By A Staff Writer
The year 2006 seems to be the era of Blogs. A chain of pro-Islam authentic blogs will go a long way in countering the anti-Islam propaganda in the world today.
The latest tool for the propagation of Islam and also for the anti- Islam propagation are the thousands of blogs on the Internet. More than the pro- Islam blogs, it is the anti-Islam propaganda which is currently dominating. But gradually, hundreds of authentic and pro-Islam blogs are now being uploaded.
To counter the anti-Islam propaganda on the Internet through blogs, those who have access to the Internet should start playing an active role in these new blog worlds by uploading new blogs giving quality and authentic information about Islam and also by countering the anti-Islam propaganda. Uploading a customised blog hardly takes three minutes.
Blogging is a term which is synonymous with majority of today’s tech enabled younger generation. It has become an instant success in India too. Today, most of the top Indian websites are providing blogging facilities totally free of cost which has resulted in the ever growing number of bloggers.
In simpler terms, a blog is a website where a person writes on anything that pleases him and has an option of keeping it open for others to read. The latest entries show up on the top, and there is an additional option of linking to it or sending an email to the author of the blog. Originally, blogs were means of publishing and communication to a web audience. It started as a tech-based thing when product developers and engineers began using it as a way of communicating with their clients and customers. Previously, blogging was limited to techies and other computer geeks. However, today, this has undergone a radical change.
Blogging today is being used for a number of purposes which ranges from casual individual use to large multi-nationals requiring important feedback for their products. The uniqueness of the blog is the fact that it is free to be viewed by the public and its interactivity makes it an instant success on the internet.
There are a number of blogs, including religious blogs which are visited by bloggers on a regular basis who keep filling their views. The success of the blog can also be measured by the fact that celebrities and scholars also have their blogs that are frequently updated and intended for general public consumption.
According to recent statistics by the India Online 2005 report, there are approximately 1.2 million users and posters of blogs. There has been a huge turnaround in the profile of the bloggers. Today in India itself, there are loads of people who are blogging - ranging from the ever bustling college going teenagers to the junior and senior executives.
There have been certain interesting insights that have been noticed regarding bloggers in India like male bloggers seem to be significantly more in number as compared to females. Secondly, the most active blogging segment were from the 25-30 age group and almost 75 per cent of the bloggers live in the metropolitan cities and are well educated.
These developments need to be used for the propagation of Islam to the global community at no cost whatsoever as most of the sites offer blog space totally free. The question now arises, how do I blog? The answer has become extremely simple these days. There are many websites that now offer opportunities for a person to start blogging. Websites such as www.blogspot.com, MSN Spaces, www.blogger.com, are among the more popular websites that offer this service. All one has to do is just sign on to these websites that would host one’s blog.
The next thing that you have to do is just follow the steps like entering personalised details, and click your way to the end and you have your own space. This would enable you to share photos and other information with friends and other members from all over the globe. It is as simple as that for getting your own blog started.
So what makes a great blog? The first thing that makes a successful blog is the interest factor. It should be interesting enough which makes people respond to it.
The next thing that must be kept in mind while creating a personal blog is the “creativity aspect”. There are many websites which provide excellent background for personal spaces.
The whole idea for people to blog is the fact that they have a great opportunity to express themselves in an innovative and informative manner. So a chain of such pro- Islam authentic blogs will go a long way in countering the anti-Islam propaganda and also communicate the message of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) to the global community.
http://www.islamicvoice.com/January2006/Trends/
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Family Ties
The Role of Youth in Keeping the Family Together
By Altaf Husain**
Apr. 29, 2006
Scenario 1:
Abdullah was only nine years old when his mother and father divorced. He had no idea what that word meant when his mom first told him, "Your father and I are getting a divorce." He knew his parents fought a lot and sometimes, he found his mother crying in the kitchen. Once his father raised his hand to strike his mother, but stopped short of it. Abdullah thought divorce meant getting help and trying to solve problems facing the family.
He was in shock when he found his father packing boxes, filling them up with only what belonged to his father. "What are you doing, Dad?" he asked. His father told him that because of the divorce, he was not allowed to live in the same house anymore and that he was moving to another town close by. His father continued, "Your mother and I have decided this is the best thing to do."
Move out? What does that mean? When was anyone going to tell? What about what I want to happen? What about what's best for me? Alas, the decision was made and there was little Abdullah could do to change it. His father moved out, and Abdullah grew up with his mother. He only had very little involvement with his father. Angry with his father for abandoning him, Abdullah kept company with other boys who were prone to committing sins. Abdullah wanted so much to get his father's attention. Unfortunately, his father kept away, and Abdullah fell deeper and deeper into sin. His mother was overwhelmed but continued to make du`aa' (supplication) to Allah to guide Abdullah and to set him back on the straight path.
Scenario 2:
Khadijah, Nusaybah, and Ahmed were 15, 13, and 10 years old when their father passed away and their mother remarried. They clearly remember how upset their grandparents on both sides were because of their mother's decision to remarry. Their grandparents, uncles and aunts all vowed never to speak to their mother again and severed ties with her family.
Their step-father was a nice man and they understood very well that although their mother loved their father very much, she remarried for her own well-being as well as that of them. Now, with their step-father living with them, the children could not bear to be cut-off from their extended family. Khadijah and Nusaybah decided something had to be done.
They called their paternal grandfather one day and told him how much they missed their father. Their grandfather comforted them. They told their grandfather that, al-hamdu lillah, they were fortunate that their step-father was so much like their father and that they were very happy with him. Their grandfather's heart inclined towards meeting this man who was so much like his own son. After only a few minutes with the step-father, the grandfather felt relieved that indeed the children had a father in their lives and that his daughter-in-law felt secure and happy. In no time at all, the grandfather spoke with all the elders of the family and convinced them that the family ties should be restored.
Can you relate to either of the scenarios above? Do you have friends whose parents are divorced? What about friends who have a step-father or a step-mother? What would you have done if you were Abdullah? What if you were Khadijah, Nusaybah, or Ahmed?
In Islam, great emphasis is placed on the importance of the family unit, family relations, and family well-being. While parents are in charge of family affairs, Islam does not teach that youth like you should not have any input into what is happening with the family. How you give input is critical, because no matter how right you think you are, there is never any excuse for disrespecting one's parents or being unmerciful towards them. Among the many areas of family life where youth can become involved in, helping to maintain family relations is important. Sometimes, if family relations are left unattended and neglected, this area alone can destroy the peace and tranquility of the entire family.
Allah Most High alone knows whether or not a husband and wife will be able to get along with one another and to care for and provide for their children. While most families live peacefully, more often than not, we hear about newlyweds who end their marriages, about couples who have separated, and about distraught families due to divorce and remarriage.
All of this must sound familiar to you and it might even be depressing news. It is sad when families break apart, but the critical question is, what are youth — the affected children — doing when this happens? Are they taking advantage of the situation as an excuse to behave irresponsibly, like Abdullah in scenario 1, when he does everything under the sun to get his father's attention? Are these children exerting efforts to help the family stay together or to help the parents reconcile?
The resounding message today should be that youth can no longer afford to be silent and passive observers while the family is breaking apart. It is important for the youth to be actively involved, but how? While many youth want to serve Allah, to serve humanity, and to change the world, sometimes the biggest project that needs attention is in our own homes.
Maintaining Family Ties
First, be attentive. Almost no family breaks apart overnight. There are clear signals and warning signs that something is terribly wrong. Being attentive does not mean reacting; it means being aware, alert, and making mental (and if needed, written) notes of the nature of family relations. Be as objective as possible when you observe. Do not take sides with your mom or dad, just observe and try to understand each of their points of view.
Second, be there. The moment you notice that something is wrong in the family, make it a point to adjust your schedule so that you spend as much free time at home as you can. Staying away from home and running away from the problems does not make them go away. As a teenager, you may be able to leave home and go spend time with your friends, but what about your siblings who are too young to leave the house on their own? Who will comfort them when your mom and dad fight? Who will help the younger ones feel safe and secure if you are not there?
Being at home also gives your parents a chance to talk to you if they feel inclined to do so. If you are in the family room and your mom is reading a book, it is possible that she might put down the book to just talk to you about how she is feeling. Being there is critical to helping your parents realize that whatever decisions they will make about the marriage will affect you. Your presence helps put a human face on the terrible consequences of separation and divorce.
Third, be proactive. When you know that there is something wrong between your mom and dad, make it a point to talk to each of them separately. Ask them how they are doing. Ask them if there is anything you can do to help. Sometimes, you could just get them involved in helping you with a school project, or with whipping up your favorite recipe (without hinting at any problems or fights).
As you work alongside them, tell them that you are feeling sad about how they are treating one another. Suggest that perhaps they could seek out professional counseling or even talk to the local imam about whatever problems they are facing. Most importantly, pose the question, "How can I help?" to your parents. Then just listen to what they have to say and see if you can, in fact, help.
Fourth, make du`aa'. The most powerful assistance you can offer your family members is to make du`aa' to Allah to prevent the family from breaking apart. Remember, however, that only Allah knows best as to whether it is better for the family to remain together or whether it is better for the family to be apart. Perhaps one or the other of the family members is unwilling to correct his or her destructive behavior or attitudes.
If, by the will of Allah your family does break apart, how should you deal with it?
Project Reconciliation
First, make du`aa'. Many times, young people forget that Allah Most High is in charge and parents cannot break off a marriage except by the will of Allah. So if it is in Allah's plan that your family is to be tested by separation or divorce, then your first instinct should be to make du`aa' to Allah to grant everyone concerned what is best for their faith, their family, and their future. People are often amazed at how certain family members in whom everyone had lost hope suddenly have a change of heart and are able to reconcile with others (sometimes years after the initial dispute).
In the most hopeless of times, Allah Most High can bind hearts together and rekindle the bonds of kinship, brotherhood, and sisterhood. Allah Most High reminds us in the Qur'an,
[And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favor on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided?] (Surat Aal `Imran, 3:103)
Second, be there. One of the easiest courses of actions to take during disputes is to cut off all ties and contact with the disputing party. While this course of action is easy and seemingly practical, it is reflective of un-Islamic behavior and is abhorred according to Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and prayers be upon him) said, "Do not break off ties with one another, do not turn away from one another, do not hate one another, do not envy one another. Be brothers, as Allah (glory be to Him) has commanded you" (Sahih Muslim, 16:120).
This reminder from the Prophet is concise and powerful and ends with the directive to "be brothers" because that is what Allah Most High has commanded us to be. Indeed, that directive is derived from the Qur'anic outlook, which states that "the believers are nothing else than brothers and sisters (in Islam). So, make reconciliation between your brothers.'' (Surat Al-Hujurat, 49:10).
As a young person, you have so much to gain from being the source of the reconciliation between your parents or other family members. When the parents or other adults have a lot of history between them that keeps them second guessing each other and judging the other's intentions, you are a new face and a refreshing sight when you say to one of them, "What is wrong and how can I help?" Khadijah and Nusaybah took matters into their own hands in Scenario 2 above, and Allah Most High guided them towards successfully restoring family ties.
Closing Thoughts
As a young person, there are many challenges you face in daily life. This essay helps you to envision an active role for yourself in helping maintain strong family ties and relations. With so many more families facing difficult times staying together, young people do not have the option of running away and hiding or disappearing into a world of irresponsibility.
You need to stop and realize that rather than being a passive observer who is being acted upon by family members and other adults, you can and should take an active role in reconciling the hearts of people who have fallen into disputes. You should do this only to seek the pleasure of Allah, and, in sha' Allah, with His guidance, you will be able to help not only your immediate family but also your extended family members.
http://www.islamonline.net/English/In_Depth/volunteers/2006/04/16.shtml
By Altaf Husain**
Apr. 29, 2006
Scenario 1:
Abdullah was only nine years old when his mother and father divorced. He had no idea what that word meant when his mom first told him, "Your father and I are getting a divorce." He knew his parents fought a lot and sometimes, he found his mother crying in the kitchen. Once his father raised his hand to strike his mother, but stopped short of it. Abdullah thought divorce meant getting help and trying to solve problems facing the family.
He was in shock when he found his father packing boxes, filling them up with only what belonged to his father. "What are you doing, Dad?" he asked. His father told him that because of the divorce, he was not allowed to live in the same house anymore and that he was moving to another town close by. His father continued, "Your mother and I have decided this is the best thing to do."
Move out? What does that mean? When was anyone going to tell? What about what I want to happen? What about what's best for me? Alas, the decision was made and there was little Abdullah could do to change it. His father moved out, and Abdullah grew up with his mother. He only had very little involvement with his father. Angry with his father for abandoning him, Abdullah kept company with other boys who were prone to committing sins. Abdullah wanted so much to get his father's attention. Unfortunately, his father kept away, and Abdullah fell deeper and deeper into sin. His mother was overwhelmed but continued to make du`aa' (supplication) to Allah to guide Abdullah and to set him back on the straight path.
Scenario 2:
Khadijah, Nusaybah, and Ahmed were 15, 13, and 10 years old when their father passed away and their mother remarried. They clearly remember how upset their grandparents on both sides were because of their mother's decision to remarry. Their grandparents, uncles and aunts all vowed never to speak to their mother again and severed ties with her family.
Their step-father was a nice man and they understood very well that although their mother loved their father very much, she remarried for her own well-being as well as that of them. Now, with their step-father living with them, the children could not bear to be cut-off from their extended family. Khadijah and Nusaybah decided something had to be done.
They called their paternal grandfather one day and told him how much they missed their father. Their grandfather comforted them. They told their grandfather that, al-hamdu lillah, they were fortunate that their step-father was so much like their father and that they were very happy with him. Their grandfather's heart inclined towards meeting this man who was so much like his own son. After only a few minutes with the step-father, the grandfather felt relieved that indeed the children had a father in their lives and that his daughter-in-law felt secure and happy. In no time at all, the grandfather spoke with all the elders of the family and convinced them that the family ties should be restored.
Can you relate to either of the scenarios above? Do you have friends whose parents are divorced? What about friends who have a step-father or a step-mother? What would you have done if you were Abdullah? What if you were Khadijah, Nusaybah, or Ahmed?
In Islam, great emphasis is placed on the importance of the family unit, family relations, and family well-being. While parents are in charge of family affairs, Islam does not teach that youth like you should not have any input into what is happening with the family. How you give input is critical, because no matter how right you think you are, there is never any excuse for disrespecting one's parents or being unmerciful towards them. Among the many areas of family life where youth can become involved in, helping to maintain family relations is important. Sometimes, if family relations are left unattended and neglected, this area alone can destroy the peace and tranquility of the entire family.
Allah Most High alone knows whether or not a husband and wife will be able to get along with one another and to care for and provide for their children. While most families live peacefully, more often than not, we hear about newlyweds who end their marriages, about couples who have separated, and about distraught families due to divorce and remarriage.
All of this must sound familiar to you and it might even be depressing news. It is sad when families break apart, but the critical question is, what are youth — the affected children — doing when this happens? Are they taking advantage of the situation as an excuse to behave irresponsibly, like Abdullah in scenario 1, when he does everything under the sun to get his father's attention? Are these children exerting efforts to help the family stay together or to help the parents reconcile?
The resounding message today should be that youth can no longer afford to be silent and passive observers while the family is breaking apart. It is important for the youth to be actively involved, but how? While many youth want to serve Allah, to serve humanity, and to change the world, sometimes the biggest project that needs attention is in our own homes.
Maintaining Family Ties
First, be attentive. Almost no family breaks apart overnight. There are clear signals and warning signs that something is terribly wrong. Being attentive does not mean reacting; it means being aware, alert, and making mental (and if needed, written) notes of the nature of family relations. Be as objective as possible when you observe. Do not take sides with your mom or dad, just observe and try to understand each of their points of view.
Second, be there. The moment you notice that something is wrong in the family, make it a point to adjust your schedule so that you spend as much free time at home as you can. Staying away from home and running away from the problems does not make them go away. As a teenager, you may be able to leave home and go spend time with your friends, but what about your siblings who are too young to leave the house on their own? Who will comfort them when your mom and dad fight? Who will help the younger ones feel safe and secure if you are not there?
Being at home also gives your parents a chance to talk to you if they feel inclined to do so. If you are in the family room and your mom is reading a book, it is possible that she might put down the book to just talk to you about how she is feeling. Being there is critical to helping your parents realize that whatever decisions they will make about the marriage will affect you. Your presence helps put a human face on the terrible consequences of separation and divorce.
Third, be proactive. When you know that there is something wrong between your mom and dad, make it a point to talk to each of them separately. Ask them how they are doing. Ask them if there is anything you can do to help. Sometimes, you could just get them involved in helping you with a school project, or with whipping up your favorite recipe (without hinting at any problems or fights).
As you work alongside them, tell them that you are feeling sad about how they are treating one another. Suggest that perhaps they could seek out professional counseling or even talk to the local imam about whatever problems they are facing. Most importantly, pose the question, "How can I help?" to your parents. Then just listen to what they have to say and see if you can, in fact, help.
Fourth, make du`aa'. The most powerful assistance you can offer your family members is to make du`aa' to Allah to prevent the family from breaking apart. Remember, however, that only Allah knows best as to whether it is better for the family to remain together or whether it is better for the family to be apart. Perhaps one or the other of the family members is unwilling to correct his or her destructive behavior or attitudes.
If, by the will of Allah your family does break apart, how should you deal with it?
Project Reconciliation
First, make du`aa'. Many times, young people forget that Allah Most High is in charge and parents cannot break off a marriage except by the will of Allah. So if it is in Allah's plan that your family is to be tested by separation or divorce, then your first instinct should be to make du`aa' to Allah to grant everyone concerned what is best for their faith, their family, and their future. People are often amazed at how certain family members in whom everyone had lost hope suddenly have a change of heart and are able to reconcile with others (sometimes years after the initial dispute).
In the most hopeless of times, Allah Most High can bind hearts together and rekindle the bonds of kinship, brotherhood, and sisterhood. Allah Most High reminds us in the Qur'an,
[And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favor on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided?] (Surat Aal `Imran, 3:103)
Second, be there. One of the easiest courses of actions to take during disputes is to cut off all ties and contact with the disputing party. While this course of action is easy and seemingly practical, it is reflective of un-Islamic behavior and is abhorred according to Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and prayers be upon him) said, "Do not break off ties with one another, do not turn away from one another, do not hate one another, do not envy one another. Be brothers, as Allah (glory be to Him) has commanded you" (Sahih Muslim, 16:120).
This reminder from the Prophet is concise and powerful and ends with the directive to "be brothers" because that is what Allah Most High has commanded us to be. Indeed, that directive is derived from the Qur'anic outlook, which states that "the believers are nothing else than brothers and sisters (in Islam). So, make reconciliation between your brothers.'' (Surat Al-Hujurat, 49:10).
As a young person, you have so much to gain from being the source of the reconciliation between your parents or other family members. When the parents or other adults have a lot of history between them that keeps them second guessing each other and judging the other's intentions, you are a new face and a refreshing sight when you say to one of them, "What is wrong and how can I help?" Khadijah and Nusaybah took matters into their own hands in Scenario 2 above, and Allah Most High guided them towards successfully restoring family ties.
Closing Thoughts
As a young person, there are many challenges you face in daily life. This essay helps you to envision an active role for yourself in helping maintain strong family ties and relations. With so many more families facing difficult times staying together, young people do not have the option of running away and hiding or disappearing into a world of irresponsibility.
You need to stop and realize that rather than being a passive observer who is being acted upon by family members and other adults, you can and should take an active role in reconciling the hearts of people who have fallen into disputes. You should do this only to seek the pleasure of Allah, and, in sha' Allah, with His guidance, you will be able to help not only your immediate family but also your extended family members.
http://www.islamonline.net/English/In_Depth/volunteers/2006/04/16.shtml
Monday, June 19, 2006
40 Reasons why Charity should Be SECOND NATURE to all Muslims
2.110 And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever
good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with
Allah. for Allah sees Well all that ye do.
2.177 It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or
West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day,
and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your
substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the
needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of
slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and give Zakat (regular charity);
to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and
patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all
periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God fearing.
2.215 They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say:
Whatever wealth ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and
orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that
is good, -Allah knoweth it well.
2.263 Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity
followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most-
Forbearing.
2.264 O ye who believe! cancel not your charity by reminders of your
generosity or by injury,- like those who spend their wealth to be
seen of men, but believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. They
are in parable like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil:
on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it (just) a bare stone. They
will be able to do nothing with aught they have earned. And Allah
guideth not those who reject faith.
2.270 And whatever ye spend in charity or whatever vow ye make, be
sure Allah knows it all. But the wrong-doers have no helpers.
2.271 If ye disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if ye
conceal them, and make them reach those (really) in need, that is
best for you: It will remove from you some of your (stains of) evil.
And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.
2.273 (Charity is) for those in need, who, in Allah's cause are
restricted (from travel), and cannot move about in the land, seeking
(for trade or work): the ignorant man thinks, because of their
modesty, that they are free from want. Thou shalt know them by their
(unfailing) mark: They beg not importunately from all the sundry. And
whatever of good ye give, be assured Allah knoweth it well.
2.274 Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by
day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on
them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
2.276 Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give
increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not any ungrateful and
wicked.
2.277 Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish
regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with
their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
2.280 If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time till it is
easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is
best for you if ye only knew.
4.77 Hast thou not turned thy though to those who were told to hold
back their hands (from fight) but establish regular prayers and spend
in Zakat (regular charity)? When (at length) the order for fighting
was issued to them, behold! a section of them feared men as - or even
more than - they should have feared Allah. They said: "Our Lord! Why
hast Thou ordered us to fight? Wouldst Thou not grant us respite to
our (natural) term, near (enough)?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of
this world: the Hereafter is the best for those who do right: Never
will ye be dealt with unjustly in the very least!
4.114 In most of their secret talks there is no good: But if one
exhorts to a deed of charity or goodness or conciliation between
people, (secrecy is permissible): To him who does this, seeking the
good pleasure of Allah, We shall soon give a reward of the highest
(value).
4.162 But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and
the believers, believe in what hath been revealed to thee and what
was revealed before thee: And (especially) those who establish
regular prayer and pay Zakat (regular charity) and believe in Allah
and in the Last Day: To them shall We soon give a great reward.
5.12 Allah did aforetime take a covenant from the Children of Israel,
and We appointed twelve chieftains among them. And Allah said: "I am
with you: if ye (but) establish regular prayers, give Zakat (regular
charity), believe in my messengers, honor and assist them, and loan
to Allah a beautiful loan, verily I will wipe out from you your
evils, and admit you to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath; but if
any of you, after this, resisteth faith, he hath truly wandered from
the path or rectitude."
5.45 We ordained therein for them: "Life for life, eye for eye, nose
or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal."
But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act
of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light of)
what Allah hath revealed, they are wrong-doers.
5.55 Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and
the (fellowship of) believers,- those who establish regular prayers
and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship).
9.75 Amongst them are men who made a covenant with Allah, that if He
bestowed on them of His bounty, they would give (largely) in charity,
and be truly amongst those who are righteous.
9.79 Those who slander such of the believers as give themselves
freely to (deeds of) charity, as well as such as can find nothing to
give except the fruits of their labor,- and throw ridicule on them,-
Allah will throw back their ridicule on them: and they shall have a
grievous chastisement.
9.104 Know they not that Allah doth accept repentance from His
votaries and receives their gifts of charity, and that Allah is
verily He, the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful?
12.88 Then, when they came (back) into (Joseph's) presence they
said: "O exalted one! distress has seized us and our family: we have
(now) brought but scanty capital: so pay us full measure, (we pray
thee), and treat it as charity to us: for Allah doth reward the
charitable."
14.31 Speak to my servants who have believed, that they may establish
regular prayers, and spend (in charity) out of the sustenance We have
given them, secretly and openly, before the coming of a Day in which
there will be neither mutual bargaining nor befriending.
19.31 "And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath
enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live;
19.55 He used to enjoin on his people prayer and charity, and he was
most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.
22.35 To those whose hearts when Allah is mentioned, are filled with
fear, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions, keep up
regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed
upon them.
23.60 And those who dispense their charity with their hearts full of
fear, because they will return to their Lord."
good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with
Allah. for Allah sees Well all that ye do.
2.177 It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or
West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day,
and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your
substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the
needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of
slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and give Zakat (regular charity);
to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and
patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all
periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God fearing.
2.215 They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say:
Whatever wealth ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and
orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that
is good, -Allah knoweth it well.
2.263 Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity
followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most-
Forbearing.
2.264 O ye who believe! cancel not your charity by reminders of your
generosity or by injury,- like those who spend their wealth to be
seen of men, but believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. They
are in parable like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil:
on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it (just) a bare stone. They
will be able to do nothing with aught they have earned. And Allah
guideth not those who reject faith.
2.270 And whatever ye spend in charity or whatever vow ye make, be
sure Allah knows it all. But the wrong-doers have no helpers.
2.271 If ye disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if ye
conceal them, and make them reach those (really) in need, that is
best for you: It will remove from you some of your (stains of) evil.
And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.
2.273 (Charity is) for those in need, who, in Allah's cause are
restricted (from travel), and cannot move about in the land, seeking
(for trade or work): the ignorant man thinks, because of their
modesty, that they are free from want. Thou shalt know them by their
(unfailing) mark: They beg not importunately from all the sundry. And
whatever of good ye give, be assured Allah knoweth it well.
2.274 Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by
day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on
them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
2.276 Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give
increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not any ungrateful and
wicked.
2.277 Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish
regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with
their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
2.280 If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time till it is
easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is
best for you if ye only knew.
4.77 Hast thou not turned thy though to those who were told to hold
back their hands (from fight) but establish regular prayers and spend
in Zakat (regular charity)? When (at length) the order for fighting
was issued to them, behold! a section of them feared men as - or even
more than - they should have feared Allah. They said: "Our Lord! Why
hast Thou ordered us to fight? Wouldst Thou not grant us respite to
our (natural) term, near (enough)?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of
this world: the Hereafter is the best for those who do right: Never
will ye be dealt with unjustly in the very least!
4.114 In most of their secret talks there is no good: But if one
exhorts to a deed of charity or goodness or conciliation between
people, (secrecy is permissible): To him who does this, seeking the
good pleasure of Allah, We shall soon give a reward of the highest
(value).
4.162 But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and
the believers, believe in what hath been revealed to thee and what
was revealed before thee: And (especially) those who establish
regular prayer and pay Zakat (regular charity) and believe in Allah
and in the Last Day: To them shall We soon give a great reward.
5.12 Allah did aforetime take a covenant from the Children of Israel,
and We appointed twelve chieftains among them. And Allah said: "I am
with you: if ye (but) establish regular prayers, give Zakat (regular
charity), believe in my messengers, honor and assist them, and loan
to Allah a beautiful loan, verily I will wipe out from you your
evils, and admit you to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath; but if
any of you, after this, resisteth faith, he hath truly wandered from
the path or rectitude."
5.45 We ordained therein for them: "Life for life, eye for eye, nose
or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal."
But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act
of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light of)
what Allah hath revealed, they are wrong-doers.
5.55 Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and
the (fellowship of) believers,- those who establish regular prayers
and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship).
9.75 Amongst them are men who made a covenant with Allah, that if He
bestowed on them of His bounty, they would give (largely) in charity,
and be truly amongst those who are righteous.
9.79 Those who slander such of the believers as give themselves
freely to (deeds of) charity, as well as such as can find nothing to
give except the fruits of their labor,- and throw ridicule on them,-
Allah will throw back their ridicule on them: and they shall have a
grievous chastisement.
9.104 Know they not that Allah doth accept repentance from His
votaries and receives their gifts of charity, and that Allah is
verily He, the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful?
12.88 Then, when they came (back) into (Joseph's) presence they
said: "O exalted one! distress has seized us and our family: we have
(now) brought but scanty capital: so pay us full measure, (we pray
thee), and treat it as charity to us: for Allah doth reward the
charitable."
14.31 Speak to my servants who have believed, that they may establish
regular prayers, and spend (in charity) out of the sustenance We have
given them, secretly and openly, before the coming of a Day in which
there will be neither mutual bargaining nor befriending.
19.31 "And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath
enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live;
19.55 He used to enjoin on his people prayer and charity, and he was
most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.
22.35 To those whose hearts when Allah is mentioned, are filled with
fear, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions, keep up
regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed
upon them.
23.60 And those who dispense their charity with their hearts full of
fear, because they will return to their Lord."
ISLAM is a universal call for mercy towards all human beings
ISLAM is a universal call for mercy towards all human beings. It urges Muslims to rush to the help of their fellow afflicted humans especially at times of distress.
It goes without saying that helping Muslims who are in need of our help is one of the most virtuous deeds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever meets the need of his brother, Allah will meet his need." And he (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever relieves a believer of some of the distress of this world, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever eases an insolvent's loan, Allah will make things easier for him in this world and in the Hereafter. Whoever conceals a Muslim's faults, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah will help a person so long as he helps his brother."
Here, we'd like to start with the words of the prominent Muslim scholar, the late Saudi scholar in which he states the following:
When there is an earthquake or some other sign such as an eclipse, strong winds, or floods, we should hasten to repent to Allah and pray to Him for safety, and to remember Him much and to seek His forgiveness, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reported to have said when there was an eclipse: "If you see anything like that, hasten to remember Him, call on Him, and seek His forgiveness."
It is also mustahab (recommended) to show compassion to the poor and needy, and to give charity to them, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said : "Show mercy, so that you will be shown mercy." The Prophet also said: "Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Have mercy on those who are on earth, and the One Who is in Heaven will show mercy to you."
Almighty Allah also says: ". . . Verily Allah will help those who help His (cause). Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-Almighty. Those (Muslim rulers)who, if We give them power in the land, (they) enjoin Iqamat-as-Salat [i.e. to perform five compulsory congregational Salat (prayers), to pay Zakat and they enjoin Al-Ma'ruf and forbid Al-Munkar. And with Allah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures)." (15: 40-41)
Allah is the One Whom we ask to remedy the affairs of all the Muslims and to bless them with proper understanding of Islam and help them to adhere steadfastly to it and repent to Allah of all their sins.
Moreover, Sheikh Abdul-Khaliq Hasan Ash-Shareef, a prominent Muslim scholar and da'i sheds light on this issue and states:
Such earthquakes are surely among the natural disasters that affect large numbers of people. It is surely permissible for rich Muslims to pay a part of their zakah to help alleviate the pains and the sufferings of those afflicted by the earthquakes. If the relevant governments in the quake-stricken areas open an account to receive donations for helping the victims and their families, then it is permissible for Muslims to pay a sum of their zakah to such accounts. Likewise, if there is any other trustworthy Islamic charitable organization that takes the responsibility of delivering such funds to the victims and their families, then there is nothing wrong in paying part of the zakah to them for this purpose.
It is noteworthy that Muslims in such afflicted areas are permitted to receive assistance and financial aid through organizations that help distribute aid to the victims while abiding by the humanitarian relief accords and agreements governing such issues. If any place in the world is afflicted with natural disasters like earthquakes or floods, all countries should rush to help its people according to international agreements.
Compiled from various sources.
Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications.
Note that an English translation of the Qur'an is an interpretation of the Qur'an, and does not have the perfect status as the Qur'an in its original Arabic form.
"O you who believe! Be patient, and excel in patience, and remain steadfast and fear Allah, that you may be successful." [3:200)
~~ Z.Ali ~~
It goes without saying that helping Muslims who are in need of our help is one of the most virtuous deeds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever meets the need of his brother, Allah will meet his need." And he (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever relieves a believer of some of the distress of this world, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever eases an insolvent's loan, Allah will make things easier for him in this world and in the Hereafter. Whoever conceals a Muslim's faults, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah will help a person so long as he helps his brother."
Here, we'd like to start with the words of the prominent Muslim scholar, the late Saudi scholar in which he states the following:
When there is an earthquake or some other sign such as an eclipse, strong winds, or floods, we should hasten to repent to Allah and pray to Him for safety, and to remember Him much and to seek His forgiveness, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reported to have said when there was an eclipse: "If you see anything like that, hasten to remember Him, call on Him, and seek His forgiveness."
It is also mustahab (recommended) to show compassion to the poor and needy, and to give charity to them, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said : "Show mercy, so that you will be shown mercy." The Prophet also said: "Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Have mercy on those who are on earth, and the One Who is in Heaven will show mercy to you."
Almighty Allah also says: ". . . Verily Allah will help those who help His (cause). Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-Almighty. Those (Muslim rulers)who, if We give them power in the land, (they) enjoin Iqamat-as-Salat [i.e. to perform five compulsory congregational Salat (prayers), to pay Zakat and they enjoin Al-Ma'ruf and forbid Al-Munkar. And with Allah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures)." (15: 40-41)
Allah is the One Whom we ask to remedy the affairs of all the Muslims and to bless them with proper understanding of Islam and help them to adhere steadfastly to it and repent to Allah of all their sins.
Moreover, Sheikh Abdul-Khaliq Hasan Ash-Shareef, a prominent Muslim scholar and da'i sheds light on this issue and states:
Such earthquakes are surely among the natural disasters that affect large numbers of people. It is surely permissible for rich Muslims to pay a part of their zakah to help alleviate the pains and the sufferings of those afflicted by the earthquakes. If the relevant governments in the quake-stricken areas open an account to receive donations for helping the victims and their families, then it is permissible for Muslims to pay a sum of their zakah to such accounts. Likewise, if there is any other trustworthy Islamic charitable organization that takes the responsibility of delivering such funds to the victims and their families, then there is nothing wrong in paying part of the zakah to them for this purpose.
It is noteworthy that Muslims in such afflicted areas are permitted to receive assistance and financial aid through organizations that help distribute aid to the victims while abiding by the humanitarian relief accords and agreements governing such issues. If any place in the world is afflicted with natural disasters like earthquakes or floods, all countries should rush to help its people according to international agreements.
Compiled from various sources.
Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications.
Note that an English translation of the Qur'an is an interpretation of the Qur'an, and does not have the perfect status as the Qur'an in its original Arabic form.
"O you who believe! Be patient, and excel in patience, and remain steadfast and fear Allah, that you may be successful." [3:200)
~~ Z.Ali ~~
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Hoax Emails and SMSes
In recent months Muslims have been confronted with a flood of misinformation through email and smses. Three issues in particular have caught the attention of Muslims. First, there was the incident of a girl who was purpotedly transformed into a lizard because she disrespected the Noble Qur'an. Then the young man in Middle East whose body was exhumed and supposedly found to have brutal signs of Azaab Qabr (punishment in the grave), and more recently the SMS about a girl in UK who it claimed had been turned to a fish for disrespecting the Noble Qur'an.
The Jamiat is deeply concerned about how Muslims are pursuing these types of dubious symbols and events to 'strengthen' their faith and to 'prove' the validity of Islam. There seems to be a sense of desperation to clutch onto any 'miracle' or story that would 'prove' the Power and Might of Allah Ta'ala, and that would be a sign of faith, regardless of the genuineness of it's authenticity and veracity.
Indeed, miracles are a reality, and form part of our belief as Muslims. Miracles occur with the permission of Allah Ta'ala and emphasise His Power and Majesty. However, it is not required from Muslims to search for such events and direct their energies and time in disseminating information that has no concrete evidence or proper source. The Qur'an and Sunnah encourage us to ponder and reflect within our own creation and other phenomenal creation and signs of Almighty, to strengthen faith and recognise our Creator. Allah Ta’ala says:
“Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for people of intelligence” (Surah 3 Ayat 190)
By promoting dubious emails and information we create an atmosphere of uncertainty to 'prove' the validity of our faith, no matter what it takes. By this, we risk depending on information (possibly digitally manipulated or otherwise) to prove that Islam is legitimate, only to discover later that it was all a hoax as has been the case in the 'lizard' story, etc.
As Muslims we are required to be cautious about the information we disseminate. We learn from hadith that the person who indicates towards misguidance is like the one who has perpetrated it. Similarly a person who initiates misguidance will bear the burden of all those who are mislead by it. It is therefore imperative that one verifies the information received before accepting and acting upon it. Caution should be exercised in transmitting it to others. It is also incumbent that before sending the information or news to anyone else the information is thoroughly checked and verified by a reputable authority. It is always safer to trace the initial source of the information and communicate with the original sender before disseminating the information.
Similarly, there are sightings of Allah's name on the insides of fish, fruits or vegetables; tree formations and so on that have been recorded in the past. These maybe taken as signs of Allah's presence and existence and serve to strengthen those with weak faith.
It is therefore our appeal for Muslims to be thoughtful about what they believe and propagate. It is much more sensible to hold fast upon that which is pure, dependable and proven from the Qur’an, hadith, lives of the Sahaba (RA) and our akaabir (pious pre decessors).
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “It is sufficient for a man to prove himself a liar when he continues narrating everything he hears.” (Sahih Muslim)
The Jamiat is deeply concerned about how Muslims are pursuing these types of dubious symbols and events to 'strengthen' their faith and to 'prove' the validity of Islam. There seems to be a sense of desperation to clutch onto any 'miracle' or story that would 'prove' the Power and Might of Allah Ta'ala, and that would be a sign of faith, regardless of the genuineness of it's authenticity and veracity.
Indeed, miracles are a reality, and form part of our belief as Muslims. Miracles occur with the permission of Allah Ta'ala and emphasise His Power and Majesty. However, it is not required from Muslims to search for such events and direct their energies and time in disseminating information that has no concrete evidence or proper source. The Qur'an and Sunnah encourage us to ponder and reflect within our own creation and other phenomenal creation and signs of Almighty, to strengthen faith and recognise our Creator. Allah Ta’ala says:
“Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for people of intelligence” (Surah 3 Ayat 190)
By promoting dubious emails and information we create an atmosphere of uncertainty to 'prove' the validity of our faith, no matter what it takes. By this, we risk depending on information (possibly digitally manipulated or otherwise) to prove that Islam is legitimate, only to discover later that it was all a hoax as has been the case in the 'lizard' story, etc.
As Muslims we are required to be cautious about the information we disseminate. We learn from hadith that the person who indicates towards misguidance is like the one who has perpetrated it. Similarly a person who initiates misguidance will bear the burden of all those who are mislead by it. It is therefore imperative that one verifies the information received before accepting and acting upon it. Caution should be exercised in transmitting it to others. It is also incumbent that before sending the information or news to anyone else the information is thoroughly checked and verified by a reputable authority. It is always safer to trace the initial source of the information and communicate with the original sender before disseminating the information.
Similarly, there are sightings of Allah's name on the insides of fish, fruits or vegetables; tree formations and so on that have been recorded in the past. These maybe taken as signs of Allah's presence and existence and serve to strengthen those with weak faith.
It is therefore our appeal for Muslims to be thoughtful about what they believe and propagate. It is much more sensible to hold fast upon that which is pure, dependable and proven from the Qur’an, hadith, lives of the Sahaba (RA) and our akaabir (pious pre decessors).
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “It is sufficient for a man to prove himself a liar when he continues narrating everything he hears.” (Sahih Muslim)
Young Pro Tennis Player Launches Non-Profit For Unity of Faiths Towards Forced Migration and Refugee Relief
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/3/prweb357720.htm
Hassan Akmal, Right to Play International Athlete Ambassador to Pakistan and the United States, who represents the sport of tennis as a professional and as using sport for development for disadvantaged children, has launched his own non-profit: Invitation to the Truth. It's a remarkable effort of bringing people of different faiths and backgrounds together on common terms and common grounds to work and strive together for a common cause - Forced Migration and Refugee Relief!
(PRWEB) March 13, 2006 -- Invitation to the Truth has been launched.
Currently, the proceeds are being used for emergency relief in Pakistan, post-war relief in Afghanistan, orphan funds all over the world, tsunami relief in Indonesia, and education as well as reconstruction. Peace, inter-faith dialogues, unity, tolerance, clearing of misconceptions of different faiths and religions in conjunction with modern science and scripture research are the central driving forces of the organization to raise funds for charity.
More than 10,000 dollars has already been raised and delivered to survivors of the tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia and for self-awareness in the fight against prostitution/trafficking all over the rest of the country. In addition, emergency funds have also been wired to Pakistan after the devastating earthquake.
Unity... through understanding. Magnificent!
About the organization: Invitation to the truth is a socially responsible and environmentally conscious non-profit corporation fostering hope by inviting different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds to come together on common terms and common grounds to work and strive together for a common cause - Forced Migration and Refugee Relief! By focusing on the similarities between faiths instead of differences, using wisdom and beautiful preaching- a sincere, genuine, dynamic and enlightening non-profit business has been created and is becoming very popular in the media. This courageous initiative, founded by a U.C.L.A. and Columbia University Alumni who currently is a Project Coordinator for Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy, Support for Treatment Adherence Research Using Directly Observed Therapy, centers on formidable education and history, the clearing of misconceptions, spreading of truth, and a strong promotion of unity and tolerance, ultimately striving for peace on a straight path.
Invitation's powerful and unique DVDs such as "The Historical Jesus", "Similarities Between Hinduism and Islam", "The Qur'an and the Bible in the Light of Modern Science", "Women's Rights", and "Perished Nations" are among some of the most captivating and popular DVDs being sold. Many of the events, promoted as peace conventions and talks, are becoming widely respected and commemorated as courageous attempts to build understanding and reduce ignorance. The bazaar products, each distinct, but universal among the major religions help create liaisons and bridges to build cooperation. Many of the DVDs and CDs include new eye-opening messages and research discoveries from newly acclaimed mind-blowing comparative religion scholars- who some are recognized for their breathtaking memorization of not only of the Old and New Testaments, but the Qur'an, as well as the Hindu scriptures! Others are prominent due to their scientific research references and unparalleled conjunction to modern science.
This charitable and peaceful effort uses 50% of all the proceeds to target the public health arena of forced migration and refugee health!
Those interested in donating, promoting (newspapers, articles, etc), employment, or learning more, contact Invitation's President Hassan Akmal (who earned his M.P.H. in Forced Migration and Health with a Minor in Epidemiology and holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.A. in History with a Minor in Arabic and Islamic Studies) via PRWeb's secure email portal.
Please spread the word and visit their website (it is under construction but donations are being accepted and you may still buy DVDs, CDs, and other items) at: http://www.invitationtothetruth.com
Hassan Akmal, Right to Play International Athlete Ambassador to Pakistan and the United States, who represents the sport of tennis as a professional and as using sport for development for disadvantaged children, has launched his own non-profit: Invitation to the Truth. It's a remarkable effort of bringing people of different faiths and backgrounds together on common terms and common grounds to work and strive together for a common cause - Forced Migration and Refugee Relief!
(PRWEB) March 13, 2006 -- Invitation to the Truth has been launched.
Currently, the proceeds are being used for emergency relief in Pakistan, post-war relief in Afghanistan, orphan funds all over the world, tsunami relief in Indonesia, and education as well as reconstruction. Peace, inter-faith dialogues, unity, tolerance, clearing of misconceptions of different faiths and religions in conjunction with modern science and scripture research are the central driving forces of the organization to raise funds for charity.
More than 10,000 dollars has already been raised and delivered to survivors of the tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia and for self-awareness in the fight against prostitution/trafficking all over the rest of the country. In addition, emergency funds have also been wired to Pakistan after the devastating earthquake.
Unity... through understanding. Magnificent!
About the organization: Invitation to the truth is a socially responsible and environmentally conscious non-profit corporation fostering hope by inviting different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds to come together on common terms and common grounds to work and strive together for a common cause - Forced Migration and Refugee Relief! By focusing on the similarities between faiths instead of differences, using wisdom and beautiful preaching- a sincere, genuine, dynamic and enlightening non-profit business has been created and is becoming very popular in the media. This courageous initiative, founded by a U.C.L.A. and Columbia University Alumni who currently is a Project Coordinator for Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy, Support for Treatment Adherence Research Using Directly Observed Therapy, centers on formidable education and history, the clearing of misconceptions, spreading of truth, and a strong promotion of unity and tolerance, ultimately striving for peace on a straight path.
Invitation's powerful and unique DVDs such as "The Historical Jesus", "Similarities Between Hinduism and Islam", "The Qur'an and the Bible in the Light of Modern Science", "Women's Rights", and "Perished Nations" are among some of the most captivating and popular DVDs being sold. Many of the events, promoted as peace conventions and talks, are becoming widely respected and commemorated as courageous attempts to build understanding and reduce ignorance. The bazaar products, each distinct, but universal among the major religions help create liaisons and bridges to build cooperation. Many of the DVDs and CDs include new eye-opening messages and research discoveries from newly acclaimed mind-blowing comparative religion scholars- who some are recognized for their breathtaking memorization of not only of the Old and New Testaments, but the Qur'an, as well as the Hindu scriptures! Others are prominent due to their scientific research references and unparalleled conjunction to modern science.
This charitable and peaceful effort uses 50% of all the proceeds to target the public health arena of forced migration and refugee health!
Those interested in donating, promoting (newspapers, articles, etc), employment, or learning more, contact Invitation's President Hassan Akmal (who earned his M.P.H. in Forced Migration and Health with a Minor in Epidemiology and holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.A. in History with a Minor in Arabic and Islamic Studies) via PRWeb's secure email portal.
Please spread the word and visit their website (it is under construction but donations are being accepted and you may still buy DVDs, CDs, and other items) at: http://www.invitationtothetruth.com
Only 17 Minutes!
There was once a man who was going to travel to a dangerous land. He goes
to the house of a man, well known for his honesty. He knocks the door and
tells him:
" I'm giving you $1440 to keep with you as I am traveling to a dangerous
place. When I get back, I only want $17 back."
The honest man stood their perplexed but agreed. The next day, the traveler
comes back to the honest man's house and asks him for $17. The honest man
tells him that he forgot and that he had spent it all. The traveler forgave
him since he knew that this man is honest enough to give it back later.
The next day, the same man travels to the same dangerous place and gives the
same honest man $1440 to keep and at the end of the day, he will take $17
back. The traveler returns from his travels and asks the honest man for his
$17. The honest man replies that he was so engrossed in having a good time
with his friends, that he spent all the money again. Once again, the
traveler forgave him, knowing he didn't do it on purpose.
This same incident starts to happen everyday, whereby the honest man is
given $1440 and is expected to return only $17 but fails to do so. Later
on, his child becomes sick and the doctor who was going to give the
treatment tells the honest man that if he wishes for his child to be looked
after, the fee was $1440. The honest man starts to panic realising he can't
afford $1440. It then struck him that the traveler used to give him that
same amount.
He runs to the traveler's house and asks him in a panic for $1440. The
traveler told him that due to his feeble excuses, he has stopped going to
his house as he has lost faith in his honesty.
The irony is that this story is directly relevant to each and every single
one of us. It is quite remarkable that Allah (swt) gives us 1440 minutes
each day and only specifies 17 minutes of that back in prayer. But due to
ignorance and the whisperings of Shaitaan the accursed, we are blinded
towards the minute scale of what we are giving back, and that also for our
own benefit.
This story points out three things.
1. The importance of Salat and how little we have to give back.
2. The mercy of Allah that he forgives us even after such blunders.
3. The fact that we only realise how important something is (in this case
gift of wealth) until it is gone.
Shaytan escorts a believer to Masjid
A man woke up early in order to pray the Fajr prayer in the masjid. He got
dressed, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid.
On his way to the masjid, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got
up, brushed himself off, and headed home. At home, he changed his clothes,
made his ablution, and was again, on his way to the masjid.
Second time, on his way to the masjid, he fell again and at the same spot!
He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once
again, changed his clothes, made his ablution and was on his way to the
masjid.
On his way third time to the masjid, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked
the man of his identity and the man replied "I saw you fall twice on your
way to the masjid, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way."
The first man thanked him profusely and the two where on their way to the
masjid. Once at the masjid, the first man asked the man with the lamp to
come in and pray Fajr with him. The second man refused. The first man asked
him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same.
The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray. The man
replied "I am Satan." The man was shocked at this reply.
Satan went on to explain, "I saw you on your way to the masjid and it was I
who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on
your way to the masjid, Allah forgave all of your sins. I made you fall a
second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather,
you went back on your way to the masjid. Because of that, Allah forgave all
the sins of the people of your household. I was afraid if I made you fall
one more time, then Allah will forgive the sins of the people of your
village, so I made sure that you reached the masjid safely."
I regret every missed Salat!
The Ummah of today have abandoned salah but if we knew what it was worth we
would never miss another prayer again, not for any wedding or party. After I
read this I regretted every salaat I ever missed.
Allah Ta'ala said to Musa (a.s.): 'O Musa! For the two rakaats of Fajr
prayer that Ummah of Muhammad (s.a.w.w) will perform, We will forgive all
their sins of the whole day and night and enter them into the fort of Our
security.
O Musa! For each of the four rakaats of Zuhr, which the Ummah of Muhammad
perform, the reward is separate. For the first rakaat, the reward is
forgiveness of sins. For the second rakaat, the reward is that his good
deeds will be made heavy on the Day of Judgment. For the third rakaat, the
reward is the angels making Du'a for their forgiveness and asking My mercy
for them. For the fourth rakaat, the reward is the opening of the doors of
Heaven and the damsels of
Paradise looking at them.
O Musa, when Our last Prophet and his Ummah will pray the four rakaats of
Asr salat, there will be no angel on earth and heaven who will not pray for
their forgiveness. And we will not punish those for whom the angels pray for
forgiveness.
O Musa, when Our last Prophet's Ummah will pray the three rakats at the time
of Maghrib, then the doors of the heavens will be opened, and We will
fulfill whatever they will ask.
O Musa, the four rakaats of Isha are better than all the earth's kingdom and
wealth. After performing this salat, they will be as purified of their sins,
as a new born baby.'
to the house of a man, well known for his honesty. He knocks the door and
tells him:
" I'm giving you $1440 to keep with you as I am traveling to a dangerous
place. When I get back, I only want $17 back."
The honest man stood their perplexed but agreed. The next day, the traveler
comes back to the honest man's house and asks him for $17. The honest man
tells him that he forgot and that he had spent it all. The traveler forgave
him since he knew that this man is honest enough to give it back later.
The next day, the same man travels to the same dangerous place and gives the
same honest man $1440 to keep and at the end of the day, he will take $17
back. The traveler returns from his travels and asks the honest man for his
$17. The honest man replies that he was so engrossed in having a good time
with his friends, that he spent all the money again. Once again, the
traveler forgave him, knowing he didn't do it on purpose.
This same incident starts to happen everyday, whereby the honest man is
given $1440 and is expected to return only $17 but fails to do so. Later
on, his child becomes sick and the doctor who was going to give the
treatment tells the honest man that if he wishes for his child to be looked
after, the fee was $1440. The honest man starts to panic realising he can't
afford $1440. It then struck him that the traveler used to give him that
same amount.
He runs to the traveler's house and asks him in a panic for $1440. The
traveler told him that due to his feeble excuses, he has stopped going to
his house as he has lost faith in his honesty.
The irony is that this story is directly relevant to each and every single
one of us. It is quite remarkable that Allah (swt) gives us 1440 minutes
each day and only specifies 17 minutes of that back in prayer. But due to
ignorance and the whisperings of Shaitaan the accursed, we are blinded
towards the minute scale of what we are giving back, and that also for our
own benefit.
This story points out three things.
1. The importance of Salat and how little we have to give back.
2. The mercy of Allah that he forgives us even after such blunders.
3. The fact that we only realise how important something is (in this case
gift of wealth) until it is gone.
Shaytan escorts a believer to Masjid
A man woke up early in order to pray the Fajr prayer in the masjid. He got
dressed, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid.
On his way to the masjid, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got
up, brushed himself off, and headed home. At home, he changed his clothes,
made his ablution, and was again, on his way to the masjid.
Second time, on his way to the masjid, he fell again and at the same spot!
He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once
again, changed his clothes, made his ablution and was on his way to the
masjid.
On his way third time to the masjid, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked
the man of his identity and the man replied "I saw you fall twice on your
way to the masjid, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way."
The first man thanked him profusely and the two where on their way to the
masjid. Once at the masjid, the first man asked the man with the lamp to
come in and pray Fajr with him. The second man refused. The first man asked
him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same.
The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray. The man
replied "I am Satan." The man was shocked at this reply.
Satan went on to explain, "I saw you on your way to the masjid and it was I
who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on
your way to the masjid, Allah forgave all of your sins. I made you fall a
second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather,
you went back on your way to the masjid. Because of that, Allah forgave all
the sins of the people of your household. I was afraid if I made you fall
one more time, then Allah will forgive the sins of the people of your
village, so I made sure that you reached the masjid safely."
I regret every missed Salat!
The Ummah of today have abandoned salah but if we knew what it was worth we
would never miss another prayer again, not for any wedding or party. After I
read this I regretted every salaat I ever missed.
Allah Ta'ala said to Musa (a.s.): 'O Musa! For the two rakaats of Fajr
prayer that Ummah of Muhammad (s.a.w.w) will perform, We will forgive all
their sins of the whole day and night and enter them into the fort of Our
security.
O Musa! For each of the four rakaats of Zuhr, which the Ummah of Muhammad
perform, the reward is separate. For the first rakaat, the reward is
forgiveness of sins. For the second rakaat, the reward is that his good
deeds will be made heavy on the Day of Judgment. For the third rakaat, the
reward is the angels making Du'a for their forgiveness and asking My mercy
for them. For the fourth rakaat, the reward is the opening of the doors of
Heaven and the damsels of
Paradise looking at them.
O Musa, when Our last Prophet and his Ummah will pray the four rakaats of
Asr salat, there will be no angel on earth and heaven who will not pray for
their forgiveness. And we will not punish those for whom the angels pray for
forgiveness.
O Musa, when Our last Prophet's Ummah will pray the three rakats at the time
of Maghrib, then the doors of the heavens will be opened, and We will
fulfill whatever they will ask.
O Musa, the four rakaats of Isha are better than all the earth's kingdom and
wealth. After performing this salat, they will be as purified of their sins,
as a new born baby.'
Desert rose
Roses are mostly red
Growing mostly in gardens
Lush and green gardens
When a rose grows in a desert
It is of a special kind
Desert rose…
Living through pain
Still holding on for a possible gain
In the hereafter
Where she hears no evil talk
Or even vain
Desert rose…
Wearing her hijab like umm salamah
Most times with the niqab
Never cares who says what
She wears it for Arrahman (the Most Merciful)
Desert rose…
Always traveling with a Mahram
If you ask her why? No drama
She boldly tells you, the Rasul (Messenger) said so.
Deny that and you face trauma
Desert rose…
Marries for the deen (Religion)
Waiting for yaumud-deen (the Day of Resurrection)
Where she reclines on green
Sofas I mean
Desert rose…
Her family and friends laugh at her
She most times shed tears
Because of the rahma (mercy) in her heart
For them Allah’s wrath she fears
Desert rose…
May your dreams come true
May you be in the belly of a green bird
Flying around jannah (Paradise)
May we meet in jannah
To continue what we started here
Desert rose…
She is not egocentric
Always Mecca-centric
Follows the Sunnah pure
No matter whose ox is gored
Desert rose…
When a rose grows in a desert
It is a sign of Allah’s rahma
Despite the harsh wind and dry oasis
It blossoms with special radiance
Nuff nuff respect, desert rose!
You know who you are!
NOTE: Mahram:- refers to the extent of blood relationships
within which one may not marry. Within these boundaries, members
of the opposite sex may freely associated socially, without the
restriction of things like veil. Sunnah: Literally, a clear
path or beaten track. Refers to whatever the Prophet said, did,
agreed to, or condemned.
Growing mostly in gardens
Lush and green gardens
When a rose grows in a desert
It is of a special kind
Desert rose…
Living through pain
Still holding on for a possible gain
In the hereafter
Where she hears no evil talk
Or even vain
Desert rose…
Wearing her hijab like umm salamah
Most times with the niqab
Never cares who says what
She wears it for Arrahman (the Most Merciful)
Desert rose…
Always traveling with a Mahram
If you ask her why? No drama
She boldly tells you, the Rasul (Messenger) said so.
Deny that and you face trauma
Desert rose…
Marries for the deen (Religion)
Waiting for yaumud-deen (the Day of Resurrection)
Where she reclines on green
Sofas I mean
Desert rose…
Her family and friends laugh at her
She most times shed tears
Because of the rahma (mercy) in her heart
For them Allah’s wrath she fears
Desert rose…
May your dreams come true
May you be in the belly of a green bird
Flying around jannah (Paradise)
May we meet in jannah
To continue what we started here
Desert rose…
She is not egocentric
Always Mecca-centric
Follows the Sunnah pure
No matter whose ox is gored
Desert rose…
When a rose grows in a desert
It is a sign of Allah’s rahma
Despite the harsh wind and dry oasis
It blossoms with special radiance
Nuff nuff respect, desert rose!
You know who you are!
NOTE: Mahram:- refers to the extent of blood relationships
within which one may not marry. Within these boundaries, members
of the opposite sex may freely associated socially, without the
restriction of things like veil. Sunnah: Literally, a clear
path or beaten track. Refers to whatever the Prophet said, did,
agreed to, or condemned.
MUSLIMS CRAFT THEIR OWN VIDEO GAMES
Rhonda Roumani, Christian Science Monitor
6/5/06
http://csmonitor.com/2006/0605/p07s02-wome.html
DAMASCUS, SYRIA – Inside the frosted glass doors of Afkar Media,
located in Damascus's newly-built free-zone, software developers are
trying to rebuild a civilization inside a video game.
Set to be released in September, "Al-Quraysh" is a strategy game that
tells the story of the first 100 years of Islam's history from the
viewpoint of four different nations - Bedouins, Arabs, Persians, and
Romans.
One can choose to command any of the armies of the four nations or
lead the army of the main character, Khaled Ibn Waleed, a Muslim
warrior who defeated the Roman and Persian empires and never lost a
battle. Or one can play the role of the Bedouin sheikh, who must earn
the respect of his tribe. The player has the task of building and
protecting trade routes and water sources, building armies, conducting
battles, and freeing slaves.
It's just one of several new games produced in the Middle East with
the idea that video games, like other media, play a role in shaping
young minds and impacting self-esteem. The makers hope "Al-Quraysh,"
named after the prophet Muhammad's tribe, will help to correct the
image of Islam, alleviate tensions with the West, and stoke pride
among young Muslims.
"Al-Quraysh is going to help people in the West better understand the
people who are living in the East," says Radwan Kasmiya, an avid gamer
and the executive manager of Afkar Media. "We want to show that this
civilization was a sort of practical and almost heavenly civilization."
The game also holds lessons for Muslims, says Mr. Kasmiya.
"I get very embarrassed by the way we are showing our civilization,"
says Kasmiya. "There were rational laws that were governing Muslims at
that time. This allowed this civilization to last for a long time and
to accept the other civilizations that they came in touch with. It was
not a conservative or sectarian civilization. But people have stopped
taking the ideas behind the laws, and are taking the laws themselves.
They do not understand the essence of the laws."
Afkar Media has already produced two games, both dealing with the
plight of the Palestinian people. One game released last year, "Under
Siege," was born out of frustration with the prevalance of Arabs and
Muslims portrayed as terrorists in Western video games. The creators
of the game say the story line counteracts the biases in some Western
games by showing the Palestinian struggle from an Arab vantage point
and creating Arab and Muslim characters who are fighting in self-defense.
In the first scene of "Under Siege," Baruch Goldstein, the Israeli
settler who killed 27 worshipers in a Hebron mosque in 1994, snickers
as he sneaks up to the mosque where two boys, Maen and Ahmed, are
among those praying inside. Goldstein enters the mosque and starts
shooting into the prostrated crowd.
As chaos ensues, Ahmed must disarm Goldstein and turn to fight Israeli
soldiers. Killing civilians - Israeli or Arab - will make him lose his
stamina. Maen is armed with a slingshot and must help the ambulance,
which is being blocked by Israeli forces, reach the mosque.
Critics say the game merely inverts stereotypes - replacing extremist
caricatures of Muslims with extremist caricatures of Jews, like that
of Baruch Goldstein, and using the violent "shooter" format common to
many video games.
But by giving young Muslims and Arabs the chance to see themselves in
"the good guy" roles, Kasmiya hopes the games will bolster self-esteem
among the region's children.
"Most video games on the market are anti-Arab and anti-Islam," says
Kasmiya. "Arab gamers are playing games that attack their culture,
their beliefs, and their way of life. The youth who are playing the
foreign games are feeling guilt. On the outside they look like they
don't care, but inside they do care. But we also don't want to do
something about Arabs killing Westerners."
Both "Al-Quraysh" and "Under Siege," which cost roughly $100,000 to
make, have been funded and released by Dar al-Fiqr, a publishing house
that distributes a wide range of conservative to liberal voices on
topics related to Islam. An estimated 100,000 copies of "Under Siege"
have been distributed around the Arab world.
Hasan Salem, a director at Dar al-Fiqr, hopes "Al-Quraysh" will
promote a more "modern" Islam.
"People believe that only their heritage will help this nation," says
Mr. Salem. "We believe that this nation needs a new vision, new
people, new blood to study, read, and then think about Islam. We
believe in this line, not the old line that only reads old books and
believes in the past."
But Dar al-Fiqr and Afkar Media's toughest challenge may be getting
serious gamers to play.
Weak copyright laws in the region limit a company's ability to profit
from such games, which sell for about $10 a copy.
And games like "Al-Quraysh" must compete with the sophisticated
graphics and game plots of a multibillion-dollar gaming industry.
Mohamad Hamzeh, a 26-year-old gamer, says he bought "Under Siege," but
that he would not play it instead of other popular games like "World
of Warcraft" or "Counterstrike" because he says the plot lines are not
convincing.
"We do want to put Arabs in games and show that we have a
civilization, we respect other people, and that we are not
aggressors," says Mr. Hamzeh, who develops video games himself. "But
it's hard to really get into a game like 'Under Siege.' When you are
in 2005 and you find a game that was released in 1995 that was much
more advanced, it is not good. You must feel the challenge in the
game. They are paying so much attention to the political and religious
part, they are not concentrating on the technical parts of the game."
6/5/06
http://csmonitor.com/2006/0605/p07s02-wome.html
DAMASCUS, SYRIA – Inside the frosted glass doors of Afkar Media,
located in Damascus's newly-built free-zone, software developers are
trying to rebuild a civilization inside a video game.
Set to be released in September, "Al-Quraysh" is a strategy game that
tells the story of the first 100 years of Islam's history from the
viewpoint of four different nations - Bedouins, Arabs, Persians, and
Romans.
One can choose to command any of the armies of the four nations or
lead the army of the main character, Khaled Ibn Waleed, a Muslim
warrior who defeated the Roman and Persian empires and never lost a
battle. Or one can play the role of the Bedouin sheikh, who must earn
the respect of his tribe. The player has the task of building and
protecting trade routes and water sources, building armies, conducting
battles, and freeing slaves.
It's just one of several new games produced in the Middle East with
the idea that video games, like other media, play a role in shaping
young minds and impacting self-esteem. The makers hope "Al-Quraysh,"
named after the prophet Muhammad's tribe, will help to correct the
image of Islam, alleviate tensions with the West, and stoke pride
among young Muslims.
"Al-Quraysh is going to help people in the West better understand the
people who are living in the East," says Radwan Kasmiya, an avid gamer
and the executive manager of Afkar Media. "We want to show that this
civilization was a sort of practical and almost heavenly civilization."
The game also holds lessons for Muslims, says Mr. Kasmiya.
"I get very embarrassed by the way we are showing our civilization,"
says Kasmiya. "There were rational laws that were governing Muslims at
that time. This allowed this civilization to last for a long time and
to accept the other civilizations that they came in touch with. It was
not a conservative or sectarian civilization. But people have stopped
taking the ideas behind the laws, and are taking the laws themselves.
They do not understand the essence of the laws."
Afkar Media has already produced two games, both dealing with the
plight of the Palestinian people. One game released last year, "Under
Siege," was born out of frustration with the prevalance of Arabs and
Muslims portrayed as terrorists in Western video games. The creators
of the game say the story line counteracts the biases in some Western
games by showing the Palestinian struggle from an Arab vantage point
and creating Arab and Muslim characters who are fighting in self-defense.
In the first scene of "Under Siege," Baruch Goldstein, the Israeli
settler who killed 27 worshipers in a Hebron mosque in 1994, snickers
as he sneaks up to the mosque where two boys, Maen and Ahmed, are
among those praying inside. Goldstein enters the mosque and starts
shooting into the prostrated crowd.
As chaos ensues, Ahmed must disarm Goldstein and turn to fight Israeli
soldiers. Killing civilians - Israeli or Arab - will make him lose his
stamina. Maen is armed with a slingshot and must help the ambulance,
which is being blocked by Israeli forces, reach the mosque.
Critics say the game merely inverts stereotypes - replacing extremist
caricatures of Muslims with extremist caricatures of Jews, like that
of Baruch Goldstein, and using the violent "shooter" format common to
many video games.
But by giving young Muslims and Arabs the chance to see themselves in
"the good guy" roles, Kasmiya hopes the games will bolster self-esteem
among the region's children.
"Most video games on the market are anti-Arab and anti-Islam," says
Kasmiya. "Arab gamers are playing games that attack their culture,
their beliefs, and their way of life. The youth who are playing the
foreign games are feeling guilt. On the outside they look like they
don't care, but inside they do care. But we also don't want to do
something about Arabs killing Westerners."
Both "Al-Quraysh" and "Under Siege," which cost roughly $100,000 to
make, have been funded and released by Dar al-Fiqr, a publishing house
that distributes a wide range of conservative to liberal voices on
topics related to Islam. An estimated 100,000 copies of "Under Siege"
have been distributed around the Arab world.
Hasan Salem, a director at Dar al-Fiqr, hopes "Al-Quraysh" will
promote a more "modern" Islam.
"People believe that only their heritage will help this nation," says
Mr. Salem. "We believe that this nation needs a new vision, new
people, new blood to study, read, and then think about Islam. We
believe in this line, not the old line that only reads old books and
believes in the past."
But Dar al-Fiqr and Afkar Media's toughest challenge may be getting
serious gamers to play.
Weak copyright laws in the region limit a company's ability to profit
from such games, which sell for about $10 a copy.
And games like "Al-Quraysh" must compete with the sophisticated
graphics and game plots of a multibillion-dollar gaming industry.
Mohamad Hamzeh, a 26-year-old gamer, says he bought "Under Siege," but
that he would not play it instead of other popular games like "World
of Warcraft" or "Counterstrike" because he says the plot lines are not
convincing.
"We do want to put Arabs in games and show that we have a
civilization, we respect other people, and that we are not
aggressors," says Mr. Hamzeh, who develops video games himself. "But
it's hard to really get into a game like 'Under Siege.' When you are
in 2005 and you find a game that was released in 1995 that was much
more advanced, it is not good. You must feel the challenge in the
game. They are paying so much attention to the political and religious
part, they are not concentrating on the technical parts of the game."
The new Girl Scouts
by Bianca Vazquez Toness, Minnesota Public Radio
To many, Girl Scouts are as American as the flag and apple pie. But the scouts are adapting, changing their ways to attract and keep girls who haven't traditionally joined a troop, including the children of immigrants. Scouting seems to particularly appeal to Muslims girls.
Minneapolis, Minn. — A group of Girl Scouts gather at a community center in Minneapolis. Like many Girl Scout troops, these young girls start each meeting with the Girl Scout promise. The girls face each other, holding their three middle fingers in the air, and recite their pledge. But this troop does it a little differently than most.
Girl Scout closing circle
"On my honor," they start, "I will try to serve Allah and my country, to help people and live by the Girl Scout law."
Substituting Allah for God is one of a few tweaks the Girl Scouts of America have made to the traditional scouting rituals and practices to include Muslim girls. These girls wear traditional head scarves, called the hijab. They earn some badges unique to their faith. Islamic merit badges are rewards for learning prayers or teaching non-Muslims about their religion.
As they prepare for their first overnight camping trip, these girls insist that their troop leader, Farheen Hakeem, get special Muslim-approved marshmellows so they can make s'mores. And Hakeem has secured a private swimming hole where the girls can shed their scarves and swim without any men seeing them.
What unites the girls in this troop is their difference from everything around them.
"As Muslims, what do we do differently that other people don't do?" Hakeem asks the girls in a lesson on cultural understanding.
"We pray," one girl says.
"Right. What else?"
Hodo Ibrahim
"We wear the hijab." Hakeem also wears a head scarf and explains to the girls that non-Muslim people may think the tradition is uncomfortable and inconvenient.
"What do you think when you see non-Muslim girls wearing shorts and showing their skin?" Hakeem asks the girls.
"It must feel like they're naked," one girl answers.
Hakeem works fulltime for the Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis as a membership coordinator. She's also running for mayor of Minneapolis as the Green Party candidate. She has four Muslim troops and says it's not that hard to tailor girl scouting to Islam since it's already segregated by sex, and stresses discipline and sisterhood.
Hassan Mohamud is an imam for the St. Paul Islamic Center and president of the Somali Family and Youth Association of Minnesota. He wants more Muslim girls to join Girl Scouts.
Ayan Ibrahim
"We know that if we go back in American history," he says, "the Scouts is where they can discipline and educate their kids to behave properly in American society. And Islam is a religion of discipline."
Hassan says scouting is a good way to integrate in American society and teach young Muslim girls to be leaders here.
"We call it positive integration," he says. "We take what is good in America and then replace what is bad. We have some values that we came with as Muslims that are beneficial to American society and the American system and America does have values that are important to us also."
But there's one important aspect to scouting that Muslim girls don't get. That is meeting girls who are different from them. Through its history scouting has worked as an equalizer and meeting place for boys and girls from all backgrounds.
Hassan Mohamud wants to keep Muslim girls in a segregated Girl Scout troop. There are other leaders in the Twin Cities minority community with the same goal. That's lead to segregated Hmong and Latina troops, as well.
Shelley Jacobson, executive director of the Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis, says the council will maintain all-Muslim troops since it's one of the only opportunities for these girls to spend time with girls just like themselves.
Farheen Hakeem
"We really do want to focus on greater integration," she says. "But we do need to start somewhere where families believe their girls are safe and they are talking about things that are culturally honoring in that space."
Jacobson says that as volunteers and staff learn more about Islam, they can start thinking about integration. Muslim Girl Scout troops are in their second year in Minneapolis. They hope to have 100 members in all Muslim troops next year.
http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/06/30_tonessb_girlscouts/
To many, Girl Scouts are as American as the flag and apple pie. But the scouts are adapting, changing their ways to attract and keep girls who haven't traditionally joined a troop, including the children of immigrants. Scouting seems to particularly appeal to Muslims girls.
Minneapolis, Minn. — A group of Girl Scouts gather at a community center in Minneapolis. Like many Girl Scout troops, these young girls start each meeting with the Girl Scout promise. The girls face each other, holding their three middle fingers in the air, and recite their pledge. But this troop does it a little differently than most.
Girl Scout closing circle
"On my honor," they start, "I will try to serve Allah and my country, to help people and live by the Girl Scout law."
Substituting Allah for God is one of a few tweaks the Girl Scouts of America have made to the traditional scouting rituals and practices to include Muslim girls. These girls wear traditional head scarves, called the hijab. They earn some badges unique to their faith. Islamic merit badges are rewards for learning prayers or teaching non-Muslims about their religion.
As they prepare for their first overnight camping trip, these girls insist that their troop leader, Farheen Hakeem, get special Muslim-approved marshmellows so they can make s'mores. And Hakeem has secured a private swimming hole where the girls can shed their scarves and swim without any men seeing them.
What unites the girls in this troop is their difference from everything around them.
"As Muslims, what do we do differently that other people don't do?" Hakeem asks the girls in a lesson on cultural understanding.
"We pray," one girl says.
"Right. What else?"
Hodo Ibrahim
"We wear the hijab." Hakeem also wears a head scarf and explains to the girls that non-Muslim people may think the tradition is uncomfortable and inconvenient.
"What do you think when you see non-Muslim girls wearing shorts and showing their skin?" Hakeem asks the girls.
"It must feel like they're naked," one girl answers.
Hakeem works fulltime for the Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis as a membership coordinator. She's also running for mayor of Minneapolis as the Green Party candidate. She has four Muslim troops and says it's not that hard to tailor girl scouting to Islam since it's already segregated by sex, and stresses discipline and sisterhood.
Hassan Mohamud is an imam for the St. Paul Islamic Center and president of the Somali Family and Youth Association of Minnesota. He wants more Muslim girls to join Girl Scouts.
Ayan Ibrahim
"We know that if we go back in American history," he says, "the Scouts is where they can discipline and educate their kids to behave properly in American society. And Islam is a religion of discipline."
Hassan says scouting is a good way to integrate in American society and teach young Muslim girls to be leaders here.
"We call it positive integration," he says. "We take what is good in America and then replace what is bad. We have some values that we came with as Muslims that are beneficial to American society and the American system and America does have values that are important to us also."
But there's one important aspect to scouting that Muslim girls don't get. That is meeting girls who are different from them. Through its history scouting has worked as an equalizer and meeting place for boys and girls from all backgrounds.
Hassan Mohamud wants to keep Muslim girls in a segregated Girl Scout troop. There are other leaders in the Twin Cities minority community with the same goal. That's lead to segregated Hmong and Latina troops, as well.
Shelley Jacobson, executive director of the Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis, says the council will maintain all-Muslim troops since it's one of the only opportunities for these girls to spend time with girls just like themselves.
Farheen Hakeem
"We really do want to focus on greater integration," she says. "But we do need to start somewhere where families believe their girls are safe and they are talking about things that are culturally honoring in that space."
Jacobson says that as volunteers and staff learn more about Islam, they can start thinking about integration. Muslim Girl Scout troops are in their second year in Minneapolis. They hope to have 100 members in all Muslim troops next year.
http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/06/30_tonessb_girlscouts/
Support Halal Crispy Treats! USA
My apologies for the unintended humor in the subject heading.
But, this is a FANTASTIC and "delicious" opportunity to support a great Muslim business!
www.HalalCrispyTreats.com
DEARBORN, MI -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 06/08/2006 -- Halal Select Snacks, a Muslim owned company, has announced the launch of America's first Halal Crispy Treat earlier this month. The company unveiled its mouthwatering rice-crispy treat which is expected to reach Muslim schools, grocers, supermarkets, and mosques throughout the U.S. and Canada within the next week. Following the success of the company's Halal Marshmallows (retail $1.75), the new sized Crispy Treat hopes to generate a promising response from the 7 million strong Muslim community at a low price of 59¢ each or 2 for $1.
The Halal Crispy produced by Halal Select Snacks uses ingredients and production processes that meet Islamic dietary rules. Some candies, such as Rice Crispy Treats and marshmallows, contain gelatin -- which is mainly derived from an animal source like pork and beef derivatives. Therefore, popular marshmallows-based snacks have always been off-limits to American Muslim consumers. The growing emphasis on Halal foods by American Muslim consumers has opened an entirely new market for candy and other food products. Halal Select Snacks has focused attention on this emerging demand from the Muslim community by providing Halal snacks.
Company founder and owner, Ratib Habbal said the Dearborn-based company makes its products Halal (suitable for Muslims) because it uses fish gelatin, which is the only animal derived ingredient used in production. For Muslims, all fish is automatically permissible according to the Quran 5:96 (Muslim Holy Book), which guarantees its Halal without Halal certification from a religious association. Habbal introduced fish gelatin products when he founded the company upon completing his MBA at Wayne State University in Detroit. Having being deprived of marshmallows for over a decade, he decided to satisfy his craving by establishing an entire candy company for the millions of American Muslims. According to Habbal, the company's goal has been focused on bringing once inaccessible treats to the American Muslim market. The Halal Crispy Treats and Marshmallows are just the beginning according to Habbal as he hopes to expand the company's snack range offering with other
gelatin-based snacks such as gummy bears, marshmallow cereals, and marshmallows for hot chocolate. To discover more, visit: www.HalalCrispyTreats.com .
FREE SAMPLES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
But, this is a FANTASTIC and "delicious" opportunity to support a great Muslim business!
www.HalalCrispyTreats.com
DEARBORN, MI -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 06/08/2006 -- Halal Select Snacks, a Muslim owned company, has announced the launch of America's first Halal Crispy Treat earlier this month. The company unveiled its mouthwatering rice-crispy treat which is expected to reach Muslim schools, grocers, supermarkets, and mosques throughout the U.S. and Canada within the next week. Following the success of the company's Halal Marshmallows (retail $1.75), the new sized Crispy Treat hopes to generate a promising response from the 7 million strong Muslim community at a low price of 59¢ each or 2 for $1.
The Halal Crispy produced by Halal Select Snacks uses ingredients and production processes that meet Islamic dietary rules. Some candies, such as Rice Crispy Treats and marshmallows, contain gelatin -- which is mainly derived from an animal source like pork and beef derivatives. Therefore, popular marshmallows-based snacks have always been off-limits to American Muslim consumers. The growing emphasis on Halal foods by American Muslim consumers has opened an entirely new market for candy and other food products. Halal Select Snacks has focused attention on this emerging demand from the Muslim community by providing Halal snacks.
Company founder and owner, Ratib Habbal said the Dearborn-based company makes its products Halal (suitable for Muslims) because it uses fish gelatin, which is the only animal derived ingredient used in production. For Muslims, all fish is automatically permissible according to the Quran 5:96 (Muslim Holy Book), which guarantees its Halal without Halal certification from a religious association. Habbal introduced fish gelatin products when he founded the company upon completing his MBA at Wayne State University in Detroit. Having being deprived of marshmallows for over a decade, he decided to satisfy his craving by establishing an entire candy company for the millions of American Muslims. According to Habbal, the company's goal has been focused on bringing once inaccessible treats to the American Muslim market. The Halal Crispy Treats and Marshmallows are just the beginning according to Habbal as he hopes to expand the company's snack range offering with other
gelatin-based snacks such as gummy bears, marshmallow cereals, and marshmallows for hot chocolate. To discover more, visit: www.HalalCrispyTreats.com .
FREE SAMPLES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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