Bismillah [IslamCity] Yemen dismantles Israel-linked 'terrorist' cell; Says group operated under 'slogan of Islam'
Says group operated under 'slogan of Islam' Yemen dismantles Israel-linked 'terrorist' cell http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/10/06/57781.html SANAA (Agencies) Yemen announced on Monday the dismantling of a terrorist cell which Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh said was linked to Israeli intelligence services. A terrorist cell was arrested five days ago and will be referred to the judicial authorities for its links with the Israeli intelligence services, Saleh was quoted as saying by the official Saba news agency. He said the group operated under the slogan of Islam. Israel is considered an enemy by Islamist militants. It was not immediately clear if Saleh was referring to militants belonging to a group calling itself Islamic Jihad, who were arrested last month. A Yemeni security official told Reuters that authorities had found evidence of contacts by those militants with Israelis. The Yemeni president made the statement during a meeting with politicians, security and military officials, and tribal leaders at Al-Mukalla University in the eastern province of Hadramawt. Saleh did not say how many people were arrested or give details on their links to Israeli intelligence. Details of the trial will be announced later, he told the gathering. You will hear about what goes on in the proceedings, Saleh said, urging Yemen's political parties to close ranks and cooperate to confront acts of terrorism, Saba reported. In August, Yemeni security forces arrested five suspected al-Qaeda militants in Hadramawt, days after the authorities revealed they had uncovered a new terrorist cell near the port city of al-Mukalla. Yemen, ancestral homeland of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, has been battling suspected al-Qaeda militants since before the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. The impoverished Arabian Peninsula country has in past months seen a series of attacks on security services and oil installations claimed by groups linked to al-Qaeda. The latest attack in September targeted the U.S. embassy in the capital Sanaa, where 18 people were killed when militants detonated a booby-trapped car before firing a volley of rockets at the heavily fortified mission. The attack was the second since April targeting the U.S. embassy. The twin suicide car bombings on the embassy were the biggest militant operation in Yemen since the attacks on the French tanker Limburg in 2002 and the U.S. warship Cole in 2000. The government joined the U.S.-led war against terrorism following the September 11 attacks on U.S. cities in 2001. It has jailed scores of militants in connection with bombings of Western targets and clashes with authorities, but is still viewed in the West as a haven for Islamist militants. top_nav.jpg?ref=2 Description: Binary data
Bismillah [IslamCity] Why do Hindus violently assault Christians?
Bishop Angelo Gracias of the Roman Catholic diocese of Bombay separates fact from fiction and explains why claims of forced conversions by Christians are lies. He says no religion is as missionary as Hinduism, while Christian have the right to convert. By Angelo Gracias Mgr Agnelo Gracias, auxiliary bishop of Bombay, looks at anti- Christian violence in Orissa and other Indian states. Separating fact from fiction, he explains why claims that Christians engage in forced conversions are lies, asserts that Christians have a right to evangelize and that anyone has the right to convert, and shows that there is no religion as missionary as Hinduism. Let us look at the phenomenon of the recent attacks against Christians. We shall examine first the alleged reasons for these attacks, and then go into what are perhaps the real causes for the attacks. And since conversion is one of the main reasons brought forward, in a third part, we shall examine the issue of conversion. I. Alleged Reasons for the Attacks: 1. Christians are being attacked because of the killing of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati in Orissa. Investigations point to the involvement of Maoists in the killing. In fact, the killing was condemned by Christians. Leaders like Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay, condemned the killing in his press conference. The official Catholic body of the Church, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) also condemned it in its press release. The Chairman of the Orissa Catholic Bishops Conference, Bishop Thomas Thiruthalil, condemned it. If I may quote the words of his press conference, The Catholic Community in Orissa was once again terribly shocked by the brutal murder of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and four of his close associates... We, the Catholic community in Orissa deeply condemn the barbarous incident In spite of this, the VHP and Bajrang Dal whipped up the mobs to attack hristians. They wanted a pretext to launch their attacks. 2. Christians are being attacked because of a pamphlet denigrating Hinduism supposedly published by the New Life Movement. If such a pamphlet has actually been circulated, one must first investigate who published it and punish the evil-doers, not use it as a pretext to attack Christians indiscriminately. New Life has denied that they published any such pamphlet. It is extremely unlikely that any Christian group would have engaged in such a foolhardy act at this point of time. For all one knows, the pamphlet might have been published by some anti- Christian group themselves to stoke up communal flames! There is a common misapprehension that Christians disdain other religions. The stand of the Catholic Church on this point is clear. With regard to other religions, Vatican Council II spelt out the Church's position very clearly: The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men. Therefore the Church exhorts Catholics prudently and lovingly, through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, and in witness of Christian faith and life, to acknowledge, preserve and promote the spiritual and moral goods found among these people, as well as the values in their society and culture (Nostra Aetate, art 2). 3. Christians are being attacked because of conversions; the bogey of conversions is constantly used by the VHP and Bajrang Dal. Let us look at this issue squarely: If there were so many thousands of conversions, as claimed, the number of Christians should have skyrocketed. The opposite is true. The Census of India shows a decline in the percentage of the Christian population of India vis-à-vis the total population: 2.6 per cent in 1971; 2.44 per cent in 1981 and 2.32 per cent in 1991, 2.3 per cent in 2001! This decline continues. Forced conversions? The Catholic Church is totally against the use of any form of force. Vatican Council II has declared: The Church strictly forbids forcing anyone to embrace the Faith, or alluring or enticing people by worrisome wiles. By the same token, she also strongly insists on this right that no one should be frightened away from the Faith by unjust vexations on the part of others (Ad Gentes, art 13). Canon Law is explicit: No one is ever permitted to coerce persons to embrace the Catholic faith against their conscience (Canon 748.2). Conversion by allurements? This is an oft-repeated lie. Blessed Mother Teresa wrote in 1979: Do not belittle the Hindu religion saying that our Hindu poor people give up their religion for 'a plate of rice'. To my knowledge, I have not seen this being done, though we feed thousands of poor of all castes and creeds, though thousands have died in our hands, beautifully in peace with God. The opposite
Bismillah [IslamCity] BBC:Hijacked tanks 'for South Sudan'
Hijacked tanks 'for South Sudan' The BBC has seen evidence suggesting that the Ukrainian ship being held by pirates off Somalia is carrying weapons and tanks destined for South Sudan. A copy of the freight manifest appears to show contracts were made by Kenya on behalf of South Sudan's government. Kenya has repeatedly said the weapons on board the MV Faina are for its army. A South Sudanese official said South Sudan had nothing to do with the tanks. The MV Faina is currently surrounded by warships monitoring the situation. Last week, the Somali government said the ship's owners were involved in direct negotiations with the pirates, who are demanding a $20m (£11m) ransom. 'Diplomatic embarrassment' A copy of the MV Faina's manifest given to the BBC appears to confirm that the contract was issued on behalf of South Sudan, although the Kenyan defence ministry is named as the consignee. Contract numbers for tanks, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and anti-aircraft guns contain the initials GOSS, which military sources tell the BBC is a reference to the Government Of South Sudan. This is an acronym commonly used in Sudan. But Francis Nazario, head of South Sudan's mission in Brussels, said he had seen the manifest and it did not prove anything. What I know is that we have nothing at all to do with the content of this ship, and the ship was not heading for South Sudan, he told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme. I think if there was anything like that we would not hide it because constitutionally we have the right to do so, to bring arms from anywhere. The Kenyan government has not yet commented on the document but it has been presented to the defence and foreign relations committee of Kenya's parliament. Kenya has repeatedly insisted that the shipment was part of a programme to restock its military. The BBC's Karen Allen in Nairobi says that this will be a huge embarrassment to the Kenyan government. Although the import of military hardware is not illegal, it does put Kenya in a tight spot diplomatically, our correspondent says, not least because it was Kenya which helped broker an end to the civil war between South Sudan and the government in Khartoum in 2005. Meanwhile, a Kenyan court has ordered the release of Andrew Mwangura, a spokesman for the Kenyan chapter of the Seafarers Assistance Programme, who had been arrested after he said the tanks were bound for South Sudan. Mr Mwangura was charged with making alarming statements and illegal possession of marijuana. The MV Faina is currently moored off the coast of Somalia, close to the town of Hobyo. There have been conflicting reports about where its cargo was destined for since it was captured two weeks ago. Military balance Last week, Western military experts told the BBC that the tanks on board the MV Faina were going to Sudan and that the shipment indicated an arms race between North and South Sudan had begun. They are reported to both be building up their forces ahead of a referendum on independence for the South in 2011. The military experts, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a previous delivery of tanks had taken place last November. Helmoed Heitman, Africa correspondent for Jane's Defence Weekly, also said he had reports that more than 100 T-72 and T-55 Russian tanks have been received by the southern Sudanese in recent months. If these reports are true, they could change the regional military balance, he told the BBC. Kenya could be seen as playing the same role as Cuba did during the Angolan civil war - when they armed the MPLA. The experts said the tanks would most likely be dug in along Sudan's north-south border, with the tanks using their guns to protect military installations. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7656662.stm Published: 2008/10/07 16:09:25 GMT
Bismillah [IslamCity] Fw: British Company-Engineers Requirement in Saudi
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Bismillah [IslamCity] Three Simple Questions
The Financial Crisis who did it ? who profited ? and who are the Victims ? The Invasion of Iraq who did it ? who profited ? and who are the Victims ? The Rape of Palestine who did it ? who profited ? and who are the Victims ?? If you knew the answers , already, then , you are not necessarily a genius. But if you did not know , then , come down to Planet-Earth. Sherlock Hommos 8Th. of October 2008
Bismillah [IslamCity] Gaining the Reward of Performing Salah the whole night
Gaining the Reward of Performing Salah the whole night 1071. Uthman bin Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: One who performs `Isha' prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night. And one who performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat the whole night.'' [Muslim] Commentary: This Hadith tells us that the reward of performing `Isha' and Fajr prayers in congregation is so great that it equals the worship of the whole night. 1072.Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, If they knew the merits of Salat after nightfall (`Isha') and the morning (Fajr) Salat, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] 1073. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, No Salat is more burdensome to the hypocrites than the Fajr (dawn) prayer and the `Isha' (night) prayer; and if they knew their merits, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: `Isha' and Fajr prayers were, and still are, very hard for the hypocrites for the reason that they performed Salat only to make a show of it and not for the fear of Allah. Therefore, Muslims should not show any laziness in them at all, lest they develop a resemblance with the hypocrites. The above is taken from Urging to Observe 'Isha' and Fajr Prayers in Congregation - Riyadh ul saaliheen
Bismillah [IslamCity] Responding To Zardari
The mandarins of South Block owe a response to the Pakistan President who has stuck his neck out. They owe it to the people of Kashmir, divided and disenchanted for six decades. They owe it to India, continuing to bleed from a thousand cuts. RAJINDER PURI Speaking to the Wall Street Journal President Zardari said he did not consider India to be a threat. He sought better relations with India through free trade. He described the militants in JK as terrorists, not freedom fighters. The last observation invited flak in Pakistan. Not surprisingly Nawaz Sharif behaved like a characteristic South Asian opposition party. He appeared to deliberately distort the issue and oppose for the sake of opposition. Zardari's statement was misunderstood by Indian TV anchors, who either do not know the English language or lack elementary logic. Mehbooba Mufti made her own contribution to collective stupidity by contradicting Zardari. Nowhere had Zardari commented on the substantive Kashmir issue. Nowhere did he suggest that terrorists were either Pakistani or of Indian origin. He merely condemned acts of violence by those generally described as Kashmiri militants. Is there any doubt that killing school children and women through bomb blasts amounts to terrorism? One day after his interview with WSJ Zardari clarified that he had not shifted his stand on the basic issue of Kashmir. To compound their stupidity TV commentators blared that by saying this he had backtracked. The dense fog of stupidity, obfuscation and mischief being deliberately created renders all the more compelling the need for an adequate official Indian response to Pakistan's President. Zardari has spoken with courage to take on his domestic opposition. He has moved even beyond Musharraf by opening the door to a peaceful solution that may involve out of the box thinking. What most Indians need to understand is that a policy that perpetuates the status quo is in the long run self defeating. When Pakistan occupies half of Kashmir that we continue to claim as Indian, there is an unresolved problem. When it is recorded history that Pandit Nehru accepted Kashmir's accession with the caveat that it should be subject to the approval of the people of Kashmir, there is an unresolved problem. When almost all politicians in Kashmir continue to agitate peacefully for a new deal, ranging from more autonomy, to bifurcation of the state, to outright secession, there is an unresolved problem. This scribe will not suggest how the government should respond to Zardari. He would avoid repeating himself. But it should be amply clear to the mandarins of South Block that some response must be given. They owe it to Zardari who has stuck his neck out. They owe it to the people of Kashmir, divided and disenchanted for six decades. They owe it to India, continuing to bleed from a thousand cuts. Link: http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp? fodname=20081007fname=zardarisid=1
Bismillah [IslamCity] CNBC World - Islamic Finance: Applying religion to economics
CNBC World - Islamic Finance: Applying religion to economics http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsyWh1DLIUg
Bismillah [IslamCity] Zardari's Kashmir statement under attack
Zardari's Kashmir statement under attack http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Regional/Lahore/08-Oct-2008/Zardaris-Kashmir-statement-under-attack Source: OUR STAFF REPORTER submitted 1 day 11 hours ago LAHORE - Speakers of a dialogue have said that statement of President Asif Ali Zardari over Kashmir issue was parallel to stabbing the freedom movement of Kashmir. They were of the view that Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with the resolutions of the UNO and All Parties Conference must be called in this regard to adopt a unanimous stance over the issue. The dialogue on the topic of “Current Situation of Kashmir” was held at the Hameed Nizami Hall addressed by PML(N) MNA Bilal Yaseen, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr Fareed Ahmad Piracha, Member Kashmir Assembly Ghulam Mohayy-ud-Din, Mufti Muhammad Shafi Joush, and Sadiq Jalal, Chairman Kashmir Center. Bilal Yaseen in his address said that Pakistan fought two wars against India over the issue of Kashmir in the past and it would fight more in the future in this regard. He said that statement of the president was condemnable and he would raise the issue in the Parliament. He asked political parties to take notice of the attitude of the government wherein after America, India was also being considered as our boss. He demanded the decisive role of Pakistan in Kashmir freedom movement. He was of the view that during present government no decision was being taken in the Parliament rather issues were being taken to Parliament after taking decisions outside the Parliament. He said that Zardari has injured the feelings of the people of Pakistan by issuing such statement. Dr Fareed Ahmad Piracha said that Zardari’s comments over Kashmir issue showed his loyalty to India. He said that president Zardari was also being supported by India in matchless way. Piracha said that India was firmed with her stance over Kashmir for last 60 years but unfortunately here every dictator on his arrival in power changed his stance over Kashmir. He said that Musharraf changed his stance over Kashmir for six times and Zardari has changed his view about three times. Truck used in Marriott Hotel blast was present in Indian Embassy in Islamabad, India has blocked our water in various rivers, India was killing our prisoners and Kahsmiri brethren but our government was ready to sent back the spy Sarbajeet Singh to India, he added. Ghulam Mohyyud Din said that statement of the president about Kashmir was international conspiracy, despite showing a lot of flexibility by Pakistan over Kashmir issue India was firmed with its stance over Kashmir. He demanded the removal of Maulana Fazalur Rehman from the office of head of Kashmir Committee. Shafi Joush also criticised the role of Maulana Fazalur Rehman and said that he has failed to perform any positive role so he should be replaced by a suitable person from his office. Sadiq Jalal said that Zardari has already passed such controversial statement over Kashmir he should be careful in this regard.
Bismillah [IslamCity] Full text of the September 29, 2008, draft bailout bill
Full text of the September 29, 2008, draft bailout bill: http://www.latimes.com/media/acrobat/2008-09/42631254.pdf White House Comment Lines: Ph: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461 US Capitol Switchboard Toll-free: 1-866-340-9281 1-866-220-0044 1-800-450-8293 1-877-851-6437 1-800-833-6354 1-888-355-3588 1-866-808-0065 1-877-762-8762 1-800-862-5530
Bismillah [IslamCity] Western Teenage Girl
Western Teenage Girl By Sultana Yusufali (a 17-year-old high school student) Published in Toronto Star Young People’s Press An insightful and personal account of why a Western teenage girl would reject the 'wonders' of fashion, and want to cover herself in the hijab (veil). I probably do not fit into the preconceived notion of a “rebel”. I have no visible tattoos and minimal piercing. I do not possess a leather jacket. In fact, when most people look at me, their first thought usually is something along the lines of “oppressed female”. The brave individuals who have mustered the courage to ask me about the way I dress usually have questions like: “Do your parents make you wear that?” or “Don’t you find that really unfair?” A while back, a couple of girls in Montreal were kicked out of school for dressing like I do. It seems strange that a little piece of cloth would make for such a controversy. Perhaps the fear is that I am harboring an Uzi machine gun underneath it! Of course, the issue at hand is more than a mere piece of cloth. I am a Muslim woman who, like millions of other Muslim women across the globe, chooses to wear a hijab. And the concept of the hijab, contrary to popular opinion, is actually one of the most fundamental aspects of female empowerment. When I cover myself, I make it virtually impossible for people to judge me according to the way I look. I cannot be categorized because of my attractiveness or lack thereof. Compare this to life in today’s society: We are constantly sizing one another up on the basis of our clothing, jewelry, hair and makeup. What kind of depth can there be in a world like this? Yes, I have a body, a physical manifestation upon this Earth. But it is the vessel of an intelligent mind and a strong spirit. It is not for the beholder to leer at or to use in advertisements to sell everything from beer to cars. Because of the superficiality of the world in which we live, external appearances are so stressed that the value of the individual counts for almost nothing. It is a myth that women in today’s society are liberated. What kind of freedom can there be when a woman cannot walk down the street without every aspect of her physical self being “checked out”? When I wear the hijab I feel safe from all of this. I can rest assured that no one is looking at me and making assumptions about my character from the length of my skirt. There is a barrier between me and those who would exploit me. I am first and foremost a human being, one of the saddest truths of our time is the question of the beauty myth and female self-image. Reading popular teenage magazines, you can instantly find out what kind of body image is “in” or “out” . And if you have the “wrong” body type, well, then, you’re just going to change it, aren’t you? After all, there is no way you can be overweight and still be beautiful. Look at any advertisement. Is a woman being used to sell the product? How old is she? How attractive is she? What is she wearing? More often than not, that woman will be no older than her early 20s, taller, slimmer, and more attractive than average, and dressed in skimpy clothing. Why do we allow ourselves to be manipulated like this? Whether the 90s woman wishes to believe it or not, she is being forced into a mould. She is being coerced into selling herself, into compromising herself. This is why we have 13-year-old girls sticking their fingers down their throats to vomit and overweight adolescents hanging themselves. When people ask me if I feel oppressed, I can honestly say no. I made this decision of my own free will. I like the fact that I am taking control of the way other people perceive me. I enjoy the fact that I don’t give anyone anything to look at and that I have released myself from the bondage of the swinging pendulum of the fashion industry and other institutions that exploit females. My body is my own business. Nobody can tell me how I should look or whether or not I am beautiful. I know that there is more to me than that. I am also able to say no comfortably when people ask me if I feel as if my sexuality is being repressed. I have taken control of my sexuality. I am thankful I will never have to suffer the fate of trying to lose / gain weight or trying to find the exact lipstick shade that will go with my skin colour. I have made choices about what my priorities are and these are not among them. So next time you see me, don’t look at me sympathetically. I am not under duress or a male-worshiping female captive from those barbarous Arab deserts. I’ve been liberated!
Bismillah [IslamCity] Do Not Publicize Sins........
Bismillah Hir Rahmaan Nir Raheem Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatuhu The Book Pertaining to Piety and Softening of Hearts (Kitab Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqa'iq) Muslim :: Book 42 : Hadith 7124 Abu Huraira[may Allah be pleased with him] reported *Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: All the people of my Ummah would get pardon for their sins except those who publicise them*. And (it means) that a servant should do a deed during the night and tell the people in the morning that he has done so and so, whereas Allah has concealed it. And he does a deed during the day and when it is night he tells the people, whereas Allah has concealed it. Zuhair has used the word hijar for publicising. The Book Pertaining to Repentance and Exhortation to Repentance (Kitab Al-Tauba) Muslim :: Book 37 : Hadith 6620 Abu Sirma [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that when the time of the death of Abu Ayyub Ansari drew near, he said: I used to conceal from you a thing which I heard from Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and *I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as sayirig: Had you not committed sins, Allah would have brought into existence a creation that would have committed sin (and Allah) would have forgiven them.* The Book of Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah) Muslim :: Book 2 : Hadith 441 'Amr b Sa'id b al-As [may Allah be pleased with him] reported: I was, with Uthman that he called for ablution water and said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) say: When the time for a prescribed prayer comes, if any Muslim perform ablution well and offers his prayer) with humility and bowing, *it will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he has not committed a major sin; and this applies to for all times.* *-- **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*
Bismillah [IslamCity] Arab world generally safe from world economic turmoil
Arab world generally safe from world economic turmoil Galal Fakkar | Arab News JEDDAH: The individuals living in the Arab world, including the six GCC countries, will be less affected by the current international financial crisis whose brunt will be on banks having investment portfolios in the world markets, particularly in the US, president of the Federation of Arab Banks Adnan Ahmed Youssif told Arab News in an interview yesterday. He expected the negative impact of the crisis on individuals only for the short-term. Youssif speculated that the crisis might continue for more than 18 months and said the impact of the crisis on Arab banks will vary from one bank to another. He said Islamic banks will be the least affected by the repercussions of the international financial crisis because of the nature of their transactions in the local markets and because they were not involved in the international banking system. Youssif said his organization had earlier warned banks in the region that such a crisis was imminent due to some signals derived from the performance of the American economy. This has reduced the influence of the crisis on the Arab banks, he said. He expected the return of some Arab investments from outside in the coming period within the precautionary measures being taken by banks and investors to avoid the impact of the crisis. http://www.arabnews.com/?page=6section=0article=115238d=8m=10y=2008
Bismillah [IslamCity] Islam Bus Project - 6 Shahadas in 6 days! - Update Week 2
In the Name of Allah, the most Merciful and most Kind. Alhamdulillah 6 Shahadas! Coming up next issue - Video interview of Bus Riders [image: Fox News Video]http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fgainpeace.com%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D71%26Itemid%3D70id=preview *Fox News Videohttp://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fgainpeace.com%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D71%26Itemid%3D70id=preview * [image: ChipIn]http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Ficnachicago.org%2Findex.php%2Fchipin%3Fafca52eff16b15100a78b64e0a30b475%3D3e5f7f3263371b204e131bfa8c94e87cid=preview Donate Nowhttp://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fgainpeace.com%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D71%26Itemid%3D70id=preview ! [image: GainPeace Video]http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fgainpeace.com%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D71%26Itemid%3D70id=preview *GainPeace Videohttp://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fgainpeace.com%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D71%26Itemid%3D70id=preview * Feedback from non-Muslims Week 2 - *Alhamdulillah, 6 shahada!* - *200+ Calls received on our 1-800-662-ISLAM (4752)* - *75+ request for a free translation of the Quran* - *1000s of hits on the www.GainPeace.comhttp://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fgainpeace.com%2Fid=previewwebsite * - *Non-Muslims asking questions to learn more about Islam* - *Ex-Muslims calling to gain more info on Islam to revert back to the Islam!* - *So, what happens after a person embraces Islam? Learn more here.http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fgainpeace.com%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D109%3Anew-muslims-support-services%26catid%3D6%3Anew-muslims%26Itemid%3D63id=preview * *Testimonials...** From an atheist*- It is about time that Muslims are doing this ad campaign - it shows that Muslims are now part of this society. *From a Christian* - I saw this bus with Islam on it - Can you please send me a copy of the Quran?* From former Muslims* - I was born into a Muslim family but stopped being a Muslim. Your ad (on bus) made me to reexamine my heritage and learn more about Islam.* From Muslims* - I am delighted to see your organization is doing such a spectacular job with Chicago Transit (CTA). Please Donate Help Us Keep this Project Alive![image: Donate Now!]http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chipin.com%2Fcontribute%2Fid%2Ff669645e685fb4f1id=preview Cost: One Bus for one Month = $600 One Bus for 2 Weeks = $300 One Bus for 1 week = $150 Or pay any amount... Payment Methods 1. Donate Online herehttp://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chipin.com%2Fcontribute%2Fid%2Ff669645e685fb4f1id=preview 2. By Check Payable to: 'ICNA Chicago'' 6224 N. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60659 Want to start a Bus Project in your city? Do you need logistical assistance? Have us assist you from A-Z in launching dawah projects? Call 1-800-662-ISLAM (4752) or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] [image: Press Release]http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fgainpeace.com%2Fid=previewPress Coverage - Press Releasehttp://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fgainpeace.com%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D55%3Abus-ad-compaign-press-release%26catid%3D13%3Apress-release%26Itemid%3D21id=preview - Fox News TVhttp://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fgainpeace.com%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D71%26Itemid%3D70id=preview - Radio 1240 AM - Radio 1590 AM - DesiTalk - Urdu Times Coming soon: - Voice of America - TV Asia *Other outreach projects of GainPeace:* - Billboard on Islam on Major highways[image: GainPeace Newsletter] - Radio ad on Islam - Islam informational Booths in Public places - Library - Islam display and lectures - House to House dawah - Training seminars - New Muslim support services - Mentoring About GainPeace: A newly launched initiative of the Islamic Circle of North America, GainPeace is one of the primary tools for Dawah in the 21st century. GainPeace has initiated many projects and activities to help clear misconceptions about Islam. The 1.800.662.ISLAM (4752), a toll-free hotline was established to help those who are seeking more information about Islam. For more information visit: GainPeace (click here)http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fkd4hscab.0.0.pogkvkcab.0p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainpeace.comid=preview, call us at 1.800.662.ISLAM (4752), or email us at [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Anas Faruqui
Bismillah [IslamCity] Work on Mecca monorail to begin after Haj
Work on SR20bn Makkah monorail to begin after Haj
P. K. Abdul Ghafour | Arab News
JEDDAH: Work on the first phase of an SR20 billion Makkah monorail project will
start in December soon after the Haj season to facilitate transportation of
pilgrims between the holy sites of Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa. The
project is designed to transport five million pilgrims.
“An agreement will be signed with the winner of the contract to implement the
project soon after Haj,” said Dr. Habeeb Zain Al-Abidine, deputy minister of
municipal and rural affairs and secretary-general of the Commission for
Development of Makkah, Madinah and the Holy Sites. Five specialized
international companies, which were short-listed from 10, are competing for the
multibillion dollar project, he said, adding that a meeting chaired by Prince
Miteb, minister of municipal and rural affairs and chairman of the commission,
would be held tomorrow to open their tenders.
Zain Al-Abidine said a feasibility study conducted by an international company
had proposed five monorails linking the holy sites. Custodian of the Two Holy
Mosques King Abdullah has given his approval to the project that will ease
transportation of more than three million pilgrims between the holy sites.
“The feasibility study suggested the second monorail be built two to three
years after the construction of the first one,” he said, adding that a single
monorail would cost SR4 billion. The first monorail beginning from Mina will
transport nearly one million pilgrims including 360,000 Arab pilgrims.
Monorail, which is a single rail serving as the track for a wheeled or
(magnetically) levitating vehicle, has been rapidly paving its way as a modern
urban transit system, providing the most-sought-after transportation solutions
for a built-up congested city. The Makkah monorails will be 8 to 10 meters
above the ground to ensure smooth flow of pedestrians and vehicles.
Zain Al-Abidine said the implementation of the project in the holy sites would
help withdraw 25,000 buses from a total of 70,000 used by domestic pilgrims as
well as pilgrims who come by land from neighboring countries. He said the
system would help transport at least 500,000 pilgrims within six to eight hours.
According to the present study, monorails will have a station west of the
stoning area in Mina in order to transport pilgrims to the second and fourth
levels of the high-tech Jamrat Bridge .
With Kind Regards
Mohammad Usman
Jeddah-SAUDI ARABIA
* O Prophet (pbuh) preach to them (the Truth), for preaching proves beneficial
for the Believers Adh-Dhariyat: 55
** O Messenger {Muhammad (pbuh)}! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent
down to you from your Lord. Al-Maidah: 67
*** Accept the True faith, do righteous deeds, recommend the Truth and patience
to one another. As recommended in Al-Asr: 03
IMPORTANT: This article is being circulated to inform our Muslim brothers and
sisters as to the current affairs affecting the Muslims; circulation of this
article should therefore not be misconstrued as anything but the sharing of
such information.
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Bismillah [IslamCity] India deploys troops to quell ethnic clashes
* Curfews imposed in affected areas with shoot-on-sight orders GUWAHATI: India's Assam state deployed thousands of paramilitary troops Monday to quell clashes between Muslim migrants and tribal groups that have left more than 30 people dead. More than 60,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the violence that broke out Friday and swiftly spread through three districts of the northeastern state. A senior Assam police official said an additional 2,100 paramilitary personnel were being sent to the affected areas, where curfews with shoot-on-sight orders have already been imposed. The clashes, between members of the Bodo tribal group and Muslim settlers originally from Bangladesh, have witnessed raids on numerous villages by groups armed with bows and poison-tipped arrows, spears and machetes. They set fire to a large a number of homes in my village, said Dipali Basumatary, who had taken shelter with her two children in a government-run relief camp. At least half the fatalities so far have been people killed in police firing. Although there have been tensions between indigenous and immigrant communities in Assam, violence on such a scale is extremely rare, and some state officials accused local separatist groups of fuelling the unrest. Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the root cause was a programme of ethnic cleansing implemented by the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), a rebel group fighting for an independent tribal homeland. They want to drive out all non-Bodos from the area ... it's a systematic pogrom, Sarma told AFP The NDFB, which is a largely Christian outfit, entered into a ceasefire with the Indian government in 2005, but has never renounced its independence struggle. We are investigating reports of the involvement of the NDFB in the clashes and, if proved, we shall be forced to call off the ceasefire, said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. More than 10,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam during the past two decades. afp source : http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C10%5C07% 5Cstory_7-10-2008_pg4_18
Bismillah [IslamCity] Islamic Banks Withstand Mortgage Crisis
Islamic Banks Withstand Mortgage Crisis The Islamic bank has a fantastic year, the underlying trend of Islamic banking businesses within ABC is very good, said Smith. (Reuters) MANAMA - Islamic banks have succeeded where all others have failed, withstanding the US subprime mortgage crisis which left global markets rattling. The Islamic bank has a fantastic year, the underlying trend of Islamic banking businesses within ABC is very good, a senior official of the Arab Banking Corporation told the Reuters Islamic Finance summit on Monday, February 4. Duncan Smith, the head of the Corporation's Islamic operations, said a focus on regional business and efforts to ensure products complied with Shari`ah helped shield his unit from credit-market losses. The bank's 2007 earnings from conventional non-Islamic departments fell to $125 million from $202 million in 2006. The ongoing American subprime mortgage crisis, which is making international headlines, was sparked off last year when a steep rise in the rate of foreclosures caused more than 100 lenders to fail or file for bankruptcy. The crisis had a domino effect on the US economy and stock market, which in turn affected almost all stock markets worldwide as early as last month. Global banks have written down more than $80 billion in credit market losses since October alone as defaults on subprime mortgages triggered a credit crisis that threatens to tip the US economy into recession. None of Malaysia's Islamic banks have been hit by write-downs resulting from the crisis and the resulting global credit crunch, second finance minister Mohamed Nor Yakcop told the three-day summit in the Bahraini capital Manama. He said holders of sukuk or Islamic bonds have been shielded from the worst effects of the subprime mortgage meltdown. Instead of interest, Islamic banks operate on the principle of sharing risk and reward among all parties in a business venture. Growing Sukuk has now become a very popular product, said Nor Mohammad. (Reuters) Economists say the global credit crunch triggered by the subprime crisis has spurred greater interest in Shari`ah-compliant financing. There is a feeling that the way Islamic finance is structured - the lack of freedom in leveraging, the need for real assets - that there will be some who will find Islamic financing interesting, said the Malaysian official. He said interest in financial instruments that comply with Islamic prohibitions against investing in sectors such as alcohol, pornography and gambling was starting to emerge in China and South Korea. Sukuk has now become a very popular product, Mohamed Nor stressed, adding that officials from Hong Kong had consulted with Malaysia on Islamic finance. Rasheed al-Maraj, the governor of Bahrain's Central Bank, believes the mortgage crisis could encourage weary investors to throw their weight behind Islamic assets and stocks given the collapse of Western asset prices. Maybe Islamic banking will be a safe bet for them, he said. I think opportunities exist in the United States and Europe as a result of this financial distress. Giant banks like America's Citigroup, Britain's HSBC and Germany's Deutsche Bank recently launched Shari`ah-compliant branches. A Deutsche Bank executive told Reuters that it was helping US and Canadian firms to sell Islamic bonds in Malaysia this year worth between $300-500 million in ringgit. Having about 76 percent of the world's Islamic bonds, Malaysia has been promoting itself as a hub for Islamic finance but faces rivalry from neighboring Singapore and Brunei. The Islamic banking industry, which began almost three decades ago, has made substantial growth and attracted the attention of investors and bankers across the world. There are an estimated 300 Islamic banks and financial institutions worldwide whose assets are predicted to grow to $1 trillion by 2010. http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_Ccid=1201957590961pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout Satellite_blobcol=urldatablobheader=image%2Fjpegblobkey=idblobtable=MungoBlobsblobwhere=1201953062774ssbinary=true.dat Description: Binary data Satellite_blobcol=urldatablobheader=image%2Fjpegblobkey=idblobtable=MungoBlobsblobwhere=1201953062786ssbinary=true.dat Description: Binary data
