Russian PM denies being stuck in the Cold War and urges end to US missile shield plans.
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AL JAZEERA ENGLISH (AJE)
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Putin hits back at Obama jibe
3 Jul 2009 | 10:35 am -
American states seek Zelaya return
3 Jul 2009 | 10:32 amOrganisation of American States head visits Honduras to demand president is reinstated. -
'US drone' targets Pakistan hideout
3 Jul 2009 | 10:26 amOfficials say 15 people killed as campaign against Taliban leader is stepped up. -
Nazi guard suspect 'fit for trial'
3 Jul 2009 | 9:29 amJohn Demjanjuk may be charged as accessory to murder after decision by German doctors. -
EU angered over Iran trial threat
3 Jul 2009 | 7:45 amIranian ambassadors summoned after suggestion British embassy staff may face trial.
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IslamCrunch
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Barakah Life – Calligraphy Designs and Days of Joy Kits
3 Jul 2009 | 10:09 amFrom our friends: Barakah Life is now in DC taking part in ISNA’s 46th Annual Conference and Bazaar. The DC trip is part of a larger launch for Barakah Life, with it’s new web site due to be online this weekend as well as new products like our 2 new Childrens Poetry Posters, The posters have whimsical designs incorporating traditional calligraphy. We also have two new greeting cards with designs created by Soraya Syed and Haji Noor Deen. The 2009 “Days of Joy” kits for children are also available. We had the wonderful privilege of working in collaboration with HajI Noor… -
United For Change Video – Imam Zaid Shakir
2 Jul 2009 | 10:53 amUnited For Change – Imam Zaid Shakir. Imam Zaid Shakir, a highly respected American Muslim scholar, United For Change. After a recent trip to West Africa, Imam Zaid saw the devastating effects of malaria and decided to act. To launch United For Change, two special events have been set up to bring awareness about the deadly malaria disease and how we can help. Spread the video across your networks. Click on ‘SHARE’ to send it out to your connections. Click on ‘EMBED’ to add it to your blog, lifestream, website. Click on ‘TWEET THIS’ below to send it… -
Spanish translation of Jesus and Mary by Habib Ali al-Jifri
30 Jun 2009 | 4:22 pmJESUCRISTO EL HIJO DE MARIA Y SU BENDITA MADRE Fuente: http://www.livingislam.org/ Traducción: Omar Al Galliqi La baraka y la paz de Dios a nuestro Profeta Muhammad, la gente de su Casa, sobre todos ellos. Traducción de una charla que dio en árabe en Dâr al-Fatwâ en Beirut, Líbano el 10 de enero de 2003 por el Shaykh Al-Sayyid ALI JAFRI Al HABIB del Yemen. (Traducido por GF Haddad – Dhul-Qi `da 1423) Nota: Dâr al-Fatwâ en Beirut es el principal organismo sunita a cargo de Las fatwâ dadas en la República del Líbano y comprende una Universidad Islámica que ofrece licenciatura,… -
United For Change – Working Together For The Greater Good
29 Jun 2009 | 1:49 amNew organization of Islamic groups working together for the greater good. First event: raising awareness of the deadly malaria disease that afflicts many countries especially AFRICA. Working together: Al-Madina Institute, AlMaghrib Institute, Islamic Relief, ISNA, MANA, MAS, MSA National, SeekersGuidance, Zaytuna College. Speakers for the first event include: Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Imam Mohamed Magid Imam Suhaib Webb Imam Zaid Shakir Shaykh Muhammad Ninowy Shaykh Yasir Qadhi Imam Siraj Wahhaj Ahmed El-Banderi Shaykh Faraz Rabbani Imam Usamah Ansari Ghuydar Bashmaf Dr. Fatimah Jackson Website for… -
ReliefWorks: 1 Million Dollars for Swat Relief
25 Jun 2009 | 12:29 amDear brothers and sisters, As Salamu ‘alaikum, wa rahmatuLlahi, wa barakatuH. - 3 million refugees displaced - 80% are women & children - They’re hungry, cold, sick, and needy. - DO Something! Due to the overwhelming positive response that we’ve received online, from Australia, to California, to the UK, and the UAE, we’ve consulted with our team, and have decided to call off the upcoming relief event at Pearl Banquet Hall in Toronto on Saturday, June 27th. We’re going to aim a little higher. We want to raise no less than $1 Million for our displaced and…
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Yahya Birt
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How not to deal with al-Muhajiroun
18 Jun 2009 | 6:29 amMuslim communities around the country have shunned al-Muhajiroun and its various entities for years and refused to give them a platform. Instead, they have to work through front organisations, hire private halls, set up high-street stalls or leaflet people with their poisonous little tracts. They are utterly marginal but are still able to generate huge [...] -
Global Britons, Muslim Futures
18 Aug 2008 | 9:55 amIt is now a commonplace to observe that “Britishness” and “Muslimness” have become polarised: by seeking definitions against “the Muslim threat”, “true” Britishness, it is felt, can be retrieved. Yet the evidence shows the opposite: most of Britain’s ethnic groups emphasize both religious and national identities together, a trend most noticeable among Muslim Britons. Polling usually [...] -
Just how big a threat is “Islamic” terrorism?
2 Aug 2008 | 4:19 amHow big a threat is “Islamic” terrorism (note the scare quotes) to Europe? It’s a valid question, and not one that we should assume we already know the answer to. Since 9/11, politicians have had a ready answer and portray terrorism as the primary, existential threat, even in an age of global warming. For Tony Blair [...] -
The next ten years: an open letter to the MCB
27 Jun 2008 | 1:34 pmAs the Muslim Council of Britain marks its first decade, it seems an appropriate moment for reflection. As the largest Muslim umbrella body, it still remains primus inter pares among an increasingly large alphabet soup of representative bodies. The British Muslim Forum, the Sufi Council of Britain and British Muslims for Secular Democracy have all [...] -
The Long March of the Conservatives
4 Jun 2008 | 4:24 pmFor the first time since 1997, the Conservatives suddenly look to be on the electoral march. A resounding victory in the local elections condemned Labour to third place and its lowest share of the vote since 1918: the Conservatives gained ground in Labour heartlands in Wales and the North, capped by Boris Johnson’s win as [...]
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altmuslim
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Media: Al Jazeera’s new American challenge
3 Jul 2009 | 7:00 amOn 1 July 2009, media relations between the Arab world and the United States took a fascinating turn. For the first time, the Doha-based TV station Al Jazeera brought its English-language news service to a large cable television audience in America, beginning in Washington, DC and then moving to other US cities. As the company’s director general, Wadah Khanfar, recently explained, the station is now expected to reach 2.3 million American viewers through MHZ Networks, a DC area cable TV provider, and has the potential to effect significant change in US-Arab relations. Though Al Jazeera… -
British parliamentary candidate Osama Saeed: Muslims in Europe: The Scottish example
1 Jul 2009 | 9:00 amWith the increasing influence of nationalist parties in Europe (such as Britain's BNP and the Dutch PVV party) and their subsequent demonizing of Muslim communities, you might find it surprising that a Muslim would run for British Parliament as a candidate for a self-described nationalist party. But the Scottish National Party (SNP) is no ordinary nationalist party and its candidate for British Parliament from Glasgow, Osama Saeed, is no ordinary Muslim. Though under 30, he is already an experienced activist, an award-winning blogger, and chief executive of the Scottish-Islamic Foundation. -
Clothing bans: Beyond the burqa
29 Jun 2009 | 8:45 amMuch has been said about the burqa in different parts of the world in the past week. On June 22, 2009, French President Nicholas Sarkozy expressed his support for dozens of French legislators expressing their support for a complete ban on the burqa saying:” the burqa is not a religious sign; it’s a sign of subservience, a sign of debasement” and that “it would not be welcome in the French Republic.”. Mere days before Sarkozy’s pronouncement, in a courtroom across the Atlantic, the Michigan Supreme Court decided in favor of amending a court rule that would allow judges to dictate… -
Obituary: Michael Jackson: The way he made us feel
26 Jun 2009 | 10:00 amWhen I performed the hajj for the first time in 1985, I found myself at Saudi Arabian customs – a young American from Los Angeles who had never left his country, much less experienced another culture first-hand. As the passport control official looked over my documents, ascertaining my nationality, his eyes widened. He leaned over the counter and asked me only one question before letting me on my way. “Do you know Michael Jackson?” It’s hard to overestimate the impact Jackson, who died yesterday of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles at the age of 50, had on the world in general, much less… -
Pakistan: State-sponsored Sufism
24 Jun 2009 | 9:00 amOnce certain ideas go mainstream, it often takes a pretty big flop to disprove them. The United States was supposed to be hailed as the liberator of Iraq, just as it was going to be easy to turn Afghanistan into a democracy. Well now, according to commentators from the BBC to the Economist to the Boston Globe, Sufism, being defined as Islam's moderate or mystical side, is apparently just the thing we need to deal with violent Muslim extremists. Sufis are the best allies to the West, these authors say; support them, and countries as diverse as Pakistan and Somalia could turn around. The Sufi…
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Rickshaw Diaries
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The dust is settling on our faces
16 Jun 2009 | 6:06 pm“It’s as if no time has passed” is the phrase we use to describe the closeness we feel upon reuniting with loved ones. We pick up the threads of conversation as if we have just left the room a few minutes ago instead of the months or sometimes years that have ensued in between. Basil and [...] -
Other uses for a cow
9 Jun 2009 | 1:30 pmMy father reminiscences about diving into the Lahore Canal as a child with his brothers as a way to cool off during summer’s intense heat. This photo reminded me of that. Cows are used for diving platforms in Hyderabad, Pakistan. -
Grace glides on blistered feet
21 May 2009 | 4:34 pmMy faith and trust in God was built up through years of harrowing illness. In the last few months, though, I've realized that faith has become a wall shielding me from feeling pain, my own and everyone else's. -
Reluctantly joining the wave
20 May 2009 | 8:31 amAfter months of defiance as one friend after another went over to the dark side, I finally joined Twitter. [The feed is also in my sidebar to the left] At the MLT conference Shahed described it as a mini-blog post, which made it seem more interesting than just another status update, and a challenge to boot [...] -
Sufficient is the Knowledge of my Lord
10 May 2009 | 11:00 pmI was telling fatnurmaz yesterday about my spiritual crisis, and she offered up this beautiful poem. Friends like her are truly a Divine blessing. — Sufficient is the Knowledge of my Lord Qasida of Imam al-Haddad My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing For my du’a and my agonizing supplication is a witness to my poverty. For this secret (reason) I [...]
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Mr Moo
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[23/32] Our alternative use of cow
9 Jun 2009 | 7:55 pmI’ve just looked over on Rickshaw Diaries and noticed a photo captioned ‘Other use for a cow‘. We had our own stories of my father and his uncles swimming in the village reservoir in Gujarat. As teenagers, this was told to us whenever my cousins and I returned from swimming in the local pool in Leicester. To be more specific, after we returned from the chip shop close to the pool. Kids, this was in the time before chicken and chips. Yes, such a time existed and we are veterans of that time. So, after my cousin Z had a swim, we would go to the chip shop and replace… -
Three Things: Friday Prayer decision maker
22 May 2009 | 3:01 am -
Dr M von Vogelhausen
20 May 2009 | 10:05 pmMany thanks to minaretmuse who sent me the reviews of Dr M von Vogelhausen. They are pure gold (rather like the ring below). See full list of his reviews at … http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/cdp/member-reviews/A3B2IL2CP9GW2C?ie=UTF8&display=public&sort_by=MostRecentReview&page=1 10mm D Shape Gents Wedding Band in 18ct Solid Yellow Gold …for many years the ring has been lost to us. it is a powerful ring, it speaks to us, its bright sheen reminds us of the fires whence it came. it burns when we wear it, but if we don’t wear it, it is very heavy… -
Divan 2.0 Event this Friday
19 May 2009 | 10:21 pmThe Radical Middle Way has organised a splendid event, with online pioneers and bloggers from the UK. I will be at the event, so please do come along. Click on the image above for more info, or see full post below. Welcome to Muslim 2.0 – a wired generation whose members would rather pose their tough questions to Shaykh Google than their local Imam and who feel more connected to the Facebook ummah than the congregation at the local mosque. Never has Muslim conversation buzzed with so many divergent, combative and off-the-wall perspectives. But is more Muslim chatter… -
I would die to defend my community
19 May 2009 | 10:13 pm[This article was published last week on the Guardian belief section in response to the he question: Are there beliefs to die for? ] http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2009/may/14/islam-community-religion Musab Bora A few weeks ago, a research article was published regarding Muslims who had fought and died for the British during the second world war. Some were as young as 15, and came from various places in the Indian subcontinent, including the region now known as Pakistan. The research was interesting because of the push by the Ministry of Defence to recruit more ethnic…
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Islam in China
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Chinese Muslim Scholar on Teachings of Islam
22 Jun 2009 | 10:13 pm“Reflecting upon this Great Learning (Islam), we see that the principle of righteousness is refined and detailed. It reaches directly to the root origin, specifically clarifying the Real One, manifesting the light of clarity of the true Tao, and stamping out the mistakes and errors of the heretics. In its quietude, it rests in the bosom; in its function, it fills the universe. It penetrates fine dust, yet it is not tiny; it encloses heaven and earth, yet it is not vast. It clears away and removes colors and guises, and it splits and dissolves emptiness and nonbeing. This is because it… -
Matsumoto Masumi on Islamic Reform Movement in 19th Century China
10 May 2009 | 2:04 amThe Islamic Reform Movement was first initiated in the Middle East at the end of the nineteenth century. Scholars of Islamic modern history have proved that its scope covered the area from Morocco to Indonesia, including China. Sino-Muslim intellectuals were involved in the world-wide movement by visiting and staying in the Middle East. They would do this on their way to Mecca at the beginning of twentieth century, when prohibition against travelling abroad for people in China was abolished. Muslim intellectuals witnessed the reality of the movement and recognised the importance of the… -
Columbia Dissertation: Confucian-Islamic harmonization of the Tianfang Dianli
3 May 2009 | 9:35 pmLiu Zhi’s journey through ritual law to Allah’s Chinese name : conceptual antecedents and theological obstacles to the Confucian-Islamic harmonization of the Tianfang Dianli Link: http://digitalcommons.libraries.columbia.edu/dissertations/AAI3174789/ Abstract: This dissertation places the Chinese Muslim literatus Liu Zhi (1660?–1730?) and his writings in their historical, cultural, social and religio-philosophical context. Liu Zhi was affiliated with a burgeoning network of Sinicized Muslim scholars of the late Ming–early Qing period, who wrote about Islam in classical… -
Wang Daiyu, off topic
21 Apr 2009 | 5:29 pmOccasionally I side step from the main focus of the blog and write about personal stuff. April has been a very eventful month so I thought I should about a few things that are going elsewhere. My father is back from the hospital and is doing much better. Thank you your duas. Please remember him in your duas for a quick recovery. Sometimes people change and they change for some unknown reason. You ask them many times and they deny it. After some time you realize that they do not want you anymore no matter how much you care about them. You leave against your will because you want the other… -
Nik Aziz defends Nga’s recital of Quranic verse
21 Apr 2009 | 5:01 pmApparently some non-Muslim Chinese member of the parliament in Malaysia recited the Quran and some people tried to make it an issue but it did not succeed. The point to be taken here is that Quran is for everyone and not for one group or another. Nik Aziz defends Nga’s recital of Quranic verse KOTA BARU: Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat has defended Perak DAP secretary Nga Kor Ming who recited an Al-Quran verse in his speech, saying that this was a start to an Islamic renaissance for non-Muslims in Malaysia.In an open letter to Nga published on his blog, Nik Aziz praised the…
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Positive Muslim News
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Muslim doctors save life of Indian anti-Muslim party leader
20 Jun 2009 | 2:18 pmFor years, the Shiv Sena has earned notoriety for spreading hatred against Muslims, but on Thursday when its chief Bal Thackeray was gasping forbreath, two Muslims doctors from Lilavati Hospital-Dr Jaleel Parkar and Dr Samad Ansari-rushed to his house. The duo administered him medical helpat Matoshri and then brought him to the hospital's ICU in an ambulance.Ever since Thackeray's health started failing, he is under constant medical supervision. Dr Parkar said, "I examine him daily and sometimes I make two visits to Matoshri. On Thursday, I had examined him in the afternoon along with Dr… -
New free clinic to open one afternoon per week: Muslim Free Clinic
12 Jun 2009 | 5:07 pmFLINT, Michigan -- A group of Flint-area physicians will band together to open the Muslim Outreach Free Clinic later this month, offering a half-day of free health care services each week to lower income people without health insurance.The project is the brainchild of a group of Muslim physicians who hope to help address the health care crisis in the Flint community brought on by the current economic downturn.The free clinic will be housed in the after-hours urgent care clinic opened in February by Dr. Ahmed Arif at 1301 Flushing Road, next door to Arif's regular internal medicine and… -
Muslim store owner in NY gives would-be thief $40 and a loaf of bread
2 Jun 2009 | 7:56 pmGARDEN CITY, New York — A New York area convenience store owner confronted by a bat-wielding would-be robber said Tuesday he decided to show mercy on the man after he collapsed in tears and said he just wanted to support his starving family.The store owner provided the man with $40 and a loaf of bread, but only if he promised never to rob again."This was a grown man, crying like a baby," Mohammad Sohail, owner of the Shirley Express convenience store about 65 miles east of New York City, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.The man dropped the bread, picked up the bat and… -
Muslim Women Religious Leaders from Morocco Visit U.S. to Highlight Pioneering Initiative to Promote Equality, Tolerance, & Faith
17 May 2009 | 4:11 pmWASHINGTON, May 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This coming week, a delegation of mourchidates, women religious counselors from Morocco, will travel to the U.S. to highlight a revolutionary program that has begun training and certifying a select group of women every year to become mourchidates, who work alongside imams (traditional male religious leaders in Islam) to help empower and elevate the status of women throughout society, and promote a moderate, tolerant Islam.During their stay, the mourchidates will participate in interfaith roundtables with American Jewish, Christian, and Muslim… -
Maldives Minister wins "Muslim Democrat of the Year" award
1 May 2009 | 8:05 amForeign minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed has been awarded the “Muslim Democrat of the Year” award on Monday.The award is given each year to an advocate of democracy in the Muslim world.“Dr Shaheed is a practitioner who has worked tirelessly for the past decade and a half to strengthen and promote democracy and human rights in the Maldives,” said Radwan Masmoudi, the president of the CSID.Read the whole article at:http://www.minivannews.com/news_brief.php?id=6430
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Irshad Manji blog and official website
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Freedom for Abe is freedom for Ali
3 Jul 2009 | 6:43 amEvery Fourth of July, I receive a greeting card from friends who keep alive the memory of the anti-slavery movement in America. This year, Abraham Lincoln graced the front of their card. Inside, the Lincoln quote reads: I have often inquired of myself, what great principle or idea it was that kept this confederacy so long together. It was not the mere matter of the separation of the colonies from the motherland, but that sentiment in the Declaration of Independence which gave liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but, I hope, to the world, for all future time. It was that which… -
Why Iran’s protests are dying (for now)
28 Jun 2009 | 5:13 amCourtesy: WikiMedia Commons The other day, I wrote about Ali, one of my informants in Tehran. Years ago, this young Iranian introduced me to Martin Luther King Jr’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Ali has spent the past two weeks in hospital, after taking blows to the head from Basij paramilitaries. If there’s a consolation in any of this, it may be that a hospital bed sucks less than a prison cell. Still, Ali is becoming despondent. Iran’s demonstrations are dying. And so, it seems, is his soul. Here’s what I just reported to my Facebook constituency:… -
BBC Radio’s “Sunday” interviews Irshad about moral courage
21 Jun 2009 | 12:51 pmhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnbd -
Cover story: Irshad and Russian dissident in NY Tid, Norway’s mag of political and popular culture
21 Jun 2009 | 12:50 pmhttp://www.nytid.no/perspektiver/artikler/20090612/to-verdener-en-kamp/ -
“A Different View of the Quran”: Norway’s Aftenposten profiles Irshad (PDF)
21 Jun 2009 | 12:48 pmhttp://www.irshadmanji.com/wp-content/files/2009/06/aftenpostenmag.pdf
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An Indian Muslim
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The vendors' 'intelligence' network: Indian samosa-seller
26 Jun 2009 | 7:24 amThough it may seem to be a joke, the fact is that the vendors seem to have an intelligence network of their own and that beats the cops and journalists.A sudden demonstration, a gherao (laying siege) at a minister's bungalow, a protest in which an organisation decides to barge into the premises unannounced or a convergence of rally from rural areas to a particular locality in the capital--everything that may not be known to others, is known to the vendors.Wherever there is a a gathering, the vendors do get air and often before the gathering begins, they reach there, hoping to sell off their… -
The Chillas of Hazrat Ghaus: Islamic shrines in Deccan!
19 Jun 2009 | 2:20 pmA couple of years ago when I first visited Hyderabad, the chillas had caught my eye. In North India, I had never seen them nor heard about them.But in Hyderabad, I found them virtually at every other corner in the Old part of the City. I asked a friend (not a Muslim) and he told me that the 'chilla' is a common Islamic shrine in this region. Islamic shrine! That was news to me.Apart from mosques, if something is perceived as an Islamic shrine, then it's a mazaar (or dargah or tomb) or perhaps a Sufi khanqah (hospice). The chilla was a revelation for me.I was surprised and asked him to wait… -
An Urdu Mushaira in Delhi: Enchanting couplets regale audience
15 Jun 2009 | 1:25 pmThough litterateurs keep frowning over the decline in standards of mushairas, the truth is that nowhere in the world people still sit till 2 and 3 am in the night to listen poetry.I had the opportunity to watch the Mushaira Jashn-e-Bahaar recently. And once again I was not disappointed, as several reputed poets recited their ghazals, Nazms and Qata'as.Watching the most respected Urdu poet--ocatagenarian Pandit Anand Mohan Zutshi Gulzar Dehlvi, [please don't confuse him with the other and equally respectable Gulzar who is known for writing songs also]--at the dais revived the old memories.Many… -
Remembering Habib Tanvir: Agra Bazar and Indian Theatre
10 Jun 2009 | 1:46 amDhuundhoge agar mulkoN mulkoN milne ke nahiiN, naayaab haiN ham.....The doyen of Indian theatre, Habib Tanvir, was laid to rest at a graveyard in Bhopal. The 86-year-old theatre legend was draped in national flag, with policemen lowering their weapons to accord full state honours.Tanvir was buried adjacent to his wife Monika Misra's grave. The representatives of state governments of MP and Chhattisgarh, ministers and hundreds of admirers were part of the procession.In the same BJP-ruled state where he had been literally boycotted in his old age and had earlier faced opposition for his play… -
A Jinnah in Indian Parliament
7 Jun 2009 | 1:08 pmHow many of us know that a Jinnah had recently entered the Indian parliament? A few months before the Lok Sabha elections, this elderly man got entry into the Upper House of Indian Parliament--the Rajya Sabha.The news didn't catch much attention though and just a few papers, mostly in South India, published the news about Mr AA Jinnah, who belongs to Tamil Nadu.The Union government website doesn't have much information about the MP 'Shri AA Jinnah' though it gives his phone number and address. Amir Ali Jinnah was candidate of Karunanidhi's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's DMK and entered the…
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Delicious popular
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MADATOMS - POPULAR RELIGIONS REFERENCE MANUAL by Tim Saccardo - Artist: Edwin Servaas
2 Jul 2009 | 11:03 am -
BBC NEWS | Middle East | 'Why I created Islamic super heroes'
2 Jul 2009 | 4:11 am -
French ban on the “burka” « The Apostate
24 Jun 2009 | 10:49 am -
Flickr Photo Download: Religious Teachings on Sex Infographic
14 Sep 2008 | 7:23 am
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Delicious popular
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Muslim expectations high for Obama's speech (source: CNN)
7 Jun 2009 | 10:44 pm -
The Emergence of President Obama's Muslim Roots - Political Punch
2 Jun 2009 | 4:24 pm -
Muslim Demographics
22 Apr 2009 | 8:38 pm
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Inquisitive Muslimah
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If it looks like a Mosque...
3 Jul 2009 | 8:31 amAssalam alaikum & Peace to allTonight hubby and I and another couple are going to a Turkisheating place/restaurant. I am not looking forward to it toomuch only because the place is inside a Mosque. Now me being a revert and all sometimes I will carry my"Catholic baggage" with me. So because of that I have a problem with putting'money making' things inside a place of worship.I kind of go back to the story in the bible of where Jesus tore upthe market place because they were selling stuff outside the templeand on a Sabbath (I think). Basically don't be making a profit wherepeople come to… -
I love when people don't listen to what you say...
2 Jul 2009 | 3:03 pmAssalam alaikum & Peace to allI am still stuck at work its already 6:10 and usually I leaveat 4:30 but what to do ...I just had to get this out...I answer the phone by saying,"Good afternoon (company name)" It's one of those survey things...she starts off her spiel and she goes 'are there any females between the ages of 18-60 in the home' I told her 'this is not a residence!" She goes oh, sorry! Well hellooooo who answers the phone with 'good afternoon ABC company' if it were a house?? HMm.... hmmmm?? Arrrrr I can't stand it when peopledon't listen! It happens all the time too!! Okey Im… -
We should be thankful and remindful of our blessings each day!
25 Jun 2009 | 9:05 amAssalam alaikum & Peace to allThis is just amazing...subhanallah that the child was not hurt!Just goes to show you that everything is by the will of AllahTurkish Boy Run Down in Horrific Car Crash (VIDEO)A boy was walking along the street in Sanliurfa, Turkey, when a car swerved to avoid hitting a dog, lost control and slammed into him, knocking him down a set of concrete steps. The accident was caught on CCTV video.The boy, Muhammet Dirlik, was hit by the car which then crashed through a store window just a few feet away. Miraculously, he jumped up and ran to his father.The boy’s… -
Saudi Princess on Women's Rights
23 Jun 2009 | 12:01 pmAssalam alaikum & Peace to allFound this video on you tube ...its the Saudi Princess talking a bit aboutWomen's rights, etc. Some quotes are great and she speaks very well, calmly."just because we are covered doesn't mean we don't know anything"found at 2:39"to keep the pride and dignity of woman" Love that!I think I'll look up more from her -
Coming to terms with ...
22 Jun 2009 | 10:37 amAssalam alaikum & Peace to allPregnancy!I am 8 weeks now (mashallah) and in the middle of the most annoyingnauseated feeling I have ever experienced! Nobody tells you the realityof being pregnant! I am not throwing up (which is good I guess) but I dohave this nauseated feeling almost for the whole day, comes and goes butthe time between it coming and going is quite short.I have tried ginger ale, nope no help. Munched on soda crackers, nothing butcrumbs to sweep up now. Chamomile tea helps a bit but not entirely, at least thetea has a calming effect on me! I've bought some candied ginger,…
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Muslim Torrents
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Madina Books - Arabic - Text (MT)
Category: Other Size: 52.03 MB Status: no seeders and no leecher Added: 2009-07-01 12:54:07 -
وقاية الإنسان من الجن والشيطان
Category: e-Books / Docs Size: 7.97 MB Status: no seeders and no leecher Added: 2009-06-27 09:31:47 -
Christ in Islam-Ahmad Ddat
Category: Video Clips Size: 163.36 MB Status: 7 seeders and no leecher Added: 2009-06-26 16:06:32 -
Yousef Al-Sedeq (TVRip) (Arabic) Full (E1 To E45)
Category: TV Size: 15.43 GB Status: 12 seeders and 253 leechers Added: 2009-06-25 20:49:12 -
Maariful Qur'an
Category: e-Books / Docs Size: 514.51 MB Status: no seeders and 1 leechers Added: 2009-06-23 13:07:44
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M A R Y A M
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Look Again
3 Jul 2009 | 10:07 amIt was just as I finsihed my school that I rushed to library to get a fresh batch of interesting reads, having ignored them for almost a month. All the books that I have read till date have mostly been fiction and full of emotions, and rarely have been mysterious and thrillers; up until this [...] -
The precious gem – Women
25 Jun 2009 | 10:08 pmIn recent times, have come across many sites talking about how women are exploited and are burdened by laws laid down by Islam. I was ashamed reading them, mostly because I myself am a woman, a strong willed dare I say. Islam is the purest of all religions, the true one indeed, all the believers [...] -
Ayat Al-Kursi
21 Jun 2009 | 5:09 amAllah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His permission He [...]
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Spirit21
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Cinemas, mosques and the power of prayer
29 Jun 2009 | 1:53 amA little humour for a Monday morning. I don't know if it's true or not, but that it seems very plausible and that we believe from our instincts about human nature that it might be true, is telling in itself...In a small town in East Africa, a person decided to open up a cinema showing films of disrepute, which was right opposite to the mosque. The Members of the congregation started a campaign to block the tawdry business from opening with petitions and prayed daily against his business. Work progressed. However, when it was almost complete and was about to open, a lightning bolt struck the… -
Sarkozy speaks out against Burqa in France
23 Jun 2009 | 3:42 amYesterday the French president said "The burka is not a sign of religion, it is a sign of subservience. It will not be welcome on the territory of the French republic."This follows the establishment of a parliamentary commission to investigate whether the wearing of the burqa should be banned in public.Following his speech, he is due to meet the Emir of Qatar - I wonder if he will suggest to him that women there should also remove their veils? If his view is that it is wrong in France as it "reduces them to servitude and undermines their dignity" then he ought to make the same point to the… -
Hurrah!
1 Jun 2009 | 2:06 amLast week, my book Love in a Headscarf won the Best Published Non-Fiction prize at the Muslim Writers Awards. IslamOnline has described this event as the "Muslim Oscars" and it certainly is very glamorous.I was extremely delighted to win the award, and hopeful that this acknowledgement will bring even more wonderful things in the future. (More awards please!)Here's a pic of the trophy itself, sunning itself in the garden the following day... And if you haven't bought a copy of the book yet, you can visit www.loveinaheadscarf.com to find out more, and purchase a copy. Happy reading :D -
Is this an eco-epiphany?
26 May 2009 | 1:08 amI will be the first to admit that I have much improvement to show in making my living habits more environmentally friendly. Whilst there is a lot of chatter around us about how we all ought to be 'green', I have a sneaking suspicion that there is a lot more talk than there is action. I don't believe I'm the only one who talks green but doesn't go all out to act it.This week we've had the plumbers in, and the water feed into the cistern in the loo has been disconnected, so we have to fill it up manually in order to flush. The first few times I tried filling it up from water bottles (running… -
Guest Post on Spirit21 from David Miliband, Foreign Secretary.
22 May 2009 | 3:54 amIt's Friday today, Jum'ah, and as a special treat, the Foreign Secretary has written his first ever posting on a Muslim blog, here at Spirit21. David Miliband is no stranger to cyberspace and writes his own prolific blog over at the FCO website.It would be fair to say that the relationship between the Foreign Office and the British and global Muslim community has been a tumultuous one (ahem, understatement), and many Britons, including British Muslims, believe that the Foreign Office needs to be held more strongly to account, and should adopt a more proactive and ethical approach to Foreign…
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islam « WordPress.com Tag Feed
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Muslims Fail in Liberty and Courage
3 Jul 2009 | 10:43 amThe Egyptian government, dominated by the Muslim religion, has once again failed to stand courageous -
P.Z. Myers: An Interesting Study in Bigotry
3 Jul 2009 | 10:43 amOne thing that I have always found fascinating is the phenomenon of intellectual dishonesty. To be -
Militants may plan attacks before German vote-minister
3 Jul 2009 | 10:37 amMilitants may plan attacks before German vote-minister Thu Jul 2, 2009 12:10pm BERLIN, July 2 (Reuters) http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSL289480 Islamic militants may be planning attacks aimed at influencing public opinion against Germany’s Afghanistan mission ahead of a national election, a senior official said on Thursday. Authorities have detected an increase in threatening video messages ahead of the Sept. 27 parliamentary elections, Deputy Interior Minister and former spy chief August Hanning told a news conference. Hanning said the 2004 Madrid bombings —… -
Ahya.com alleges that the biggest publisher of the world-famous Fadail e Amal has stopped publishing it. Really?
3 Jul 2009 | 10:34 amThe anti-tableeghi site ahya.com, which aims to demafe the tableeghi movement and tries to undermine the incredible work the group is doing, alleges that idara e ishaat e diniyat, a large publisher based in India, has stopped publishing Fadail e amal, the standard tableeghi textbook that encourages people to do good deeds and be good Muslims. But a quick search on the internet showed this wasn’t true! Have a look for yourself: http://www.idara.com/store/islamic-books/urdu-books/fazail-e-amaal-vol-1-urdu-/prod_65.html. -
A Very Strange Village
3 Jul 2009 | 10:15 amI have heard the following story from a pious and knowledgeable brother. Hopefully it will be beneficial for all of us. Once a Scholar of Islam was travelling and came across a village where he noticed a very strange thing. He saw a store where a man was selling bread. What was strange is that the man was charging $1 for the fresh bread and $2 for the bread that was made a day before. However, all the people were buying yesterday’s bread though they were more expensive than the fresh bread. The Scholar approached the bread salesman and asked why the people preffered the old bread over…
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"Walls Come Tumbling Down"
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New publication: “Islamophobie in Österreich”
2 Jul 2009 | 9:20 amI have contributed a chapter to a new book just published entitled, “Islamophobie in Österreich”. Whilst the main focus of the book is – as it says on the tin – Islamophobia in Austria, my chapter opens the book with an overview of the recent history of Islamophobia in the European context. Special thanks to Lajali [...] -
Mikaeel Jackson: Wacko becomes Muslim
30 Jun 2009 | 6:14 amAs part of the wider melieu, it is unsurprising that an old story that has repeatedly raised its ugly head has once again been circulating on the internet. The story in question is that Michael Jackson converted to Islam. As a man that wore a traditional abaya on a trip to Bahrain a short while ago [...] -
“Eccentric, perverse, hideous, disfigured, flawed, scandalous & ruined”: Reflections on the death of Michael Jackson
30 Jun 2009 | 5:26 amApart from simple references to celebrity – and maybe human idiocy – there is little apparent else to link the deaths of Jade Goody and Michael Jackson. This is not to suggest however that his death has been any more palatable or indeed that the legacy that will no doubt ensue will offer any better [...] -
“Told You So…”: BNP gain 2 MEPs in North-West & North-East
8 Jun 2009 | 6:38 am“The British National Party have played on people’s fears …and we’ll have to work to tackle the fear that lead to people to vote BNP” Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Harriet Harman, “All politicians should be asking themselves ‘how did we allow this to happen?’” Shadow Defence Secretary of the Conservative Party, Liam Fox Too little, too late [...] -
Sleepwalking to Success: indicators suggest percentage gains for BNP
5 Jun 2009 | 5:55 amEarly indicators are suggesting that the BNP have made massive gains in terms of percentage votes. Whilst these percentages are taken from the local council elections that have been declared so far, anecdotal evidence suggests that even greater numbers have voted for them in the European elections. Given that the Euro elections are held on a proportional [...]
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Islamophobia Watch
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A setback in the struggle against the Islamification of the West
2 Jul 2009 | 12:50 pmOver at his Lionheart blog, Paul Ray relates the sad tale of the mass anti-Muslim demo that wasn't. It seems that one Dave Shaw had summoned like-minded patriots to join an "anti-extremist protest through the heart of Londonistan" last Saturday. Alas, it was not to be. Members of Ray's grandly titled English and Welsh Defence League turned up at the appointed meeting place for the demonstration, outside a pub at Trafalgar Square (see picture), only to find that they were the sole participants at the event. According to Paul Ray: "With a no-show from 'Dave Shaw' and his group members, who all… -
Inside a Pakistani school where children are being brainwashed into terrorists
2 Jul 2009 | 12:44 pmThus the headline to a piece by John Humphrys in the Daily Mail. In fact, Humphrys presents no evidence whatsoever that the Jamia Binoria madrassa he visited in Karachi, and whose hospitality he has abused, is brainwashing its pupils into becoming terrorists. Last year a CNN investigation into Jamia Binoria quoted a US State Department spokesperson as saying that the madrassa was "known to U.S. officials as a moderate institution, favored by Pakistani-Americans for its moderate and tolerant Islamic instruction". It is clear that Humphrys hasn't bothered to carry out the most basic… -
Antwerp protests against schools' headscarf ban
2 Jul 2009 | 12:19 pmOn Sunday about 120 Muslims protested in Antwerp against the headscarf ban in the Royal Athenaeums of Antwerp and Hoboken. They carried signs saying: "Everybody free, except us," "Democracy, not discrimination" and "You are the oppressors, not us." They demanded to rescind the headscarf ban by the two schools. Parent Mina Cheeba said in a speech that the representatives of the parents in the school council haven't heard of any social pressure to wear a headscarf and that if there are actual complaints, then they would like to take a look at them so they could come to a solution together. -
Muslims in Europe: the Scottish example
1 Jul 2009 | 12:36 pmZahed Amanullah interviews Osama Saeed. altmuslim, 1 July 2009 -
Now Christopher Hitchens supports a 'burka ban'
1 Jul 2009 | 4:30 am"Last week French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced his support for legislation to ban the burka, the dark, heavy and not-too-comfortable garment worn by many Muslim women. The question arises: Is this forcible French secularism run amok, or a prohibition that Americans, who often believe we have struck a better balance between church and state, might entertain? I would say the latter.... "It is quite plainly designed by men for the subjugation of women. One cannot be absolutely sure that no woman has ever donned it voluntarily, but one can certainly say that, in countries where women can…
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Comments for Abdur Rahman's Corner
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Comment on Friday Afternoon Qawwali! by starofseshat
30 Jun 2009 | 2:57 amShalom Abdur, Thank you! Something nice to listen to while I work … although I did have to look up what a “Qawwali” was Hope you are enjoying the sunshine! Blessings Seshat -
Comment on The Lord of Sirius by furqon
27 Jun 2009 | 4:48 amim indonesian,, do you know about sirius???? where it? and how find the sirius and all (star) please send me messages….. -
Comment on The Devil is in the Detail by S.Srinivas Rau
23 Jun 2009 | 10:06 pmSalam AbdurRahman! A few days ago there was a BBC production on TV on the Buddha and Buddhism.The experts remark that in the East Asian traditions the Devil is not an entity but an aspect of the personality with which the Buddha struggled.Another point they made was about Buddhism/Zen/…. for self-improvement in everyday life,rather than truth-seeking in his manner.Srinivas Rau -
Comment on Qawwali Time by mohammed ibrahim khan
23 Jun 2009 | 6:45 amDear: abdul rahman sahab i am searching the qawwali i right some word ILTEJA HAI KE HAR EK SAHEBE IMAAN RAHE DIL ME HO NOOR TERA AANKH ME QURAN RAHE TOH KARAM SAAZ HAI HER EK PE KARAM KARTA HAI SAB KR DAMAN KO BINA MANGE HI BHARTA HAI SHANE RAHMATH SE HAME AAJ NAMAZI KARDE JITNE MOMIN UNHE WAQT KA GAZI KARDE THIS QAWWALI I AM SEARCHING BUT WE COULD NOT FIND ANY PLACE BCZ WE DON’T KNOW WOH IS SINGER IF U KNOW PLAESE CONFORM ME WE REQUEST TO YOU PLEASE MY email:mas_e786@yahoo.com -
Comment on He Watered My Veins by rehan
22 Jun 2009 | 10:09 pmthis is my favourite flower
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Indian Muslims
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Sufism: The Heart of Islam (New Book by Sadia Dehlvi)
27 Jun 2009 | 7:08 amSadia Dehlvi concludes her four year of effort in this just launched book Sufism: The Heart of Islam -
Islamic Perspectives of Inter-Community Relations
27 Jun 2009 | 6:46 amIslam teaches that all human beings, irrespective of community or race, are children of the same set of primal parents, and, so, are bound together by their common humanity -
Rahmani-30: A school of hope
6 Jun 2009 | 6:25 amThe Muslims of North India for historical reasons have not had very friendly relations with the local police. I was in Patna visiting Rahmani-30 when Abhayanand, Additional Director General of Police makes a visit in his official car. Rahmani-30 is set up on the pattern of Bihar Super-30 which is a successful experiment to pick [...] -
Azamgarh Muslims: Breaking the Community’s Siege
2 May 2009 | 7:49 pmThe appearance of Ulema Council is the result of despair of the Muslims of Azamgarh -
Joint Statement: Pakistani Taliban’s treatment of Sikhs
2 May 2009 | 7:42 pmIndian Muslim leaders denounce the Jizya imposed by the Taliban on Sikhs and call it barbaric
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Planet Grenada
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michael jackson - they don't care about us
27 Jun 2009 | 6:19 amMJ at his most controversial (at least in terms of his music). Before the song "They Don't Care About Us" was even released, Michael Jackson was accused of antisemitism due to his use of the lyric: "Jew me, sue me, everybody do me/ Kick me, kike me, don't you black or white me". Jackson argued (rather reasonably) that the intention of the song as a whole is opposed to prejudice and oppression and disputed lyrics should be viewed in that context.Veuillez installer Flash Player pour lire la vidéoMichael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us (Long Version) sélectionné dans Musique et Rock / Pop… -
r.i.p. michael jackson - inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un - do you remember the time?
25 Jun 2009 | 9:54 pmsee also:Michael Jackson Converts to Islam -
blue-eyed devil
25 Jun 2009 | 2:30 pmI just recently finished Michael Muhammad Knight's book Blue-eyed Devil: A Road Odyssey Through Islamic America put out by Soft Skull Press. The book is definitely worth reading but I think I would have felt better about it if I had checked it out of the library instead of buying it at Border's. The work is essentially a travelogue documenting Knight's journey's across the United States on what amounts to an Islam-in-America sightseeing tour. To be honest, I was massively impressed by the breadth of the book but he left me wishing for more depth.He visits the annual ISNA (Islamic Society of… -
an intimate look at hip-hop's jihad
23 Jun 2009 | 7:01 am‘New Muslim Cool,’ a new PBS documentary, shows how young Muslim Americans in the post-9/11 era are deepening ties between hip-hop and Islamby Suad Abdul KhabeerReal hip-hop heads know that Islam and hip-hop have been longtime friends, feeding off each other’s energy. Muslim ideals of self-respect and social change have inspired some of the greatest emcees, and hip-hop is giving voice to the dreams and daily struggles of a generation of Muslims. This cross-pollination between Islam and hip-hop is vividly illustrated in a new documentary, New Muslim Cool, which premieres tonight on… -
christian murderer / muslim terrorist
21 Jun 2009 | 4:13 amMujahideen Ryder: Two men murder for religious reasons – The Christian is charged with murder while the Muslim is charged with terrorism
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a wayfarer's journey...
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Non-Vacation
22 Jun 2009 | 6:28 amI'm back from my nonvacation vacation. I always come back from my inlaws saying words like "clever", "keen" and "method". It was good to get away but my plan of spending quality time with each kid alone did not happen. I also had planned on getting a haircut etc. Instead LD was quite the handful and nothing like that happened. On a good note, in the midst of family drama, I have gotten closer to my inlaws. There wasn't a single altercation this trip mash'Allah. Got back late last night and my mom is flying in tonight. Busy busy busy! Be back soon. -
Thrifty Thursday
12 Jun 2009 | 6:06 amI absolutely love this set of dishes I found. I can't find any information on them though. They are stamed "Nice Mice" made in England and have some symbols. The set is complete. I think the little tiny cup is an egg holder but not sure. I LOVE the graphics. On Ebay the mug alone sold for $9.99 but that's all i found on this set after ebaying and googling them. Look at these images! They are heavy too. This was a splurge for me at a thrift store that was closing for the summer so offering everything half off. I got the set for $5 (and would have gladly paid $10...i just never visit this… -
Banana Hotdog
10 Jun 2009 | 7:59 amLightly toasted bread spread with peanut butter. Banana as the hotdog and honey as the ketchup. Make one for yourself too. This is not kid food. This is GOOD food. And healthy food. Peanuts and bananas are high energy foods and carbs are good too. If you want to make it even healthier add some wheat germ for relish. -
Strawberry Fields Forever
8 Jun 2009 | 10:48 amWe love picking stuff and this is our second year bringing home a ton of strawberries. Yesterday was filled with tractors, sunshine, hats, lots of strawberries, jam making and strawberry eating. -
Baby food blog
3 Jun 2009 | 6:28 amWhen i was making little dude's baby food, a lot of people emailed me asking for specifics and how to information. Since Baby Girl has officially started solids, when I get back from Toronto I will begin making her food full force and thought I might do a blog specific to making baby food. Anyone still interested?
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Borges Blogue
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New Labour: Go Back to Basics!
3 Jul 2009 | 9:25 amThis country is facing disaster. Finances are wrecked, cuts are coming, services will suffer. There is no way out of this impasse within the market framework, that has been made clear. PM Brown, Leader of the Opposition David Cameron, Chancellor Darling and Shadow Chancellor George Osborne all assure us that we can get through this if we pull together and find some sort of political consensus.Labour is dropping in the polls, trailing far the Conservatives, neither the government nor the Official Opposition have revealed how they intend to finance the country in the future, and neither is… -
End the Monarchy now! Reform the Senate immediately- Abolir la monrachie! Réformer le Sénat maintenant!
3 Jul 2009 | 7:32 amIn a recent poll conducted by a Canadian Television company CTV reveals that over 65% of Canadians want the monarchy done away with. This shows the completely progressive nature of the Canadian people who want nothing to do with an out-dated remnant of feudalism which persists in the modern capitalist Canadian federative state. The Queen and her representative Michaelle-Jean, not to mention the provincial governors, who do nothing but represent a long ago broken link between the United Kingdom's monarchy and her Parliament.However the Monarchy is not the only feudal remnant in the Canadian… -
Brown betrays the working class with latest Healthcare proposals
29 Jun 2009 | 7:53 amThe New Labour government of Gordon Brown has unveiled its latest commitment to the destruction of the National Health Service, that is the commercialisation of critical treatments disguised as a gesture for patients rights. The new responsibilities of the National Health Service include: An operation within 18 weeks of patients first seeing their GP A free health check-up for all at the age of 40 Treatment from an NHS dentist Die at home if they suffer from a long-term medical condition See a cancer specialist within two weeksBe treated in accident & emergency departments within four… -
Get used to minority governments... and you can blame the Bloc!
28 Jun 2009 | 8:45 amIn times past minority governments were seen as a rare event in Canadian political history, lately, they seem more like the rule. In the past decade we have seen 3 minority governments, with a fourth one likely after the next election. In fact, political commentators are now projecting that minority governments will govern the country for a majority of the time, mainly due to the neutralising effect of the Bloc Québécois, and the unity of the Conservative Party (as opposed to its divisions during the first years of the Bloc, which guaranteed the Liberals of Jean Chrétien 3 consecutive… -
Ignatieff drops in popularity among Québécois
22 Jun 2009 | 12:27 pmThe Liberal Party of Canada's newly crownded leader has since his rise to power polled strongly among the Québécois electorate, however recently his popularity has fallen by 10 percent, from around 45 percent believing him to be the best choice for prime minister, to a much lower, comparitively, 35 percent. This may have something to do with the Bloc Québécois sustained attacks against Ignatieff, claiming that he opposed C-307 which would have extend the Charter of the French Language (Loi 101) to all federal undertakings in the province, as well as a commitment generally not to interfere…
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Afrocentric Muslimah
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A Discovery
1 Jul 2009 | 12:33 pmRemember how I mentioned a card that I received in the mail?To have a look at it go herereally worth the trek :)S -
The Most Unreadable of Unreadables
1 Jul 2009 | 9:20 amI think they sneer. Yes, these meanies really do sneer. They sneer at you for wasting hard earned money on buying them. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, they continue their Sneer Fest by deriding your every effort at reading them. And, no, they really don’t give a damn whether you have any other readable read at your side. So you’re left in a lurch.Marooned on an island, surrounded by a sea of unreadable, unpalatable words. You're left with two choices. Languish or wade. I've gone for one or the other of these options each time one of these Unreadable Reads came to visit. Depending on… -
Books
23 Jun 2009 | 11:55 amYou know how it sometimes is that you read a blurb and everything sound so exciting. Then you take the book home, lovingly cradled in your arms only to have the pages morph before your very eyes into something ugly, and plain unreadable?Thankfully, that doesn't happen too often. Most books that find their way into your hands, do so for a reasons. At least I'd like to believe that. And then there are those books. That elite little grouping that carry words so precious that they are seared into your mind. Words that border on actual physical nutrition. They are rare finds, these works of art. -
A Gifted Week
18 May 2009 | 1:57 amI can hardly believe it that it's been nearly a month since my last post. Apologies to the two peole who read my blog. I know I'v been really remiss.So what's happened since? Not much. and pretty much everythingI've discovered that in spite of my previous assertations re the wisdom that comes with ageing, I did not have the foggiest idea regarding what love entails. I've been smacked about by life and have finally understood that it really is a place to call home. And I feel really blessed - alhamdulillah - to have just thatI was lucky enough to receive three gifts in one week. The first was… -
Things so Lost
21 Apr 2009 | 12:11 pmI stumbled across an old file. Found some ancient scribblings. And this here text for a children's picture book. Methinks it will never get published. So I've gone and self published...right here. Anyone care to illustrate???The Land of SocksYusuf wore a frown on his brow,For the life of him, he couldn’t tell howHis favourite pairs of socks was a pair no more,It was time for mum to return to the storeTo replace the ones now oh-so lostNo telling how much that would costYusuf sighed, a great big sighAnd pulled on a pair almost knee-highBlack with thick, ugly yellow stripesThat just increased…
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Akram's Razor - Reflections on Islam, Muslims & America
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Christians don't "murder" & the Obama-the-Muslim conspiracy theory is back
30 Jun 2009 | 10:51 amSpeaking of the way people interpret behavior based on their shared religious background (or lack thereof), Dan Mathewson has a sharp analysis in Religion Dispatches of the conspicuous absence of Christian faith from MSM analysis of the recent abortion doctor murder by a Pro Life fanatic. The title says it all: Muslims Murder, Christians Don’t: What Went Missing in Analysis of Tiller’s Executioner While much of the media had no trouble detailing the religious commitment of the Muslim killer of an army recruiter, most profiles painted Scott Roeder as a right-wing, anti-government,… -
The personal is theological
28 Jun 2009 | 4:13 pmTwo years ago, I shared a great cartoon commentary on hijab in "The infinite varieties of hijab," and wrote: Doing a web search, I came across an entertaining cartoon drawn by Syrian cartoonist Puppeteer cataloging the many styles of hijab out there. Its focus is on Syria, but aside from the Kubeisya it seems pretty universal to me. And every community has its well-meaning but unnerving glarers who more or less share the aesthetic (if not the trademark coat...or the cartoon's unibrow). [HT: My Adventures in Syria] Brilliant and wonderfully playful. I especially like the… -
The semiotics of swords
15 Jun 2009 | 8:41 pmLook at this creepy scene of jihadi role playing. This Islamic obsession with all things martial is so alien to the Judeo-Christian tradition, don't you think? Photograph by Ed Kashi, National GeographicWhich is why it's so interesting that these are really Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem, caught while celebrating Easter. When a Christian swings a sword at party, it's just innocent fun, at most an assertion of healthy pride in tradition. When a Muslim does it, to the contrary, it's practice for killing infidels. -
A bumper crop of religious fanaticism
10 Jun 2009 | 9:15 pmFirst, an anti-abortion fanatic gunned down an abortion doctor (and in the latter's own church, where he served as an usher). Yesterday, a spectacularly moronic and disgusting young convert to Islam shoots a man he didn't know outside a military recruiting center and then declares his conscience clean because of American military involvement in the Middle East and the allegedly concomitant need for retaliation. And today an unusually vigorous and hate-filled octogenarian White Supremacist barged into the Holocaust Museum in DC, his gun blazing, fatally wounding one guard before… -
Latest pseudo-science inspired by this blog's title
9 Jun 2009 | 9:41 pmI see it more of a quirk of the unexpected workings of Internet media than anything else, but as I've mentioned before, despite my blog's quite modest traffic every now and again a contributor to an online forum will refer in all seriousness to the famous philosophical principle of, ahem, "Akram's Razor." The actual precept is called, of course, Occam's Razor. (I explained the reasoning behind my pretentious neologism when I set up the blog in 2005.)Here are the two latest examples I've come across.1. A comment (posted only a month or so ago, fetched from Google's cache since the link's now…
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أندلس
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‘Allahuma Barik lana fi Rajaba wa Sha’bana wa ballighna Ramadhan’
21 Jun 2009 | 11:16 pmSummary Of Religious Duties During The Month Of Rajab Shaykh Musa Furber On the month of Rajab… Shaykh Ilyas Patel
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Bin Gregory Productions
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Wild Honey
30 Jun 2009 | 10:21 pmoney is a blessed food, mentioned in the Quran and praised often by Nabi Muhammad (saws) for its healing properties. Not to mention, it tastes great too! My mother keeps bees on her farm, and the... [More Inside...] -
New Muslim Cool
19 Jun 2009 | 7:18 pmDon’t miss the premiere of New Muslim Cool, airing June 23rd on PBS as part of the POV series. There’s a trailer to get you started, and an interview with the filmmaker on AltMuslim. ... [More Inside...] -
Farmer Greg
17 Jun 2009 | 11:04 pmAn excerpt from Three Roods Charm, a short story by Michael Short set on my mom and dad’s farm: “Did David Bowie bother you at sunrise?” Greg asked. “Huh?” I said. “What I meant was how did... [More Inside...] -
Hidden Mosques
15 Jun 2009 | 12:20 amThe azan can be heard all around Kuching from the suraus in most every neighborhood. Sometimes it takes a bit of work to find where it is coming from. Taking a shortcut through a secluded... [More Inside...] -
Berjayalah Taskiku!
8 Jun 2009 | 7:43 amBIM, the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement, is one of the oldest and strongest Islamic NGOs in Malaysia today. Founded in 1972, ABIM is influential on the national stage in lobbying for Islamic... [More Inside...]
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Lantern Torch
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Rapper, The Game to play B.A. Baracus?
3 Jul 2009 | 10:10 amAccording to Blackfilm.com, the new A-Team film will feature The Game playing B.A. Baracus. I actually feel kind of sorry for The Game. Maybe he is a good actor. Maybe he will even get the attitude down and have the perfect mohawk and over-the-top jewelry. Maybe he will drive the van like he was made for the job. But the bottom line is I PITTY THE FOO WHO THINKS HE CAN PLAY B.A. BETTER THAN MR. T! Sorry I had to say it. The full story is here. -
The plasmoid problem
2 Jul 2009 | 12:37 pmI just installed KDE 4.3 RC 1, and it is fantastic. This will undoubtedly be the best KDE release to date and will answer a lot of the complaints about missing features and stability that people have raised. The drop shadow glitches from 4.2 are gone from Kwin, but it seems as though they fixed it by regressing back to their earlier unmodifiable shadows. Nevertheless, I can live with that for now, and that is not the topic of this blog post. The issue that I have on my mind is the problem with certain plasmoids in KDE that seem to take Plasma to its knees. What is supposed to happen when you… -
10 Awesome Features of Krunner in KDE 4
30 Jun 2009 | 4:41 amMany KDE 3 users depended on Krun, a simple yet effective application used to execute commands. Executed simply by pressing “Alt-F2″, it was much easier to start applications using it, rather than navigating through a launch menu or opening a terminal window. The only catch with Krun was that you had to know the exact name of the command you intended to launch. With the advent of KDE 4, that has all changed. Krunner operates independently of the Plasma desktop system as a standalone application. It includes a ton of features that make it useful beyond simple command launching. It has… -
News Corp wants to ruin our lives
5 Jun 2009 | 11:19 amFour weeks after Ruper Murdoch tried to kill our fun by announcing that many of the newspapers you (not I) read will soon charge for access to certain online content, his new attack dog (a.k.a. chief digital officer), Jonathan Miller, claims that Hulu will start charging for content as well. Forget the fact that Miller’s company is only a partial owner of Hulu, along with NBC and Disney, but let us just stop and think for a moment. What was it that attracted people to Hulu in the first place? I will give you a few minutes to think about it. Give up? It is free! And I use the term… -
How To Setup Dual Monitors With XRandR
1 Jun 2009 | 8:19 pmDual monitor setup in Linux has never been easier. While methods such as the xinerama extension sometimes drive people insane, using RandR (Resize and Rotate) is quick and painless. This will allow you to use both monitors as one big screen instead of two identical ones (cloning). Follow these simple steps to get started. Note: This HOWTO assumes that you are using the opensource drivers for your video card (ATI or Intel). Nvidia and AMD proprietary drivers come with their dual screen components. Read the rest at MakeTechEasier
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From Clay
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Repression and Literature
2 Jul 2009 | 7:03 amJames Wood writes a review in The New Yorker of a novel of an Iranian novelist living in the United States. The review is mildly interesting, though I'm not inspired enough to get Shahriar Mandanipour's book. But Wood opens his review with a savvy observation about the relationship between restriction and literary creativity:Sometimes, the soft literary citizens of liberal democracy long for prohibition. Coming up with anything to write about can be difficult when you are allowed to write about anything.... Nothing constrains us. Perhaps we look enviously at those who have the misfortune to… -
The Meaning of the Moonwalk
28 Jun 2009 | 11:00 amIt's always interesting to see how swift and how far and wide the blow darts of media hype can fly. I first heard of the news of Michael Jackson's collapse on AlJazeera. It was breaking news in Doha and just about every other Arab city that carries the news network. In no time, after it was confirmed that he had died and after Jermaine Jackson made his moving statement, Muslim bloggers and notable figures alike have had something to say about the man, mainly because of his alleged, reported, suggested, rumored, or bona fide conversion to Islam. The Michael Jackson story is, of course, hardly… -
Between Two Abysses
24 Jun 2009 | 11:14 pmComing across a good passage of words is like walking out of your home and beholding something spectacular in the sky, like a crimson sunset or a majestic halo around a full moon. You want to rush back to tell your family and friends to put down their smokes and Monopoly cards to "see this!" I like this quote here by Philip Zaleski, editor of Parabola Magazine and The Best American Spiritual Writing series. It resonates with a few verses of the Quran that speak of competing disparate conditions of a human being, the two "roads" available to him or her, for example. The greatest art considers… -
Ibn Battuta Earthwork
8 Jun 2009 | 8:19 amInteresting tribute to Ibn Battuta in unlikely Kansas. If he were alive, he'd probably want to travel there. Stan Herd is the artist behind the "earthwork." (Thanks for the help in embedding this video properly. See comment 1 below.) -
Servants of Power
31 May 2009 | 12:34 amAt the recommendation of a close friend, I've started to read Edward Said’s Culture and Imperialism. I am drawn to read it also because of what Noam Chomsky (an over-quoted gentleman) had to say about the book, as related on the front cover: "Edward Said helps us to understand who we are and what we must do if we are to aspire to be moral agents, not servants of power."If Said’s book can really do that, then we all need to read it. Like now. This phrase “servants of power” is something to keep in mind. I'm not sure "exactly" what it entails or where its conclusions ultimately march…
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Inspirations and Creative Thoughts
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do whatsoever you like, but do it with full awareness | Nagarjuna advices
2 Jul 2009 | 10:04 am1.There was one great master, a Buddhist master, Nagarjuna.A thief came to him. The thief had fallen in love with the master because he had never seen such a beautiful person, such infinite grace. He asked Nagarjuna, "Is there some possibility of my growth also? But one thing I must make clear to you: I am a thief. And another thing: I cannot leave it, so please don't make it a condition. I -
Saieen Zahoor | an Enigmatic Sufi Musician
1 Jul 2009 | 3:24 am1.For many seekers of the Sufi path, powerful and recurring dreams sent from the realm of unknown sets off their journey. For Saieen Zahoor, the youngest son born in a rural peasant family of Punjab, Pakistan who later to become a legend of our time - the involvement with music was also inspired by a series of mystic incidents. He started singing at the age of five, and from that early age, he -
Aik Alif | Bulleh Shah
28 Jun 2009 | 8:06 pm1.Parh parh ilm te faazil hoya Te kaday apnay aap nu parhya ee na(You read to becomeall knowledgeableBut you never read yourself)You read so many booksto know it all, yet fail to ever read yourheart at all.Bhaj bhaj warna ay mandir maseetiTe kaday mann apnay wich warya ee na(You run to enter temples and mosquesBut you never entered your own heart)You rush to holy shrines to play a part, Would you -
a personal sharing on Tawakkul
26 Jun 2009 | 11:02 amWa 'amma bi ni'mati Rabbika fa-haddithand as for the Grace of your Lord - proclaim it!- The Quran 93:11Wa Taawakkal alal Azizir RahimAnd rely on the Mighty, the Singularly Compassionate One.- The Quran 26:217we seek refuge in the Real from all false self-pride,indeed perfection and praise belongs to the RealThis is a very personal story on Tawakkul or reliance of God, and about grace that flows -
Tawakkul | complete dependence & sacred trust in Allah
24 Jun 2009 | 9:32 am1.And when someone puts all his trust in Allah, Hu shall be enough for him. - The Quran 65:3And put your complete trust [in Allah], if you are indeed believers.- The Quran 5:23There are various degrees of trust in God. Of them one is that you should put your trust in God in all your affairs, being well-pleased with whatever God does to you, knowing for certain that He does not cease in His
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islamicate
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My #torture statement at ACLU blog
30 Jun 2009 | 11:14 amFind it here. -
Would you like a cup of urine with your anal rape? #torture
29 Jun 2009 | 9:08 amThe hits just keep coming. h/t noufel The next time I hear some idiot refer to Jack Bauer in defense of torture, I want to ask him what he thinks of Jack Bauer rogering terrorists with a broomstick. You’ve never seen that in the hours of not-so-subtle pro-torture TV drama... -
Muslim Women are People too
29 Jun 2009 | 7:20 amNura Sediqe has a great article up on Muslim women. Read it. Ironically, the same religion that is demonized for oppressing women is the one that has historically produced great examples of women who have been empowered by Islam to serve as role models for communities globally, from Betty Shabazz... -
Tikkun Love
29 Jun 2009 | 7:18 amTikkun blog likes me. It really, really likes me. More importantly, it puts me in some great company, I'm not sure I'm worthy of, but as long as those guys don't complain, I won't either. -
The finger in #IranElection
29 Jun 2009 | 7:13 amThe photo is doctored, but it's too good not to share. Original photo.
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Jamerican Muslimah's Veranda
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Checking In
29 Jun 2009 | 7:54 pmSubhanallah, I’m looking forward to the upcoming long weekend. I don’t really celebrate the 4th of July because, well…my people weren’t free or independent (but that’s another topic for another day). Last week was stressful at work and this week is incredibly busy. I had somewhat of a conflict with a co-worker and I spoke to management about it. We ended up in mediation which turned out to be ineffectual because she was not receptive to it. I suppose the good part about it is this co-worker knows that she can no longer speak to me in a disrespectful manner. -
Random Thoughts & Goals
23 Jun 2009 | 9:18 pm-Why did my high school boyfriend (pre-Islam) come into the Urinalysis Lab at work today? He was taking a court-ordered UA (drug testing). I didn’t ask…It’s a small world indeed. -Speaking of non-Muslim guys, seriously I need to beat them off of me with a stick. What’s really going on? An example: I was minding my own business walking through the skyway and this handsome guy, dressed to the nines in a tailored suit winked at me. He chuckled when I looked at him in confusion. Then he winked again. -I want to spend time working on my novel. I’ve started and stopped… -
I’m Never Getting Married Again 2
17 Jun 2009 | 9:01 pmIt’s amazing how things change in a year. Last May I wrote this post about Muslim women who have said they’re never getting married again. I strongly urged sisters to rethink their stance and said: “I am not going to let one person or even a couple of people deprive me of my right to love again. If you truly believe in Allah and believe that Allah can do anything then I don’t see why some sisters can’t believe that Allah will provide. No matter how dismal it looks.” While I still stand by that statement, I have to say, the thought of never getting married again has… -
The quest to have a more interesting life
11 Jun 2009 | 7:00 pmIn case you didn’t know, aside from my spiritual development I have been on a quest to have a more interesting life. I’m tired of the same ole, same ole, stuck-in-rut vibe and want to make the best of my life right now. I want to get out there and do engaging, fun but halal things. So far, I think I’m on the right track. I’ve refused to limit myself or to talk myself out of trying something new. (Hence the Tai Chi class I took.) Now I’m on to something else…kick boxing? For one, I’ve stuck by my kinda-sorta-New-Year’s-resolutions and I’ve… -
What if you don’t want kids or have serious doubts about it?
10 Jun 2009 | 10:49 amThis is a rhetorical question but also a thought I’ve been having. Lately, I find myself in conversations with people (both Muslim and non-Muslim) about the pros and cons of having kids. I’ve spoken to people who have kids and are bidding their time until those kids are “out of the house” and I’ve spoken to people who have smaller kids who love them to death and couldn’t imagine life without them. I used to want to have a baby very badly. The feeling would come in waves. Sometimes it would manifest itself as severe desire and border on obsession. Eventually…
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Between Hope & Fear
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So
12 Jun 2009 | 9:48 pmI haven’t been blogging lately. I think I’ve stopped seeing the point. Nobody wants to read my emo musings on how I feel, least of all me. I’m done with navel-gazing, at least for now. I’ve noticed how I have no patience for it in others, and I hold myself to the same standard. Other than that, what’s there to talk about? Politics – things I have no control over, therefore I let the bad news (and oh boy, isn’t there always a lot of that?) affect me for a certain time, and move on with my life. No point in dwelling. Religion – I got nothing. -
Song
4 Apr 2009 | 5:11 pmMy husband told me this song reminds him of me. Now I’m all verklempt. He’ll get a good dinner tonight. -
Los Angeles
27 Mar 2009 | 7:00 pmI’m headed to LA tomorrow for a weekend of hedonistic amusement with my college roommate and closest friend. What do a couple of no-good hijabis with a lot of time on their hands do in the City of Angels? Hit up the clubs? Stalk celebrities? Ofcourse, we’ll probably end up reading on the beach or going to every single museum we can find, like the bonafide dorks we are. If anyone knows of fun places to hang out or eat in, let me know peeps. I’m out. -
Design
27 Mar 2009 | 12:27 amOne of my favorite things in the world to do is to watch design shows and read design blogs and magazines. Most of the time I’m too scared and/or uncreative to try the ideas, and a lot of time stuff is waaaay too expensive. But it does often gives me a sense of fabrics and colors that I’ve tried to use in the decorating I’ve done thus far. Also, I just found this fantastic new blog with easy design projects that are cheap…ah, what a concept. I love it. I’ve also been daydreaming about making my own baby dresses, even though I can hardly sow on a… -
Protected: A Heartbeat Inside
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MR's Blog
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Muslims United for Change – Fight Against Malaria – Imam Zaid Shakir
2 Jul 2009 | 12:40 pmDetails can be found on the MuslimsUnitedForChange.com website. This is the best project I have ever seen in a long time. May God make it successful. Ameen! -
The History of Islam in Pittsburgh and America
1 Jul 2009 | 10:49 pmWe need to learn more about our history here. -
MAS Youth – Summer Nights with Imam Suhaib Webb and others – Starts in July
1 Jul 2009 | 5:30 pmDetails here. -
New Jersey Muslims: Disconnected from Allah? – Divine Link comes to NJ – 7/10-12,17-19 – Sh. Yaser Birjas
1 Jul 2009 | 5:24 pmDivine Link: Fiqh of Salah Taught by Shaykh Yaser Birjas July 10-12 & 17-19 Crowne Plaza Hotel 2 Harmon Plaza Secaucus, NJ 07094 Details here. -
New York City Public Schools may get two more holidays: Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr!
1 Jul 2009 | 7:09 amSpurred by a broad coalition of religious, labor and immigrant groups, the City Council overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Tuesday to add two of the most important Muslim holy days to the public schools’ holiday calendar. … Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid, a leader of the campaign to add the holidays, said that if the mayor continued to oppose the move, the results for him at the voting booth could be “catastrophic” among the city’s roughly 600,000 Muslims. … The resolution’s advocates said that since about 12 percent, or more than 100,000, of the city’s public school…
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Izzy Mo's Blog
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انا ذاهب الى المغرب ان شاء الله
2 Jul 2009 | 11:21 amAsalaamu alaikum, Welp, I’m off for a week or so but enjoy this random act of beauty. See ya! -
انا مشغولة
30 Jun 2009 | 5:50 amWhat happened? Suddenly, it’s Tuesday. Suddenly I had an Arabic class last night. I had a dinner with my boss’ family. I did have a tajweed class, right? Yeah, Saturday. And I went. Good. I did the laundry some how and cleaned the apartment. Oh yeah, my friend from South Africa stopped by. And I had to pack my stuff for Morocco. But I also ate Morocco food a few nights ago. Wow, it was good but what night was that? What happened to the time? Did I sleep it off or eat it off? Oh, I tried sushi for the first time in my life. It was okay. Oops, I got… -
MJ’s Death as Bread and Circuses
28 Jun 2009 | 2:35 amA word from Hamza Yusuf In the manner of Elvis or the Beatles, Michael is unwittingly both a cause and a symptom of America’s national obsession with celebrity, currently on display in the American Idol mania. Celebrity trumps catastrophe every time. Far too few of us make any attempt to understand why jobs are drying up, why mortgages are collapsing, why we spend half-a-trillion dollars to service the interest on the national debt, why our government’s administration, despite being elected on an anti-war platform, is still committed to two unnecessary and unjust wars waged by the earlier… -
Michael Jackson
27 Jun 2009 | 11:51 pmThere’s not much I can say. And of course, I’m sad because such a talented and giving man suffered many trials through his life. I always admired him as an artist and philanthropist. God Most High blessed him which such a momentual talent. Talent is a gift but it’s also a trial. Unfortunately, having such a talent can create jealousy in weak souls who fail to see the beautiful abilities of God’s creation. May God bless his family and friends, especially his young children. I don’t have much more to say so I’ll let the words of Imam Zaid Shakir… -
Philandering Governor
27 Jun 2009 | 11:12 pmYou see, Republicans, this is why people don’t take you seriously when you guys start rambling about morality and values. COLUMBIA, S.C. – A top South Carolina Republican leader says philandering Gov. Mark Sanford should resign and practice the philosophy he’s preached of holding GOP leaders accountable. Glenn McCall is one of the state’s two national representatives to the Republican National Committee. He’s also a county party chairman and said Thursday that party members want Sanford out. McCall says Sanford repeatedly has said party leaders should be held…
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kameelahwrites
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233/2009: Ibn Ata'illah's Hikam.
2 Jul 2009 | 2:43 pma friend sent this to me and i really appreciate his gesture because i am enjoying the aphorisms a lot. -
232/2009: nick drake et al.
28 Jun 2009 | 1:04 pmtake a listen at my pandora. my favorite song, 'place to be' is below: -
231/2009: nomads and cameras.
28 Jun 2009 | 9:40 am'a nomad I will remain for life, in love with distant and uncharted places.'- isabelle eberhardt (thanks DHMA)nothing makes me happier than wandering across Allah's earth with my camera and notebook, documenting moments and places. give me a bag a sticky summer fruit, my cameras, some expired film, a notebook and a plane ticket. some people call me a hippie. they assume i wander because i don't know what i really want or where i want to be. simply, i am just a person that believes that despite the ugliness we witness each day, there is immense beauty in the places we never look. i want to… -
230/2009: 'fallen princesses' by dina goldstein.
28 Jun 2009 | 1:20 amThe Project: Fallen PrincessesGoldstein wroteThese works place Fairy Tale characters in modern day scenarios. In all of the images the Princess is placed in an environment that articulates her conflict. The '...happily ever after' is replaced with a realistic outcome and addresses current issues.The project was inspired by my observation of three-year-old girls, who were developing an interest in Disney's Fairy tales. As a new mother I have been able to get a close up look at the phenomenon of young girls fascinated with Princesses and their desire to dress up like them. The Disney versions… -
229/2009: via DHMA-first ugandan skatepark constructed by youth.
28 Jun 2009 | 1:10 amh/t @ DHMAmy favorite:
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Laila Lalami
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New Novel
2 Jul 2009 | 9:49 amI find myself these days taking a lot of notes for my new novel, but not quite daring to start the process of writing it. I am not sure why. I wonder if it is just a fear of new beginnings, or if it is something else. The truth is, I don’t mind too much. I’m rather enjoying this state of being in between books. There is pleasure in the pathless woods, Byron once wrote. And I suppose I am not in a rush to find a path yet for this new novel. -
True Stories of Heartbreak
1 Jul 2009 | 8:37 amWhen my first book was sold, several fellow writers suggested I hire an independent publicist. I think the common wisdom is that, because of the shrinking space devoted to books on radio, print, and television, debut authors need the extra help. But then I met Michael Taeckens, who is director of publicity for Algonquin, and I realized I had nothing to worry about: he is one of those rare people who is absolutely amazing at what he does. And he also happens to be a wonderful person and a good friend. I’m very happy to report that Michael has an anthology coming out this summer. -
Applebaum on Morocco
30 Jun 2009 | 8:53 amIt almost never fails. When a Western reporter goes to Morocco to write about the process of democratization, the resulting article will inevitably mention sartorial choices and give them positive or negative values. Jeans = good. Jellabas = bad. At Slate, Anne Applebaum visits Morocco and finds that many women “would not look out of place in New York or Paris.” So what? What does Moroccan women’s fashions have anything to do with human rights and democracy? Under King Hassan, Moroccan women used to dress much less conservatively, but that didn’t mean that the country… -
The Latest Coetzee
29 Jun 2009 | 12:00 amAs regular readers of this blog know, I’m a huge fan of J.M. Coetzee, so I’m anxiously awaiting the release of his new novel, Summertime, which won’t be out here in the U.S. for quite a while. Fortunately, the most recent issue of the New York Review of Books includes an excerpt. Here’s a little taste: By the time he arrives for his first stint, Mrs. Noerdien and the counter hands have gone home. He is introduced to the brothers. “My son John,” says his father, “who has offered to help with the checking.” He shakes their hands: Mr. Rodney… -
Quotable: José Saramago
25 Jun 2009 | 12:43 pmI love Saramago’s work, and now that summer is here and I am not tied to any deadlines I have been able to indulge myself by reading those of his novels I hadn’t yet gotten to. Here is a little excerpt from The Double: What do you do when you’re not at school, Oh, I read, listen to music, occasionally visit a museum, And what about the cinema, No, I don’t go to the cinema much, I make do with what they show on TV, You could buy a few videos, start a collection, a video library if you like, You’re right, I could, except that I haven’t even got enough space for my…
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PIEDAD - American/Latina muslims
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Convention: Latino Renaissance workshop
18 Jun 2009 | 6:33 pm"Islam at a Crossroads to America"-International Museum of Islamic culturesFriday, July 10, 2009 at 9:00am End Time: Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 10:00pm Location: Jackson Convention Center , Mississippi Street: 105 E. Pascagoula St. City/Town: Jackson, MississippiPhone: 6019600440 Email: inmuseum@bellsouth.net “Latino Renaissance workshop” The Renaissance (from French Renaissance, meaning "rebirth";was a cultural movement that spanned roughly the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the Late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe. The term is also used more… -
Historical trip to Puerto Rico unites islanders to the mainland.
3 Jun 2009 | 10:45 pmFor Imam Yusef making history seems to follow him everywhere. Although he converted to al Islam at the tender age of 16 he has constantly been among the movers and shakers of Dawah to Latinos. Historical trip to Puerto Rico unites islanders to the mainland. By Imam Yusef Maisonet and Sr Khadijah RiveraA man may plan but ALLAH is still the best of planners. Everything comes at the time that it was meant to be. For over 25 years I had dreamed of returning to Puerto Rico. But my work as a Merchant seaman took me to ports in Central and South America with work turned into Dawah . All that time… -
Immokalee Documentary.. in Tampa
19 May 2009 | 2:29 amBy Nora Zaki... High School student in TampaWhen you eat a piece of fruit or some type of vegetable, do you think twice about where this sweet, scrumptious and healthful treat came from? Yes, it did come from God. But, what about the workers who grew and cultivated them? Perhaps one should think every time they choose to eat fruits or vegetables because they may very well be consuming products in which forced agricultural labor was employed so people such as ourselves could conveniently go to grocery stores and purchase them. This forced agricultural labor isn’t in another far away country… -
Those dirty hands........ by Sr K
4 Apr 2009 | 9:40 pmToday I saw your filthy hands.I grimaced at the earth beneath your nails,Your fingers were swollen,Your knuckles bruised.Hands shaped more like a shovel than a limb.I saw you crawl on the dirt as you pushed your bucketYou picked the fruit and I looked awayas you winced in pain to lift it up.You looked at me and with an ounce of strength and rose the bucket over our shoulder .. 'Just once for your children you whispered to your self'Just once for my wife and the baby soon to come.' I turned away from those dirty hands, its Taco Bells problem or someone else.So what if I make a salad for my… -
Our trip to Immokalee with the farmworkers!
4 Apr 2009 | 6:48 pmOn Saturday, April 4th a dozen Muslims drove two hours south from Tampa Bay to visit members from "Coalition of Immolakee workers" CIW in Florida. We spent the entire day learning about their exploitation and getting first hand education at the way they live and work. We met Nelly,Oscar and another leader. Most of the farm workers are from Guatemala, Mexico and Haiti. All suffering the same injustices. SUB POVERTY WAGES. No real raise in 30 years. 7 CASES OF MODERN-DAY SLAVERY UNCOVERED SINCE 1997. I came out of interest for Latino migrant workers. I had no idea of the mistreatment that they…
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Soliloquies of A Stranger
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TEFL As The Career Choice For The Muhaajir
12 Jun 2009 | 9:25 amThis post is of a sensitive nature. I really don’t know how to say it, other than to just speak a word straight to the point. First, I’d like to ask that Allah facilitate hijrah for those who sincerely desire a way out. Many Muslims in non-Muslim countries can take advantage of the fact that the Muslim world is in need of native English speakers to teach English in their countries. This has created an excellent opportunity for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. However, and unfortunately, it appears that many of the native English speaking Muslims are not qualified for the job. -
Why I Am Not Sweatin’ It
8 Jun 2009 | 4:56 pmBecause I Trust in Allah’s words: “…When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; if He forsakes you, who is – after that – that can help you? In Allah, then, let believers put their trust” (Surah Al-’lmran 3:159-160). And remember the words of Allah: “And those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will certainly guide them to Our Paths, for verily Allah is with those who do right” (Surah al-Ankabut 29:69). -
Time To Clean The Cell Phone
4 Jun 2009 | 7:53 amYou know if you remove a bunch of mesages and pics from your cell, your battery last longer? Well that is my observation at least. In some of the really crowded areas, there may not be an actual Masjid nearby (nearby here means you don’t step outside and find one), so they put up these trailers as makeshift masajid. This is for salatul majib and all the stores closed. These are mostly shop keepers. My husband is inside of the trailer, he was there early because he sat in the car waiting for me while I shopped…lol! See all those shoes? Somebody will go home missing theirs. My… -
Thoughts On The Passing Of a Childhood Friend
3 Jun 2009 | 11:45 amJacquelyn Byrd was her name. We called her simply Jackie or J.B for short. Sometimes we teased her and called her Big Byrd. EVERYBODY loved her. seriously, out of all my friends she is the only one I know that didnt have an enemy or was always falling out with people. I checked my email tonight and saw two back to back messages from two childhood friends, Charita and Tikki. I knew it was bad news before I even opened it. i knew somebody died. I prepared myself for the worse…thuinking it was my brother. These are the two friends who called to tell me that my step father died, after they… -
Encrpyted Blog Message For Muslim Mothers
22 May 2009 | 2:06 pmSorry guys, this post is a girly topic. Non-Muslim women, you can read it but you may not know what I’m talking about….lol! If you do please leave a comment, cuz that means you’ve done your homework! Sugar RayRay is 15 months old now. Breastfeeds like there is no tomorrow. I started back praying two weeks after his birth and have not stopped since! 9 months of non-stop praying, when pregnant, and then a 2 week vacation instead of 40 days like normal people…lol…plus 15 months of waking up for fajr (currently 330am) even though I don’t get a full nights…
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tabula rasa
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Obama – an utopian memory
30 Jun 2009 | 5:20 pmA short entry I wrote in elation immediately after the Obama election victory. The event seems a long time ago with Obama’s presence in the machinery of the White House becoming nearly taken for granted. I still hold onto the idea that his triumph does signify an utopian event in these dark times: It has been [...] -
darkmatter journal update
3 Jun 2009 | 12:43 pmNewsletter – June 09 The Wire Files - Special Issue [4] We are pleased to announce the publication of the special issue on the critically acclaimed TV series The Wire. The Wire Files brings together an innovative range of writings addressing, through the prism of race, the aesthetics and politics of this compelling urban drama. ISSN The journal is [...] -
Screening the Gaza Bloodbath
17 Jan 2009 | 9:30 amhttp://latuff2.deviantart.com/ Carlos Latuff To watch the massacre of the Palestinian on our TV screens is just like watching a snuff movie. The liberal fantasy is that by gazing at the carnage we will somehow stop it. Whereas we infact become complicit in the structure of violence, which is to show the world that Zionism can commit [...] -
‘Way down in the hole’- The Wire files
27 May 2008 | 9:24 amdarkmatter – special ‘dialogue’ issue [www.darkmatter101.org] call for contributions The critically acclaimed US television drama The Wire has recently ended its fifth and final series. The Baltimore set HBO show has been celebrated for its gritty realism and complex representation of urban crime, policing and American city politics. Through the TV cop genre The Wire has [...] -
Britz: Muslims and Postmodern Media after 9/11
24 Apr 2008 | 12:27 pmA post I wrote on the In Media Res online project site for a diaspora media themed week.
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Tariq Nelson
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Fatherhood Involvement
20 Jun 2009 | 10:50 pmClick here to view the embedded video. -
“Lollipop Head”
17 May 2009 | 8:38 pmThis post is funny (and you know it’s true) -
Richard Pryor As President
12 May 2009 | 8:43 amThis was in 1977 on Saturday Night Live Click here to view the embedded video. -
DC Voucher Program
4 May 2009 | 11:58 amCanceled by the Democrats Click here to view the embedded video. -
Jack Kemp’s Letter To His Grandchildren
3 May 2009 | 2:26 pmAs many know, Jack Kemp passed away last weekend. This letter to his grandchildren after the 2008 election was a snapshot of just what kind of man he was… Dear Kemp grandchildren — all 17 of you, spread out from the East Coast to the West Coast, and from Wheaton College in Illinois, to Wake Forest University in North Carolina: My first thought last week upon learning that a 47-year-old African-American Democrat had won the presidency was, “Is this a great country or not?” You may have expected your grandfather to be disappointed that his friend John McCain lost (and I…
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The Front Line
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How Israeli's are 'Helping' Iran
18 Jun 2009 | 10:38 amEveryone knows that Israel is most definitely NOT a friend of Iran in any way or form. Given the current circumstances in the country and the media coverage around Iran and Election, in our information age, it goes without say that there would be spin from either side regarding the coverage.Case in point, from a social media perspective, is the website helpiranelection.com On the website it shows the man behind it all to be "Arik Fraimovich, friendly web-geek."and.. here's the guy's personal website...Notice... Israeli Military Consultant... You can't tell me this doesn't tarnish the… -
It's Amazing What Israel gets away with
19 Mar 2009 | 3:52 amQuestion: Which country alone in the Middle East has nuclear weapons?Answer: Israel. Q: Which country in the Middle-East refuses to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and bars international inspections?Answer: Israel.Q: Which country in the Middle-East seized the sovereign territory of other nations by military force and continues to occupy it in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions?Answer: Israel.Q: Which country in the Middle-East routinely violates the international borders of another sovereign state with warplanes and artillery and naval gunfire?Answer: Israel.Q:… -
Bush's Parting Gift to Israel
21 Dec 2008 | 3:05 pmAlmost unnoticed, Israel and the White House signed a deal over the summer to station an early-warning missile radar system, staffed with US military personnel, in Israel’s Negev desert. The media here described the Joint Tactical Ground Station, which brings Israel under the US protective umbrella against missile attack, as a “parting gift” from President Bush as he prepared to leave office. Read the full article at AdBusters------------------------------ The Front Line. The Thin Line Between Entertainment and War. -
Just how bad is the Cholera Situation in Zimbabwe
6 Dec 2008 | 5:27 amA reader, Abdoul, of this blog who works for Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders in Londonh ad left comment on my previous blogpost on Blog Action Day, mentioned the deteriorating situation which they are facing in Zimbabwe with the Cholera situation.The situation is even worse for the lack of sanitation and water. There are also concerns with the start of the rainy season and the shortage of drugs.They are in desperate need of any help they can get, please contact him via their website which covers all their work in the area and the challenges they are facing. I feel this is… -
UN President: Israel is Apartheid. Time to boycott Israel
30 Nov 2008 | 1:49 pmUN Headquarters , New York, 24 November 2008Excellencies,Brothers and Sisters,I am pleased to open this plenary session in which we take up the Question of Palestine. This morning, with heavy heart, we observed the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. I joined the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, H.E. Ambassador Paul Badji, and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to voice our ongoing concern for the terrible situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and express our solidarity with this long-suffering PeopleWe…
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The Manrilla Blog | Exploring Islam In America Through the Social Sciences
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New Addition - New Direction
8 Jun 2009 | 5:32 pmBlogging has slowed as of late I feel and not just for myself but for many other writers. Either the Muslim blogosphere is taking a breather or it has reached its own natural conclusion. The reality of it lies somewhere in the middle I would venture to guess. For myself, my blogging here will continue, though [...] -
Cold Devices
25 May 2009 | 9:55 amWould the dinosaurs have dug us up? Toiling in the dirt for endless tasks Or instead left the faucet adrip, Leaving our hollow remains slack, buried by Time. Always is the Son of Adam peering In the wrong direction. His Apparatus threatening to tumble into the abyss — sheer Cliffs that must needs end at the Appointed Hour. How will his spyglass peel [...] -
The Sinister Secret of Secularism
15 May 2009 | 2:05 pmOne of the most bemusing, humoring, and concerning tendencies amongst many Muslims, especially in the West, is the tendency towards a form of secret secularism. To proceed, I will need to define what I mean by “secret” and “secular”. For the former, I am referring to the biggest secrets we all harbor – those that [...] -
American Muslim Experience - Community Profile: Muhammad Walker
2 May 2009 | 5:10 pmThe past two months has proven to be very full and fulfilling at the same time. Continuing with the American Muslim Experience: Community Profile, I have had the deepest pleasure of meeting, interview, conversing, and photographing Mr. Muhammad Walker. A resident on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Mr. Walker has invited me graciously into his home [...] -
American Muslim Experience - Community Profile
15 Mar 2009 | 8:21 pmIt has been my desire for some time now to work on doing bio pieces of Muslims in our various communities. I decided to start with my own backyard here in Philadelphia and thus started the American Muslim Experience Project: Community Profile. It has allowed me to meet a vast array of very interesting people [...]
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Umar Lee
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United for Change, 3 White Muslim Brothers, and Sunnah-based Change
2 Jul 2009 | 11:46 amA couple of weeks ago I was told by a friend of mine that a young Muslim brother I know is struggling. The young brother came from a good home with a good father; but while his sister was flourishing he was having problems. I will not delve too deeply into this aspect of the [...] -
Death
1 Jul 2009 | 8:55 pmSunday I drove to Dallas with my family and I had a good time alhamdudilah. Dallas has a large and vibrant Muslim community and I drove with my wife all over the area and on Monday enjoyed a lunch from a Persian halal joint in Richardson ( passing by a car chase finale that made [...] -
Was Michael Jackson a Muslim?
25 Jun 2009 | 5:35 pmThe question of whether Michael Jackson was a Muslim or not will soon be answered when he is buried. I learned a long time ago to take with a grain of salt the stories of celebrities becoming Muslim. So when I heard years ago that Michael Jackson had become Muslim I didn’t really take it serious. A [...] -
Sarkozy and Brown Didn’t Get the Message: Colonialism is Over
23 Jun 2009 | 7:15 pmIn a speech yesterday the President of France, a former world power that no one besides pretentious Americans, who like to sit around sipping wine and cheese care about, stated that he was offended by the niqaab and wanted it outlawed in France. Nikolas Sarkozy is the right-wing President of France and the darling of neo-cons [...] -
Muslim Documentary Film Maker Seeking Community Input
23 Jun 2009 | 3:37 amHelp Wanted Islam in the Prison Institutions & Correctional Facilitates Documentary Film Production As Salaamu Aliekum, I am in the process of producing a documentary series about Islam in the American Prison Institutions & Correctional Facilitates. You can help me if you are able to help me get: Access for myself, film crew and production staff to [...]
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askMuslims.com
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OK! if thats the case could you please answer few ...
2 Jul 2009 | 9:41 amOK! if thats the case could you please answer few of my questions 1) tell me why we have different Bible version every few years and what are we comparing it from to do those changes? 2) Who has the last full copy of Bible?3) When was Gospels of Luke, Mark, John etc written?4) Who are the people who were in charge of putting the Bible to together and did they meet Jesus in person?5) Why do you say Bible is more accurate then Quran, do you have some solid points to support that if so proof it or keep quite but don't do trash talk as you always do? Last point you have to answer all my… -
anonymous As for learning's question, yes, of cou...
30 Jun 2009 | 7:17 pmanonymousAs for learning's question, yes, of course the Bible is more accurate than the Qur'an. That is where this conversation started. As for my location, again, please email me and we will get it arranged. This isn't hard. Surely you can't be upset about me not revealing my address when you yourself won't evem reveal your name. -
Robert even for this you are playing but that's yo...
30 Jun 2009 | 6:42 pmRobert even for this you are playing but that's you way but anyways like i said give me the location and I will come and let me know which bible you are bringing. Lastly why don't you answer "Learning" question man. -
anonymous, I cannot afford the expense of gettin...
30 Jun 2009 | 2:48 pmanonymous, I cannot afford the expense of getting to Florida on a whim, although I do expect to be there for a few days next summer. However, since you are so keen on meeting face to face, that is fine. I am in the United States. Drop me an email, and we will set up a time and location. God willing you will see the truth. -
Palestinians will! but before they do let me ask y...
29 Jun 2009 | 3:43 pmPalestinians will! but before they do let me ask you this what if someone comes to your house and take over it and tell you I will give you 96% of your house basement to leave in with water, going in & out of our house, with permission to go to hospital, etc all under there control. OH! by the way they (people who took over your house say) say that your house is there house even though you have legal paper but they say its there just because they book says so and they will get it no matter what even if they have to go as far starting new holocaust and when you try to defend they call you…
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Bradford Muslim
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Farewell to the Bush Years - Part 6
1 Jul 2009 | 2:54 pmWhat do you think of Bush himself? The arrival of Bush himself was an interesting moment. Many Muslims were angered by Bill Clinton because of the sanctions against Iraq and many Muslims in America had supported the Republicans in the 2000 elections as compassionate conservatives. The group of politicians around Bush were called neo-conservatives after the movement that was based upon Leo Strauss’ political philosophy. The neo-cons were described as political activists who wished to spread liberal democracy through force and that this was the justification for the Iraq war. This logic… -
Farewell to the Bush Years - Part 5
28 Jun 2009 | 2:26 pmWhat were the important cultural moments?The Bush years have had a huge effect upon our common culture, in the US and here in Britain. That is to say that the politics of the time has not been ignored by the culture of its time, in fact one could say that there was a running cultural commentary on events; one that was not univocal though: it did represent different perspectives as the political arguments and positioning found their way into the screenplays of films and the writings of leading writers. Sometimes, the cultural world waits, and reflects, and then comments through artistic… -
Farewell to the Bush Years - Part 4
20 Jun 2009 | 8:56 amWhat was the greatest moment? The greatest moments were when the smallest rays of hope began to appear. One of the biggest problems was that the Muslim community was and perhaps remains so far away from being the least bit prepared for the challenges it faces. There is no national functioning organisation that can authoritatively present the community’s case to government and wider society in an institutional and professional way. There are very few national leaders who command the respect of the community and wider society. There seems to a real schism between religious leadership and… -
Farewell to the Bush Years - Part 3
17 Jun 2009 | 3:36 pmGoing back to the Bush years and your experience of them. Did it feel like a war on Islam? The immediate answer to your question is that yes, at times, it did feel like a war on Islam. And certainly many people that I spoke to said that they also felt like it was a war on Islam. That doesn’t mean that I actually thought there was a war on Islam, but it certainly felt like it. This is because I could not understand what a war on Islam meant? What would it look like? Would everyone have to stop reading the Quran? Would all biographies of the Prophet be called back? Would all Muslims have to… -
Farewell to the Bush Years - Part 2
7 Jun 2009 | 2:45 amHow did you cope? I think it became very difficult to cope. I think that many adopted an approach of cynicism towards the whole political situation. They saw it as a conspiracy or a planned attack against them and their faith. Others just continued with their lives with a sense of political anger while also ignoring the events around them as if nothing was happening. It was a kind of learned political fatalism. I don’t think that many have coped well with the Bush years, we’ll know when we look back in the future. At present, I don’t know if anyone has done any work on how the Bush…
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City of Brass
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Pirates of the Mediterranean
1 Jul 2009 | 9:07 amvia Richard Silverstein of Tikkun Olam blog, the Israeli military has boarded and forcibly confiscated the crew and cargo of a humanitarian ship bound for Gaza, carrying medicine, toys and other supplies, in international waters. The list of passengers... -
Michael Jackson and the Nation of Islam
1 Jul 2009 | 7:21 amAs a kind of corollary to the drama over Michael Jackson's alleged conversion to Islam, there have long been rumors that Jacko was somehow affiliated with the Nation of Islam, led by controversial firebrand Louis Farrakhan. The NOI connection... -
the moral arc of the universe: a thought experiment
30 Jun 2009 | 11:50 amVia Eric Martin at American Footprints - a brilliant thought experiment that clearly illustrates the vapidity of the call by Republicans such as John McCain upon President Obama to intervene more forcefully with rhetoric about the events in Iran:... -
Iran: If scholars and politics collide
30 Jun 2009 | 7:04 amThis is a guest post by Haroon Moghul. Events over the last few days have deeply concerned me. Watching the Grand Ayatollah at the top of the Islamic Republic deliver a sermon in which he made no meaningful concessions...
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On Rooftops and Clifftops
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Why I share a blog with The Ruler
20 Jun 2009 | 2:16 pmSomeone just asked me this and I thought hey, why not just answer right away. Curious? She just Private Messaged me one day in a forum we both daily visited (and still do), asking me if I wanted to share a blog with her and I said ‘Yes’. Sounds like a drunken pair’s idea to get married [...] -
“Owh, oh… HO! Shit”
18 Jun 2009 | 1:24 pmI am finally free. After weeks and weeks of exams and revision, I can finally put it all behind me. Well, not really. But for a while at least. In the past few weeks, I thought of so many things I wanted to do, so many things I wanted to blog about, so many things [...] -
Summer 09 anime, my toe nails and other things
16 Jun 2009 | 5:37 am… And like the recent seasons, there’s a fair share of big boobies, ecchi and bishoujos – the girls in Princess Lover! are rather pretty IMO, but they have those off-putting big melons. Tch. Recently it feels as though most anime are aimed at men/boys. There’re hardly any anime with bishounen in them. Depresses me really. [...] -
Ohohoho~ What a horribly horrible paper… Eat shit, dear examiners
12 Jun 2009 | 12:47 pm… And I hope you’ll somehow be able to see sense in what I’m writing between all the happiness because The Ruler’s back to blogging -she isn’t really, but she will be for a few minutes- The update on my exams: Biology W2 – Paper was okay-ish. I did better than I thought I’d do. Did my [...] -
My week at her Hell (The strong little girl that was bullied)
10 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pmI remember her quite well. She didn’t speak a lot. Her skin was pale white and she had fiercy red, curly hair. Green, big eyes that looked thoughtful but also a bit scared. A very smart girl. Very kind and caring. She didn’t fit in, not appearance-wise nor with personality-wise. Why? I’ll tell you why. Because [...]
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Darvish
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Wisdom from Isaiah
1 Jul 2009 | 8:45 amSalaam and Greetings of Peace: Wash you, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes, cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. then… You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. - Isaiah 1:16 and 55:12 Ya Haqq! Posted in Books & writing, Commentary, Current Affairs, Islam, Islamic Artists, Religion, Spirituality & Religion, Sufi, Sufism, Uncategorized Tagged: evil,… -
Gospodar demona – Master of the Jinn in Croatia
26 Jun 2009 | 8:54 amSalaam and Greetings of Peace: Alhamdulillah! Praise God! Master of the Jinn: A Sufi Novel has been translated and published in Croatia, under the title Gospodar demona. The publishers, Zagrebacka Naklada, have used the same beautiful cover, which in some form now graces all six languages in which Master of the Jinn appears: English, Russian (Povelitelʹ dzhinnov), Turkish (CinlerinEfendisi ), Indonesian (Sang Raja Jin), German (Meister der Jinn), and Croatian (Gospodar demona). Click HERE to see the Croatian edition. Ya Haqq! NOTE: Master of the Jinn now has its own group page on Facebook. -
Rumi Tuesday!
23 Jun 2009 | 11:40 amSalaam and Greetings of Peace: “Load the ship and set out. No one knows for certain whether the vessel will sink or reach harbor. Cautious people say, “I’ll do nothing until I can be sure”. Merchants know better. If you do nothing, you lose.” “Christian, Jew, Muslim, Shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river; each has a secret way of being with mystery, unique and not to be judged.” - Sayings of Rumi Ya Haqq! Posted in Books & writing, Commentary, Current Affairs, Islam, Islamic Artists, Religion, Spirituality & Religion, Sufi, Sufism,… -
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak and the Old Lady Whose Tongue was the Quran
14 Jun 2009 | 8:42 amSalaam and Greetings of Peace: This incident of the old lady is narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA). An elderly Arab lady was sitting with her back against the trunk of a tree on road, which was the way to Hajj. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) happened to pass that way. He was also heading for Baitullah, for Hajj, and to the Sacred tomb of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam). Seeing this lady very disturbed and in a state of despair, he spoke to her. Their discussion is recorded as follows: Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah The lady:… -
Third Anniversary!!!
8 Jun 2009 | 8:11 amSalaam and Greetings of Peace: Alhamdulillah! Praise God! Today is the Third Anniversary of the Darvish blog :) What began as a way to promote the Sufi novel, Master of the Jinn, quickly became part of my own spiritual journey. In the back and forth of posts and comments, I have learned more than I can possibly say, and for the friendships made along the way, I am eternally grateful. So, thank you all, good friends, dear readers, and those that chanced to pass this way. May Allah bless you with ever increasing love and wisdom. Ameen! Ameen! Ya Haqq! Posted in Books & writing, Commentary,…
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***Dictator Princess***
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Definitely on the Top Ten List of Things Not To Say To the DP
1 Jul 2009 | 2:02 pmsome fool today was all like, “yeah well so and so can’t work because of a torn ligament in his ankle. He’ll be out on rehab like eight months but in a couple months he’ll just get disability.” Y’all, I almost went to jail for assault. The only reason I didn’t is because these people were perfect strangers talking downstairs and they didn’t work at my job. The reason Europe’s social welfare systems are broken are because of ***holes who sit on unemployment for a year for a meniscus tear or some foolishness. I am as hippy granola as anyone… -
Why should I help you if you can’t help yourself
23 Jun 2009 | 1:49 pmI don’t know why I was thinking about this lately. A colleague told me a story which reminded me of another story which made me hop on my soapbox and get mad because of repressed memories from months and years ago that I didn’t get mad about at the time. Like I normally do. Anyway. I am so tired of people saying “Get me a job” or “Get me a spouse” and when I hear someone say one of those two things it makes me about go postal. As an anecdote, albeit a related one, today at work I had to read and understand a completely bs no net worth contract in German to… -
Am I smoking crack or what?
15 Jun 2009 | 11:33 amSo I flipped out today. And I really wish people would know one thing. Don’t effing make me talk to you when I don’t want to talk to you. Otherwise me just being a little pissed off is going to turn into big pissed off because you aggravated me. So I am part of a group that meets weekly. And let’s keep it real, while I am all granola hippy muslimah and stuff, there are a few things I don’t budge on. I like to be home for maghrib. In winter that doesn’t happen but in summer I want to be home before nine pm. Furthermore, I have a husband that commutes who goes to… -
Ganking the Proust Questionnaire Meme
5 Jun 2009 | 1:23 pmI haven’t posted in forever because life is kicking my butt big time and I tweet more lately. All I do is work and sleep, for realz. And I don’t do that much at work (well I work) so what happened to my life? So I ganked from zee Ms Mac, whose blog is only for cool people now so I am not linking. I like to gank when I haven’t posted in a while. On to ganked meme: What is your most marked characteristic? I am a generally happy person. Alhamdoulillah. I rant when I am cranky and then once the rant is over I am happy again. Unfortunately I don’t think my readers see that… -
Swiss Residence Permits and Divorce
20 May 2009 | 10:31 pmAs promised, I am going to remix an article I did in French on what happens to your Swiss residence permit if you are a foreigner and get divorced. I’m not gonna straight translate but rather freestyle this one. Gather ’round kiddies. So you, non-Swiss, non-EU citizen, meet Prince Charming who happens to live in Switzerland. You two get married and are supposed to live happily ever after. But you don’t. Either he dies, or he beats you up, or it just doesn’t work. News flash, peeps: if you get divorced, no matter what the reason, or become widowed, you lose your right…
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Dunner's
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Islam/Muslim Blogs (3 July 2009)
3 Jul 2009 | 7:03 amSometimes I feel lucky just to get one of these links posts done, ya know? ;) This particular subject (Islam/Muslim Blogs) is by far the most popular of all my links posts; what was interesting was that last week's post got some serious attention: a total of 17 hits from two different computers at the US State Department.Austrolabe: Burka Ban: Not Just Black and WhiteBin Gregory Productions: Wild HoneyDr. Maxtor's Analysis: France's Mossad midget doth protest a bit too much...Fragments of Me: Hijab FriendlyFragments of Me: Natural RemediesGrande Strategy: Are Non-Muslims Infiltrating Muslims? -
The Snake
3 Jul 2009 | 5:57 amFor some reason, Milady thinks this short video is hysterically funny. It's OK, but rolling-on-the-floor-type funny? :) And is the fainting spell real or faked?Now this I think is funnier. :) -
DCA Rankings - June 2009
2 Jul 2009 | 12:46 amThe DCA Rankings are very much in the "for what it's worth" department as many of the corps haven't started their seasons yet, so, for what it's worth... :)June 2009 Rankings:1 Connecticut Hurricanes2 Minnesota Brass3 Reading Buccaneers4 Hawthorne Caballeros5 SF Renegades6 CorpsVets7 Bushwackers8 Governaires9 Rochester Crusaders10 SoCal Dream11 Carolina Gold12 Anaheim Kingsmen Sr.Notes: The top six corps have all scored above 70 points already. Every corps has scored above 56 points. The average high score for all DCA corps was 68.379 points.Year-to-Date Improvement Rankings:(This measures… -
DCI Open Class Rankings - June 2009
2 Jul 2009 | 12:27 amThe Open Class Rankings aren't quite as meaningful in June as they are for the World Class corps (as not all corps have started their season just yet), but we'll do them anyway.June 2009 Rankings:1 Blue Devils B (tie)1 Citations (tie)3 Vanguard Cadets4 Revolution5 Teal Sound6 7th Regiment7 Capital Regiment8 Colt Cadets9 Gold10 Velvet Knights11 Mystikal12 Racine Scouts13 Spirit of Newark14 Incognito15 Impulse16 Blue Devils CNotes: Blue Devils B, Citations, and Vanguard Cadets have all scored above 70 points already. Every corps has scored above 53 points. Hardest working corps: Colt Cadets -… -
DCI World Class Rankings - June 2009
2 Jul 2009 | 12:27 amIt's time for the June drum corps rankings. Hopefully, this year, we'll be able to follow up by posting the July and August rankings. :) (Work issues prevented those posts from being written in previous years; hopefully, that won't be the case this year.) On with the show, then.June 2009 Rankings:1 Carolina Crown2 Holy Name Cadets3 Blue Devils4 Santa Clara Vanguard5 The Cavaliers6 Phantom Regiment7 Bluecoats8 Boston Crusaders9 Blue Stars10 Blue Knights11 Glassmen12 Colts (tie)12 Troopers (tie)14 Spirit15 Madison Scouts16 The Academy17 Crossmen18 Mandarins19 Pacific Crest20 Jersey Surf21…
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Digital Niqabi
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Another shot
7 Jun 2009 | 2:28 amRoger Federer has the worst luck with the French Open. He is caught between losing it to Nadal, or potentially, losing it to the man who eliminated Nadal. Last weekend, he must have breathed a huge sigh of relief when Robin Soderling (like, who?) defeated Rafael Nadal in the fourth round. This weekend, he’s up against the very same Soderling in the final. In addition to that, he’s up against the challenge of tying Pete Sampras’s 14 Grand Slam wins. Talk about pressure, eh?! We can only hope that this match yields tears of joy of Roger. Posted in Couch Potato, In the News… -
Torture, Democracy-style
30 May 2009 | 1:09 amLast night, Bill Moyers aired a gripping one hour show on the tactics we’ve been using as a nation. He featured a documentary film called “Torturing Democracy.” It contained interviewed with civilian and military lawyers, and showed segments on torture that were re-enactments of descriptions from declassified documents. Let me say, I’m sure it’s the tamer stuff that has been declassified, and yet it’s disturbing. I’d say that I don’t want to know what else we’ve done…but if it’s been done in our name, for our safety, with our… -
Retiring my RSS reader
27 May 2009 | 2:06 pmIt’s time to say good-bye to my RSS reader. I know, that sounds like such a huge step backwards. The thing is, while the RSS reader was supposed to increase efficiency in reading the blogs I like, it did the opposite. I ended up cluttering it up with a million blogs I don’t read all that often…and the primary reason for not reading them all that often is the blandness of the reader. Everything is all white in there, there are no visually distinguishing features between one blog and another, and this makes it way too boring for a visual person like myself. It also increases… -
That Charmer!
27 May 2009 | 1:51 pmOh my God, look! It’s a ten eight page article on Bill Clinton. I guess the New York Times needed to a) fill up space, and b) get the salesnumbers up or something. Because what sells faster than a Clinton piece? Well, an Obama or a Princess Diana piece might…but only barely. The article starts off by following Mr. Clinton on a trip through Lima, Peru, while he is shopping for souvenirs for family and friends, and I particularly liked this couple of sentences: Clinton selected one he thought would be great for his friend, Frank Giustra, the Canadian mining mogul, to give to… -
All *blank* beat their women!
23 May 2009 | 12:44 pmAll Arab men beat their women. Oh, so do all Indians and Pakistanis. And all Hispanic men do the same. Oh, and you say you’re Korean? Yeah, all Korean men beat their women too. Especially when they become Muslim. It’s not to do with Islam or anything, Islam is a good religion and doesn’t teach this kind of behavior. But I just wanted to warn you, because you’re new to the religion, and people don’t like to tell new Muslims these true things. So, one day ten years from now, you’ll remember that one lady who tried who tried to tell you! And these girls who…
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The Egyptian's Wife
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Blog Carnival post on White Privilege... Very Late.
8 Jun 2009 | 8:31 amThis blog carnival is one that I promised myself I would write for... Of course I am late so I hope the sister who is organising will accept my apology and my entry. It's a good topic, and being lily-white Muslimah I have thoughts on it!LOLCraving the SpotlightAs a White Muslim you are a BIG DEAL. You are a superstar at Muslim gatherings. And unless you are painfully shy you will eventually start to love it, NEED it. No, really. Everyone will ask you how you converted and tell you how wonderful you are. You learn masha'Allah and think maybe it means something like "Look, there goes the only… -
3 Jun 2009 | 9:09 pm
3 Jun 2009 | 9:09 pmThis is where I grew up. So if you wonder why I just feel like a square peg in a round hole here in Wyoming... It's a far cry from Cairo, but I'm not going to claim that I understand for a second why my husband has adapted better than me!LOL -
Children's Literature
25 May 2009 | 9:07 amChildren's books are a great love of mine. And since Muslim Hippie did a post on her favorites, I thought I would share mine.First, and foremost...I also love...And...Of course you can't talk children's books without mentioning...And a new favorite around our house...And the whole series that started with...And I hope all children get to read a little of his work...And I have enjoyed reading his work to my kids...And even adults can laugh at...Of course I could go on and on... I love books, and I love children's books. Just wanted to share, maybe you would all share yours too!!! Let me know… -
Calgon, take me away...
21 May 2009 | 11:19 amThere are things that I miss about being single. Being able to take a bath undisturbed is DEFINATLY one of them. And I'm going to confess that since becoming Muslim I miss having a glass of wine while in said bath. What I wouldn't do for the bath pictured above and a nice glass of white wine. Now, don't go all crazy on me... I don't drink, and I know it's forbidden... But I do see the temptation of a three margarita play date every now and then!LOL Ohhhh, don't listen to me... I've had a long day already and it's only noon. :P -
Summer homeschooling challenge #1
19 May 2009 | 10:36 amI am going to do a summer program at home for the kids this year. I have been planning it and the first hurdle is: Taking the above pictured mess (now a storage room) and making it into a classroom. It's going to be nice, insha'Allah... And that room needs to be cleared out anyway... But it's also going to be a pain in the butt!LOL My plan is to have school desks and a computer. I will also set up book shelves. Right now I am working on that room and searching for a math curriculum. I am also compiling a summer reading list and digging out the HSing books that have been in storage since we…
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iMuslim (Wordpress.com)
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3 Jul 2009 | 9:36 am
3 Jul 2009 | 9:36 amMehzabeen is in Imperial College library doing research. It’s been a while. No access to wireless net, so having to use Windoze PC with IE7 {cringe} -
2 Jul 2009 | 3:04 pm
2 Jul 2009 | 3:04 pmMehzabeen wants a new iPod Touch, just so she can play Flight Control in multi-player mode. Also, new iPod T/iPhone-totin’ friends to play with. -
28 Jun 2009 | 9:58 am
28 Jun 2009 | 9:58 amMehzabeen says “It’s too darn hot”. Remarks from non-UK peeps along the lines of “You should live here, then you’ll know hot” are not welcome. -
27 Jun 2009 | 8:50 am
27 Jun 2009 | 8:50 amMehzabeen wants a Nintendo Wii, with Wii Fit/Active. Where can I get one for a good price? -
24 Jun 2009 | 3:18 pm
24 Jun 2009 | 3:18 pmNew video from http://SignLabs.org: a translation of Surah Al-Fatiha into BSL – http://bit.ly/pdsq9. Please rate, share & comment.
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Indigo Jo Blogs
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Let Biggs rot
2 Jul 2009 | 8:38 amI agree with Jack Straw’s decision not to let Ronnie Biggs go free. He has served, in total, a third of his sentence, and the parole board, despite recommending his release (on the grounds that he is so physically frail that he is no longer a threat to anyone), have reported that he has no remorse for his crime. Biggs took part in what became known as the Great Train Robbery in 1964, in which the driver was coshed over the head; he never worked again and died six years later. Biggs escaped from prison after 15 months, lived for decades in Brazil which had no extradition treaty, was not… -
Elephant in the carriage
2 Jul 2009 | 8:07 amYesterday, the government decided to withdraw the franchise of National Express, a coach operator, for running long-distance trains on the East Coast Main Line, which despite its name, runs from London to the north-east, including most of Yorkshire, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow (most of its journey is nowhere near the east coast, much as the West Coast Main Line doesn’t run along the west coast for any part of its journey). I am still surprised that this company was ever allowed to run train franchises anyway; it has a conflict of interest as it is the country’s biggest coach… -
Denis MacEoin misrepresents the Shari’ah again
1 Jul 2009 | 3:27 amYakoub Islam drew my attention to Denis MacEoin’s promotional piece for his Shari’ah-bashing report for Civitass, published on Comment is Free. It contains a series of stupid misrepresentations of aspects of the Shari’ah, obviously intended to deceive his non-Muslim readership. Any Muslim who has read a few basic books on the subject knows that his interpretations are baseless. Sharia is only marginally about how a believer prays, fasts, pays the alms tax, or performs the pilgrimage. These are, in fact, the aspects of Shari’ah which affect every Muslim every day of his… -
Responses to Civitas report on Shari’ah courts
29 Jun 2009 | 4:08 pmAnother baseless MacEoin report - this time on Shari’ah councils Denis MacEoin has published yet another of its Islam-bashing reports, this time attacking “Shari’ah courts” in the UK, or rather, Muslim arbitration tribunals (more here). The Daily Mail led this morning with the revelation that “Britain has 85 Sharia Courts”, which quotes the Civitas director David Green as alleging that “for many Muslims, sharia courts are in practice part of an institutionalised atmosphere of intimidation, backed by the ultimate sanction of a death threat”, a… -
Muslims’ needs and the cause of Islam
28 Jun 2009 | 12:14 pmIn the past couple of weeks I’ve noticed something startling appearing on the Muslim ‘net: conservative Muslims attacking the Pakistani Taliban. These include a series of posts from Abu Eesa ([1], [2] with links to four more) and the news that a great-grandson of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi, a founder of Darul-Uloom Deoband, has condemned the Pakistani Taliban as “more jahiliyya than Islam” (here is the BBC report in Urdu; not sure if there’s an English translation anywhere). This is a surprising turn, as I converted in a town where the Muslim community is dominated by…
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The Laughing Muslim
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Spirits
26 Jun 2009 | 5:31 pmspirit of Islam, jinnspirit of the West, gin -
How I met your mother Saudi Arabia
13 Jun 2009 | 10:52 am -
12 May 2009 | 6:53 am
12 May 2009 | 6:53 amMullah Nasruddin and Rabbi Moishe were traveling through the desert. It was so hot that the air was shimmering. In the distance they saw something black on the ground. Rabbi Moishe said, "It's a vulture." Mullah Nasruddin said, "No, it's a goat." They drew closer, still arguing over what it was. Rabbi Moishe threw a rock at it. It flapped its wings and lifted into the air. "See!" said Rabbi Moishe. "I told you it was a vulture.""That doesn't prove anything," Mullah Nasruddin. "It could be a goat with wings." -
Website
11 May 2009 | 7:52 pmRan across this and thought it amusing.http://www.islamfrominside.com/humorindex.html -
Occupation
12 Apr 2009 | 6:50 pmAn Israeli arrives at London's Heathrow airport. As he fills out the entry form, the immigration officer asks him: "Occupation?"The Israeli promptly replies: "No, No, just visiting!"
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Impossibly Blue Skies
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Women
21 Jun 2009 | 10:53 pmI miss women. "Help peel the potatoes" neighbor downstairs women, unapologetic artist women, book club women, coffeeshop women, women with children conveniently close in age to mine, women with whom I have nothing in common but with whom I get along fabulously anyway, talking 'bout the deep and the shallow equally women, activist women, going shopping women, Friday night women, Tuesday afternoon women, bad joke women, and familiar women at large.Children are a blessing but also a binding. Moving to a new town with such young children to demand my time has definitely scaled down my access to… -
Morgantown
15 Jun 2009 | 8:54 pmI'm sorry to have reverted to running such a dead blog; some personal matters have been keeping me from giving a lot of time to anything that requires silly little things like actual thought. I know my whole three readers are heartbroken. ;-)At any rate ... I just watched The Mosque in Morgantown. And I didn't hate it. Perhaps I didn't hate it because I so anticipated hating it. I think for internal viewing, for viewing by the American Muslim community, the film actually did a fairly good job of illustrating and clarifying what the situation was, in practice, in intentions, and in the mind of… -
Daily Not-Exactly-Reads
6 Mar 2009 | 6:55 pmSince I'm already getting remiss in actually reading/listening to something daily, gratuitous pictures of my kids instead: -
Thinking about a great many of the modern 'simplicity' movements ...
2 Mar 2009 | 8:43 amCan asceticism at times itself be hedonistic? -
First Things First
1 Mar 2009 | 3:32 pmLearn Qur'an first. Learn it well. Learn its language. If Arabic is your tongue, still learn its language. Memorize from it -- juz 'amma, at least. Surat al-Kahf. Ayat al-Kursi. Amanar-rasul. More if you can -- Ya Seen, al-Mulk, ar-Rahman. Chapters and verses about which the particular blessings were recorded by the companions and our scholars, radhi allahu anhum. Get ambitious -- take on al-Baqarah. Take what you like. Start from the beginning. Work backwards. Choose randomly. Just learn Qur'an first.Read tafsir. Ask questions regarding that which you do not know, do not understand, and…
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Muslim Apple
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Safi Khan: Seeds of Change
20 Jun 2009 | 2:31 pmA rare glimpse of Imam Safi Khan (may Allah preserve him) of the Dar us Salaam community in College Park, Maryland and a preview of the two-week evening intensive Strengthening Our Soul shariah program that begins in July on-site and online. Register Today!!! -
The Mormoms helped me become Muslim
6 Jun 2009 | 8:54 pmThe Mormons are highly organized in their dawah/missionary work and they played a pivotal role in my acceptance of Islam. Two Mormon guys, dressed in their customary dark pants, white shirts, and ties riding bikes knocked on my door, and seeing that I, a female was alone at home, they didn’t come in but offered [...] -
What’s in a Name?
6 Jun 2009 | 5:24 amA few months ago, my mother introduced me to one of her colleagues from work and said, “This is my daughter” and then she hesitated and said, “her name is… what is it.., Zainab, right?” Me: Wrong. My name is Ify. Mom: You don’t go by Zainab anymore, your Muslim name? Me: Mom, where have you been, I [...] -
Criticism: Muslim Storekeeper & the Robber Convert
5 Jun 2009 | 7:13 amCNN: Merciful storekeeper changes robber’s mind, religion I do not share in the delight and glee that some of our Muslim brothers and sisters have been expressing at this strange situation. While it it amazing dawah to lower one’s shotgun at a would-be thief now kneeling, pleading, and begging for mercy and to give him $40 [...] -
Rep. Keith Ellison on Gaza
10 Apr 2009 | 12:01 pmGrowing up, I was a serious news junkie and always felt a sympathy for the Palestinians as an underdog and just out of an innate sense of justice. After the collapse of President Clinton’s last ditch peace initiative, the Ariel Sharon years, President George W. Bush’s ineffectual policy of the last eight years, and incessant [...]
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The Muslimah
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Interview with Kinza Academy Founder Nabila Hanson Part I
15 Jun 2009 | 12:33 pmBismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Home school is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. According to the U.S. government census in 2007, 1.5 million children are home schooled in the United States. Other estimates put the number much higher. What is home schooling and why is it so popular? Nabila Hanson, founder of Kinza Academy, answers these and other questions in an interview with examiner.com. In Part I, Nabila discusses home schooling in general. In Part II, she answers questions about Kinza Academy and its approach to educating children at home. Read Part I of the interview here. -
Proper Manners of the Faqir
12 Jun 2009 | 10:58 pmIn the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Imam al-Ghazali (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned a few lessons in his book Al-Adab fid-Deen regarding the proper manners of the fuqara (i.e. the poor). From these manners are the following: 1. Being content with what one has. This is because being dissatisfied is an accusation against what Allah has willed. 2. Striving to meet one’s needs and waiting to see what Allah has planned for one. Imam Abul Hasan ash-Shadhili (Allah be pleased with him) mentioned that there is one single attribute, that many are unaware of, which… -
Thoughts on The Doha Debate of Muslim Women & “Freedom” to Marry Whom They Please
11 Jun 2009 | 11:57 amBismillah I was linked to the Doha Debate on the issue of whether Muslim women have the right to marry whom they choose, be they Muslim or non Muslim. Yasir Qadhi did an excellent job getting the point across although he was limited in time. I also think Dr. Thuraya did an excellent job, although on a different scale. Asra Nomani, on the other hand, continues to fail in making a distinction between cultural baggage, political agendas, and religious laws. It is upsetting to see that women agree with her points. Could she at least show she is a little more balanced by acknowledging that there… -
We live life as if it were a dress rehearsal.
9 Jun 2009 | 10:20 pmBismillahir Rahmanir Rahim I’ve been reading a new book titled Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. This book is divided into 365 inspirational chapters - one for each day of the year. It is very uplifting and has become one of those books I really like having around. One of the recent entries I read (January 4th entry) has kept me thinking for days now, questioning what I am doing, how I am spending my time, and so on. How many of us live our life like it’s a dress rehearsal? We hold back and we don’t give our all because we are waiting… -
ZaytunaCollege.org Website is Up!
4 Jun 2009 | 7:41 pmBismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Zaytuna College Our Mission ZAYTUNA COLLEGE aims to educate and prepare morally committed, professional, intellectual, and spiritual leaders, who are grounded in the Islamic scholarly tradition and conversant with the cultural currents and critical ideals shaping modern society. Zaytuna College hopes to welcome its first freshman class in Fall 2010 or Fall 2011. The Zaytuna Board is expected to make a formal launch date decision by July 1, after which admissions requirements and more information will be posted. Please keep up with the latest news and developments at…
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MasudBlog
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DeenPort Messages on the iPhone?
27 Jun 2009 | 2:41 amAt present DeenPort does not render on iPhones properly, the most notable problem is that the popular messages section is missing. However, I have put together a way of viewing just the messages from the iPhone. The solution is not perfect and has some limitations but will allow you to keep up to date with DP discussions on the go. You can login and you can post replies to messages but you can’t post new messages for some reason. Here’s the URL you can use – http://www.masudblog.com/dp.html You will also get blank browser window when you post. Enjoy! -
MasudBlog New Layout & Design
26 Jun 2009 | 1:31 amI have been using my blog as an exercise to learn WordPress in terms of the templating and getting it to do what I need it to do with all the wonderful plugins that it has, it has also given me an opportunity to dabble in CSS some more and extend my understanding of it. I have also pulled together in one place all my online activities and organised it a bit better with the new design and layout. The CSS may have a few bugs in it but it displays perfectly on Firefox and quite well on IE8, if you are on IE6 then I have not introduced any bug fixes for that, IE6 belongs in one of the lower pits… -
Video: Muhabba Awards: Khalid ibn Waleed
6 Jun 2009 | 4:41 amAt the “Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow” conference this year, I met, Saadi Alkouatli, the Creative Director for the trailer for the Muhabba Awards, which depicts Khalid ibn al-Walid in battle. I am sure you will agree, the quality of this trailer is breathtaking. One thing he mentioned was that at the end of the trailer there is a scene in which we see a lock of the blessed hair of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace), in actual fact, this is a real lock of blessed hair! The director for this video is Oscar-winning director Stefan Ruzowitzky (winner 2008 of best foreign… -
Exclusive Dawud Wharnsby Track
19 May 2009 | 12:22 pmSee the British Muslim Song Website http://britishmuslimsong.co.uk/bms-blog He who Seeks (Nihavend No.34) -
British Muslim Song New Website
19 May 2009 | 12:13 pmI have today launched the new website for British Muslim Song. I have freshened it up and made it a bit easier to navigate around and download files. You can also leave comments. Additionally, we have an exclusive track recorded by the famous Muslim singer/songwriter Dawud Wharnsby Ali available for free download on the site! You can also purchase the book from the site as well.
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Children Make Life Normal
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Saad Group Troubles
14 Jun 2009 | 10:36 pmSince I have complained several times on this blog about various Saad group businesses I thought I would give the down low on what the word is around time. For those that don't know Ma'an Al Sanea heads the Saad group but as of late things have taken a turn for this billionaire. Now while I don't particularly care for some of the business practices of his compound or hospital I have nothing against this man, or his children (I know two), or his family in general.For those that are totally lost Al Sanea owns Saad hospital, I've complained here more than a few times about this hospital. From 1. -
Lady It Is Not A Parking Spot!
12 Jun 2009 | 5:24 amComing out of Mickey D's after a nice quick lunch with two of the girls. Ok not a nice lunch in terms of nutrition and taste but nice in that it is just me and the girls. Backing out of the parking spot which was right near the Mickey D's drive thru entrance I had to beep my horn at a guy who was blocking me. He moved I started to back out only to be blocked off by some older lady oblivious to the world."Mama she isn't even moving she is putting on makeup" Leyna says just as annoyed with her as me.I look, she is plucking hairs from her face not caring I'm stuck and now cars are lining up no… -
Small Glitch
11 Jun 2009 | 2:30 pmSeems in my excitement updating my other blog that I deleted the background for this one. Ooops!! All is fixed but feel free to drop by here and see if I can't cause a blackout next time :) I'll be working on it the next couple of days and as you read there you'll begin to see why I haven't updated here.Bad blogger I am.. -
The Loss Of Mr. Cameron
6 Jun 2009 | 12:50 amMr. Cameron was Hannah's English teacher, I saw was not in the meaning as she moved on to another grade level. I saw was as he was killed yesterday while riding his bicycle in Juffair. Evidently a driver jumped a curb (not sure why) and struck Mr. Cameron as he was riding his bike, which he rode everywhere even to school. He was young, 31, and it was his first year at IKNS and he was planning, as we all do his life.He planned on returning next year as he liked the school and Hannah was glad to hear it as she enjoyed his class very much. He was an easy teacher and she took to him, and he to… -
Get a Map!
31 May 2009 | 11:47 amOnce again we are in the process of making plane reservations with our booking agent. I can not bring myself to refer to him as a travel agent anymore. The ridiculous things that this guy does makes me want to find his office and slap him a few times with a wet rotten fish. If it were not for Mr. Man I would have stopped using his booking (in)abilities long ago.You would think after 8 years and hundreds of bookings by Mr. Man and his office he would have the ability to keep the proper spelling of our names. He just types in whatever he is capable of, which isn't much I've seen his other…
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The Neurocentric
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Farewell old friend
8 Jun 2009 | 11:13 amBe good, serve God only; know that if you do, beautiful heaven awaits. -
May 2008
3 May 2008 | 1:44 pmThe garden a month on as the flowers begin to come into bloom.Bluebells emerging at last (I didn't know this is what they were all this time - I have been mowing them for the past two years).The lovely scented lilac:Garlic, onion and chives:Newly planted box hedge in the front garden: -
Provision
2 May 2008 | 3:00 pmNo food in the house this evening—only bread, yogurt and onions—but we won't go to bed hungry.These are stinging nettles:No, they're not weeds. We planted them on purpose. There is method in our madness.This is freshly harvested spinach:And freshly harvested nettles (you have to wear gloves to collect these):This is spinach frying up with onions:This is nettle soup:A bowl of nettle soup and a piece of bread:A plate of spinach and a dollop of yogurt:It fills a hole until we get the shopping in.The bounties of our Lord. -
When news comes to you...
13 Apr 2008 | 11:00 amIt is interesting what you discover while checking sources. I am sure you will remember that at the height of the furore over the publication of cartoons in Jyllands Posten it was alleged that Danish theologian Professor Tim Jensen had advised its editors that, ‘It will offend Muslims and only cause pointless provocation.’According to his own narrative, it appears that this warning never actually took place: http://www.trincoll.edu/depts/csrpl/RINVol9No1/another%20melancholy%20dane.htm"A transcript (which I later obtain) reveals that, amidst what was in fact a long discussion of… -
April 2008
13 Apr 2008 | 6:30 amWell the sun peeped through the clouds for a few minutes, so I grabbed the camera and took a few shots (and realised I have work to do out there).
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Organica
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Bribing My Dentist: Part Deux
2 Jul 2009 | 12:26 pmCheck out last year's bribe! -
The Summer Job
1 Jul 2009 | 5:42 pmI didn't plan for this job, it sorta came my way unexpectedly. I was planning to be a happy jobless person for the 2 month summer break but on my third day it got old. It didn't feel as refreshing wearing my PJ's all day nor sitting doing nothing. My glorious plans to pursue certain hobbies, exercise, and see people never worked out. Instead I sat in the same spot all day watching myself turn into what they call a "potato couch" or Facebook game junkie (stalker).The job is located in the perfect world of suburbia where kids are way over-educated, indulged and stimulated at all times. Their… -
Blueberries
27 Jun 2009 | 8:50 pmBlueberries, originally uploaded by Organica59. -
Feeling Domestic
24 Jun 2009 | 11:05 amFeeling Domestic, originally uploaded by Organica59. -
On One of Those Walks
21 Jun 2009 | 7:51 amOne of Those Walks, originally uploaded by Organica59.
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ReflectOnThis
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Khutbah: Rajab and Rehearsing for the Day of Standing
28 Jun 2009 | 9:33 pmKhutbah at Medina Center on June 26, 2009: This week's Khutbah is entitled: RAJAB AND REHEARSING FOR THE DAY OF STANDING Stream it online here: Or download the MP3 file here: Download MP3 of Khutbah (Approximately 25MB) -
Khutbah: Change While You Still Have Time
12 Jun 2009 | 9:32 pmKhutbah at Medina Center on June 12, 2009: This week's Khutbah was entitled: CHANGE WHILE YOU STILL HAVE TIME Stream it online here: Or download the MP3 file here: Download MP3 of Khutbah (Approximately 27MB) -
Khutbah: Understanding Divine Administration and Lordly Prevention
5 Jun 2009 | 9:17 pmKhutbah at Medina Center on June 5, 2009: This week's Khutbah was entitled: UNDERSTANDING DIVINE ADMINISTRATION AND LORDLY PREVENTION فهم التدبير الإلهي و المنع الرباني Reference verses from the Majestic Quran: Surah al-Naml 27: 59-64 Stream it online here: Or download the MP3 file here: Download MP3 of Khutbah (Approximately 28MB) -
Khutbah: Be Patient, Not Complacent
22 May 2009 | 10:46 pmKhutbah at Medina Center on May 22, 2009: This week's Khutbah was entitled: BE PATIENT, NOT COMPLACENT complacent (adjective): showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements: you can't afford to be complacent about security. Stream it online here: Or download the MP3 file here: Download Khutbah (Approximately 26MB) -
Khutbah: Caution: Avoid Suspicion, Spying, and Eating Dead Flesh
16 May 2009 | 9:48 pmKhutbah at Medina Center on May 15, 2009: This week's Khutbah was entitled: CAUTION: AVOID SUSPICION, SPYING, AND EATING DEAD FLESH This khutbah draws on verses 11-12 of Surah al-Hujurat (#49) of the Quran and a section of volume 3 (al-Muhlikat) of the Ihya 'Ulum al-Deen of Imam al-Ghazali that addresses the 11 main causes of backbiting (ghibah) and how...
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Sister Aishah's Islamic Journey
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widget
28 Jun 2009 | 11:52 pm[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Aspartame Kills!
10 Jun 2009 | 11:08 amUPDATE: Venezuela Bans Coke Zero, Cites 'Danger to Health' CARACAS (Reuters) June 10, 2009 – The Venezuelan government of U.S.-critic President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday ordered Coca-Cola Co. to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Congressional Inquiry Sought for U.S. Torture Victim in United Arab Emirates
1 May 2009 | 11:07 amCongressional Inquiry Sought for U.S. Torture Victim in United Arab Emirates Rights groups conduct congressional visits as component of national campaign seeking legal redress on behalf of Naji... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
ISLAMOPHOBES INVADE WIKIPEDIA
17 Apr 2009 | 7:08 amMAHDI BRAY BIO FALSELY ALTERED WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 2008) – MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS), was alerted at the end of... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
MAS Freedom-AZ Director, Deedra Abboud Receives 2009 CPL Political Leaders Fellowship
26 Mar 2009 | 6:53 amCenter for Progressive Leadership Fellowship Recipients Announced WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASNET) March 26, 2009 – MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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Southern Muslimah
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Vacation Post #1
30 Jun 2009 | 4:36 amWell, I haven't done so well in the Dr. Pepper restraint department, but that's OK.The flight was uneventful--as uneventful as taking three planes for a total of 17 hours flying time can be. I assume I slept 8 hours of the first flight, because when I woke up, we only had 4 hours left. Leaving at 12:40 a.m. from Amman is THE WAY TO DO IT, especially when you have a bevvy of kids who need to sleep. It's actually dark at that time.Once again I feel like I'm in some kind of tropical paradise, with the greenery like a new discovery. And friendly smiles. Two years ago on my Alabama visit I think I… -
Something Nice
26 Jun 2009 | 3:36 am -
Really Short Farewell Haiku
26 Jun 2009 | 12:32 amLeaving on jet planeSing me a folk tune, maybePrayers requested. -
The Fun Stopped
26 Jun 2009 | 12:28 amIt doesn't matter who you are or in which corner of the world you reside:We all have a Michael Jackson memory of some kind.I have many.Inna lilahhi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon. -
Got your goose
24 Jun 2009 | 1:37 amPlease read/look at this post featuring famous geese.Brilliant.
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tabsir.net
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A Stink Bomb in Georgia
1 Jul 2009 | 10:44 pmGSU Professor Resigns over “Bomb” Comments to Muslim-American Student Atlanta, Georgia - July 1, 2009 - The Director of the Middle East Institute at Georgia State University, Dona J. Stewart, has resigned citing the university’s failure to address incidents of anti-Muslim bias. In August 2008 a Muslim-American doctoral student, Ms. Slma Shelbayah, was repeatedly asked by a senior faculty member, Dr. Mary Stuckey, if she was ‘carrying any bombs’ underneath her Islamic headscarf, or hijab. Ms Shelbayah was also employed as a Visiting Instructor of Arabic in the Middle East Institute. -
The Fortress of Saone and Salah al-Din, 1
1 Jul 2009 | 5:21 amFigure 1: Looking northeast at the western town and central fortification of Qal‘at Salah al-Din On my recent visit to Lattakiya, Syria, I was given a guided tour of a most extraordinary castle/fortress with visible Crusader and Mamluk ruins. This is the crusader castle named for Robert of Saone, who was given control of it by Roger, Prince of Antioch in 1119 CE. Located almost 30 km from Lattakiya, it was obviously a strategic asset for the Crusaders. But it appears Robert of Saone chose a bad architect for his expansion of the existing fortress. Instead of building up the Byzantine… -
Islamic Civilization in Peril
30 Jun 2009 | 1:21 amBy Ali A. Allawi, The Chronicle Review, June 29 I was born into a mildly observant Muslim family in Iraq. At that time, the 1950s, secularism was ascendant among the political, cultural, and intellectual elites of the Middle East. It appeared to be only a matter of time before Islam would lose whatever hold it still had on the Muslim world. Even that term — “Muslim world” — was unusual, as Muslims were more likely to identify themselves by their national, ethnic, or ideological affinities than by their religion. To an impressionable child, it was clear that society was… -
Jews of Yemen prefer to stay
29 Jun 2009 | 6:37 amGroup of Yemenite Jews, postcard c. 1910 by Salma Ismail, The Yemen Times, June 28 SANA’A, June 28 The death sentence passed on Abdulaziz Al-Abdi, charged with killing Yemeni Jewish and father of nine Masha Al-Nahari last December, heeds mixed reactions among the Jewish community in Yemen. Despite growing US and Israeli pressure to bring them out of Yemen and settle them in other destinations, the majority of Yemen’s Jews prefer to stay in their ancestral homeland, as long as the government ensures their safety. Last Sunday’s ruling overturned a previous March sentence that… -
Media fantasies in Iran
27 Jun 2009 | 11:52 pmby Abbas Barzegar, The Guardian, Friday June 26, 2009 It’s not about the election, Ahmadinejad, or the even the protesters. The world has been captivated by the events in Iran because for many, Iran is to Islamism what the Soviet Union was to communism and presumably today we are somewhere near the fall of the Berlin Wall. Indeed as the media has been telling us, all the right ingredients are here: a charismatic leader, fractions in the political hierarchy, and a critical mass of protesters. The opposition has begun shouting “Allahu Akbar” from the rooftops and wearing black…
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Twenny-Two
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What we already know, but can't say.
23 Jun 2009 | 10:19 amYes. This is exactly it. My starting line is much different. My struggle is just a bit deeper. My path has been uphill. No, it's not too much. But it's there. -
'I want to play by my ownself'
15 Jun 2009 | 10:24 pmAssalamu Alaikum, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Subahallah wa bihamdihi, I enjoy and appreciate my job. But the last couple weeks got a little hairy, let me tell you. And although the children can be (rarely) trying, no, it is most always an adult who is really working my nerves. I'm looking at you, morning-assistant-who-needs-instruction-as-much-as-any-student. So, today was bliss. I got -
Un poco perdida
14 Jun 2009 | 5:23 pmAssalamu Alaikum,I dunno, my soul feels hispanoparlante, so forgive me if you don't read Spanish.Me encuentro un poco perdida. No, y más que un poco.Pero, ¿porqué?Primero, es que siento traicionada. No solamente por el hecho del casamiento del niño, sino porque, otra vez me encuentro aquí, al medio año, sin casarme y sin prospetos en el área de casamiento. Por más que trato de negarlo, de -
New Rules!
11 Jun 2009 | 4:49 pmAssalamu Alaikum,Yes, new rules, ala Bill Mahr, even though I haven't watched him in YEARS.10: IF you are driving, you must pay attention to the road. There is no makeup exemption to this rule. This rule applies double during inclement weather.9: If you hit someone, you must call the police. Failing to hit and run does not exempt you.8: IF you do not have insurance, do not give an insurance -
It's almost done...
6 Jun 2009 | 6:30 pmAssalamu Alaikum,Wow, that's now two months this year that I've skipped posting.... my bad. May began with a bang, and you know what? IT NEVER LET UP!First, alhamdulillah, I ran the Conservopolis Half Marathon and FINISHED. My completion time was extremely slow, but faster than the 4:30:00 I originally projected on my entry form! Takbir!I... man I was sore for like a week afterward, but I'm
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ummSanaa :: a journey
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autonomous birth: baby come quickly
11 Jun 2009 | 2:29 amit was friday, another jumuah, and regular homeschool day. i’d been feeling contractions throughout the day, but nothing i couldn’t do circle-time through. i’d started researching how to naturally induce labor so i wouldn’t have to make that 7:30 AM appointment with a syringe filled with pitocin…oxytocin…whatever, or find an excuse to miss it. because He is alQaadir (The Able) i used the power of prayer; during the day i stimulated two acupressure points mentioned in the midwifery book and here: [… -
autonomous birth: prenatal care
6 Jun 2009 | 7:41 amduring my prenatal visits, both at the hospital and the clinic, i’d take notes of what was going on, mostly because i didn’t want to trust my memory, and secondly because of the language barrier, i just wanted to document what was going on i my own comforting language. here are some notes from a couple few prenatal care visits late in the game: may.6.2009 had a non-stress fetal test today, upstairs, maybe where women give birth. another reason i want to give birth at home: all that noise then when the baby moves the heartbeat goes away i’d probably be wondering if there… -
autonomous birth: option 5
6 Jun 2009 | 6:34 ami heard about and read born free: unassisted birth in north america, a doula-turned-midwife’s phD thesis on unassisted birth. it’s here where i read the term “autonomous birth” that immediately clicked with me. [http://rixarixa.blogspot.com/2009/01/born-free-unassisted-childbirth-in.html] i found a book for midwives, [http://www.hesperian.org/publications_download_midwives.php] a book made for communities who do not live near hospitals or places where medical care is readily available in order to get more information the process of labor/delivery and possible… -
autonomous birth: options
6 Jun 2009 | 5:55 ambeing in central turkey where english speaking doctors are rare, our OBgyn’s english was minimally passable, and a bit better than our turkish. at least she was a woman, which also seemed to be somewhat rare in these parts. the other staff’s english skills was close nil. i’m not saying that they should speak english, but this was the environment we were swimming in. i was glad to meet my OB after dealing with the local clinic or saglik ocagi, in which we had to have an interpreter, be it one we brought – usually a coworker from ishaq’s school – or a clinic… -
little adventures
12 May 2009 | 12:57 pmafter a semi-normal homeschool day, we had lunch and went outside. it was beautiful. not too hot, nor too cool. we decided to walk out to a swath of green in a nearby field. we live on the outskirts of kayseri and there are two fields on the southern and northern sides of our apartment. i’m talking about fields edged with caves in which kids hang out; fields in which goats, sheep and cows graze; fields in which diggers harvest dirt and fill up oft-returning dump trucks. a few days before we had investigated a swath of bright yellow – “was is yellow grass or flowers?”,…
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With Passion...
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The Awkward Pause
2 Jul 2009 | 8:21 pmMe: Sir, on the count of three I'm going to pull you up closer towards my machine.200+ pounds patient: Okay.Me: 1,2,3....::awkward pause::Me: I'll get one of the guys to help me.~~~Colleague: B, did you meet Dr. M? Dr. M, B is from Egypt...Me: *with attitude* I'm not EgyptianColleague: ...like you.::awkward pause::(No offense to anyone here, just proud to be Syrian)~~~*Pushes sanitizer dispenser before entering patient's room*Me: Mrs. Jones, whats the reason that you're here today? *still rubbing hands to dry sanitizer*::awkward pause::*washes soap from hands*~~~Me: Ms. Gomez, were you in a… -
How to lose a Middle Eastern man in seven days
29 Jun 2009 | 9:03 pmHurt his wallet. Abuse his willingness to give out his pockets to get you. Dress to impress and allow him to take you to a romantic dinner for two in the heart of any city. Show that you're needy. Gifts are much appreciated and accepted because the more the merrier! Share the news that you think the kitchen is an absolute waste of time, energy and happiness in your life. Confess that you don't plan to have children. You don't want them. You hate them. End of story! No arguments made nor compromises between you and future husband. Baby him! Theres a fine line between making a man feel he's… -
The ILLUSION of Progress
8 Jun 2009 | 9:47 amLadies and gentlemen, Obama!As wonderful as his Speech to the Muslims was last week, I feel distrust to the system and I'm completely unmoved by the old tactic of a persuasive speech to manipulate subjects emotionally. I hope he proves otherwise! -
Dedicating A Prayer
6 Jun 2009 | 8:40 pmSeventeen days ago, I drove my grandmother to the Emergency Room with pain. I had to beg and convince for days until she accepted to take the ride with me. She's been there ever since and has been diagnosed with a bunch of complications including pancreatic cancer which is known to be a leading cause of cancer death.I've been staying with her for the majority of the time. Seeing my grandmother suffer from day to day has been tremendously torturous. I can't even begin to explain her condition and the suffering. I love her dearly. She lives down stairs from us and I'm attached... I've been… -
ALGhoota Street... II
3 May 2009 | 8:59 pmALGhoota Street... ITo forget is a true blessing.. but God never blessed me with it. Instead I am cursed with the pains of sharp memory. I still remember everything. The smallest of things. The details of every detail. Every word. I remember every event between us.In the beginning, I needed to adjust and learn to accept your kind of conversation that I've never heard before. Your sweet words. So I kept to my silence and allowed you to speak. As if I was avoiding singing as you played with the strings of my heart.Did I really love you?Only now do I have the bravery to confess. Yes, I loved…
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Knocking From Inside
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Wolf's Tooth
2 Jul 2009 | 9:00 amO I have put my hand on the wolf's toothhidden among green parasols and whorled towersof purple and white. O scorpion bedded upon agates,stonefish at the gate of a jewelled coral castle.Venom at the heart of the gaudiest blooms,poppy blowing sleep into the sultry air.Now the howls of the black dog pull the edgeof evening over the city like a velvet paintingof Elvis in a suit of lights. Now three-legged catswith angular bodies stalk the top of the fence.Gull and crow negotiate meticulous divisionof a dead squirrel. A sacrifice is exacted.The wolf licks my blood from his lips and grins.I use… -
Undertaker (illo)
1 Jul 2009 | 4:20 pmThe following poem was left at Miss Rumphius' acrostic prompt by Jane Yolen. I've taken the liberty of illustrating it with a slightly macabre fractal.UndertakerVictim look up.Under a low andLowering sky, the undertaker comesTo carry your particularsUp to a bleak, black heaven.Read the set of wings, cruel beak, hooded eyes. This is noEasing into eternity but a short, sharp shock.Collection available! Knocking from Inside -
Violinist
1 Jul 2009 | 2:37 pmviolin courtesy of LastClick; bow courtesy of Rainer Schmidtfigure produced with ApophysisCollection available! Knocking from Inside -
Readings in July
1 Jul 2009 | 1:06 pmI'm giving two readings this month:July 15 at the Lloyd Center Barnes & Noble7-8 PM, with two other readersJuly 21 at the Rockwood branch of the Multnomah County Library, 17917 SE Stark7-8 PM, with Dale of moleCollection available! Knocking from Inside -
I've done a bad thing
1 Jul 2009 | 12:56 pmI've started to play with Apophysis.metal boxesfish bonesCollection available! Knocking from Inside
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UmmAli
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The Wongs
27 Jun 2009 | 12:26 pmSu Wong marries Lee Wong. The next year, the Wongs have a new baby.The nurse brings over a lovely, healthy, bouncy, but definitely a Caucasian, WHITE baby boy.'Congratulations,' says the nurse to the new parents. 'Well Mr. Wong, what will you and Mrs. Wong name the baby?'The puzzled father looks at his new baby boy and says, 'Well, two Wong's don't make a white, so I think we will name him... Are you ready for this? Sum Ting Wong -
Death
26 Jun 2009 | 12:42 amAsalam Alaikum, Hello All We never know when our last breath may be. Death is closer then any of us think. In this past week 3 celebrities have passed away. Death of famous people makes it all over the news but our own deaths may not even make the obituaries, but their publicity even after death is a reminder for us. Especially those that die suddenly. It's like one minute they are all in the news for what ever reason, the next news story is about their death. Death will come to us all, their is nothing we can do to stop it. And unlike the picture above their is no sign or warning. But… -
Asalam Alaikum, Hello All Sorry for being MIA. My father in law is in from Egypt and I have been busy. Will try and catch up on all your blogs soon. Love, peace and hair grease :)
22 Jun 2009 | 10:44 pm -
Very talkative baby girl
19 Jun 2009 | 2:57 pmAsalam Alaikum, Hello All This little girl is just to cute. She is just talking away in her made up language -
Give the rabbit some Trixs, yes or no?
9 Jun 2009 | 7:47 pm
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The Indian Muslims
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Muslim clerics oppose gays’ demand for scrapping Sec 377 in India
28 Jun 2009 | 9:38 pmNew Delhi, June 29, 2009: Muslim clerics have reacted angrily to gays demand for scrapping Sec 377 in India. They say that if this ‘senseless’ action is taken, it will create sexual anarchy in the country and will break family norms. On Sunday when gays and lesbians gathered in significant numbers in metro cities in India demanding scrapping of Sec 377 that bans gay and lesbian union, many Muslim clerics have said that they will not allow it to happen. Several newspapers and gay right NGOs have ran campaigns in the country in recent weeks demanding that the ban on gay and lesbian… -
A treasure trove for Urdu lovers
28 Jun 2009 | 9:12 pmALLAHABAD: While cruising on the Noorullah Road in Kareli flanked by upcoming marriage halls giving a veneer of modernity, there is a virtual treasure trove of knowledge lying unknown in a secluded corner. This unknown place is christened as `Urdu Ghar' in which rare books of Urdu literature are available. However, despite being named as Urdu Ghar, it is also a rich storehouse of books in Hindi and English. The main objective of the establishment of the Urdu Ghar, set up in 2000, is to arouse the interest of the people towards Urdu which has unfortunately dwindled in the present times. Though… -
Religious leaders dismiss fatwa against Shahrukh Khan
23 Jun 2009 | 1:52 amBareilly: An Islamic seminary has issued a fatwa against Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan for allegedly making comments against Islam even as Muslim religious leaders distanced themselves from the decree, calling it “unnecessary” as the actor had offered his clarification. “A person making a remark like the one attributed to Shahrukh is a kafir (non-believer) and is struck out of Islam,” said the fatwa issued by Mufti Mohammed Shoeb Raza Qadri and Mufti Muti-ur-Rehman of the Darul-uloom-Mazhar-e- Islam. Such a person must offer an immediate apology to return to Islam, the fatwa said. -
Muslim cleric calls Shahrukh a 'Kafir', issues Fatwa
23 Jun 2009 | 1:50 amAN Islamic seminary has issued the reigning king of Bollywood - Shahrukh Khan - a fatwa for allegedly making controversial comments against Islam in the Indian Time n Style magazine. The fatwa has been issued by Mufti Mohammed Shoeb Raza Qadri and Mufti Muti-ur-Rehman of the Darul-uloom-Mazhar-e- Islam in India. Mufti Mohammed called Shahrukh a Kafir (non-believer) and said such person should be thrown out of Islam and that in an Islamic state his comments would have warranted a death penalty. Shahrukh Khan has strongly denied the comments attributed to him in an interview published in the… -
About theIndianMuslims.com
24 Nov 2007 | 9:06 amWelcome to theIndianMuslims.com. The site aims to be a credible one-stop reference on Muslims of India, Muslim Achievers and eminent Indian Muslims from the historical times to the present. You can see updated news of interest for Indian Muslims, including features, articles and editorials. A complete data-bank on Muslim achievers, Muslim organisations and institutions would also be available on the site. TheIndianMuslims.Com would also illustrate the contribution of Indian Muslims towards India's Freedom Struggle, besides in various other fields like Art Culture, Architecture, Cinema,…
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AME Info Latest News
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EADS wins national security program for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2 Jul 2009 | 6:30 amAfter being under contract for the northern border security, which is now under execution, EADS Defence and Security has been awarded (as prime contractor) the border security program covering the full borders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. -
Borouge awards $1.075bn contract for ethane cracker in Abu Dhabi to The Linde Group
2 Jul 2009 | 6:15 amBorouge, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, has awarded a contract worth $1.075bn to The Linde Group, a world leading gases and engineering company, to build another 1.5 million tonnes per year (t/y) ethane cracker at its production site in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. -
DMI signs MoU with AUE to help students develop media-related skills
2 Jul 2009 | 5:26 amDubai Media Incorporated (DMI), one of the pioneering media organizations and creative services group in the Middle East, today announced it has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) with the American University in the Emirates (AUE) as part of its broader strategy to contribute to human resource development in the country. -
flydubai finances Boeing 737s with GECAS
2 Jul 2009 | 5:19 amGhaith al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai talks to Phil Blizzard about the financing deal with General Electric's aircraft financing and leasing business, GECAS, to finance four Boeing 737-300 aircraft worth $320m, for delivery before year end. -
DragonMart hosts Chinese Womens Cultural event
2 Jul 2009 | 5:15 amNakheel Retails DragonMart, in partnership with the Chinese Womens Business Association (CWBA), is hosting a special month of weekend festivities to celebrate Chinese Womens Culture.
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Jahane Rumi
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Book review: Challenging martial histories
30 Jun 2009 | 11:09 pmFlight of the Falcon: Story of a Fighter Pilot, by S. Sajad Haider. Published by Vanguard Books, 45 The Mall, Lahore & Lok Virsa Building, Jinnah Supermarket, Islamabad Nur Khan, Asghar Khan and Abbas Khattak at the launch in Islamabad Haider signing his book at the launch Sajad Haider with his squadron of Pathankot fame Sajad Haider with his [...] -
Sacred Kerala–Transcending Communal Boundaries
28 Jun 2009 | 11:35 pmBook Review Name of the Book: Sacred Kerala—A Spiritual Journey Author: Dominique-Sila Khan Publisher: Penguin, New Delhi, 2009 Reviewed by: Yoginder Sikand The southern Indian state of Kerala has a unique population mix. A little less than half of Kerala’s inhabitants are Hindus, who belong to various castes. The rest are Muslims and Christians, in roughly equal number, and a miniscule [...] -
Pakistani state: reform or perish
28 Jun 2009 | 1:27 amMy op-ed for The NEWS Raza Rumi On the face of it, the Pakistani state with the clear endorsement of political parties and the majority of its citizenry is fighting a battle against militant Islamism. However, it is not as simple a formulation as it appears to be. The state is also cracking under extreme pressure for [...] -
“The Blocked Road”
27 Jun 2009 | 10:09 amI wish I knew what you wanted. You block the road and won’t give me rest. You pull my lead-rope one way, then the other. You act cold, my darling! Do you hear what I say? Will this night of talking ever end? Why am I still embarrassed and timid about you? You are thousands. You are one. Quiet, but most articulate. Your name is [...] -
KHUDKUSH BAMBAAR LARKAY SAY - a poem
22 Jun 2009 | 11:51 amI am posting a new poem of Neelam Ahmed Basheer that addresses a young suicide bomber and raises some pertinet questions concerning humanity and life. I am grateful to Ms Basheer for her contributions to my website. In fact, meeting Neelam Bashir in the recent months has been a remarkable experience. She is an extraordinary writer and [...]
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MuslimMatters.org
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Jesus and George Galloway get in a Ford | Iesa Interviews GG for a MM-Exclusive
2 Jul 2009 | 10:03 pmJesus and George Galloway get in a Ford… An interview for Muslim Matters Parliamentarian and YouTube sensation George Galloway made time during his jam-packed tour schedule, promoting the Viva Palestina US convey, to answer Muslim Matters readers’ questions and to offer advice for activists in the US and the UK. A note to our readers: This interview was conducted in transit from one speaking event to another and was done from the backseat (Iesa Galloway) to the front seat (George Galloway) of a Ford Explorer. Due to this setup there are minor sound quality issues and two audio… -
Jumuah Khutbah on the Importance of Time: Shaykh Abdul Hadi
2 Jul 2009 | 9:59 pmThis khutbah was delivered at the Islamic Society of Delaware. Shaykh Abdul Hadi Al-Azhari studied with Shaykh Abu Ishaq Al-Huwaynee in Egypt. (download) -
Faster, Fatter, Bigger and Cheaper: Food, Inc. Review
1 Jul 2009 | 9:01 pmBismillah After seeing Food, Inc. this week, my friends and I had a collective “Alhamdulillah we are Muslim” moment. In this culture of “what we don’t know can’t hurt us” mentality, I found this movie to be enormously eye-opening, particularly for one who is not familiar with the food industry and the impact it has on the world economy. Food, Inc. has brought to light many issues that the average American not only doesn’t think about, but probably has no idea even occurs. Before this film, the food industry in my eyes, seemed like a simple one: make… -
Why Is The Flap On My Face, A Slap In Yours, Mr. Sarkozy?
30 Jun 2009 | 9:02 pmBismillah Sadaf Farooqi “The burka is not a religious problem, it’s a question of liberty and women’s dignity. It’s not a religious symbol, but a sign of subservience and debasement. I want to say solemnly, the burka is not welcome in France. In our country, we can’t accept women prisoners behind a screen, cut off from all social life, deprived of all identity. That is not our idea of freedom.” – Nicolas Sarkozy. Here we go again. After the hue and cry following the comments made by Jack Straw in 2006, another political statement made very publicly by a… -
Qur’an: Surah Al-Fatiha in British Sign Language
29 Jun 2009 | 9:33 pmPresenting a brand new video from SignLabs.org: a translation of the first surah of the Qur’an into British Sign Language: Please rate, share & comment! No Qur’an recitation was added to the soundtrack, as the video was primarily intended for a Deaf audience. A thought: how grateful are we, the hearing, for the ability to listen to the words of Allah? One more reason to recite “Alhamdulillahi rabbil ‘alameen” with increased sincerity.
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Talk Islam
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BBC Radio 4’s big boy John Humphrys has…
2 Jul 2009 | 11:24 pmBBC Radio 4’s big boy John Humphrys has written a feature for the British blue-top, the Daily Mail, on Pakistan’s madrassas. I’d be interested to read people’s views on this piece, particularly Humphry’s assertion that “many - probably the majority [of Pakistans madrassas]- are funded by the most extreme Muslim denomination, the Wahhabis” …and… “It was Wahhabis who flew the planes into the World Trade Centre and it is they who count Osama Bin Laden among their adherents.” a BBC Radio 4’s big boy John Humphrys has… -
Somali refugees take up new roots in Gre…
2 Jul 2009 | 11:21 pmSomali refugees take up new roots in Greeley. mostly a feel good story, but: Concerns surfaced last year after JBS managers refused to let late-shift Somalis pray at sunset during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Workers walked off the job, and more than 100 were fired. Somali workers have since claimed ongoing issues with their Latino supervisors, Chavez said. “They believe they were treated differently because they were Somalis,” he said. (in parts of “middle america” the expulsion of illegal latinos has resulted in their replacement by somali refugees who have… -
“Substance”: “Almost 100% of the tim…
2 Jul 2009 | 10:43 pm“Substance”: “Almost 100% of the time, we found that suspected terrorists turned out to be innocent civilians.” (Via Sleeper Cell.) a “Substance”: “Almost 100% of the tim… -
Iraqi ingrates: This last point is the o…
2 Jul 2009 | 10:27 pmIraqi ingrates: This last point is the one that gnaws. Thousands of American lives and hundreds of billions in taxpayer funds have been expended to provide Iraqis the opportunity to live freely. And this despite the facts that (a) the U.S. interest in Iraqi democracy remains tenuous (our interest was the elimination of Saddam’s terror-mongering, weapons-proliferating regime), and (b) Americans were assured, when the nation-building enterprise commenced, that oil-rich Iraq would underwrite our sacrifices on its behalf. Yet, to be blunt, the Iraqis remain ingrates. That stubborn fact… -
In postmodernity, real life is often sel…
2 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pmIn postmodernity, real life is often self-satirizing. Here’s a prime example. A new gameshow offers a prize arguably greater than that offered by Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Contestants will ponder whether to believe or not to believe when they pit their godless convictions against the possibilities of a new relationship with the almighty on Penitents Compete (Tovbekarlar Yarisiyor in Turkish). Four spiritual guides from the different religions will seek to convert at least one of the 10 atheists in each programme to their faith. a In postmodernity, real life is often sel…
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ArabCrunch
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AppGiveaway: Win iPhone Apps and Generate Them Buzz
2 Jul 2009 | 8:29 pmAs there are 40,000+ of app developed for iPhone and iPod touch, many of them are not free, AppGiveway offers you the chance to win them. And if you were a developer who wants to promote your app/s , AppGiveaway offers you a free promotional platform. What’s nice about the site, is that it’s free for everyone to participate and all what it asks the developers for, is the promo codes which they receive from the Apple Store so it distributes them to its online users, thereby maximizing exposure and potential revenue for the developers in the future from direct links and referrals. The… -
Microsoft Launches Maren, a Native Windows Arabic Transliteration
1 Jul 2009 | 12:26 pmMicrosoft today launched Maren a native windows transliteration that works in all most all windows application without a need for an internet connection. As we have mentioned in past blog posts, Arabizi which is writing Arabic in Latin characters is popular especially among the young generation in the Arab world, let alone Arabs who reside in the west and do not have any Arabic keyboard. There has been some online application that deals with this problem. But Yamli was the pioneer in making it a business, it has an online editor, API, innovative search that is built on top of the concept and… -
Sakhr Software Acquires Dial Directions, Launches Spoken Arabic Translation via Mobile
30 Jun 2009 | 10:25 pmSakhr one of the oldest Arabic software companies, founded in 1982 has acquired Silicon Valley based startup, Dial Directions , a voice-activated phone service for driving directions. I remember the first PC I used in my life was from Sakhr back in the late 80s, running its own property Arabic Operating system, where I used to play games. But during the 90s, Sakhr PC met the dust for Win-tel based PCs. However this announcement is significant because, I think it is the first time an Arab tech company acquires an American IT company (There are rumors of the other way around deals coming soon). -
Twtri: Auto Updates Your Flight Status to Twitter, Facebook and email, Wines Microsoft’s NewCloudApp Contest
29 Jun 2009 | 9:09 pmTwtri.com developed by Laith Yousi from Iraq, was announced few days ago at GIGAOM’s Structure 09 event as one of 2 U.S. grand prize winners for Microsoft’s newCloudApp() - The Azure Services Platform Developer Challenge- . The contest winners were judged by 2 industry leaders Om Malik (founder of GIGAOM) and Michael Cote. ( Submission deadline is on July 9 for the International contest of newCloudApp() opens tomorrow.) Twtri is a very simple why to keep our friends and family updated on twitter, facebook or email automatically with your flight status, such as when your plane… -
Breaking: Aljazeera Adds Live Listeners Tweets to its TV Show
27 Jun 2009 | 4:21 pmUpdated. Aljazeera Arabic the well known Qatar based TV network, has just added listeners tweets to its “ Minbar Aljazeera” talk show. This move makes Aljazeera the first Arab TV to integrate with twitter. Minbara Aljazeera, (which mean Aljazeera Forum) is a weekly Arabic listeners live talk show, that tackles different issues and topics, where listeners call and say their opinion about the current show topic. Users have been previously able to send emails to the show’s email address and the show presenter would read them. But now, users are able to tweet (via Twitter) their voices…
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Inside Islam
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France and Veiling
2 Jul 2009 | 12:56 pmHow does a Muslim woman really assert her rights? This seems to be an underlying question in many discussions on Islam worldwide and touches on issues of choice and self-determination. However, questions like this can never be answered in one way because of the diversity of Muslim communities that cannot be defined by one culture, [...] -
What Does the Qur’an Really Say?
25 Jun 2009 | 12:33 pmIn President Obama’s speech in Cairo, we heard something perhaps unprecedented for an American president: references to the Qur’an—positive references! Quoting verses from the Qur’an was significant because it brought the holy text into the discussion in a way that reflects its real spirit–especially for the over 1.3 billion Muslims worldwide. Too often, the Qur’an is [...] -
Art and the Veil
11 Jun 2009 | 2:29 pmThe hijab—the veil—is one of the most visual signs of Islam. Many see the scarf and associate it with, well, oppression. Some within the Muslim communities perceive it as a way to determine a Muslim women’s adherence to faith. -
President Obama in Cairo
8 Jun 2009 | 2:11 pmIn what has been widely billed as a major step in his promised effort to reach out to the Muslim community worldwide, President Barack Obama gave a speech entitled “New Beginnings” at Cairo University last week. The president did not, however, directly address conflicts between the West and the Muslim world. Instead, he tried to [...] -
“Meet the Taqwacores” on MSNBC
2 Jun 2009 | 12:44 pmThe following video from NBC Nightly News features our guests from that radio show -- author of The Taqwacores Michael Muhammad Knight and drummer for the Kominas Imran Malik. The video highlights other individuals and bands who are also struggling to articulate this new Muslim punk genre of music and what it means to a mainstream audience.
