Bismillah [IslamCity] Ramadan bags news with so7betkhair
Salam Alaykom
Happy new year
Shaaban started Ramadan will come soon
as every year we want to prepaire Ramadan bag
as we sent before we will not change it's contents
Content of the bag:
1 kilo Meat (lahma)
1 Chicken (ferakh)
1 kilo Milk (laban)
1/4 kilo Cheese (gebna)
1 liter Oil (zeit)
1 Sauce (salsa)
2 kilo Rice (rozz)
2 kilo Sugar (sukar)
1 kilo Lentils (ades)
1 kilo Common bean (lubia)
1 kilo Macaroni
1 kilo Bean (foul)
1 kilo Olive (zatoon)
1 kilo Dates (balah)
1/4 kilo Miscellaneous Nuts (mokasarat)
100 gram Hibiscus (karkadih)
100 gram Liquorice (erksous)
100 gram Tea (shai)
the cost of the bag is 130 LE
ya Rab it doesn't increase before Ramadan
Hyper markets present offers we try to use it as we can, becuase it's cost
is lower especially in Oil
Now we have amount for 200 bags we need to complete it to 1000 bags
of course the distribution will be at schools which there children attend the
free classes in so7betkhair during the year
also at Abo Elreesh hospital, few numbers of bags in El 3aiyat, dar
Elsalam, Bolak Eldakror
If anyone like to help
call me on my mobile 0105136760 - Maha before 10:00 PM
Or
Use our Bank Account detailed below: -
Faisal Islamic Bank
Giza Branch
A/C No. 10446
Beneficiary: Sohbet Kheir Organization
Swift Code: FIEGEGCXMAI
Incase anyone made a deposit in our above mentioned A/C
Please call or send an email confirm that you sent the amount for brides
supplies
gazakom Allah kol khair
maha 0105136760
***
{Invite (mankind, O Muhammad ) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom
(i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue
with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone
astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.} (Holy
Quran-16:125)
{And who is better in speech than he who [says: My Lord is Allah (believes in
His Oneness), and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites
(men) to Allah's (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: I
am one of the Muslims.} (Holy Quran-41:33)
The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: By Allah, if
Allah guides one person by you, it is better for you than the best types of
camels. [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]
The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said, Whoever
calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who
follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all.
[Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah]
--
Recommended:
http://www.ikhwanweb.com
http://www.islamonline.net
http://www.islam-guide.com
http://www.prophetmuhammadforall.org
--
All views expressed herein belong to the individuals concerned and do not in
any way reflect the official views of IslamCity unless sanctioned or approved
otherwise.
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Bismillah [IslamCity] Is Africa A Cold War Battleground?
Is Africa A Cold War Battleground? By Sam Akaki 09 August, 2008 The African Executive Thanks to the dwindling primary natural resources, oil and gas, the West is hounding Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe and Sudan's al-Bashir, and heaping blame on Russia and China for protecting them; thus setting the stage for a new Cold War to be fought in Africa. The last Cold War saw the savage murder or violent overthrow by the British, Americans, Belgians, French and Portuguese of nationalist African leaders including Patrice Lumumba, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Luis Cabral, Eduardo Mondlane, Samora Marcel, Milton Obote, Hamed Sekou Toure, Gamel Abdel Nasser and Ahmed Ben Bella who were dubbed terrorists or Russian and Chinese sympathizers. The lucky ones - Jomo Kenyatta, Robert Mugabe and Nelson Mandela were given long prison sentences from which they were never expected to come out, alive. Today, Mandela's statue stands as a monument of British cynicism, in Parliament Square, London. The statue stood there for three years until last week when the USA finally removed Mandela's name from the list of international terrorists! The human, social and economic wounds inflicted on Africa by the last Cold War are still very raw. Mozambique, Angola and Namibia are littered with millions of land mines and other unexploded military ordinances, which will kill people for centuries to come. Algeria, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Chad, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Sudan and Uganda are fighting self-destruct wars, while Somalia ceased to be a state in 1992, thanks to western weapons. China is financing infrastructure projects in more than 35 African countries. Overall, the last Cold War left Africa on the life-support machine of western food aid administered by the World Food Program, while their leaders pay lip service to cure the patient. Recently, the Africa Progress Panel (APP), headed by the former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, issued a report, Africa Progress Panel responds to the G8 Summit in Hokkaido which said: G8 countries have done little to show how they will fund the shortfall of US$ 40 billion in programmable aid and debt relief identified by the Africa Progress Panel last month...The G8 has yet to present clear timetables outlining future aid provision or to provide increased transparency required to improve the quality of aid. On Global food crisis, the report said, The Panel welcomes the commitment of US$ 10 billion to support food aid and measures to increase agricultural input as a necessary first step... More needs to be done, however, to increase the supply of food to the world's most vulnerable citizens, and immediate measures must be taken to relax export restrictions on commodities such as rice On trade, it said The Panel welcomes the G8 leaders' commitment to the conclusion of an ambitious, balanced and comprehensive Doha agreement... As WTO negotiations enter this crucial period, all parties need to understand that the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals rest in large part on the ability of the continent to trade its way out of poverty. And in conclusion, Mr. Annan declared The success in supporting African development will not only result in tangible benefits for her people but ensure a more secure and prosperous future for the world. For G8 leaders, helping Africa to help itself is not a question of altruism; it is a matter of self-interest. The July 11 UN resolution accused Robert Mugabe of killing 100 opposition supporters and displacing 2,000, and called for punitive sanctions including imposing an arms embargo, a clear signal for attacks on Zimbabwe. Thankfully, China and Russia, which were not at the Berlin Conference, rejected the resolution, saying it would open the way for interference by the Security Council in internal affairs of Members States, which is a gross violation of the UN Charter. To disorganize the AU, the International Criminal Court (ICC), is planning to arrest Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, for leading a campaign of murder, rape and mass deportation in Darfur. The plan is advancing despite the AU statement, which reiterated the AU's concern with the misuse of indictments against African leaders. The Western ruling groups are conceited, full of themselves, ignorant of our conditions, and they make other people's business their business. Incidentally, the conflict in Darfur started 18 years after the one in northern Uganda which killed over 300,000 civilians, caused the abduction of 20, 000 children and drove 2 million into concentration camps. Yet, the ICC never investigated the role of the Ugandan troops in these attrocities, leave alone issuing an arrest warrant for Museveni. That is not surprising. The West is less interested in human rights in Africa than in justifying and setting the stage for a new Cold War. The BBC reported on 13th July it has found the first
Bismillah [IslamCity] Spirit of Tolerance in Islam
Spirit of Tolerance in Islam Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Ph.D. Intolerance is on the increase in the world today, causing death, genocide, violence, religious persecution as well as confrontations on different levels. Some times it is racial and ethnic, some times it is religious and ideological, other times it is political and social. In every situation it is evil and painful. How can we solve the problem of intolerance? How can we assert our own beliefs and positions without being intolerant to others? How can we bring tolerance into the world today? I would like to discuss some of these issues from an Islamic point of view. What is tolerance? Literally the word tolerance means to bear. As a concept it means respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of the world's cultures, forms of expression and ways of being human. In Arabic it is called Tasamuh. There are also other words that give similar meanings, such as Hilm (forbearance) or '`Afu (pardon, forgiveness) or Safh (overlooking, disregarding). In the Persian and Urdu languages, we use the word rawadari which comes from rawa meaning acceptable or bearable and dashtan meaning to hold. Thus it means to hold something acceptable or bearable. Tolerance is a basic principle of Islam. It is a religious moral duty. It does not mean concession, condescension or indulgence. It does not mean lack of principles, or lack of seriousness about one's principles. Sometimes it is said, people are tolerant of things that they do not care about. But this is not the case in Islam. Tolerance according to Islam does not mean that we believe that all religions are the same. It does not mean that we do not believe in the supremacy of Islam over other faiths and ideologies. It does not mean that we do not convey the message of Islam to others and do not wish them to become Muslims. The UNESCO principles on tolerance say: Consistent with respect for human rights, the practice of tolerance does not mean toleration of social injustice or the abandonment or weakening of one's convictions. It means that one is free to adhere to one's own convictions and accepts that others adhere to theirs. It means accepting the fact that human beings, naturally diverse in their appearance, situation, speech, behavior and values, have the right to live in peace and to be as they are. It also means that one's views are not to be imposed on others. Tolerance comes from our recognition of: 1. The dignity of the human beings, 2. The basic equality of all human beings, 3. Universal human rights, and 4. Fundamental freedom of thought, conscience and belief. The Qur'an speaks about the basic dignity of all human beings. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, spoke about the equality of all human beings, regardless of their race, color, language or ethnic background. Shari`ah recognizes the rights of all people to life, property, family, honor and conscience. Islam emphasizes the establishment of equality and justice, both of these values cannot be established without some degree of tolerance. Islam recognized from the very beginning the principle of freedom of belief or freedom of religion. It said very clearly that it is not allowed to have any coercion in the matters of faith and belief. The Qur'an says, There is no compulsion in religion. (Al-Baqarah: 256) If in the matters of religion, coercion is not permissible, then by implication one can say that in other matters of cultures and other worldly practices it is also not acceptable. In Surat Ash-Shura Allah says to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, If then they turn away, We have not sent you as a guard over them. Your duty is but to convey (the Message)… (Ash-Shura: 48) In another place Allah says, Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. Your Lord knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance. (An-Nahl:125) Further, Allah says to the Believers, Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and beware (of evil): if you do turn back, know then that it is Our Messenger's duty to proclaim (the Message) in the clearest manner. (Al-Ma'idah: 92) One can also cite Allah's words: Say: 'Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger: but if you turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed on him and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear (Message).(An-Nur:54) All these verses give note that Muslims do not coerce people; they must present the message to them in the most cogent and clear way, invite them to the truth and do their best in presenting and conveying the message of God to humanity, but it is up to people to accept or not to accept. Allah says, And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whosoever wants let him believe and whosoever wants let him
Bismillah [IslamCity] Inside Darfur Photogallery by Isma'il Kushkush
http://www.islamonline.net/English/Multimedia/Library/NewsAnalyses/2008/08/Inside-Darfur/index.shtml
Bismillah [IslamCity] Nine great Benifits of reciting the Holy Quran
In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You -- -- -- Nine great benefits of reciting the Holy Quran Indeed to reflect on Allah's verses is a form of worship that will draw one close to Allah Most High. This reflection is not a reckless and wandering one, rather it includes a study of the classical tafseer of the verses being pondered over, as this would fulfill Ibnul-Qayyim's great advice, Such as reflecting over a book which a person has memorized and he expounds it so that he may understand what its author intends by it. Indeed the Book of Allah is not a book like any other, it is the timeless Speech of Allah, not a created thing, the study guide for life and death and what comes after. Therefore it deserves a more careful study than anyone else's speech. It necessitates that its reader return to the early narrations of those who witnessed its revelation and heard its explanation by the one deputed by Allah to rehearse and explain His Words to humanity (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam). For if one would try to ponder over the meanings of the verses without having done this study, then surely the filth of the time that he lives in and his ignorance of the correct application and understanding that the early Muslims had would cause him to understand some things not intended by Allah Most High, and therefore he would go astray, thinking to be worshipping Allah. So every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allah's Love breciting and reflecting over Allah's Book, then let him hold tight to the meanings explained by the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam), and those taught by the companions and their immediate followers, and the early scholars of Islam. So dear brother and sister Muslim! Know that reciting and pondering over the Book of Allah, devoting your time regularly to its study and implementation has tremendous benefits in this life and the Next, so let us now look to just a few of them to attach ourselves more firmly to Allah's Majestic Words. Each benefit stands as enough of an encouragement to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves to the Qur'an. 1 - Reading and reflecting over the Qur'an fulfils an Islamic duty. Indeed the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) summarized this Religion with his statement: The Religion is naseehah (sincerity)! So then Tameem ibn Aws, may Allah be pleased with him, then said, We asked, `To whom?' He said: To Allah, HIS BOOK, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and their common folk. [Muslim] The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allah includes its regular recitation, learning the rules of tajweed and reciting it beautifully, learning about its tafseer and the reasons for its revelation, affirming that it is the Truth, the perfect Speech of Allah and not part of the creation, honoring it and defending it, abiding by the orders and prohibitions found in it, teaching it and calling to it. [See Jaami'ul-'Uloom wal-Hikam of Ibn Rajab Al-Hambalee] So by reading and reflecting over the Qur'an, one fulfills an obligation and is rewarded for that. Upon fulfilling this obligation, the Qur'an then becomes a proof for him on the Day of Judgment! And that is our second benefit we will take by embracing this Noble Book... 2 - The Qur'an will be a proof for us on the Day of Judgment. This is due to the statement of the Messenger: And the Qur'an is a proof for you or against you. [Muslim] So one of two things will occur with this proof, the Book of Allah. It will either be in your favor, a proof for you on the Day when you will need every single good deed, or it will be something standing against you, the very Speech of your Creator, a proof against you! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day if Allah's own Speech is against him?!?! Think carefully, dear Muslim brother or sister, about your position with the Qur'an! Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, being heedless of its orders and prohibitions, are you thinking deeply over it?! Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgment.?! O Allah! We ask you, by Your Glorious Speech and the rest of your beautiful Names and Attributes, to make the Qur'an a proof for us! O Allah! Don't make the Qur'an a proof against us on that Day, and save us from the hellfire! For if Allah makes the Qur'an a proof in our favour on that Day, then it would also be an intercessor for us, when NO intercession will take place except by His Permission. 3 - The Qur'an will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment. The proof: Aboo Umaamah relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) said: Read the Qur'an, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions. [Muslim] 4 - Your status in this
Bismillah [IslamCity] 7 Tips to Improve Your Relationship with the Qur'an
7 Tips to Improve Your Relationship with the Qur'an ARE you one of those people who rarely touch the Qur'an? Or do you read daily, but don't find it is having the impact on you that it should? Whatever the case may be, these are some simple tips that can help you connect with the Qur'an. 1. Before you touch it, check your heart. The key to really benefiting from the Qur'an is to check your heart first, before you even touch Allah's Book. Ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it. Is it to just get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was described by his wife as a walking Qur'an: in other words, he didn't just read and recite the Qur'an, he lived it. 2. Do your Wudu (ablution). Doing your Wudu is good physical and mental preparation to remind you that you're not reading just another book. You are about to interact with God, so being clean should be a priority when communicating with Him. 3. Read at least 5 minutes everyday. Too often, we think we should read Qur'an for at least one whole hour. If you aren't in the habit of reading regularly, this is too much. Start off with just five minutes daily. If you took care of step one, Insha Allah (God willing), you will notice that those five minutes will become 10, then half an hour, then an hour, and maybe even more! 4. Make sure you understand what you've read. Five minutes of reading the Qur'an in Arabic is good, but you need to understand what you're reading. Make sure you have a good translation of the Qur'an in the language you understand best. Always try to read the translation of what you've read that day. 5. Remember, the Qur'an is more interactive than a CD. In an age of interactive CD-Roms and computer programs, a number of people think books are passive and boring. But the Qur'an is not like that. Remember that when you read the Qur'an, you are interacting with Allah. He is talking to you, so pay attention. 6. Don't just read; listen too. There are now many audio cassettes and CDs of the Qur'an, a number of them with translations as well. This is great to put on your walkman or your car's CD or stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Qur'an reading, not as a replacement for it. 7. Make Dua (supplication) . Ask Allah to guide you when you read the Qur'an. Your aim is to sincerely, for the love of Allah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed words. Making Dua to Allah for help and guidance will be your best tool for doing this.
Bismillah [IslamCity] usa: Prophet Muhammad novel scrapped
Prophet Muhammad novel scrapped The cover of the scrapped novel, as seen on amazon.co.uk. Plans to release a novel about Prophet Muhammad's child bride A'isha have been scrapped by US publishers Random House over fears it could spark violence. The Jewel of Medina, the debut novel by journalist Sherry Jones, was due to hit shelves on 12 August. Random House said it had been advised the book might be offensive to some Muslims, and could incite acts of violence by a small, radical segment. We decided, after much deliberation, to postpone publication, it added. The decision was taken for the safety of the author, employees of Random House, booksellers and anyone else who would be involved in distribution and sale of the novel, said the company's deputy publisher Thomas Perry in a statement. The novel traces the life of A'isha, who is often referred to as Muhammad's favourite wife, from her engagement at the age of six, until the prophet's death. Jones said that she was shocked to learn in May, that publication would be postponed indefinitely. 'Pornography' Random House's decision only came to light this week after The Wall Street Journal published a column by Muslim writer and scholar Asra Nomani, saying she was saddened by the turn of events. Nomani argued that the publisher was afraid reaction to the novel could equal the furore caused by Sir Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses. The series of events that torpedoed this novel are a window into how quickly fear stunts intelligent discourse about the Muslim world Asra Nomani, writing in the Wall Street Journal Published in 1988, the book was condemned by the Islamic world because of its perceived blasphemous depiction of the Prophet Muhammad. Sir Salman was forced to live in hiding for the next decade after Iran's then-spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, issued a fatwa ordering his execution. In her article, Nomani said university professor Denise Spellberg, who had been sent a review copy of Jewel of Medina, had been instrumental in stirring up opposition to the novel. Professor Spellberg, from the University of Texas in Austin, was quoted saying the book was ugly, stupid and soft core pornography. Three days later, Professor Spellberg argued in the same newspaper that she could not have single-handedly stopped the book's publication. But she conceded: I felt it was my duty to warn the press of the novel's potential to provoke anger among some Muslims. Jones has never visited the Middle East, but spent several years studying Arab history and said the novel was a synthesis of all she had learned. They did have a great love story, Jones said of Muhammad and A'isha. The author, who has just completed a sequel examining her heroine's later life, is free to sell her book to other publishers, Random House said. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7551598.stm _44907842_c9836789-a886-43e9-8bbd-b462f7ef2df9.jpgo.gifstart_quote_rb.gifend_quote_rb.gif
Bismillah [IslamCity] Friends Of Allah *
*Bismillah Hir Rahmaan Nir Raheem* *Assalamau alaykum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatuhu* ** *Friends Of Allah* *Surah Yunus-*10:61 In whatever business thou mayest be and whatever portion thou mayest be reciting from the Qur'an and whatever deed ye (mankind) may be doing We are Witnesses thereof when ye are deeply engrossed therein. Nor is hidden from thy Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or in heaven. And not the least and not the greatest of these things but are recorded in a clear Record. *62 Behold! verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear nor shall they grieve;* 63 Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil 64 For them are Glad Tidings -- *Surah Isra 17 verse 80 Say: O my Lord! let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honor and likewise my exit by the Gate of Truth and Honor; and grant me from Thy Presence an authority to aid (me). Ameen Transliteration :Wa qur rabbi adkhilni mudkhala sidqiw wa akhrijni mukhraja sidqiw wa-j'al li mil ladunka sulta_nan nasira_(n). Al-Tirmidhi HadithHadith 2482 Narrated by AbuHurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) used to say, O Allah, grant me benefit in what Thou hast taught me, teach me what will benefit me, and increase my knowledge. Praise be to Allah in all circumstances. I seek refuge in Allah from the state of those who go to Hell. Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it, Tirmidhi saying this is a tradition whose isnad is gharib. Ameen *
RE: Bismillah [IslamCity] What Is The Difference??
AoA. The file u send is not openable. Its damaged can not be repaired. send it again MFM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 08:02:45 -0700Subject: Bismillah [IslamCity] What Is The Difference?? O Allah! Guide us, make our intentions sincere, accept our deeds, answer our prayers, and make us of those who are patient. _ Discover the new Windows Vista http://search.msn.com/results.aspx?q=windows+vistamkt=en-USform=QBRE
Bismillah [IslamCity] The Virtues of the Month of Sha'ban
Sha'ban is the name of the (eighth) month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it is so called because in this month the Arabs used to disperse (tasha'aba) in search of water, or it was said that it is so called because it sha'aba (branches out or emerges) i.e., it appears between the months of Rajab and Ramadan. Fasting in Sha'ban Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger (p.b.u.h.) used to fast until we thought he would never break his fast, and not fast until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Sha'ban. (Bukhari and Muslim). According to a report narrated by Muslim, He used to fast all of Sha'ban, he used to fast all but a little of Sha'ban. A group of scholars, including Ibn al-Mubarak and others thought that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) did not fast all of Sha'ban, but he fasted most of it. This is supported by a report in Saheeh Muslim narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: I never knew of him - meaning the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) - fasting for any entire month apart from Ramadan. According to another report also narrated by Muslim, Aisha said: I never saw him fast for any entire month from the time he came to Madeenah, apart from Ramadan. It was reported in Bukhari and Muslim that Ibn 'Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) did not fast any entire month apart from Ramadan. Ibn 'Abbas regarded it as Makrooh to fast any entire month apart from Ramadan. Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said: He observed more voluntary fasts in Sha'ban than in any other month, and he used to fast most of Sha'ban. Usamah Ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any other month like you fast in Sha'ban.' He said, 'That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the Worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.' (Nasa'i). According to a report narrated by Abu Dawood, he said: The most beloved of months for the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) to fast in was Sha'ban, and his fasting in Sha'ban was continuous with his fasting in Ramadan. (Classed as Saheeh by al-Albani) Ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Fasting in Sha'ban is better than fasting in the Sacred Months, and the best of voluntary fasts are those that are (observed in the months) closest to Ramadan, before or after. The status of these fasts is like that of al-Sunan al-Rawatib which are done before and after fard (obligatory prayers) and which make up for any shortfall in the number of obligatory prayers. The same applies to fasts observed before and after Ramadan. Just as al-Sunan al-Rawatib are better than other kinds of voluntary prayers, so fasts observed (in the months) before and after Ramadan are better than fasts at other times. The phrase Sha'ban is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan indicates that because it comes between two important months, the Sacred Month of Rajab and the month of fasting, people are preoccupied with those two months and they do not pay attention to Sha'ban. Many people think that fasting in Rajab is better than fasting in Sha'ban, because Rajab is one of the Sacred Months, but this is not the case. In the Hadeeth quoted above there is an indication that even though certain times, places and people may be commonly thought to posses a particular virtue, there may be others that are better than them. It also indicates that it is Mustahabb (recommended) to make good use of the times when people tend to be negligent, by doing acts of worship. A group of the Salaf used to fill the time between Maghrib and Isha with prayer, saying that it was a time when many people were negligent. Another example is the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) in the marketplace, because this means one is remembering Him in a place where people tend to be negligent and among people who are negligent. There are a number of benefits that come from making good use of times when people are often negligent, and using these times for worship, including the following: It is more concealing of one's good works, and hiding and concealing Nawafil (supererogatory) actions is better, especially fasting, because it is a secret between a slave and his Lord. Hence it was said that there is no element of showing off in fasting. One of the Salaf used to fast for years without anybody knowing about it; he would go from his home to the marketplace carrying two loaves of bread, which he would give away in charity, and he would fast. His family thought that he ate the bread, whilst the people in the marketplace thought that he had eaten at home. The Salaf thought it was Mustahabb for a person who was fasting to do things that would
Bismillah [IslamCity] The US doesn't understand Pakistan
America is blind to the complex interplay of tribal and religious loyalties that determine events in Pakistan. It needs to wise up o Frankie Martin o guardian.co.uk, o Wednesday August 06 2008 20:30 BST The recent New York Times article implicating elements of Pakistan's intelligence service, the ISI, in the bombing of the Indian embassy in Kabul, is a public airing of American policymakers' longstanding differences with Pakistan. The Americans have become frustrated with a perceived reluctance among Pakistanis to attack militants in the country's volatile tribal areas, as well as a failure to rein in the ISI, which is accused of pursuing a foreign policy that is at odds with its own government. This diplomatic bombshell which has gone further than any such assertion in the past comes in the context of a deteriorating security situation, not only in Pakistan's tribal areas but in cities like Islamabad and districts like Swat. It has also coincided with an increasingly bold Taliban insurgency against Nato forces in Afghanistan, which has sparked talk of a new American troop surge endorsed by both Barack Obama and John McCain. But an increase in overwhelming force which has already been tried by Pakistani president, Pervez Musharraf multiple times to no avail is unlikely to work unless the US and its allies gain a better understanding the tribal areas in which they are so intimately engaged. Pakistan's tribal areas are populated mainly by Pashtuns, an ethnic group that also extends into Afghanistan. Constant warfare in recent years has led many Pashtuns to believe they are fighting a tribal war to preserve their way of life. They feel threatened by the Pakistani government and military, composed mainly of urban ethnic Punjabis; the government in Afghanistan, composed mainly of Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Hazaras; as well as by the US. Although the Afghan president, Hamid Karzai, is a Pashtun he is perceived by many fellow tribesmen to have sold out. The larger war many Pashtun tribesmen are fighting to defend Islam against the perceived attacks of the US, the west, Hindu-dominated India, and the forces of globalisation, has its roots in this tribal micro-conflict and the one cannot be seen in isolation from the other. In this charged environment any apparent attack on Islam, be it from US drones or Danish cartoons, adds fuel to the fire. The ISI also counts many Pashtuns in its ranks especially at its lower levels for whom this tribal identity takes centre stage. The organisation has been structured since its founding in 1948 to fight Pakistan's traditional arch-rival, India. Many ISI operatives would sympathise with the Pashtun tribesmen who share their culture which include actively opposing India for its policy in Kashmir, for example regardless of the policies of their superiors in Islamabad. The US has suffered as a result of a confusing labelling of the enemy the line between Pashtun tribesmen, Taliban, and al-Qaida remains dangerously ill-defined. To improve the situation, the US can take several immediate steps. First, it should work with the Pakistani government to reinstate the civil service in the tribal areas, which was removed by President Musharraf. This created a power vacuum which was filled by firebrand Taliban clerics. The US should also support gestures of dialogue with the tribes made by the new democratically-elected Pakistani civilian government instead of actively opposing them. This does not mean appeasing those that would attack America but administering more effectively. By combining the threat of force with efforts to gain the respect of the tribes by working within their cultural and religious framework, the US can swing the pendulum away from Taliban clerics who preach that Islam is under attack from the west. It can also put more American aid into education and development and away from unnecessary military expenditure which has cost the US more than $10bn since 9/11. This would also improve Pakistan's relationship with India by allowing the Pakistani government to continue its policy of engagement without the distraction of Pashtun tribesmen who wish to continue their fight. The calmer the situation becomes in the tribal areas, the calmer the situation will be in places that concern India, like Kashmir, and the less likely it will be that Pashtun elements in the ISI stir up trouble. If the US does not change course quickly, it will continue the global march toward disaster that has seen it get bogged down in other Muslim tribal societies such as Iraq and Somalia. Instead of going after only those in Pakistan's tribal areas who wished America harm, it has taken on the fierce Pashtun tribes which have successfully bled such empires as the British and Soviet. By implementing smart, effective, culturally sensitive policies, the US can avoid a similar fate. source url : http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/aug/06/pakistan.usa
Bismillah [IslamCity] Poll: Who is the greatest person ever?
Poll: Who is the greatest person ever? Spanish newspaper has conducted a poll about the greatest person who has the greatest influence on humanity, then who wines will be introduced on a TV episode. Here is the poll result: 1. Muhammad (88% votes) 2. Jesus (11% votes) The rest of the candidates have got only 1% votes all together! *Total votes: 257618 Source: http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/debate/2007/01/689/prevotaciones689.html We have not sent thee (O Muhammad) save as a bringer of good tidings and a warner unto all mankind; but most of mankind know not. (Qur'an 34:28)
Bismillah [IslamCity] Photos of hiroshima-nagasaki bombing and its human effects
To view photos of hiroshima-nagasaki bombing and its human effects visit http://www.hiroshima-remembered.com/photos/index.html BOYCOTT AMERICAN(BIGGEST TERRORIST) AND ISRAELI PRODUCTS Hiroshima Nagasaki Remembered 60 years later Photographs Hiroshima Photographs of the damage to Hiroshima after the atomic bomb. Nagasaki Images of the atomic bombing on Nagasaki. Tinian Photographs of the Enola Gay, Bock's Car and the atomic bombs. Human Effects Images of the effects of the atomic bombs. Contents The Story of Hiroshima The Story of Nagasaki Photographs Historical Documents Selected Biographies Movies Maps Bibliography Other Online Sources About This Site Related Reading Rain of Ruin: A Photographic History of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by Donald Goldstein Nagasaki Journey: The Photographs of Yosuke Yamahata, August 10, 1945 by Rupert Jenkins (Editor) Copyright © 2005 AJ Software Multimedia. All Rights Reserved. This project is part of the National Science Digital Library funded by the Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation Grant 0434253.
Bismillah [IslamCity] Teen rikshaw driver third in Lahore's school leaving exam
People who have to work hard for an education understand its value, where as you also have (rich) kids who still fail after having private tutors. Teen rikshaw driver third in Lahore's school leaving exam Studying during the day and driving a rickshaw in the evening to support his family of six, 17-year-old Ali has overcome all odds to stand third in the Lahore Board's secondary school examination. Seeing his grit, the government has awarded him Rs.5 million (nearly $70,000) to help him complete his studies. The teenager, who was forced to quit studies for some time after his father fell ill, has secured 735 marks out of 850.'I used to study in the day and drive the rickshaw after my school hours to earn for my family,' Ali told IANS from his hometown Kasur, some 50 km from Lahore.'My father developed heart problems and couldn't drive the rickshaw and so I had to earn money for my brothers and sisters,' said Ali, who uses only one name.Apart from his ailing father, Ali's family includes his mother and four siblings. He said that he had actually decided to give up studies completely to earn a living.But when his school's vice principal came to know that Ali would quit studies, he immediately called him and persuaded him against his decision. The teenager said his teachers motivated him to continue studying.'Two of my teachers even came and asked my father to convince me to carry on with my studies and work in the evening,' he recalled.Ali then rejoined school after a break of almost two months. The youngster said that he would carry his books along with him and study whenever he got time.'This paid off and I got the third position in the board,' said an overjoyed Ali, who wants to be an economist. He has big dreams not only for his country but for the whole of South Asia.'My aim is to eradicate poverty not only from Pakistan but from the poor countries of our whole region. I want to see this region developed like Europe and America as we see on television and movies,' he said.Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was the chief guest at the medal distribution ceremony for the Lahore Board's toppers. When he came to know that Ali is a rickshaw driver and dreamt of becoming an economist, he immediately announced a Rs.5 million award for him to complete his studies. Ali said that he would use the award money to educate his brothers and sisters as well. The youngster even had a message for the SAARC leaders meeting in Colombo. He has appealed to them to divert a large chunk of resources for increasing literacy levels in the region. http://hamropalo.com/education/teen-rikshaw-driver-third-in-lahore-039-s-school-leaving-exam.html image/jpeg
Bismillah [IslamCity] A Brief HISTORY of the US - Part 3
*A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE **USA* *By Tim Lambert* *http://www.localhistories.org/america.html* ** *THE INDIAN WARS* As the USA expanded westward there were many wars with the Indians. In 1790 Chief Little Turtle of the Miami defeated an American force under Josiah Harmar. The next year the Americans were defeated again. However in 1794 American troops decisively defeated the natives at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. By the treaty of Greenville, 1795, the natives were forced to cede most of Ohio to the Americans. During the war of 1812 some natives sided with the British. The Creeks won a battle against the Americans at Fort Sims in 1812. However troops led by Andrew Jackson defeated the Creeks at Horseshoe Bend in 1814. The Treaty of Fort Jackson forced the Creeks to cede more than half their land to the Americans. (It later became the state of Alabama). *Andrew Jackson later became President and in 1830 he signed the Indian Removal Bill which forced Indians east of the **Mississippi River** to move to **Oklahoma**. The Choctaws were forced to move in 1832. They were followed by the Creeks in 1835 and the Chickasaw in 1837. The Cherokee**'**s were forced to move in 1838-39. (So many of them died on the trail it was called the **'**Trail of Tears**'**. However one tribe, the Seminoles of ** Florida**, resisted deportation. In the years 1835-1842 they fought a guerrilla war against the Americans. This was the Second Seminole War. However in 1837 their leader, Osceola, was captured. Most of the Seminoles eventually surrendered and were forced to move to **Oklahoma** but several hundred escaped and fought another war in 1855-1858. This was the Third Seminole War. In the 1850s the **USA** also fought wars with the natives of the Northeast. The natives were defeated in the **Rogue River** War of 1855-56 and the **Yakima** War of 1855-58. Afterwards they were forced onto reservations.* ** *THE **USA** IN THE MID-19TH CENTURY* The USA continued to grow rapidly and by 1860 its population was 31 million. New states were added. Iowa was added to the union in 1846. Wisconsin followed in 1848 and Kansas was admitted in 1861. However the rapidly growing nation was torn apart by the issue of slavery. *When the constitution was written in 1787 many people hoped that slavery would die out of its own accord. However Eli Whitney**'**s invention of the cotton gin in 1793 gave slavery a new importance in the southern states. In the northern states slavery was gradually abolished and the **USA** became divided into **'**free states**'** and **'**slave states**'**.* ** *THE **MISSOURI** COMPROMISE* In 1803 the USA bought land from France. This was known as the Mississippi purchase. In 1819 part of the territory asked to be admitted to the union as a state in which slavery was allowed. However at that time the USA was evenly divided between free states and slave states. Another slave state would upset the balance. Furthermore northerners feared that more slave states would be created in future. Representative James Tallmade of New York proposed an amendment, which would have ended slavery in Missouri. However it did not become law. *A row occurred between northerners who believed that Congress had the power to ban slavery in new states and southerners who believed that new states had the right to allow slavery if they wished. Eventually an agreement was reached. **Missouri** was admitted as a slave state but at the same time part of **Massachusetts** became the state of **Maine** so the balance of slave and free was preserved. Furthermore a line was drawn across the continent. States north of it were to be free, south of it they were to be slave. However the **Missouri** compromise was only a temporary solution. Gaining new territory from **Mexico** created new tensions. In 1846 a man named David Wilmot introduced the Wilmot proviso, which stated that slavery should not be allowed in any territory taken from **Mexico**. It was added as an amendment to bills but was never passed by Congress. Nevertheless the Wilmot Proviso alienated the south.* ** *THE COMPROMISE OF 1850* Eventually a compromise was reached. The Compromise of 1850 stated that the territories of New Mexico and Utah could decide for themselves whether they wished to allow slavery or not when they applied to become states. A fugitive slave law was also passed which said that slaves who ran away to the north should be returned to their masters. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 organised the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. It also ended the Missouri Compromise. The compromise drew a line across the continent and banned slavery north of it. Although Kansas and Nebraska were north of the line the Act allowed them to choose whether to permit slavery or not when they applied to become states. *In **Kansas** supporters and opponents of slavery came to blows in a series of violent incidents called **'**Bleeding **Kansas**'. Feeling against slavery in the
Bismillah [IslamCity] Boycott of Israeli and US companies gaining momentum
Boycott of Israeli and US companies gaining momentum The Muslim News By Shatha Khalil and Abdul Adil Issue 158 28 June 2002 Throughout the world campaigns calling for the boycott of Israeli goods are gaining momentum. The boycott is growing in the Muslim world where not only Israeli goods, companies who support Israel are targeted, but US giants like Starbucks and Pepsi have also been affected. Israeli academics and artists are also being boycotted in the Western world The campaign to boycott Israeli goods is “perceived to be a way to hit back at ‘the Zionist state’ and those governments perceived to be its main backers” explains Africa Analysis (May 3). In Lebanon, the religious leader Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Fadlallah issued a fatwa on this subject: “All American and Israeli goods and products should be boycotted in a way that undermines American and Israeli interests so as to act as deterrence to their war against Muslims and Islam that is being waged under the pretence of fighting terrorism. This boycott should become an overwhelming trend that makes these two states feel that their economies are in a real and actual danger.” Shaykh Yusuf al-Qardawi has also issued a fatwa calling for the boycotting of Israeli and American products and companies. The Egyptian Agricultural Professions’ Trade Union (EGTU) has also backed the campaign. It is boycotting all Israeli agricultural co-operation, production and fertilisers and aims to take disciplinary action against anyone not enforcing the boycott. Further to the actions of the EGTU, consumer power in Egypt has forced J Sainsbury to pull out of its Egyptian operations after two years. The Supermarket, which denies any involvement with Israel, is to sell its 100 supermarkets and neighbourhood stores in the greater Cairo area to its minority local partner, subject to regulatory approval. Many department stores in Britain last year yielded to the pressure of the boycott lobby and temporarily removed goods made by Israel from their shops, however these policies have been short-lived. Selfridges, which had seen weekly pickets held outside its doors, withdrew goods produced in the illegal settlements in the Occupied Territories over the Christmas period; however, they returned them a fortnight later after protests from Jewish customers. The Store later told The Muslim News: “We do not feel we can take sides in this political issue.” Harrods, the largest department store in London, whose owner is the Egyptian Muhammad Al Fayed, also removed products made in the Occupied Territories; however, they were re-instated a week later. Instead the store has adopted a sticker policy informing people where products are made. “By giving our customers this extra information, we are allowing them to make a more considered purchase based on their own beliefs and philosophy,” justified Peter Willasey, the Communications Head of Harrods, to The Muslim News. American multi-national companies have been greatly affected by the boycott campaign, many have seen their sales fall by between 20 and 50 percent since the second intifadah, 19 months ago. Many have tried to win back customers by offering to donate 20 percent of their profits to Palestinian orphans, while also advertising in local newspapers and television channels saying the boycott campaign is hurting local workers. Many have simply denied any connection to or funding of Israel or its actions. “Coca-Cola, which has served the Israeli market for 30 years, refused to abide by the Arab League economic boycott of Israel (which lasted until 1991). For decades, this cost Coca-Cola the opportunity to sell its products in Arab countries,” explained The Southern Shofar, the Jewish newspaper of Alabama. Coca Cola and its Chairman Roberto Goizueta was honoured by the Economic Mission at the Israel Trade Award Dinner. However, the Company denies any such involvement, a spokesperson told The Muslim News: “The Coca-Cola Company does not support political or religious causes and does not take a stance on issues that do not directly affect the soft drink industry. We cannot and do not take the side of one country over another in any dispute.” Other multi-national companies have also hit back against allegations of economic support. Marks and Spencer, who supports Israel with $233 million in trade every year (Jerusalem Report, June 5, 2000), and sells $240 million worth of Israeli exports annually, told The Muslim News: “People are free to buy merchandise from anywhere, however the benefit from buying from us is that we clearly label the origin of the product, allowing people to make an informed decision.” In a book on Marks and Spencer, Lord Marcus Sieff - long time Chairman of Marks and Spencer - wrote that one of the fundamental objectives of Marks and Spencer is to aid the economic development of Israel (Management: The Marks Spencer Way,
