Terrorism is an act of cowardice and anybody can engage in it. The blanket criticisms often leveled against the Muslims is more often than not devoid of concrete evidence.The West is always quick to rise to the occasion of attacking the east of any act of violence, and this is something unacceptable.The relationship between the West which is largely dominated by the whites, and the East which is largely dominated by Muslims and red Indians and Arabs is awash with suspicion, accusations and counter-accusations. Even as terrorism is used as a scapegoat, religious conflicts which started many centuries ago is often ignored.

The situation especially the political instability in the middle east is playing a critical role is, as far as, the future of Muslims relationship with the west is concerned. The stakes are high, and so are the demands. The current political situation in Syria is just, but  a long tale but the underhand tactics fueling this relentless situation of massacre should not cast the Muslim world into dark shadows. Perhaps there could be some influence from the west, but it should be understood that the humanitarian crisis is dire and urgent measures ought to be always taken without further ado. Politics or pronouncements of terrorism would only serve to worsen the situation.

When Syria’s conflict began two years ago, the international community was agape and did nothing, but until recently when hundreds of lives were claimed in what has been believed to be  chemical weapons attack, the west wanted to act by way of military air strikes. Looking at situations like Syria, Libya and among other Muslim dominated nations, the relationship between the west and Islamic fraternity often suffers a big a blow. All always culminate into a war between Islam and the west. Major bombings the world over are often a blame game and often shifted to our Muslim brothers.

Further, taking a scenario like Egypt, the battle is declared against the Muslim brotherhood. Well, it should be understood that they too have their grievances, and this is just but a situation of normal political disgruntlement among the populace. The senseless and targeted attacks on those who are affiliated to the Muslim brotherhood are definitely uncalled for. Egypt’s case is a tricky one, and the involvement of the west cannot be overruled since the ousting of Mubarak, and Morsi. Many critics of the west argue that their involvement in the East affairs is often interest bound. Weapons stockpile is often at center-stage with the west often coming in to attack the side which they feel isn’t meeting their interest.

Well, we live in challenging times. The world is awash with terror and every part of the world is affected. Cost of living will continue to rise if these blanket criticisms continue to be  targeted at the Muslims for whatever terror related crimes there is in the world but without much basis of claims. The latest terror related attack in Kenya’s upscale shopping mall is one such case which should be treated with care lest the Muslim-western relations get even bitter.

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Nikah is actually an excellent bounty from Allah Ta’ala. The extramarital affairs on this world, as well as, the hereafter tend to be put in order by means of marriage. There exist lots of wisdom and several advantages in marriage. An individual will save himself from sinning, and his heart can be put at ease. He doesn’t have any kind of bad objectives and his ideas never start to stroll and run away. The most effective advantage is that there are only advantages and only benefits within this. It is because a husband and wife’s relaxing with each other and engaging in a caring discussion, joking amongst each other, etc is superior to nafl salat.

A wedding could be carried out by simply 2 phrases, e.g. an individual says the following phrases in the existence of witnesses: “I present my girl to you personally in marital life.” The one who is addressed response: “I admit the girl in wedding.” By doing this, wedding ceremony is logical, and both of them are legal wife and husband.

When the girl exists and the parent says: “I offer this girl of my own in marital life to you”, and the particular person response: “I admit the girl”, the nikah will likely be logical. It will not be essential to speak about her name.

If both guy and girl are adults, they are able to execute their own nikah. All that they need to perform is saying the following in the existence of 2 witnesses; One of them should declare: “I am doing my nikah along with you”, and also the other should express: “I admit.” By doing this, the nikah will likely be logical.

Individuals with whom Nikah is Haram:

1. Wedding with one’s children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc is not allowable. Neither is matrimony with one’s mothers and fathers, grandparents, maternal grandparents, etc allowable.

2. Marriage with one’s brothers, uncles and nephews is not allowable. Based on the Shari’ah, a brother is the only one whose father and mother will be the similar or they have got one father, but 2 mom or one mom, but 2 dads. However, if the dad is different, as well as, the mom is also different; that individual will never be a brother. Nikah along with him will likely be logical.

The Wali or Protector

1. The first wali of a girl or boy is their dad. When the dad is not really present, the grandfather will become their wali. In case he is not present, then a great grandfather. If not one of them can be found, the blood-brother will become their wali.

2. A premature individual could not become a wali of anybody. A kafir can not be a wali for any Muslim, nor can a lunatic become a wali for anybody.

3. An adult woman has the option to marry or not to marry. She can get married to whomsoever she desires – nobody can induce her to get married to a person. If the girl marries an individual on her own, the nikah will likely be logical regardless if the wali is informed or not.

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Cairo Court for Urgent Matters ordered to disband the Muslim Brotherhood, which was a Non Government Organization in Egypt. Court said that, this ruling applied to the Islamist movement, its non-governmental organization and any affiliated groups. It also banned all the activities carried out by the movement.

Court further ordered to seize the funds and the properties of the organization and had formed a panel to administer those frozen assets until any appeal heard.

Along with this, the future of Freedom and Justice Party – the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood had become a question as the Egypt’s latest draft constitution is more favorable towards banning all religious political parties. However, It was registered officially in 2011 which has its own legality since then.

As a movement, which has the 85 years of its history, was first banned in 1954 by the military regime, which was against the religious concepts. Somehow, the social services and political attendance of Muslim Brotherhood were continued as an unformed organization.

In the recent past, which was in last March, Muslim Brotherhood was registered as a NGO in response to a court case brought by opponents who contested its legal status, which directly involved in politics after the Arab Spring.

Court had formed a commission to investigate further on this. Also, the formed commission has agreed upon the opposition’s complaint towards the Brotherhood’s legal status. Further the commission says that the registration of Muslim brotherhood as an NGO was done by the government led by Muslim Brotherhood under President Morsi, which is nowhere acceptable.

Also, a leftist party had made a complaint on the legality of Muslim Brotherhood.
It is to be noted that after the coup against the elected president Morsi, the people’s voted constitution was too set to trash by the Cairo Courts. Also, many leading figures of Muslim Brotherhood including FJP Officials been detained since then.

Ibrahim Munir, Guider Council Member of Muslim Brotherhood has stressed that Monday Court ruling to disband the group and ban all its activities is anyhow expected as it had been ready since the 3rd July Military Coup against legitimacy. He further mentioned that no force on earth can end the presence of Muslim Brotherhood.

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Did you know that laughter is the one sound that has no language? Think about it, no matter where you travel, the laugh will remain, “ha ha ha” or “ho ho ho” or “he he he” Your immune system stands great chances of being stronger with a dose of laughter a day! If you are stressed, and have a dose of laughter, then your stress hormones will be lowered!

Laughter has curved a niche of its own in the world, what with industries built around sitcoms, jokes, laughter and comedians, simply because humans love to laugh. A good dose of laughter makes us as humans feel good, and not only humans, it is said that animals such as cats and dogs also do laugh! Amazing, right?

There are a number of comedians out there, but the focus today is on Dean Obeidallah. Formerly a lawyer, Dean turned into a political comedian and commentator, and is the founder and Editor of the blog “The Dean’s Report.com.”

Dean is an American comedian of Pakistan-Italian descent, who was born in Lodi, New Jersey. Arab-American comedians are by far few and far between, but Obeidallah is among the small, but growing number of these comedians who are making their way into media. They are especially renowned for their use of comedy in order to entertain, as well as, eliminate negative stereotypes of Muslims and Arab-Americans.

He has appeared on a number of US and international TV shows which include; ABC’s “The View”, Comedy Central’s Axis of Evil”, as well as, Current TV and CNN, where he is often offering commentary. In addition, he is the co-founder of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival, which is a highly acclaimed festival that has received national, as well as, international coverage, with showcases of Arab-American comics, playwrights, actors and filmmakers.

Dean is also the co-creator of Stand up for Peace which is geared at bringing Muslims, Arab-Americans, and Jews together through comedy. He does performances of Stand up for peace all across the country with Jewish-American comedian, Scott Blakeman. The show hopes to foster an understanding and the support of a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israel conflict through comedy.

In addition, Dean is co-directing the upcoming documentary “The Muslims Are Coming!” which focuses on freedom of religion for all Americans and features a tour of American-Muslim comedians performing free comedy shows across the South and West. Also, featured in the film are MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart, CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, as well as, comedians David Cross, Lewis Black, and Janeane Garofalo among others.

Dean has, in addition to appearing at a number of colleges and comedy clubs across the United sates, performed stand-up comedy in Canada and the Middle East in Dubai, Amman, Haifa, Beirut, Cairo, Oman, Ramallah and Sharm El Sheikh.

The sky is the limit for this growing niche of Arab-American comedians as they strive to leave their mark in the world.

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His name is Ali. His title is Asadullah (Lion of Allah), Haydar and Murtaza. His kunyat is Abul hasan and Abu turab. The name of his father is Abu Talib. He was the cousin of Muhammad (SM). He was born ten years before Rasulullah’s nobuat. His birth year was 600. The financial state of Abu talib wasn’t that stable. Abu talib was in freaky situation as his income was little, but his family was a big one. Muhammad (SM) took the responsibility of Ali Radia Allahu Anhu to help Abu Talib. Hazrat Ali was an intellectual boy. He proved his talent and honesty in every field of life.

He was the first child who became Muslim. When he became Muslim, he was only 9 to 11. One day, he entered the house of Muhammad (SM) and saw Muhammad and khadija praying. Ali was greatly surprised watching them in such state. Then he asked them what they were doing. Then they told him that they were praying to Allah. Then they invited him in Islam. Hazrat Ali became Muslim without even questioning.

In the 3rd year of Nobuat, Rasulullah invited some people of Makkah in his house. Rasulullah instructed Ali the responsibility of hospitality. Then Rasulullah (PBUH) said that I have brought such a thing from Allah which is beneficial for both here and hereafter. He asked the guests to be his associate. The guests remained silent. Then Hazrat Ali spoke out for the first, he said “though I am a little boy, having problems of eyes, weak, nevertheless I will assist you.”

He didn’t leave makkah during Hijrat as the messenger of Allah ordered him to stay there. Ali stayed in Rasulullah’s room in the night of hijra. Though there was a terrible possibility of death in staying there but, he felt respectful to be in rasulullah’s room. He stayed in makkah to return the moneys to the people which were kept to Hazrat Muhammad (SM) for safety.

Hazrat Ali was one of those ten men who were given the good news of heaven. They are called “Ashare Mubasharah”. He was the husband of Fatma; the daughter of Allah’s Messenger. Fatma is the queen of all women in heaven. He was a greatly lucky man. He was a wise man too. Allah’s messenger said about his knowledge. He said I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gateway. He participated in all wars of Islam.

He is called the Lion of Allah. He is the proud father of Hazrat Hasan and Hussain (Radiallahu Anhum). He was the fourth Khalifa of Islam. He became the Khalifa after the assassin of Usman. He had been busy in fighting with Muslim revolts throughout his khelafat.

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For the Muslim womenfolk, Hijab is considered an integral part which guides their modesty. The Muslim women consider Hijab to be an important part of their religion, and most women want to cover their heads when they go out in public. This is an easy thing to do if you are already living in an Islamic country, but if you are living somewhere abroad, following the Islamic way of life can be extremely challenging.

In places like France and now Russia, the feminists and those who believe in the secular form of  government  feel that Hijab is a symbol of oppression. The feminists are of the opinion that when a woman covers herself up with Hijab, she is actually portraying a very submissive attitude. She automatically becomes the weaker sex. Those who are in support of the secular government, are already against anything which even remotely has a religious base, so Hijab for them is strictly something which is frowned upon.

Stavropol is a multiethnic region in which recently the Supreme Court of Russia has declared a ban on Hijabs. Any student if when at school is caught wearing a hijab will have to face some dire consequences. Those who are in support of this decision, back up their argument by saying that the only reason they are banning Hijabs is because the Russian constitution itself is secular in nature.

However, the Muslims of that region say that the Russian government cannot impose this ban on us because no regional government whatsoever has the right to condemn the constitutional rights of its citizens, and one of the most basic constitutional rights is the freedom of religion. Therefore, Hijab is an important part of Islam and Muslims living in Russia cannot be forced to abandon it.

The schools at Stavropol now have a proper dress code in which along with revealing clothes, Hijab is also banned. This is very distressing for the Muslims who are living in that area because their daughters who wear Hijab are simply not allowed to enter the schools. The regional court of Stavropol has passed its final verdict that the dress code which has been introduced by the schools is legal, and no matter who protests and they protest, the verdict is final. The dress code is staying.

The Muslim women of that area are left with little to no choice, either they get their daughters to cover their heads or either they send them to school. They cannot do both, and this is resulting in a big conflict for the Russian Muslim communities who do not know what to do. Both the options have their disadvantage. If they opt for Hijab, then they will not be able to receive education, if they opt for education, they will be compromising on their religion.

Muslims who are living in non-Muslim countries often have to face this dilemma. May Allah (SWT) help our Muslims sisters in making the right choice. Amen.

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Offering prayers 5 times daily is one of the pillars of Islam. Over and over, in Quran the Muslims have been told to offer their prayers, regularly. It is said that when a Muslim dies and he is resurrected, he will be made to answer all that he had been doing in this world, the first thing that he will be asked about is his prayers, Namaz.

It is also said that one of the major reasons why some people would be thrown in Hell because they did not offer their prayers. Namaz has been advised for our own good. We get to stand before Allah 5 times a day, praise him and thank him for all his blessings. Send peace and blessings upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We glorify Allah, ask him for his forgiveness. Dua is one of the most powerful weapons that a Muslim can ever possess. There is no particular time or location set for making Dua, after every namaz, most  Muslims make dua for themselves for their parents, friends and families. The best part is that they can ask for anything in the world while knowing the fact that Allah is listening, and no prayer goes unnoticed.

Praying is also probably the most effective way of staying away from sins. It is such a simple thing to do, I never really understood such Muslims who say that they do not have time for praying. On an average, how much time can one Namaz take? Not more than 10 minutes to 15 minutes. Are you implying that you cannot even spend 15 minutes to offer your prayers while you have all time in the world to watch your favorite movie? It’s about priorities. Remember that you have to go from this world. This world and all its glitz and glamour are not everlasting. You need to pray while you still have time. Death can come at any moment, and it will come unannounced, so you have better to be prepared for it.

Namaz is Farz. That means it is mandatory. No ifs and buts, no excuses. You are a Muslim, and it is your duty to offer your prayers 5 times a day, with proper Wudhu. If you are one of those who feel that offering prayers 5 times daily is too burdensome then you should start by making Dua for yourself. Ask Allah to make your heart inclined towards offering prayers with concentration. Another thing that you can do is to remember death. Remind yourself as much as you want that you have to leave this world, and Namaz is one of those very limited things that you will be allowed to take with you. Remind yourself of the blessings that one gets by offering Namaz.

Once you start offering prayers 5 times a day, it will gradually become a habit, and soon enough you would realize that your day is incomplete without offering prayers.

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For some time, there has been a rumor regulating around America’s current President, Barack Obama, according to which it is said that he is a Muslim. He has a Kenyan father while his mother is an American.

It is believed that Obama’s father, Senator Obama was a Muslim, but then some say that he had abandoned Islam before he met Obama’s mother. After that, he became a pretty skeptic person, more of an atheist. Obama’s stepfather who goes by the name of Lolo Soetoro was a Muslim, but not a very devoted one. He did not place much importance on religion.

Obama’s grandfather was a Christian until he accepted Islam while he was still a young man, and then added the ‘Hussein’ to his name. Obama’s father inherited Hussein from him, and later Obama himself has Hussein as his middle name, Barack Hussein Obama.

Many people believe that Obama is a closet Muslim. Even in Hillary Clinton’s camp started circulating a photo of Obama in which he could be seen wearing a traditional Somali (Muslim) costume when he visited Kenya in 2006. However, it was made clear that Obama only wore the traditional Somali costume as a sign of respect to his hosts who has brought him clothes as gifts.

Nothing can be said for sure as to the fact that if he is really a Muslim or not. I feel that he is not. Just the fact alone that he has ‘Hussein’ as his middle name is not an evidence for him to be declared as a Muslim, or a follower of Islam. His father may have been a Muslim and his grandfather may be a Muslim as well, but Obama himself has not passed any statement yet which would make us think of him as a Muslim.

However, if we look at this from the Islamic tradition, any child who is born to a Muslim father automatically becomes a Muslim. If Obama’s father was a Muslim, then consequently that would make Obama a Muslim, as well. However, Obama himself has denied that he is a Muslim, in his Obama campaign, but that rejection if looked from this point of view, is not 100% genuine.

As far as his lifestyle is concerned, we cannot say that it is an Islamic way of life.  Moreover, let us just suppose that if he is a Muslim, then Americans are already anti-Muslims, they would simply not tolerate if their President would turn out to be a follower of Islam. They would naturally think that he is misleading the Americans, and he should be gotten rid of as soon as possible. Americans stereotype Muslims and think of them in the most negative way possible. They think that we are terrorists, and that Islam is a religion which promotes hatred and violence.

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Nikah is considered to be the first and most common form of marriage for Muslims. It is a legal contract signed before entering the marriage, and it requires acceptance of the bride and groom for each other. Many people think that engagement and Nikah are the same thing, but that is not true.

Engagement is a promise to marry, and it is the time period between the proposal and marriage. According to sharia, engagement is recommended for the one who wants to get married, and Allah says that there is no sin in making a promise of marriage.

Basically, engagement is a time before marriage when two people get to know each other and their compatibility with each other. Islam does not provide specific practices regarding engagement. What some Muslims do, announcing the engagement, having parties to celebrate and exchanging gifts which are all acceptable in principle, except those which sharia demonstrates are haram.

If an engagement breaks off, there is no major damage to the man or woman or their families. They can move on and choose a better person to spend the rest of their lives with. In case of Nikah, it is not that simple to break off, and not damage the lives of people related to that relationship. Nikah is free from any defects and affliction, perfect in every respect. There are few compulsory requirement laid down by the sharee’ah for Nikah. Like the existence of the proposal and acceptance, presence of witnesses, a legal contract of marriage and a Wallee (guardian). Nikah can guarantee the spiritual protection and purity from sins. It is a common belief that Nikah without Rukhsati is not marriage and equals to engagement. This concept is wrong because Nikah is a bond between two people and it is greater than just a proposal. After Nikah, they are lawfully legitimate for each other, and they have to fulfill their duties towards their spouse.

Nikah has many benefits, but above all is that it is a sunnah of our beloved prophet (SAWW).

What would be more important for a Muslim than to follow the sunnah of Rasool Allah (SAWW)? If Nikah can be seen as a sunnah of Nabi (SAWW), then it will be easy for people to understand why Nikah is more advantageous and proper to start a happy married life.

A commitment is always better than a promise. Islam does not deny the practice of engagement, but in halal manner. The objective of Nikah in Islam is to provide us to exist in peace and calmness. It is a great bounty of Allah (SWT) which saves a person from evil intentions and keeps him happy.

There is a great difference between engagement and Nikah. A lot of people know about this difference, but there is still a misconception among people which may cause others not understand the priority of Nikah over engagement in Islam.

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In September 2005, a Danish newspaper by the name of Jyllands-Posten  published 12 editorial cartoons, in which our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was depicted. These cartoons were first retaliated against by the Muslims who lived in Denmark, but eventually the entire world came to know about these cartoons, and Muslims all over the world were enraged at this shenanigan of sorts.

The newspaper, when confronted as to why they would do such a thing replied that the cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad (SAW) were basically an attempt which was made to criticize Islam and their concept of self-censorship. What happens is that in Islam, there is a tradition called ‘aniconism’ which is a practice in which one believes that images of divine beings like Prophets, for example, should be avoided at all costs. If one ever comes across an image of a divine being, then that is considered extremely blasphemous.

The drawing of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and its being published in a newspaper was severely criticized by all Muslims all over the world. They were very offended. Judicial complaints were filed against the newspaper, the embassies of not one, but many Islamic countries were asked to take action against this blasphemous act. The complaints, however, were ignored by the Danish government who said that they simply did not want to get into this. They also refused to meet the diplomatic representatives of the Muslim countries.

The matter was then taken in hands by a few Danish Imams who visited Middle East in 2005 to seek help. This, in turn, got a lot of attention from the media. In early 2006, January-February, various protests could be witnessed all across the Muslim world. Some of these protests took quite an ugly turn in which a lot of people were killed, Churches and Christians were attacked upon and soon enough, all of this resulted in a major international boycott.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen the Danish Prime Minister said that this controversy is easily Denmark’s worst international relations incident since the Second World War. The incident was even more tensed up because it happened around the same time when the world was already going through a rough patch, especially with what happened during the September 11 attacks. The Muslims were already in a bad position with their new label of ‘terrorists’.

The drawing of these cartoons was interpreted in a number of ways. Some saw it as a deliberate attempt to create misunderstandings between the Islamic community and practically the rest of the world. Some saw these drawings as an attempt to humiliate the Danish minority. Others viewed these drawings as ignorance about the history of Western imperialism.

Some considered these cartoons as nothing but ‘freedom of speech’. Freedom of speech is a basic right which should be guaranteed to everyone irrespective of what religion they belong to, but it does not mean that you poke fun at somebody’s religious beliefs. There is a difference between voicing your opinions and concerns and just plainly mocking someone’s faith.

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-—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—-
 
NEW YORK, NY (September 23, 2013) – The Islamic Circle of North America, ICNA, strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attack on civilians in Nairobi, Kenya. The attack has left over 60 dead and many more injured. According to media reports the attackers are still holding some hostages and a fierce battle has ensued between the terrorists and the Kenyan army.

In Islam any killing of innocent people is totally forbidden and commands the believers in Chapter 5, verse 32:
“ … If anyone slew a person be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land, it would be as if he slew the whole humanity: and if anyone saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of the whole humanity.” (Al-Qur’an 5:32)

Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said:
“I command you to do ten things: you must not kill a woman or a child, or an elderly person; do not cut down trees, or vandalize homes, or wound a sheep or camel except if you must eat it; do not drown a palm tree, or burn it, do not be treacherous; do not be cowardly; and you will pass by people who have devoted themselves to monastery life: leave them alone with their devotions.” (Tarikh At-Tabari, V.3, p.210)

Naeem Baig, President of ICNA said, “Nobody in their right mind can justify this brutal assault and massacre of innocent people. Men, women and children representing many faiths and ethnicities were just busy shopping at the mall and this terrorist act has just left them scarred for the rest of their lives.”

He said, “Any one who claims to be a Muslim and is committing such atrocities have completely wrong understanding of the faith of Islam. Islam is practiced by over 1.6 billion people in the world who are living peacefully and sharing this world with the rest of humanity.”

“We pray for the families who have lost their loved ones and for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

 
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.

—END—

Islamic Circle of North America
E-mail:
Office: (718) 658-1199

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Being a Muslim, I would naturally defend my religion, and hold it as the truest of all religions that exist in the world today. I respect all other faiths around me because that is what my religion teaches me to do. It teaches me not to make fun or ridicule any religion, its beliefs and even its followers. It teaches me not to have Imaan on Quran only, but all other religious books as well, which were sent from up above.

However, if I were to compare my religion to other religions then I would obviously be giving my religion more points than I give to others. If I compare my religion to Hinduism, I feel that one cannot have too many gods and goddesses. The ultimate power can only belong to one single authority. For me and other Muslims that is Allah, the Most Powerful.

If I were to compare my religion to Christianity, then again my religion clearly teaches me that Allah exists all alone, he does not have any family or any children whatsoever. I believe in Jesus Christ because yes, he was a prophet and deserves respect as any other prophets would, but to consider him as Allah’s son? This is one of the main points where I feel that the Islam and Christianity start to differ. We, Muslims cannot consider any man or woman as Allah’s child.

I believe that there may be some similarities between the Old Testament and Qur’an, but otherwise the two religions are different, but just like I said that I believe in my own holy book, the Quran, similarly my religion asks me to believe on the other holy books, too.  For me, Islam is a Universal religion which promises guidance to all those who wish to be guided. The religion is simple and guarantees the rights for each and everyone from women to children to widows to orphans to even animals and birds!

Islam believes that Allah alone is worth worshipping and under no circumstance any other person or deity is to be associated with Him. We, Muslims believe in all the prophets that came before Prophet Muhammad (SAW). However, there was no prophet after Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and there will never be another prophet. He was the last of the prophets. We believe that everything in this world will one day come to an end, and the only thing, which will forever exist, is God and God alone. For the rest of us, end is something inevitable. We also believe in the Hereafter, we will be resurrected and presented before Allah. Those of us, who did more good than bad, will be sent to Heaven, the most beautiful of all places. Those who did so many bad things even more than good will be sentenced to Hell, the worst of all places. We also believe that the absolute power and control over everything, even the grains of sand, belongs to Allah.

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A legendary basketball player, movie star, book author, basketball assistant coach, public speaker, cultural ambassador, devoted Muslim, Kareem Abdul Al Jabber has got it all. I’m talking about an extraordinary Muslim who is certainly a pride for the nation of Islam. For all of us, Kareem Abdul Al Jabber symbolizes strength, determination, and success.

He was born on April 16, 1947 (as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr.) in New York City, United States of America. He was raised as a Roman catholic until he decided to embrace the religion of Islam at the age of 21. At an early age, he started to show basketball’s phenomenal skills and abilities, and what surely was a helping factor is his tallness as he is 2.17 M long. He began his professional basketball career in NBA at the same year, he converted to Islam in 1969. He played for two major NBA clubs which are Milwaukee Bucks (1969-1775) and Los Angeles Lakers (1975-1989). His achievements as a basketball players are countless, and for us to talk fairly about the multitude of those achievements, one article will do us nothing. However, we could sum up his achievements by stating that at the time of his retirement, he was the leading scorer in NBA history, but not only that, he was all-time leader in minutes played, games played, blocked shots, personal fouls, defensive rebounds and field goals made. Thus, there is absolutely no shock to know that ESPN announced him as the greatest player in the entire history of college basketball.

Beside his glorious career as a basketball player, Abdul Jabber worked as an actor as he was featured in various movies and TV shows; however, he is most famous for two particular big screen roles. The first was in Bruce Lee’s last film (Game of Death) when he played the role Bruce Lee’s adversary in the famous fight scene. The second was the role of a co-pilot in 1980’s hit comedy (airplane). As well, he worked as basketball assistant coach for numerous basketball teams, and since 2005, Abdul Jabber has worked as special assistant coach for Los Angeles Lakers. Furthermore, Kareem Abdul Jabber is a best -selling author for many books, but perhaps the most important one is his autobiography (Giant Steps).  In 2012, Abdul Jabber was selected for the position of cultural ambassador for the United States of America, and for Abdul Jabber long versatile career that was the icing on the cake.

Abdul Jabber is a proud dedicated follower of the religion of Islam.  He said that the main reason behind his conversion to Islam is finding the life he wants to live in Islam. He saw that Islam is the right way to live his life, and he decided to go that way. Kareem is an excellent example of a successful, intelligent, generous, and pioneer Muslim Character. He chose Islam as his religion and way of life by his free will, and he has become a source of pride for All Muslims around the globe.

 

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Malcolm X also known as El-Hajj Malik El- Shabazz was born on the 19^th of May 1925 as Malcolm Little in a small town of Omaha, Nebraska. He was the fourth of eight children from a father who was an outspoken minister and a humble mother who was a homemaker. After the father was killed in a so-called accident, the mother suffered a mental breakdown and was sent to a mental hospital, Malcolm and his siblings were sent to different foster homes and orphanages.After going through a series of foster homes, he managed to graduate on top of his junior class, but soon dropped out after one of the teachers told him that his ambition of being a lawyer was a waste of time for a black man like him.

At the age of 20, he was arrested for burglary and was given a 10 years sentence. While in prison, he started to further his education and also became a devoted follower of the Muslim religion after the leadership of Elijah Muhammad, and he became a member of the Nation of Islam (NOI) which was an organization that was against discrimination and racism. In 1952, he was paroled and he changed his name to Malcolm X. This surname “X” to him symbolized that Little was his slave name and “X” was his lost and forgotten tribal name.

After his release from jail he became a devoted follower of the Muslim Religion, and he became one of the most influential African American speakers in the African American Muslim community. He talked about the rights of the minorities and racism. He was responsible for building some of the Mosques across America and was also featured in most of the newspaper columns, radio and the television spreading Islam’s message. Unfortunately, all this fame captured the government’s attention, and the FBI monitored his every move.

After visiting Mecca in 1960 and other African countries, he came back as a changed man, and he started looking at life from a different perspective. He modified his views and accepted the possibility of working with other people from other ethnic backgrounds. In 1964, he broke from the NOI after a misunderstanding with their leader, Elijah Muhammad, he started his own movement called The Muslim Mosque Inc. His resignation from the group made him a lot of enemies, and was marked for assassination. On the 21^st of February, after many failed attempts on his life, he was finally assassinated while making a speech at the Manhattan Audubon Ballroom, carried out by the members of the Nation of Islam (NOI). He was shot 21 times and died on arrival at the New York’s Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

Although Malcolm X made himself a lot of enemies with his teachings, he was a breath of fresh air in the 1960’s when racial tensions were high across America and in the whole world. He was devoted to the teachings of the Quran, and he was an example and should be remembered as such. He believed that just a drop of water in the ocean can make a difference in the whole world, and for many African Americans, he was that drop of water.

Surely, this was a man who lived for the rights of minorities and never gave up on his struggle against ethnic discrimination and racism, and he died defending what he believed. Malcolm X lived his live with love and respect, and we must learn from him to love and respect other’s right and dignity, no matter who we are or where we are from!

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The Islamic ideology is based upon its principles, and that’s what makes Islam different from other religions. Islam is said to be mostly the complete religion around the world because its comprehensiveness that makes it the largest religion that is being followed by the human beings.

The Principles are understood clearly in order to have the clear picture of Islam as a religion. These principles are the base of Islamic religion. Faith is actually required in order to have a complete understanding about Islam. As far as the basic principles of Islam are concerned, the basic aspect of Islam has to be followed. To have faith that there is no one except Allah almighty is one basic principle of Islam. Life after death is one of the major differences between Islam and other religions. Though there are many religions in which it is to be believed that there is a life ahead after death, but there is a huge difference between Islamic ideology and other religions.

After you believe that there is no God but Allah almighty the next most important thing that one must believe is that the Prophet (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah Almighty, and no one will come after Prophet (PBUH). In other words, the Prophet (PBUH) is the last prophet of Allah.

Before the Holy Quran, there were several other holy books that were sent by Allah, but to believe that the Holy Quran was the final book sent by Allah on Holy Prophet (PBUH) is one the major principles of Islam on which it is based upon.

Day of Judgment is what all of the Muslims do believe in and have faith. The world is a temporary place to live in.There is endless life to come after death, and that would be defined after the Day of Judgment. The Day of Judgment will surely come; it is one of the most important principles of Islam, as well. Allah Almighty is the supreme power of the world, whatever happened in the past, what will happen in the future will always be decided by Allah Almighty. The sole power is with Allah, and that is the basic belief and the principle that will make the difference on the day of judgment.

If you study Islam in depth, you will come to know that there were angels sent by Allah on earth. The sole purpose of sending those angles by Allah was to guide mankind. Mankind was blessed with the brain, and they are to decide that what kind of path should be chosen, the right one or the wrong one. Angels were only sent for  the guidance of the people. The decisions are to be made by the mankind that what way would be more beneficial for them. This is one the basic principles of Islam.

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Islam’s all-encompassing approach to health and well-being implies that anything that is hurtful or for the most part destructive is forbidden. Therefore, Islam takes an uncompromising stand towards alcohol and forbids its utilization in either modest or extensive amounts. Alcohol is undoubtedly hurtful and antagonistically influences the brain and the biological systems. It mists the psyche, causes illness, squanders cash, and annihilates people, families, and groups. Researchers have demonstrated that there is an in-number connection between alcohol and betting. Drinking disables judgment, brings down hindrance, and heartens the sort of danger taking included in betting and unsafe exercises. God lets us know in the Quran that intoxicants and betting are cursed things from Satan and demands us to escape them. (Quran 5: 90)

In Australia, a nation with a populace of around 20 millions, in the vicinity of 3000 individuals pass on every year from alcohol misuse while 65,000 others are hospitalized. Studies have reliably uncovered a connection between substantial drinking and mind harm; around 2500 Australians are treated yearly for alcohol identified cerebrum harm. Research in the United Kingdom shows that 6% of growth passings are identified with alcohol misuse, and Harvard Centre for Cancer Prevention says that drinking significantly expands the danger for various diseases. Alcohol is recognized quite cancer-causing, escalating the danger of mouth, esophagus, larynx, liver, pharynx, and bosom tumors. Drinking alcohol throughout pregnancy can expedite Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, making the kid minor at conception, have some facial distortions, little eye openings, webbed or indeed, missing fingers or toes, organ deformations, studying handicaps, mental impediment and significantly more.

Specialists in Australia have evaluated that 47% of every one of the aforementioned who carry out vicious unlawful acts, and 43% of all casualties of these unlawful acts were intoxicated before the occasion. Alcohol is blamable for 44% of fiery breakout damages, 34% of falls and drowning, 30% of pile ups, 16% of youngster misuse examples, and 7% of streamlined mishaps. However, it is clear that alcohol is answerable for incredible numerous shades of malice it is lawful, and even supported in generally social orders. In Muslim nations where alcohol is forbidden, numerous individuals still find it troublesome to oppose enticement and fall prey to the malady that is alcoholism. Amazingly even in the light of such startling proof against alcohol, individuals around the globe press on to devour alcohol in steadily expanding measures. Why?

Alcohol is one of the devices Satan uses to occupy humanity from the love of God. God states obviously in Quran that Satan is an open foe towards mankind yet by drinking alcohol, we welcome Satan into our lives and make it simple for him to divert us from our genuine reason in life to worship God.
“Unquestionably, Satan is an adversary to you, so treat him as a foe. He just welcomes his supporters that they might turn into the tenants of the bursting Fire.” (Quran 35:6)

Alcohol influences the psyche and makes corrupt conduct and insidious activities reasonable appearing. It makes ill will and contempt between individuals, averts them from recalling God and diverts them from supplicating, and calls them to take part in unlawful sexual relationships. Alcohol creates disgrace, lament, and disfavor, and renders the consumer witless. It expedites the exposure of insider facts and presentation of issues.

“Satan needs just to energize animosity and scorn between you with intoxicants (alcoholic beverages) and betting, and block you from the recognition of God and from the petition to God. So, will you not then go without?” (Quran 5:91).

In pre-islamic Arabia, alcohol utilization was far reaching. To kill this cruel enemy, God in His benevolence uncovered the prohibition in stages. First, He made it clear to them that the mischief of drinking alcohol is more excellent than its profit; next He advised the Muslims not to pray to God while inebriated and at long last, He uncovered a verse completely prohibiting alcohol.

“O you who accept! Intoxicants (different varieties of alcoholic beverages), betting, misguided admiration, and jumping bolts are a plague of Satan’s craftsmanship. So stay away from that so you may be solid.” (Quran 5: 90)

When this was revealed to the Muslim residents of Medina promptly, started to devastate and unfilled their alcohol containers into the road. Even the individuals who were guiltlessly appreciating measures of wine spat the alcohol from their mouths. It is said that the lanes of Medina ran with alcohol. Why then right so challenging to cancel this insidious in the 21st century? Today, believers should totally trust God, in the same way that the first Muslims trusted God and comprehended that He was their main Protector and Provider. All power and quality hail from God, and a scourge like alcohol might be annihilated just when those influenced by alcohol turn to God with complete accommodation.

The Quran is a book of direction sent to all mankind. It is a set of directions from the Creator for His creation. If we take after these guidelines, our lives will be simple and serene, even notwithstanding catastrophe and setback. God links alcohol and betting to misguided admiration and pronounces it soiled and malicious; in any case, He is tolerant and liberal towards the devotees and recognizes the force of addiction.

Islam is dedicated to empowering and expediting individuals who wish to apologize from wickedness doing and evil conduct. God acknowledges contrition from individuals who are genuinely sad for their movements and submitted to staying far from sin. Muslim groups don’t ostracize individuals who have committed errors, keep them inside the fold of Islam swaying them to look for the closeness to God that will permit them to leave corrupt conduct. Friends, family, and neighbors don’t just look away while an individual devours himself or his children and wife. Islam is a religion of community. There is no spot for a single person to do what he wish to do, provided that it harms others. Alcohol ill-use influences the alcoholic, as well as, his or her family, and group. There is hidden wisdom in prohibiting Alcohol.

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-—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—-
 
NEW YORK, NY (September 22, 2013) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) strongly condemns today’s brutal attack that killed 79 individuals, and wounded more than 120 at the All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan.

According to news reports, two suicide bombers detonated themselves outside the 130 year-old church while Sunday Mass attendees were exiting the building.

“Our hearts are bleeding for the loss of innocent lives due to this cowardly act of violence, and we offer our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who were killed or wounded in today’s attack,” said Naeem Baig, President of ICNA.

ICNA calls on the government of Pakistan to apprehend those responsible for this tragedy and to combat the increasing number of religious and sectarian attacks that are plaguing the nation.

Click here to also see ICNA’s statement on killing of a Christian leader in Pakistan.

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To the southern tip of the African continent lies the beautiful country of South Africa. This beautiful country is one true multiethnic society, what with the wide variety of languages, cultures and religions to be found. When one speaks of South Africa, two things pop to mind, much as they are intertwined, Apartheid and Nelson Mandela, but regardless of its bleak past, South Africa has risen out of the ashes to become one of the most talked about countries in Africa, especially in terms of tourism. South Africa offers a special diversity to its visitors, from the beautiful savannas, to the snow-capped mountains and deserts, in addition to nine provinces to choose from and eleven national languages inclusive of Swazi, Northern Sotho, Ndebele, English, Afrikaans, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Xhosa, Venda and Zulu.

In terms of religion in South Africa, Christians account for over 79.8% of the population followed by Muslims covering 1.5% of the population. The number may be small, but the Muslim community in South Africa stands tall and proud, with a claim of having a fast growing rate of conversion especially among the black Muslims, the figure is given of 74,700 Muslims as of 2004 as opposed to only 12,000 in 1991.

Everywhere you look in this beautiful country, you will be amazed with the rich diversity it offers. The Muslim Community is one area that offers a special diversity, with two phases of Muslims to the country. The first phase was brought in involuntarily because they were criminals from Africa and Asia, political prisoners and slaves. The other phase was of immigrants from Madagascar, West Africa and East Africa in addition to the arrival of Indian Muslims following the abolition of slavery. Though presenting a small percentage, the Muslim community in South Africa has managed to grow as a result of emphasis on literacy and education, the purchase of slaves by free Muslims, conversion, intermarriage and adoption.

A visit to South Africa will present you with over 500 mosques, 408 educational institutes, Muslim private schools, colleges, religious instruction centers, as well as, colleges of Islamic sciences, you will find that a number of universities offer, as part of their academic curriculum, Arabic and Islamic studies. With the education attained, it is no surprise that you will find a number of Muslims in every profession and field of endeavor.

Muslims played a significant role during the anti-apartheid struggle, as well as, in the post-apartheid government. Nearly every province with a significant number of Muslims has a private radio station that broadcasts to them, not forgetting the Islamic newspapers that play a role of enlightenment to the Muslim community about various issues.

In terms of humanitarian needs, a number of local Muslim organizations have undertaken the role of helping the country in times of natural disasters, conflicts, as well as, political upheaval. When it comes down to gender, the Muslim women are not far behind their counterparts, due to the fact that through the formation of their own associations, they have been able to render valuable services to the community with a true Islamic spirit. The youth has not been left out as Islamic societies, and associations have been formed by them in some of the most important secondary and tertiary educational institutes in the country. In addition, the South African Muslim women are greatly respected and treated with high appreciation, it is a common sight to find a domestic worker provided for by the Muslim husband to his wife so that she can get some time off to pursue an education, spend quality time with the family or just to get time off for herself.

Not everything is bright, however, for the Muslim Community in South Africa because much like any other religion, they also face a number of challenges. Following the 9/11 attacks on the world trade center, Islamophobic behavior showed an increment, with people fearing and getting suspicious of Muslims. The country faces some sort of Urban terrorism in Western Cape which is committed by the PAGAD (People Against Gangsterism and Drugs).

As a whole, the Muslim Community in South Africa has been blessed with the freedom to practice Islam, even during the apartheid period. As a result, the Muslim community in the country continues to thrive, with a number of indigenous Africans embracing Islam. Though they may come from different cultural traditions, the South African Muslims all unite under one nation, which strives to create a better life for all.

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The holy Quran lays down the guiding principles of distribution of wealth within the society with a certain goal. It is this goal or target that governs the dynamics of Islamic approach to finance and financial executions. This is the basis of financial Governance in Islam. Financial planning has been explained various times in the holy Quran and sayings by Prophet Mohammed.

The simple and primary principle is to follow the goal of equity in wealth distribution. That is why the guidelines suggest that there should be healthy bonding between an owner and his employees. It is not out of force, but the resources must be utilized in order to meet the dynamics of demand and supply, on equitable grounds. That is exactly the reason monopolistic exercise is strictly prohibited as against the guidelines of the Quran, it leads to unlawful exercises and practices. Islam teaches the duties to be followed humbly; the owner needs to pay the salary in time in a fair manner and the employee needs to realize that it is not mere work for which he gets paid; it is his duty to withstand all troubles to meet his work objective, sharing the burden with all.

Islam promotes sharing of production equitable to contribution in profit or loss. The investor would get his share, but so would the workers and managers involved; standing together, quite a contrast to capitalism. The holy Qur’an further states that apart from the contributors to production, the poor and destitute should also get their share as it is their right and not just work of donations.

The holy Qur’an further states a detailed law of inheritance for equal distribution of wealth in order to completely prevent the concentration of wealth in a few rich pair of hands. All these, in turn, form the very basis of Islamic finance with the core motive of equally distributed wealth for greater good. Parents must try to distribute wealth as fairly as possible. In Islam, men must receive double the inheritance that women receive because men usually have more obligations in life. It is not allowed to hold on to natural sources of wealth in the form of barren lands, rivers, mines, seas, etc.

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In Islam, unlike other socio-religious systems, laws and rulings have been specified for almost every theme, be it fasting, Taharat, praying, performing ablution or pilgrimage to the Holy House.

One finds, therefore, clear and succinct rulings on the things that are included in the category of impurities i.e. Najasat. In this larger category, there are larger sub-categories concerning a specific form the impurity might take. In this essay, we deal with the rulings on urine and feces.

It becomes necessary, as a point of introduction, to highlight the categories of animals:

1. Halal Animals and birds like cows, goats, etc- whose meat can be eaten
2. Haram Animals and birds like dog, cat, etc- whose meat cannot be consumed. This class includes:
   1. Human Beings: The Qur’an declares eating the flesh of another human as an abominable act: “Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it” (49:12)
   2. Animals whose flesh may not be consumed: They have been classified under verse (5:3) of the Noble Qur’an. It must be mentioned in this context that any animal killed by goring of horns, or by electrocution, or by any method which mentions not the name of Allah, is Haram.

After this, let us consider the general principles which govern this issue:

1. The urine and feces of Halal Animals and birds is pure (Ta’ahir):
These animals are the one’s whose flesh can be eaten and whose milk can be drunk. If the dung or urine of such an animal gets on ones clothes, one can pray in that state without washing them. All scholars of jurisprudence except Imam Shaa’fai unanimously agree that in the light of the Prophet’s saying, [Pray in sheep pens for they are a blessing] quoted by Sahih Muslim. See also Ibid ((Book #004, Hadith #1069). Therefore, it is allowed to pray in sheep pens even though the dung may be present (However, Imam Shaa’fai declares clearing the place of dung a requisite).

Moreover, the urine of these animals can be used for medicinal purposes also. It is proved by the two Sahihs that the Prophet advised a group of people to use the urine of camels as medicine.

For the sake of convenience, however, it is advised that people remove the urine or feces from their clothes if they appear repugnant to other people, and to the subject himself.

2. The urine and feces of Haram animals and humans cannot be used for medicinal purposes, and is not pure:
 Also, if it gets on the clothes, the clothes should be purified before performing Salah. The case applies to birds, as well. Eagles, which hunt their prey with their talons, are Haram to eat, and so if their feces get attached to the body, they are considered Najis.

The urine of humans and Haram animals can also not be used for medicinal purposes. If, however, a sound and trustworthy Muslim practitioner advises that they are used to save the patient’s life in a state of emergency, then it is permissible to use them, in accordance with the last part of verse (2:173).

3. If a Halal animal is raised by a Haram one, e.g. a goat nursed by a pig, then the urine and feces of that Halal animal will be considered Najis (impure):

Thus, the basic rules concerning purity and impurity clearly prove that the urine and feces of Halal animals are pure, and those of Haram animals and birds are impure. Indeed Allah Almighty Knows best. May He Almighty help us to maintain true essence of cleanliness and purity. Amen!

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Do Muslims Have Misconceptions Against the West?

A lot of ink and paper has been used in the debate on how the West has misinterpreted and misconceived Islam while little attention has been paid on how the vice versa has been taking place. For an immemorial time, the two different schools of thoughts and cultures have rubbed shoulders albeit with lots of distrust and cynic tendencies.

The Muslim world has characteristically fathomed many Western traits, beliefs and practices with such openness and overt proactive demeanor. This can be traced from past, recent and current civilizations throughout their contacts with the West or any other part of the world that may be considered in Islamic terms as sympathetic to the West or its causes. It is no secret that Muslim world is strongly against western democratic ideals, practices, cultural and social standpoints and liberalism. The reasons behind this position are difficult to understand to both the Muslims and the Westerners alike.

Do Muslims have misconceptions against the West?

Just like the west misunderstands, misconstrues, misconceives, mistrusts and mistakes many Islamic thoughts and practices, the same is reciprocated in equivalent or even greater fearlessness. Other adjectives can be added here to demonstrate how Muslims extend hatred and dislike to the West including that they are evil, unbelievers, inconsiderate, exploitative, mean, liberal and indifferent among many others. This position is cemented by the fact that the west is largely Christian by faith and economically superior. There is no doubt that as a result of the fact that they are mostly considered unbelievers and hypocrites (Kafir and Munafiqin), they are bounded together as hell-occupants.

Among the most popular misconceptions against the West by Muslims include the following;

• That they are candidates and future hell-designates; evil, unrepentant, haters of the truth and persecutors of the followers of the true God. This is founded by the teachings of the Holy Prophet who underscored the importance of accepting Islamic ideals and Allah as the only God to be worshipped. Anyone opposed to the Prophetic teachings is guilty and sinful, and his fate is destined to divine fury and agony. However, the same case applies to those who reject Jesus. Therefore there should be tolerance and inclusiveness in all the facts of religious practice and avoid prejudicial judgements.

• That the West is out to exploit and demean Islamic ideals, nations and populations. They are also after their economic and natural resources. It is a coincidence that most Muslim nations have oil as natural resource, and that most terrorists also hide under Islam and accumulate a lot of wealth through oil. With all this mix-ups, Muslims erroneously perceive this as economic invasion by the West, and therefore, intolerable.

• The relationship between Israel and the West has been misconceived by Muslims as traitorous, unfathomable and suspicious. This has created an atmosphere that is unhealthy both politically and economically. All nations are free to interact and transact business of whatever magnitude with one another as long as the relationship poses no threat to the exercise of another nation’s sovereignty and freedom.

It is also notable that as a result of the misconceptions extended to the Muslims by the West, Muslims also have a reason to be suspicious and wary. It is therefore important to avoid misconceptions and embrace tolerance, objectivity, relativism and respect to diversity.

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Mustafa Mahmud was a famous Egyptian scientist, as well as, an author. He was born on the 25^th  of December, 1921. His place of birth is called Shibin-el-kom that is located in Minufiya province in Egypt. He got medical training, but he did not end up becoming as a doctor. In fact, he became an author and also a journalist later in life. As an author, he wrote many subjects and discussed different matters and phenomena. He was very fond of exploring new places, and thus spent a lot of time travelling from place to place.

Mustafa Mahmud belonged to a middle-class family. His father worked as a secretary in the province of Al Gharbiyya. He had a great personality and a very strong character. He was a very religious man and used to offer the five prayers daily. He was a man of extraordinary patience and good behavior and provided a perfect example of a good human being. Mustafa Mahmud’s early life was very calm and peaceful, and he had never witnessed any acts of violence. It is hard to believe that in primary school, he failed consecutively for three years. He had nothing against his school until his Arabic teacher beat him in class one day. After this incident, he got extremely angry and left school in retaliation. He got back to that school eventually after that the teacher was taken out of that school and put into another one.

When he was little, Mustafa Mahmud used to get sick a lot, and he could not play with the other kids of his age or do much exertion. Thus, he spent most of his time in isolation, during which he used to think about his future. He always wanted to become a scientist or a discoverer. Even his role models were Louis Pasteur, Christopher Columbus, Marconi and Thomas Edison. As Mustafa Mahmud used to live in Tanta next to the mosque of Sayyid Al Badawi, he used to attend a lot of religious events and celebrations, as well as, recitals that used to take place in the mosque. This had a great impact on his psychology and helped to create his innovative personality. When Mustafa Mahmud had finished school, he was thinking of joining the faculty of medicine, but in 1939, his father passed away who had been suffering from paralysis for the past seven years. After some time, Mustafa Mahmud along with his family moved to Cairo. After the death of his father, he felt that he was under a lot of pressure as he was supposed to support his family then. He felt like his life was being controlled by other people instead of himself, and thus got really frustrated and confused.

After Mahmud’s medical studies started, he started getting more ambitious about science and knowledge. The medical study was really difficult, and it needed a lot of hard work, stamina and devotion. He was really inspired by his love for science and finding the logic behind the universal mysteries, but he could not really focus on his studies as much as was required because he used to get ill a lot and thus used to stay in bed most of the time. When he was in the third year of medical, he got really sick and got admitted in hospital for two years. Although this was a setback for his career in medical, he availed this time to read books and thus found out that he had a great tendency to be a writer.

Mustafa Mahmud travelled a lot in his life. He travelled to many places, starting his journey with Sudan where he stayed with the tribe of Niam Niam for two months. He also went to Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. When he went to Sahara Desert, he stayed with the tribe of El Tawariq for two months, in the oasis of Ghadamis. He also travelled to the capitals of American and European countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Greece and the United States. Furthermore, he travelled to the Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Lebanon.

Let’s take a look at Mustafa Mahmud’s marriage life. He got married twice, but both marriages failed. He got married in 1961, and he had two children, then the marriage ended in 1973. He got married again in 1983, but it also came to an end in 1987. The reason behind these divorces is that he was more passionate about writing than anything else in his life. After his second marriage failure, he devoted himself completely to working as a writer, a Muslim scholar and a thinker. He built a mosque in Al Dukki as a part of the Islamic Center, and stayed in the apartment that was attached to this mosque. From this point onwards, he became very satisfied with his life as he could work, as well as, maintain his link with God. He started finding the cure to different physical, physiological and psychological diseases. After spending a very peaceful and meaningful life, Mustafa Mahmud passed away on 1st November, 2009. He was found unconscious in his apartment. The medics tried to revive him, but he was already dead at that time. He died at the age of 88.

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It started with Afghanistan, went on to Iraq, and Syria could be the next victim. What is this all about? Is it really as simple as the chaste act of war on terror? Is it really?
Look at it from this perspective, the terrorists blast the World Trade Center complete with horrific threats for the future of the world, but what happens after that? They stop, they do not do anything else than to bicker on about blowing up America but they don’t. Were they really strong enough to blow two commercial planes right into the heart of US, and not noticed until they have done what they had to? Was the world’s strongest army’s defense so weak that all this happened well before they woke up from their slumber?
Meanwhile, Pakistan gets torn between US’s war and one of their own. Hundreds of suicide attacks make the going tough and US bombards their favorite ally with drones every now and then just to tell them how loved they are. After losing thousands of men because of a war brought onto them by someone else, after being infiltrated with terrorist elements that have been proven to have international support from Mossad, RAW and even CIA itself. After giving virtually all assistance they can; they still get told to do more, and not to complain about the dear old drone attacks!
Moving on, why was Afghanistan raided? Why did Saddam Hussein become unbearable? Why was the WMDs suspected in Iraq? Iraq gets attacked because they have weapons of mass destruction, but what happens when the US and NATO troops have searched the whole area? No, WMDs are found. Then, they announce their departure after rebuilding the country– how convenient.
Why was it that the Arab Spring raised out of nowhere, and suddenly Muammar Gaddafi became the man with the highest bounty on his head? Libya got torn and bombarded; Gaddafi got killed like no human being should be, then a revolution in Egypt followed, Hosni Mubarak got ousted, jailed and Morsi took over. Then suddenly, Morsi got ousted, and Mubarak might go free.

Turkey sees waves of the “enlightened revolution” too, though that is still a work in progress.
Syria gets a fistful of it. Bashar al Assad is a dictator, and he is curbing the living rights of his people, he is damaging peace, so we shall attack his country. Wow, pure genius. You attack a country because the country deserves peace? You want to stop people from being killed by killing people?
The case was weak, so a chemical weapons attack comes out of nowhere. Aha, perfect timing, wasn’t it? Thanks Assad, Obama must have muttered under his breath, but has anyone ever wondered why on earth would he do something like that? Is Assad the same as America’s favorite Bin Laden and his cronies? If he is, I guess he must have changed his personality recently because he is the same person who has been running the country since 2000, and he did well – until US wanted another ‘let’s-play-war-on-terror’ game, or maybe it was because he has opposed Israel all along.
How many of you believe that the western media is all truthful? How many of you believe that they are not in the pockets of those with the right amount to pay? I don’t. I have seen that all along through September 11, 2001 until this day that the facts have been altered, deteriorated, hidden and misrepresented all the time. Talk about the theories behind WTC attack, talk about the missing WMDs, talk about how the media shows Pakistan as a place where barbarian mullahs run free in every street with suicide jackets, blowing off every person who doesn’t follow sharia (Pakistan has a liberal, secular side too, it has people who live the so called “western-modern” lifestyle and we see that every day). I have seen how the media shows Israel as the poor soul whose toys have been stolen, and who is only trying to get them back. I have seen this media representing the freedom fighters of Palestine as terrorists. I have seen this media over look murdered Palestinian mothers and infants when they cover how Israel “deserves” the land it has.
I don’t believe them anymore.
I believe that US would do whatever it takes to reshape the results of the chemical weapons attack, and the media will always show how barbaric the govt is while always avoiding showing how external elements in the rebels are chopping off people’s heads. I am sure that the international community will continue to blackmail Assad’s regime into buckling under pressure and accepting their terms. I am sure that the end result that the US wants is to do the same to Syria what they have done to Afghanistan.
I might be criticized a lot in the comments section, but please do because I want to see who would agree and who wouldn’t.

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Engagement in Islam is no more than a promise of Marriage. It does not give the fiancés any special rights over one another. This is a way in Islam to let a person know that you are interested in him or her, and willingly to marry him or her. Allah says, “And there is no sin on you if you make a hint of betrothal…”

Contrary to the popular beliefs, Engagement is very different in Islam. In the Islamic Shari’a, there are no rituals or anything specific practices that come with being engaged. In Modern customs according to Christianity, you gift a ring to your future probable husband or spouse as a statement of your love for the other. This is a sin; In Islam there is no custom for exchanging rings among each other. This goes against the Islamic shari’a as you are still a stranger to your fiancé. This in particular is Haram because it shows an ignorant belief and attachment to something materialistic, which has no basis according to the Shari’a. However, certain cultures tend to celebrate in the day of engagement with exchanging gifts and having a get together, this all is permissible as long as it doesn’t go against the Shari’a.

The Engagement is a period before marriage where the fiancés get to know each other better in a ‘halal’ environment. As it happens before marriage, in the eyes of Allah the fiancés are still Mahram or stranger to each other, and they should act accordingly. Therefore, Muslim Fiancés should always be conscious of this fact, and they would normally act with the fiancé as a stranger.

An engaged couple can discuss their views, beliefs, values, and plan a future life together only through words. They cannot be intimate towards each other as they have not yet been officially declared husband and wife.

Engagement is nothing but a word of contract that two persons wish to get married, and just life, and just like any contract; this contract can be revoked. You find that in a marriage, when things don’t work out, the couple gets divorced. In Islam, the idea of engagement gives the future couple a chance to know each other better, and see if they are compatible enough to start a life together. A break off in engagement is always better than a divorce after an official marriage.

In case the engagement breaks down, the families may send the gifts that they received back, that is a principle or custom in Engagement.

This is basically the concept of Engagement in Islam. If you follow the rules and regulations of Islam and do what is right, you will not be misguided into believing the “socially accepted” version of these concepts. Keep in mind that Islam is the way for you to achieve everything you possibly want, and that Allah knows what is the best for you.

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The teenage; a delicate phase of life and the most exciting one. This phase brings about both physical and psychological changes in a person.

To raise a teenager properly, you need to exert appropriate effort, attention and patience.  Also, communication with teens includes much more than just talking. It comprises a need for parents to express their absolute love to their teen, use a regulation that works for both the teen and parents, demonstrate how to fruitfully use the world around them and more.

You have to build your teenager’s self esteem and lead their teenager by supporting their preferences in activities and friends. Moreover, parents need to create a discipline plan for their teenager that is reasonable to both the parties along with a firm and affectionate approach.

When children become teenagers, there is frequently a major increase in parent-child disagreement and a less unified family bond. Disputes often concern slight issues of control, for instance, suitable clothing, and the teenager’s right to confidentiality. The disagreement also boosts as friends reveal a greater impact on one another, latest influences on the teen that possibly be in conflict to parents’ values. While the teenagers struggle for their liberty, the unfamiliarity of their actions to their parents is a difficult issue due to the rising quantity of predators on social media sites.

Life materials are the sole purpose of ruining the teenage life and meddling with their heads.

Yes, it is entertaining and fun, but somehow the teenagers get lost in the middle of all life materials that they crave, and they remember their teenage years with Ipods and Iphones. Teenagers are always in competition with each other.

No, it’s not about the highest scores in football, it’s about who owns the latest gadget and can show it off to their little friends. This influence of technology is unhealthy; no wonder obese children are so common these days. Also, this distracts them from their studies and family. Gradually their conception of happiness and teenage years are destroyed along with their innocence.

The parents have to be more like friends to their teen children so that they can communicate better along with being strict when needed. They have to guide them to use the life materials fruitfully without misusing them. Through examples, they can demonstrate the teenagers how different factors can affect them in different ways. During conflicts, parents should let the teenagers present their opinions and then, with both firmness and love, teach them the difference between right and wrong. This can help in avoiding conflicts.

I think being a teenager is such a gripping time period in everyone’s life, it gives you some of your bad wounds and some of your most enlivening moments. It’s an enthralling place; old enough to feel mature, mature enough to make choices, matured enough to fall in love, yet, too young to be liberated to make a lot of those choices devoid of someone else’s approval.

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There is no complete religion except Islam; Islam is the source of light for every aspect of life. When an individual admits that he or she is a Muslim, then it does not mean that an individual should have only faith in Allah Almighty, but there are several other things that are to be followed.

Particularly, if we talk about the importance of manners in Islam, than there are several examples that can be quoted. Prophet (PBUH) always emphasized upon the fact that an individual should have good manners that lead to good deeds. Once a man asked (PBUH): “ What is the worst sin?”, (PBUH) replied “Bad manners and miserliness”.

From that example, it could be clearly seen that the life of a person does not only depend upon the faith, but its manners that make a perfect Muslim and a human being. Before the introduction of Islam, people don’t have the concept of the way with which they should be interacting with each other but with the passage of time the world was later blessed with Islam and people came to the true importance of manners.

It is quite unfortunate that people these days are not focused on what they are doing. People don’t even bother to think what they shouldn’t be doing and what they should be doing. People are rather focused upon materializing things that are of no use. Sooner or later, everything will be finished as promised by Allah, but the only thing that will prosper even after death will be the manners and the ways in which a person treats others.

We all know the conditions of a mankind before the teachings of Islam, but what did the Prophet (PBUH) did after coming into the world? The answer is very simple, Prophet was taught by Allah almighty that it’s all about manners that will make the difference between himself and others.

One of the major reasons for Islam to be one of the famous religions around the world in quick succession was the way in which the Prophet treated others. It is said to be true that nobody is perfect in this world whatsoever, but one must try to live life according to the ways defined by Allah almighty. As far as the importance of manners in Islam is concerned, Islam always stresses on the fact that manners should be on the top priority of any Muslim. Prophet (PBUH) has set number of examples by demonstrating that how one should behave in particular.

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Christianity as its name suggests originated from the message brought to man by Jesus Christ. His name literally means ‘Saviour Anointed’, but what is that religion exactly? It is described as the service or commitment to God. I believe Christianity is a true religion just as Islam, Judaism that is practiced with the same purpose are.

I would describe Christianity as an offshoot of Judaism, that is somewhat related to Islam. Islam and Judaism contain striking similarities that are found in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. History has shown that the three share identical roots because the common factor is Abraham and his offspring moving forward. The God of Abraham is Allah to the Muslims, and the same God to Christians.

In Christianity, the spiritual aspect is evident in the miracles performed by Jesus Christ. This one again proves especially to Christians that Jesus Christ was God the Son as He was described before and after. His conception was Immaculate, born of a virgin. Time and again we are given examples of miracles performed during His life and beyond. Another aspect of Christianity is that it has stood the test of time and followers attest to the benefits derived by subscribing to the faith.

Historical proof exists about the miracles performed by Jesus Christ as God the Son. Although other faiths may disagree with the status accorded to Jesus, evidence suggests that many were healed and fed in a manner that has not been replicated since then. His ability to command nature and spirits has also been mentioned in the Bible and the remedies against evil including how to avoid getting into the snare of the evil one. Every faith is faced with the challenge of good pitted against evil, and this is the cornerstone of Christianity.

Just like in Islam, prophecies do exist where parallels can be drawn from the Old Testament and Quran. This is an essential revelation of things to be in the future that both religions hold dear.

In my opinion, as a practicing Christian, I can attest to the fact that as a result of adhering to the Word of God, my life has changed for the better. As a teenager, I experienced what I would describe as a period of desolation where I had some serious doubts about religion. This came about as a result of the challenges I faced as an adolescent at home and within the society. Later on, I renewed my faith and things began to work out in my life.

As with any religion, the most important thing is the positive contribution that faith makes in your life. A person who is strong in his faith is better off than a non-believer. Most will achieve more in their lives at some point, and this is what makes me believe that Christianity is a true religion just like Islam and a variety of others. After all, it preaches tolerance and Christians are taught to respect other faiths. As long as followers are committed in service to God, despite being of different faiths, it does not make a difference. God is the Judge.

A religion that does not preach tolerance, cannot survive the test of time because it will lose its followers to other faiths that are more accommodating. All major faiths in the world today practice tolerance, and that is another key characteristic of a true religion.

The continuous commitment to improving the plight of the underprivileged, the sick and the needy all highlight the essential attributes of a true religion. Such are true Christian principles, and they go ahead to challenge the state on poverty alleviation and matters pertaining to corruption. These qualities touch on the most sensitive issues that affect mankind by providing guidance to politicians when they seem to be straying; the hallmarks of a true religion.

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A lot has been written and said about how the west misconceives Muslims, but I dare ask, do the Muslims have the right conception of the West. Sadly, the misconception is a two way traffic whereby the Muslims largely misconceives the west just like the west has misconceives Islam. The divide between Islam and the west is a product of misconception. While Muslims have often been quick to point that the West has hatred for Islam and rarely appreciates the religion, they fail to realize that they are victims of the misconception they claim to suffer. What are the leading areas that Muslims misconceive the West?

Does the west hate Islam?

Sadly, many Muslims have been trained to believe that the West have hatred for the Muslims. It is sad that unscrupulous individuals have used Islam to further their hatred in the pretext of fighting the West. The sad truth is that the west is not at war with Islam; rather it is just a few people in the West and within the Islam communities who want to involve everyone in their wars. Islam as a religion has allowed terrorists to use it as a launch pad for their activities and as a platform for furtherance of the archaic objectives in the name of fighting against western disdain for Islam. The sad truth is that even in the United States, there are millions of Muslims who live their lives peacefully. Take for instance Faran Tahir, despite being a Muslim, he has made an impact in Hollywood and bridged the gaps the society has created. He is a living proof that Muslims can interact well and associate with the westerners.

Are the western out to plunder the Muslim word of its black Gold?

More often than not, the west has been portrayed as a class out to reap from the massive oil resources available in the Muslim nations. Sadly, this is another misconception. While the west has appetite for oil, they pay for it and these funds are used to get the lives of normal people better instead being invested in equipping the military or went into the hands of  few Arab tycoons who end up hugely investing in the same west or even moving to the west altogether.

Are the Muslim leaders sincere?

I would say, NO.

While these leaders continue to peddle the west negatively, they stash their families in the west, take their families to study in the West and even more, massively invest in the west. Back at home, they use the normal Muslims leading normal lives to consolidate their power.

In general, the truth is that the West has no issue with Muslims and the Muslims too have no serious issue with the West. Let the leaders fight their own fights. The west and the Muslims can peacefully co-exist if the normal citizens dissuade themselves from being used by greedy individuals to further their own selfish goals.

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A former Afghan Taliban named Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was recently released by Pakistan. This step was taken as a measure to establish peace between the two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Afghanistan along with the United States had been pressurizing Islamabad to let go of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar because they felt that by doing so, the Taliban leaders might be up for negotiation. Though Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has been released, but to which part of the world he would be sent to, it still remains unconfirmed. Rumors are that he may probably be sent to Saudi Arabia or Turkey.

People in Kabul were hoping that Baradar would be handed over to Afghanistan directly, but Sartaj Aziz who is a government adviser said that he would be released in Pakistan, not in Afghanistan. He further said that this decision was taken because if he is released in Pakistan, he can get his fellow Taliban leaders, who are in Afghanistan, to come up for peace talks.

To what extent the release of Baradar will have an effect on the events in Afghanistan that cannot be said at the moment. A mid-level Afghan Taliban official said that this step of releasing Baradar will have less to no impact because he is just a simple guy who has no authority or position in the Taliban network now.

However, Baradar was once a very good friend of Mullah Mohammad Omar, the reclusive Taliban leader. There still is some hope that Baradar may be able to convince Mullah Omer to come forward to the negotiating table.

Baradar has had a reputation for being a pragmatic, level-headed operator who once even tried to convince Kabul to look for a peace settlement. However, critics believe that since he had been held captive in Pakistan for quite some time, it may be that he may have lost some of his power and influence, if not all of it.

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-—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—-
 
NEW YORK, NY (September 20, 2013) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) today welcomed the release of a comprehensive report on Islamophobia by the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR). The report highlights a well-funded and well-networked Islamophobe industry that has spent over $119 million in two years promoting prejudice and hate.

Although a slight decline is reported, more effort is needed to promote peace and understanding among communities. It is a strong reminder that the work of fighting hatred in society should not and cannot cease.

“We commend this great effort made by CAIR in exposing the Islamophobes and the Islamophobe industry.” said Naeem Baig, the president of ICNA.

The report also highlights the positive efforts by certain individuals and institutions to promote understanding, including ICNA’s “Defending Religious Freedom, Understanding Shariah” campaign. This campaign, which ran from 2011-2012, was covered by major news outlets, such as CNN, Reuters, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, AP, AFP, and The Huffington Post.

As part of this initiative, ICNA launched a toll-free hotline – 1-855-Shariah – and a website – DefendingReligiousFreedom.com. Additionally, it broadcasted and published television and radio public service announcements, billboards, 50,000 copies of a special issue of the Message Magazine, and thousands of other educational materials. Across the nation, seminars were organized in over 40 cities and more than 200 Friday sermons were conducted to increase interfaith understanding and awareness regarding religious freedom.

An observation listed by the report as a reason for optimism: “Tea party was defeated badly in 2012 elections. Islamophobes are on the defensive. The national Muslim organizations took grass roots initiatives to explain Shariah and to expose Islamophobes.”

“We look forward to working with CAIR and other organizations and combating this hatred in our society” said Baig.

Best List Inductees as listed in CAIR’s 2013 report on Islamophobia.

Click here for the full report.


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