani and her firm would seem to disagree with this view. She has been hounded unnecessarily in an extremely intimidating fashion which raises serious questions within myself of how much the government actually does believe in a vision of 'multicultural Britain', and more importantly whether this is a vision that includes the Muslim community. I quote some examples below of Ms Arani's treatment, which I hope you will agree has been racist, islamophobic, and defamatory in nature :- The Sun stated under the headline "Hamza's lawyer hits you with a massive legal aid bill" that Ms Arani was in receipt of hundreds of thousands of pounds in Legal aid for representing a Client, Mustafa Kamel. This was completely false and no money was received from Legal aid for this case. However, this falsehood has since been repeated numerous times in both broadsheets and tabloids. The article also listed the car, house and location of the house that Ms Arani drives and occupies. This is a breach of Part 13 of the Press Code of Practice. The Daily mail, The Daily Express and others have since repeated the spurious allegations, without any basis and without any right to reply offered as per articles 1 and 2 of the Press Code of Practice. All of the articles above have been defamatory, racist and anti-muslim in nature, in particular making strong reference to the fact that Ms Arani is a Muslim who wears Islamic Dress, with a strong subtext that it is wrong for Muslim lawyers to defend Muslim clients. The Police have also acted towards her in a bigoted and racist manner. They have passed details of other law firms to her clients being held in detention, without them requesting or being dissatisfied with the services of Arani and Co. The Police did not allow her to contact clients being held in Paddington Green Police Station. The Police also informed her that her clients were being subjected to further search procedures, out of malice, as she had 'too much contact' with them. The courts service as well is not immune. When she made statements about her clients treatment at HMP Belmarsh ( incidentally this view is supported by various Human Rights Groups, as well as the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane and Degrading treatment or Punishment ), Mr Justice Fulford in summarising a case accused her of deliberately delaying the trial by making these allegations. Steven Kamlish QC accused me of trying to bribe his client Kwaku Asidu, even though Mr Asidu did not accept these allegations. I could go on with examples of character assassination, victimisation and intimidation, however for the sake of brevity I will only quote the above examples. In summary, what is happening to Ms Arani is completely unwarranted, and is clearly a targeted policy to prevent Muslims receiving a fair trial. I should mention to you that Pat Finucane, Human Rights Lawyer of Ireland, also defended high-profile clients on many occasions and was often subjected to abuse, intimidation and victimisation. He often discovered that the police had abused their authority in the rule of law, and he was vilified for this. Sadly, Pat Finucane is no longer with us, having been assassinated by Right-Wing extremists who were strongly suspected to have been provided information by the Police. I trust that these days are gone, however the case of Ms Arani seems to be moving further towards that tragic past once more. I trust you will see that it is necessary to end this character assassination for the sake of community relations. Yours faithfully,
Re: Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Stories regarding the Quraan" - from MAW
Please let me add: We are Muslim to the extent we live by Quran and Kafar to the extent we neglect Quran. One can live by Quran only when he knows what is written in Quran. Let me give you a glimpse of WHAT IS WRITTEN IN QURAN? Quran presents A living and Lasting God (2:256) The Lord of all creation (1:2) He Gracious, the Merciful (1:3) The Almighty (29:43) All-hearing, all-knowing (5:77) The Wise (34:2) The Forgiving (34:3) The Bountiful (27:41) The Loving (11:91) The Creator, the Maker (59:25) The high, the Great (2:256) The Holy (10:69) The Lord of all praise, Owner of all glory (31:13) The One, the Supreme (39:5) Who is free from all wants (64:7)? Begets none and is begotten by no one, and has none as His equal (112:4-5) Who guides men 10:36, 33:5)? Hear prayers (2:187) Speaks to such of them as fulfil His covenant (3:77& 42:52) Punishes the transgressors (48:18) Reward those who do good (6:84) Love those who do good (2:196) He has created all men from the same stock (4:2) He has divided them into different groups so that they may know one another, and that the best among them is he who best perform his duty (49:14) Our attitude towards Him has to be that of complete submission (3:20) He has given us detailed instructions as to How we should treat our parents (17:24-25) Our near and dear, neighbours, orphans and the downtrodden (4:37) Our Wives (2:188,4:20) Our Children (6:153) Our Widows (4:20) Our enemies (5:9) Our companions (24:61, 58:12) He tells us: To be truthful (9:120) To shun lies (22:31) Not to commit adultery (17:33) Not to commit theft (5:39) Not to commit Murder (6:152) Not to commit breach of trust (8:28) Not to be dishonest (8:59) To keep away from all that is vain (23:3) To fulfil our covenants (5:2) To strive for increased knowledge (20:115) To do justice (4:59) To be benevolent (16:91) To be steadfast (3:201) To be thankful (39:67) To admonish others to do good (16:126) Not to preach that we do not practice (61:3) Not to be haughty and vainglorious (4:37) To be neither miserly nor spendthrift (17:30) To be humble (25:64) To speak kindly (2:84) To suppress our rage and forgive people (3:135) To repay evil with good (13:23) To be united (3:103) To do not backbite (103:2) To spend wealth for the cause of Allah (2:262) To spend wealth for the poor and needy (2:272) Not to ridicule one another or call names (49:12) To fear none but Allah (2:41) To eat pure things (2:169) To remain clean (2:223 & 74:6) He further says: All your deeds, even if they are as minor as an iota, must visit on you (99:8-9) That all that is on the earth carries the seed of destruction (55:27) That the haven and earth have not been created in vain (38:28) That just as He started the cycle of creation so shall He reverse it (21:104) He, who created you the first time, will again raise you to life (17:52 & 19:67) The fact that you cannot conquer death shows that there is a purpose in it (56:88) etc. etc. Let others explore more this effect. More we know, better we are.. " Please do not read to contradict and refute, nor to believe and take it for granted, but to weigh and consider." Muhammad Latif Chaudhery Humble student of Quran - Original Message - From: "Mohamed (Imtiaz) Bhikoo"@svm.wol.net.pk To: eGroup For Muslims Around The World Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 10:20 AM Subject: Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Stories regarding the Quraan" - from MAW Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim Monday - 12 Ramadhaan 1428 / 24 September 2007 Stories regarding the Quraan How to recite the Quraan The Quraan should be recited with respect and sincere devotion. It is narrated that before reciting the Quran Ikrimah Ibn Abi Jahal Radhi Allahu Anhu used to say : "This is the word of my Lord!" He would then fall down unconscious. (Faidhul Qadeer) How much of Quraan do the pious recite History has preserved the biographies of our great Ulama so that we could derive motivation from their great feats. Imam Shaafi Rahimahullah used to complete a recitation of the entire Quraan every night. In Ramdhaan he used to complete one recitation of the entire Quraan during the day and one during the night. In this way he would complete sixty recitations of the Quraan. This was excluding the Quraan he would recite in Salaah. Abu Bakr Ibn Haddaad Rahimahullah mentions that he too would try to exert himself in reciting Quraan but the most he could manage was fifty nine completions of the Quraan. (Tabaqaat Ash-Shaafieeya
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] why do I feel like this?
as salam alikum I feel hopeless, restless, I can't sleep and my body hurts all the time I don't eat hardly anymore ( i skip the meal before sunrise and sometimes I skip the evening meal as well} I cry a lot actual I cry over every little thing I don't leave the house hardly ever only when I really have to like to go to work . I feel like I'm in a deep dark hole and I can't get out. I have been to the doctors several times they say there is nothing wrong physically with me. I do my prayers and then I spend the rest of the time laying on the floor crying usally any advice?
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Palestine Chronicle - War on Children in Gaza
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Palestine Chronicle - War on Children in Gaza From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:26:44 -0500 PALESTINECHRONICLE.COM FEATURE SOTRY (For full daily update and to support the Palestine Chronicle visit our website: www.PalestineChronicle.com) The War on Gaza\'s Children By Saree Makdisi PalestineChronicle.com An entire generation of Palestinians in Gaza is growing up stunted: physically and nutritionally stunted because they are not getting enough to eat; emotionally stunted because of the pressures of living in a virtual prison and facing the constant threat of destruction and displacement; intellectually and academically stunted because they cannot concentrate -- or, even if they can, because they are trying to study and learn in circumstances that no child should have to endure. Even before Israel this week declared Gaza "hostile territory" -- apparently in preparation for cutting off the last remaining supplies of fuel and electricity to 1.5 million men, women and children -- the situation was dire. As a result of Israel\'s blockade on most imports and exports and other policies designed to punish the populace, about 70% of Gaza\'s workforce is now unemployed or without pay, according to the United Nations, and about 80% of its residents live in grinding poverty. About 1.2 million of them are now dependent for their day-to-day survival on food handouts from U.N. or international agencies, without which, as the World Food Program\'s Kirstie Campbell put it, "they are liable to starve." An increasing number of Palestinian families in Gaza are unable to offer their children more than one meager meal a day, often little more than rice and boiled lentils. Fresh fruit and vegetables are beyond the reach of many families. Meat and chicken are impossibly expensive. Gaza faces the rich waters of the Mediterranean, but fish is unavailable in its markets because the Israeli navy has curtailed the movements of Gaza\'s fishermen. Los Angeles parents who have spent the last few weeks running from one back-to-school sale to another could do worse than to spare a few minutes to think about their counterparts in the Gaza Strip. As a result of the siege, Gaza is not only short of raw textiles and other key goods but also paper, ink and vital school supplies. One-third of Gaza\'s children started the school year missing necessary textbooks. John Ging, the Gaza director of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, whose schools take care of 200,000 children in Gaza, has warned that children come to school "hungry and unable to concentrate." Israel says that its policies in Gaza are designed to put pressure on the Palestinian population to in turn put pressure on those who fire crude home-made rockets from Gaza into the Israeli town of Sderot. Those rocket attacks are wrong. But it is also wrong to punish an entire population for the actions of a few -- actions that the schoolchildren of Gaza and their beleagueredparents are in any case powerless to stop. It is a violation of international law to collectively punish more than a million people for something they did not do. According to the Geneva Convention, to which it is a signatory, Israel actually has the obligation to ensure the well-being of the people on whom it has chosen to impose a military occupation for more than four decades. Instead, it has shrugged off the law. It has ignored the repeated demands of the U.N. Security Council. It has dismissed the International Court of Justice in the Hague. What John Dugard, the U.N.\'s special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied territories, refers to as the "carefully managed" strangulation of Gaza -- in full view of an uncaring world -- is explicitly part of its strategy. "The idea," said Dov Weisglass, an Israeli government advisor, "is to put the Palestinians on a diet, but not make them die of hunger." -Saree Makdisi is a professor of English literature at UCLA and the author of "Palestine Inside Out: An Everyday Occupation," forthcoming from Norton. (This article was first published by the Los Angeles Times; republished with permission from the author) ABDUL WAHID OSMAN BELAL - Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids.
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] President Ahmadinejad meets Jewish rabbis in New York!
Iran-US-President President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Monday afternoon met with a group of Jewish rabbis who gave him a silver grail as a sign of friendship. The president is currently in New York to address the United Nations General Assembly. The rabbis carried a placard which read, "I am Jewish not a Zionist." A senior rabbi of the group said that they considered the visit to New York of President Ahmadinejad as an exceptional opportunity and would never forget it. He referred to the Iranian president as a person who made a distinction between Jews and Zionists. "You understand us and make a distinction between the violent behavior of Zionists and the religious beliefs of Jews," said the senior rabbi who called President Ahmadinejad "a pious man who is seeking to restore peace in the world and has humanitarian plans." Appreciating the rabbis for their gift, President Ahmadinejad said he was happy to visit them. "All people in the world have now understood that Judaism is different from Zionism," said the president. He added, "Zionists are a political group looking for taking advantage of the opportunities while Jews are the followers of the Moses who promoted peace and friendship." President Ahmadinejad stressed that there was no disagreement between the followers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam as they all pray the same God and are brothers. The president said the future belongs to the monotheist faiths and that liars would be eliminated. He stressed that all followers of divine faiths were responsible to promote monotheism and defend peace, justice and brotherhood. Ahmadinejad Meets US Rabbis Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - FreeMarketNews.com Source: IRNA "Strive as in a race to achieve the goal of excellence in all that you do." For real insights visit: http://www.geocities.com/mewatch99/ Regards, Nashid
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Free Holy Quran on www.dr-umar-azam.co.uk
Ramadhan Mubarak to all! Get: ·the entire HOLY QURAN (free) by e-mail attachment ·a DUA Booklet (free) by e-mail attachment ·a RAMADAN Booklet (free) by e-mail attachment Full instructions can be found on: www.dr-umar-azam.co.uk Dr. Umar Azam BA PhD FRSA FRSSA - For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this month.
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Palestine Chronicle - Art: David and Goliath
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Palestine Chronicle - Art: David and Goliath From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:03:05 -0500 PALESTINECHRONICLE.COM FEATURE ARTICLE (For full update visit www.PalestineChronicle.com ) David and Goliath: Palestinian Artist Spreads Hope By Ramzy Baroud PalestineChronicle.com When one commits to the life of an active citizen, spending their hours days and years reading and writing about current events, it becomes a daily struggle to overcome the cynicism that chases after you with the despairing headlines marking each newspaper or magazine. Rare is it when someone or something comes along to revive the feelings of courage, tenacity and wilfulness of the young and hopeful activist. In my office, hanging above the fireplace in conspicuous view from any part of the room is a large print of Rana Ghassans "David and Goliath". It has been placed in a strategic location, where beholding it daily is unavoidable. I am forced to study the foreboding danger portrayed as soldiers gather in the distant dust. I must consider that the young faceless boy in the work stands with no barricade to protect him, no riot gear, armoured vehicle, just a worn-out cotton t-shirt and a steadfastness that can move mountains. With a hearty clutch on a handful of stones, his only weapon, the bulging veins and blanched knuckles convey an uncommon strength that so fluently and completely relays the history of the Palestinian struggle. It is not a message of victimization, weakness and pity. Yes, it does speak of adversity, injustice, but also of empowerment and the will to rise above wrong. If there is any notion that Palestinians would wish to relay, it is this; that their fight is not born of weakness and pity, but of brazen determination and guts. Ghassan is an ambassador in her own right, and has, in my opinion, conveyed this message impeccably. "David and Goliath" reflects a symphony of emotions. She masterfully brings together elements of accurate drawing, mood coloration, and phenomenal composition, capturing subtle emotions sometimes hidden within a live scene or photograph, and expresses the struggle of life under oppression in an inspiring light of courage and struggle. One of her many strengths is that Ghassan focuses on the positive emotions of a negative scene. Some artists who choose to focus on Palestinian themes concentrate on the oppressors, which results in morbid, dark, and although very powerful and remarkable, nonetheless gloomy scenes. She believes that history has shown us that it is our darkest hours, which provide us with the contrasting background for the brightest light of hope and inspiration. Clearly, this idea is captured in her work. Recent months have sadly also shown a less dignified side of the Palestinian cause. With infighting and internal politics so divisive that the real essence of struggle is eroded, Ghassan\'s also provides a painful and abrupt reminder of the real heroes in this struggle. It is the poor, the disenfranchised and more, the youth of Palestine that keep the authentic and true struggle alive. I believe that Ghassan, through this intensely meaningful portrait, not only exposes the outside enemy, but the failure of the Palestinian leadership as well, for it is not politicians, ministers and the like that brave the occupying army, but a boy in the springtime of his youth who stands in his people\'s defence. I am so thankful for Rana Ghassan, for her genius, dedication and commitment to documenting this struggle in such a beautiful way. The pride and hope that screams from each canvas forces one to renew their commitment somehow, to reconsider their place in this unshakable struggle with each thoughtful gaze. I am certain that Ghassan will be honoured for generations as one of the most gifted Palestinian artists of our time. -For more information visit http://www.cafepress.com/ranaghassan -Ramzy Baroud is an author and editor of PalestineChronicle.com. His work has been published in many newspapers and journals worldwide. His latest book is The Second Palestinian Intifada: A Chronicle of a People\'s Struggle (Pluto Press, London). For more, visit his website: www.ramzybaroud.net ABDUL WAHID OSMAN BELAL - Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] 13th DAYS OF TARAVEEH - Glimpses of Quran
13th Day of TARAVEEH The story of Moosa (AS) and Khidr (AS) continues from the last section of the fifteenth part. In the tenth section it is narrated that both of them walking down reached a village and Khidr (AS) started constructing a wall. Moosa (AS) did not keep quiet and finally they parted. Before they departed Khidr (AS) explained the mystery behind all these events and said that he did not do all these things on his own but was according to ALLAH's Will. In the eleventh section the mention about the king Dhulqarnain and his powers is made and that he has undertaken the journey of the east and the west, and also about the Yajooj (Gog) and Majooj (Magog). In the last section of this surah it is said that those who commit evil and still think that they had done a good thing are in great loss. For those who do good deeds there is Paradise al-Firdouse. ALLAH 's praise cannot be completed even if the seven oceans were taken as ink to write about HIM. Whoever wants to meet his Lord, he must do good deeds and should not associate anyone in HIS worship and obedience Surah Mariam begins In the first section there is mention about the prayer of Zakariyya (AS) for a child in his old age and the acceptance of his duaa by ALLAH and the good tidings of a son to him, whose name is suggested as Yahya by ALLAH before his birth. Yahya (AS) is asked to hold fast the Book of ALLAH. In the second section there are details about Mariam (AS) and the birth of Eesa (AS) without a father. Eesa (AS) talking from the lap of his mother and the mention about the bounties of ALLAH upon him. Those who refuse to accept the Power of ALLAH are warned about the day on which they would repent and feel at a loss. The owner of everything is ALLAH. In the third section it is explained how Ibrahim (AS) has tried his best to convince and stop his father from the shirk and the idolatry and called him towards Tawheed, his migration and the good tidings that his truthfulness and virtue would be remembered by people of all generations. In the fourth section there are details about the distinguishing characteristics of Moosa (AS), Haroon (AS), Ismail (AS) Idris (AS) and there is mention of few more Prophets, their distinguishing features and that people have become the slaves of their own desires and have seen their own consequences. But for those who have repented and changed their lives there is Paradise for them. In the Paradise nothing undesirable would be found and will be full of bounties of ALLAH. Jibraeel (AS) coming to the Prophet (pbuh) was only with the command of ALLAH. In the fifth section there is refutation for those who questioned the resurrection and bringing back to life on the day of Judgment and were told to listen to the decision of ALLAH that everyone will cross over the as-Siraat bridge and that hose who are righteous will cross it and those who are sinners and unjust will fall down their knees into the hell fire. It is advised not to be mistaken by the let-loose or the respite given here in this world and there it would be known who is successful and who is not successful. In the last section of this surah it is said that the Shaitaan is out to track down the kuffar, so wait for the Aakhirah. It is also explained where those who fear ALLAH would reach and where the sinners will end. On that day all connections would have been severed and the only link would be that of ALLAH, but the unjust people have ascribed son to HIM. It is such a grave thing that the earth would get torn into pieces and the mountains reduced to ashes. God forbid! They ascribe son to the Rahman, while in fact everything in the Universe is created to serve HIM. Those who believe and do good deeds, ALLAH creates love and affection in their hearts and those who rebel against ALLAH and HIS Messengers were destroyed and today nothing is heard of them! Surah Taha begins In the first section it is said that the Quraan was revealed in order that those who are soft at heart take admonition out of it. It is the revelation from the creator of all that exists between the heavens and the earth. Whatever one says secretly or aloud HE knows it. The story of Moosa (AS), about the Qiyamah, and the miracles of Moosa (AS) are mentioned. In the second section there is mention about the supplications of Moosa (AS) his birth and his being set afloat in a box on the river Nile. The mission of Moosa (AS) and Haroon (AS) to call people towards ALLAH and to be polite towards Pharaoh, perhaps he may accept the truth. The argument of the Pharaoh with Moosa (AS) are explained in detail. In the third section there are details about the challenge of the magicians to Moosa (AS) and the defeat of the magicians, their belief in ALLAH, the threat of the Pharaoh to them and the steadfastness of the magicians in their belief. In the fourth section it is said that ALLAH had commanded Moosa (AS) to migrate out of Egy
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] The Articles of Faith in Islam
* * * * * * *The Articles of Faith in Islam * ALL Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah. Allah has no partner, son, daughter, helper, or competitor. There is nothing that even remotely resembles Him, for He is unique. The Qur'an states that each of the messengers and prophets has received revelations from Allah in their own tongue so that they know what is required of them. The Qur'an mentions 25 of them by name. Among them Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, John, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon him). There are, however, many others who are not named. Muhammad, the last Prophet, peace be upon him, was sent with a universal message meant for all of humanity The message revealed through him is the Qur'an, which is Allah's final presentation of the original revelation received by mankind in its purest form. A Muslim must believe in all of Allah's prophets and messengers as for denial of one means denial of all. The purest of the original messages revealed through Allah's various prophets and messengers is the Qur'an, for it was recorded during the lifetime of the Prophet and under his direct supervision. All Muslims believe in all sacred Books sent down by Allah including the Suhuf of Abraham, the Torah of Moses, the Zabur (Psalms) of David, and the Injeel (Bible) of Jesus. In addition to the belief in the existence of angels as part of the unseen world. They are spiritual beings who have no need for food, drink, or sleep. The Qur'an teaches that life is a test for each individual, for everyone must choose whether he will or will not follow the commands of Allah. On the Day of Judgment, a person will be resurrected and asked to account for what he did while he was alive. Those with good records will be rewarded and enter Paradise, while those with bad records will be punished by being sent to hell. This belief develops within the individual an awareness of Allah's presence and a desire to obey His laws sincerely and voluntarily. A Muslim believes that nothing happens without the knowledge and permission of Allah. While we may not understand why certain things happen, it is part of the divine plan for our lives. Islam does not divide life into "spiritual" and "secular" realms. As all of life is thus unified and interconnected, Islam avoids the dangers of the extreme ritualism, secularism, or materialism that is found in other civilizations. Activities are not classified as belonging to the state or the individual, religion or daily life, but as belonging to Allah alone, Who has provided guidelines for individuals. These are to be followed in every aspect of their lives: individual, social, governmental, political, economic, spiritual, and otherwise. Reflecting this moderation, the Qur'an has entitled the Muslims the "moderate nation." Compiled from various sources. * Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to p ublish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. * ** ** <><><><>
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Please forgive me
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW - may the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Musa (AS - peace be upon him), the son of Imran once asked, " Oh my Lord! Who is the most honourable of Your servants? And He replied, the person who forgives even when he is in a position of power" (Baihaqi). You know you're right. You know what I'm referring to - those times when you get into an argument(s) with a family member, friend, boss, employee, coworker, classmate, teacher or whoever. You know your facts are right or that you've been wronged with an insulting remark, sarcastic comment or rudeness. And so, you choose to hold a grudge. After all, you've got a right to. Nobody should be treated this way. Why should you forgive? You're not the one who started this. You're not the one who doesn't have the facts straight. True. You may be right. You may be in that position of power mentioned in the Hadith above. But forgiving others, apart from positively affecting our health (less stress) and our minds (one less negative thing to focus on), is a necessary step to closeness to God. How can we move up the ladder of spiritual development when we hold bitterness and anger towards another person? While we may have been in the right, is it worth sacrificing our energy on a grudge instead of on growth? Is there not something strange about asking for God's forgiveness of our sins while withholding our forgiveness from someone who has hurt us? One of the distinguishing features of Ramadan is forgiveness. The Prophet explained in one Hadith that Ramadan is a month whose beginning is Mercy, whose middle is Forgiveness and whose end is freedom from the Hellfire. This makes it a great time to ask God for His Forgiveness. It's also a wonderful time to open our hearts and cleanse them of grudges and bitterness by forgiving others. Let us use these remaining days of forgiveness this Ramadan to open our hearts to those who have wronged us and forgive them as we beg Allah to forgive us. Please forgive me if I have ever wronged or hurt you in way, shape of form. - Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more.
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Do Muslim Share an Approach on Practicing Islam in Public Life?
Written by By Dr. Talib Aziz*Jul 05, 2007 at 08:54 AM Once I was asked to write for Islam21 about the different approaches to practice Islam in public life. I was, however, intrigued for a while on how to approach the subject itself. Because I, for one, always believed that there seems to be conformity among Muslims on the way they practice Islam in their daily life. The different Islamic schools of thought, be they theological or juristic, share a clear and concise method in their vision of the religious life and its projections on their public and civic behaviors. As a result, Muslims do share a common outlook in practicing Islam in public life. In fact the whole struggle that is rampant and widespread in the Muslim world is only a reflection of the challenge that Muslims face to reconcile the modern-western onslaught to their Islamic way-of-life. Notwithstanding, the worldwide Islamic movements are struggling to protect such strong heritage and resist western modernity that challenges its precepts. The general outlook for Islam amongst the vast majority of Muslims is legalistic in nature. It means that the religious texts are looked at as legal documents and interpreted as such. Islam becomes as such rules and regulations that one must follow and practice in daily life. That is why when we talk about Islam as a religion we mean the Shari?a, the doctrine of laws. It includes all aspects of daily life of man on earth. One must know the intricate details of the laws of Shari?a and follow its conviction. There are no second guesses or presumptions but rather a total submission to the dictate of the Islamic laws. So when it comes to practicing our daily worship, struggling to dispense justice, or working to enjoining good and forbidding evil, or conducting our personal relationship, we look for guidance not through inspiration from the teaching of Islam, but rather from intricate details of the juristic manuals of Islamic laws. The line of defense for such legalistic approach is that Islam is the submission of man to the will of God and there is no other way for achieving such total submission without the conformation of human conduct to the dictate of God. Islam, from this vantage point, is the divine law that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peach be upon him). Such legalistic approach to Islam has been the norm of Islamic discourse since the early rise of the Muslim community. The various branches, within Sunnism and Shi?ism, are but different juristic schools of thought. Although the history of Islam has witnessed the deep rift and confrontation, bloody at some times and acquiescent at others, in reality these differences amongst them are only in details. They all use the same methodology of jurisprudence (usul al fiqh Principles of Jurisprudence) and the same classification of laws, but with minor modifications. The reason for such resemblance between the various sects stems from the fact that the founders of all these sects of Islam are pupils of each other. It started with Imam Sadiq in the dawn of the second century AH in Madina and continued until Imam Ibn Hanbal in Baghdad at mid-third century. The pupils of the founding imams, who worked as jurists and served as judges in various Islamic states, embedded the Islamic laws within the Umma. Furthermore, Imam Shafi?i, by developing the methodology of jurisprudence, made it possible for the derivation of Islamic laws to be coherent and systematic and to be as such throughout the ages within different schools and religious academies. The antagonistic confrontation of the second and third century between fundamental issues in theology (ilm al-kalam) did not spread to the steady development of juristic discourse. The political meddling by taking sides and sanctioning other views was all taking place within theological disputes only, and was not reflected on the fiqh side. Jurisprudence continued to serve the Islamic states and the umma with minimal political oversight. In fact, the position of the qadi (judges) grew to be more independent and that gave the rise to the notion of separation of judicial branch of the state from the Khilafa. The fiqih continued to endow the executive power, represented by the khalifa (and his walis, amirs or sultans), with legitimacy by providing the theoretical basis for their reign as well as serving as judges in various courts. The dispute in theology later came to an end with standardized doctrines that supported and later enforced by political power of different regimes. The predominant jurisprudence schools of Sunnis adopted the Ash?ariate theology while the Shi?a adopted the Imami twelver theology. The dominance of jurisprudence did not go without challenge. The rise of philosophical discourses and Sufi branches (turq - ways) gave an alternative outlook of Islam. While fiqh concerns itself with physical performance of Mus
