It has been a long while since I've written here... Well, may truth be told that I've been super busy. It's been about a month or so that I've been working at an Arabic version of Cartoon Network called SpaceToon. It's pretty fun and I'm loving it here. The best part about it is my boss. He is one of the most amazing human beings ever. I know said that about my previous boss but that's because I didn't know that they can be even better. I guess the fact that he's 4 year younger than me plays a major role in getting along well. Hehehehe... We're pretty much into the same sorta things like music, cartoons, food, activities etc... He's more of a friend than a boss. So that's always good because I usually try my best not to let my friends down.
Here's the ironic situation... Yes, I'm very happy with my current job and the pay is pretty good for a starter but believe it or not I got a much better job offer, or I should say better job all together. Currently, I'm an audio engineer only. While in the other company I'll be doing 2 things... I'll be the audio/voice over supervisor and I'll be a coordinator between the company I'll work for and an Islamic Channel in London... So it's a sweet deal because I'll be traveling and the pay is better. What more can I ask for? Yippie!!! Al hamdulillah (All praise to Allah)
I've worked so hard to get where I am today and where I'll be better off in 2 weeks or so with my new job...
Believe in yourself, work with determination and have faith in The Lord and God will never let you down, but might have some bumps in your journey to make you well rounded and stronger.
Just keep your intentions in check, for it's like child, you can't leave it for a second or it will be go all over the place.
Give me some more time, till I actually get settled in my new job and I'll get back to blogging more frequently.
love ya all, my readers... Thanks for all the support that I got from some of you... You know who you are... May you always be blessed with love and warmth from The Creator.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
What Exactly is Jihad? (Part 2)
1-Personal Behavior of the Troops:
In war, as it is in peace, the instructions of Islam are to be observed. Worship does not cease in war. Islamic jurisprudence maintains that whatever is prohibited during peace is also prohibited during war. War is no excuse to be lenient with misbehaving troops. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have said: “Beware of the prayer of the oppressed; for there is no barrier between it and Allah.” Here, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, differentiates between the oppressed believers and non-believers.
2-Whom to Fight:
Fighting should be directed only against fighting troops, and not to non- fighting personnel, and this is in compliance with the Qur’anic verse that reads: “ Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not, aggressors.” (Al-Baqarah: 190)
In one of the battles, a woman was found killed, and this was denounced by the Prophet saying "She did not fight" This will be further detailed under the instructions given to the armies and their commanding chiefs by the Prophet and his Caliphs.
3-The Prophet's instructions to Commanding Chiefs:
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to instruct his commanding chiefs saying: “Fight in the cause of Allah. Fight those who deny Allah; Do not be embittered. Do not be treacherous. Do not mutilate. Do not kill children or those (people) in convents.”
4-Abu-Bakr's instructions to Usama's Campaign on Syria:
“Do not betray or be treacherous or vindictive. Do not mutilate. Do not kill the children, the aged or the women. Do not cut or bum palm trees or fruitful trees. Don’t slay a sheep, a cow or camel except for your food. And you will come across people who confined themselves to worship in hermitages, leave them alone to what they devoted themselves for.”
5-Abu-Bakr's Instructions to Yazid ibn-Abi Sufian:
“I give you ten commandments: don’t kill a woman or a child or an old person, and don’t cut trees or ruin dwellings or slay a sheep but for food. Don't burn palm trees or drown them. And don’t be spiteful or unjust.”
6-Maintaining Justice and Avoidance of Blind Retaliation:
None can be more illustrative in this respect than the words of the Qur’an. Allah Almighty says: “O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is Informed of what ye do.” (Al-Maidah: 8)
7-Medical and Nursing Services:
From the early days of Islam the sanctity of the medical profession was recognized. Christian and Jewish doctors were employed by the Islamic state since the days of the Umayyads, and some of them were even court and personal physicians to caliphs. Under the tolerant attitude of Islam, some of them got the chance to unfold their full scientific potential and thus contributed to the progress of medical knowledge.
Medical help was a right to all men in spite of religion or creed. That this was also extended to those amongst enemy. An example well known in the West is that of Saladin securing medical help to his opponent, Richard Lion Heart of England who was seriously ill during the Crusades. Saladin sent him his own doctor and personally supervised Richard's treatment until he became well.
In quoting this particular example, one dare say that such an attitude was quite different to the behavior characterizing the invading crusaders. When the crusaders entered Jerusalem on July 15th 1099, they slaughtered seventy thousand Muslims including women, children and old men. They broke children's skulls by knocking against the wall, threw babies from roof tops, roasted men over fire and cut up women's bellies to see if they had swallowed gold.
This description was given by Gibbon, a Christian writer, and commented on by Ludbig Wbo wondered how come after those horrible atrocities they prayed at the burial place of Christ for blessing and forgiveness (Draper/History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Vol. 2, p. 77).
We do not mention this in bitterness or prejudice for every honest Muslim or Christian well knows that Christianity is something and many deeds of the crusaders are something else.
8-Prisoners of War:
For the first time in religious or sectarian history, Islam adopted an attitude of mercy and caring for the captured enemy. Unprecedented by previous legal systems, and long before the Geneva Convention, Islam set the rule that the captive is sheltered by his captivity and the wounded by his injury.
Previously, it was the custom for the captive to work for his food or get it through private means. The Qur’an made it a charity to feed the prisoners saying:
“Lo! the righteous shall drink of a cup whereof the mixture is of water of Kafur. A spring wherefrom the slaves of Allah drink, making it gush forth abundantly. Because they perform the vow and fear a day whereof the evil is wide spreading. And feed with food the needy wretch, the orphan and the prisoner, for love of Him. (Saying): We feed you, for the sake of Allah only. We wish for no reward nor thanks from you.” (Al-Insan: 5-9)
The Prophet instructed his Companions to be good to the captives. In one of his traditions, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, ordered his Companions saying: “ You should be good to the captives.”
9-Abu Aziz-ibn Umair, one of the captives of Badr battle, recalls:
“Whenever I sat with my captors for lunch or dinner, they would offer me the bread and themselves the dates, in view of the Prophet's recommendation in our favor (in that desert situation bread was the more luxurious item of food than dates)
As soon as any of them held a piece of bread, he would offer it to me.
Feeling shy, I would give it back to one of them but he would immediately return it to me."
Another, Thumama ibn-Athal, was taken prisoner and brought to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: “Be good to him in his captivity.” When the Prophet went home he instructed to collect whatever food there, and ordered it sent to the prisoner.
When the Jewish tribe of Bani Qurayzah were captured, loads of dates were regularly carried to them, with the Prophet's instructions to shelter them from the summer sun and to provide them with water to drink.
From the legal point of view, Muslim opinion is unanimous on the prohibition of subjecting the captives to ill treatment by withholding food, drink or clothing.
10-The Fate of War Prisoners:
This was based upon the teaching of the Qur’an:
“Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens. That (is the ordinance). And if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (thus it is ordained) that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah, He rendereth not their actions vain.” (Muhammad 47:4)
According to Islamic law, the captive belongs to the state and not to his captor. The ruler has the ultimate option, as he sees fit, of granting freedom or doing that after taking a ransom.
Among those whom the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, granted freedom was a poet called Abu-Azza who said to the Prophet: “I have five daughters who have no one to support them, so give me away to them as a charity and I promise never to fight you or help your enemies."
Abul-As Ibn Al Rabiae was freed for a ransom, which the Prophet later returned back to him. Later, the man embraced Islam.
Umarna Ibn-Athal was set free upon his promise not to provide the enemy with food. This gentle treatment touched the man’s heart and was then converted to Islam saying to the Prophet: "There was a time when your face was the most hated face to me, and there comes a day when it is the most loved.”
Sometimes captives were exchanged for Muslim captives in enemy hands. An acceptable ransom that was quite often carried out was to teach ten Muslim children to read and write. It is noteworthy that modern international law allows for setting free a prisoner of war on equivalent lines.
Personnel were set free upon their word of honor not to fight again, and they should not be ordered by their governments to go to battle again. If they break their promise, they might be punishable by death if they are captured again.
11-Nonbelligerents
Islam never fought nations but fought only despotic authorities. Islamic war was one of liberation and not of compulsion. The freedom of the liberated people to decide their religion has already been mentioned, and it was to ensure this freedom that Muslims fought. It is interesting to mention that when Muslims fought the Romans in Egypt, the Egyptian Copts sided with and helped Muslims against the Romans who were Christians like them. This was because Christian Egypt was suffering religious oppression by the Christian Romans to compel them to adopt their religious beliefs.
One of the earliest actions of the Muslims in Egypt was the assurance of religious freedom and the reinstatement of Bejamin as Bishop of Alexandria after years of hiding from the Romans in the western desert.
But religious freedom was but one aspect that Islam gave. Whether Arab or Egyptian, Muslim or Christian, Islam built up that FELLOWSHIP that humanity aspires to, in equality and fraternity .The story is well known of the running contest held in Egypt and won by an Egyptian to the dismay of an Arab competitor who was the son of `Amru Ibn Al-`Aas, governor of Egypt. The Arab hit the boy saying 'how dare you outrun me and I am the son of the nobility." Upon which Umar, the caliph, ordered the three all the way to Madinah, and ordered the Egyptian to avenge by hitting the offending Arab, saying: "Hit him back. Hit the son of nobility." Addressing `Amru, he uttered his famous saying: “O `Amru, since when have you enslaved people while their mothers have born them free.”
12-International Law:
The process of active intervention to stop or remove aggression is a development that modem international law has recognized.
The second world war for example was sparked by Germany's invasion of Poland, and drew into the fighting countries that were not direct parties to the conflict. One of the fruits of war was the creation of the United Nations in order to settle disputes between nations by peaceful means or indeed if necessary by a collective military force. No one should argue therefore that Egypt and the Roman Empire for example should have been left alone to solve their mutual problems. In modem times the rest of the family of nations consider it a duty to do something about it. Fourteen centuries prior to the establishment of the League of Nations and later the United Nations, Islam decreed such responsibility.
The legal principle of intervention to solve dispute was offered by the Qur’anic saying:
“If two parties of believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them: But if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of God; but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair: for God loves those who are fair.” (Al-Hujurat 49:9)
13-Respect of Treaties and Agreements:
One of the major shortcomings of modern international politics is its meager regard to moral obligation. Time and again, treaties and agreements proved unworthy of the price of paper they had been written on. The most splendid produce of the human intellect in the field of international law might instantly vanish upon the call of greed or creed at this age that we wish to think has brought us to the epic of civilization.
And what is worse is that the most sophisticated achievements of scientific progress are often used as tools in the hands of Godless or God-disregarding policies: instead of being exploited 'in the cause of God.’
From the outset, Islam has emphatically prohibited treachery by taking the enemy by surprise attack. Recent examples of signing a pact or treaty with a nation as camouflage to hidden intent to attack it are quite contrary to
Islam, as several quotations from the Qur’an reads:
“ O ye who believe! Fulfil your undertakings…” (Al-Maidah 5:1)
“Fulfill the convenant of God when you have entered into it, and break not your oaths after you have confirmed them; indeed you have made God your surety, for God knoweth an that you do.” (An-Nahl 16:91)
If Muslims sense the treachery of any enemy with whom they had a treaty, they should declare to him the annulment of that treaty before embarking on war again.
“Thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms: for God loveth not the treacherous.” (Al-Anfal 8:85)
Although Muslims are bound to go to the help of their Muslim brethren who are religiously persecuted in the land of an enemy; they are not allowed to fulfill this duty if there is a treaty between the Muslim community and this enemy. Priority goes to honouring the treaty.
“But if they seek your aid in religion, it is your duty to help them, except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance. And (remember) God seeth an that you do." (Al-Anfal 8:72)
And above all, this is not a nicety to be taken or left by the state. It is a binding religious dictate overruling emotion and prejudice: otherwise it would be a grave violation of Islam.
I hope that clears the horrifying misconception of Jihad and Islam...
My next post will explain why some muslims misunderstand the Qur'an when it comes to jihad.
Peace to ALL who want peace.
In war, as it is in peace, the instructions of Islam are to be observed. Worship does not cease in war. Islamic jurisprudence maintains that whatever is prohibited during peace is also prohibited during war. War is no excuse to be lenient with misbehaving troops. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have said: “Beware of the prayer of the oppressed; for there is no barrier between it and Allah.” Here, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, differentiates between the oppressed believers and non-believers.
2-Whom to Fight:
Fighting should be directed only against fighting troops, and not to non- fighting personnel, and this is in compliance with the Qur’anic verse that reads: “ Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not, aggressors.” (Al-Baqarah: 190)
In one of the battles, a woman was found killed, and this was denounced by the Prophet saying "She did not fight" This will be further detailed under the instructions given to the armies and their commanding chiefs by the Prophet and his Caliphs.
3-The Prophet's instructions to Commanding Chiefs:
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to instruct his commanding chiefs saying: “Fight in the cause of Allah. Fight those who deny Allah; Do not be embittered. Do not be treacherous. Do not mutilate. Do not kill children or those (people) in convents.”
4-Abu-Bakr's instructions to Usama's Campaign on Syria:
“Do not betray or be treacherous or vindictive. Do not mutilate. Do not kill the children, the aged or the women. Do not cut or bum palm trees or fruitful trees. Don’t slay a sheep, a cow or camel except for your food. And you will come across people who confined themselves to worship in hermitages, leave them alone to what they devoted themselves for.”
5-Abu-Bakr's Instructions to Yazid ibn-Abi Sufian:
“I give you ten commandments: don’t kill a woman or a child or an old person, and don’t cut trees or ruin dwellings or slay a sheep but for food. Don't burn palm trees or drown them. And don’t be spiteful or unjust.”
6-Maintaining Justice and Avoidance of Blind Retaliation:
None can be more illustrative in this respect than the words of the Qur’an. Allah Almighty says: “O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is Informed of what ye do.” (Al-Maidah: 8)
7-Medical and Nursing Services:
From the early days of Islam the sanctity of the medical profession was recognized. Christian and Jewish doctors were employed by the Islamic state since the days of the Umayyads, and some of them were even court and personal physicians to caliphs. Under the tolerant attitude of Islam, some of them got the chance to unfold their full scientific potential and thus contributed to the progress of medical knowledge.
Medical help was a right to all men in spite of religion or creed. That this was also extended to those amongst enemy. An example well known in the West is that of Saladin securing medical help to his opponent, Richard Lion Heart of England who was seriously ill during the Crusades. Saladin sent him his own doctor and personally supervised Richard's treatment until he became well.
In quoting this particular example, one dare say that such an attitude was quite different to the behavior characterizing the invading crusaders. When the crusaders entered Jerusalem on July 15th 1099, they slaughtered seventy thousand Muslims including women, children and old men. They broke children's skulls by knocking against the wall, threw babies from roof tops, roasted men over fire and cut up women's bellies to see if they had swallowed gold.
This description was given by Gibbon, a Christian writer, and commented on by Ludbig Wbo wondered how come after those horrible atrocities they prayed at the burial place of Christ for blessing and forgiveness (Draper/History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Vol. 2, p. 77).
We do not mention this in bitterness or prejudice for every honest Muslim or Christian well knows that Christianity is something and many deeds of the crusaders are something else.
8-Prisoners of War:
For the first time in religious or sectarian history, Islam adopted an attitude of mercy and caring for the captured enemy. Unprecedented by previous legal systems, and long before the Geneva Convention, Islam set the rule that the captive is sheltered by his captivity and the wounded by his injury.
Previously, it was the custom for the captive to work for his food or get it through private means. The Qur’an made it a charity to feed the prisoners saying:
“Lo! the righteous shall drink of a cup whereof the mixture is of water of Kafur. A spring wherefrom the slaves of Allah drink, making it gush forth abundantly. Because they perform the vow and fear a day whereof the evil is wide spreading. And feed with food the needy wretch, the orphan and the prisoner, for love of Him. (Saying): We feed you, for the sake of Allah only. We wish for no reward nor thanks from you.” (Al-Insan: 5-9)
The Prophet instructed his Companions to be good to the captives. In one of his traditions, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, ordered his Companions saying: “ You should be good to the captives.”
9-Abu Aziz-ibn Umair, one of the captives of Badr battle, recalls:
“Whenever I sat with my captors for lunch or dinner, they would offer me the bread and themselves the dates, in view of the Prophet's recommendation in our favor (in that desert situation bread was the more luxurious item of food than dates)
As soon as any of them held a piece of bread, he would offer it to me.
Feeling shy, I would give it back to one of them but he would immediately return it to me."
Another, Thumama ibn-Athal, was taken prisoner and brought to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: “Be good to him in his captivity.” When the Prophet went home he instructed to collect whatever food there, and ordered it sent to the prisoner.
When the Jewish tribe of Bani Qurayzah were captured, loads of dates were regularly carried to them, with the Prophet's instructions to shelter them from the summer sun and to provide them with water to drink.
From the legal point of view, Muslim opinion is unanimous on the prohibition of subjecting the captives to ill treatment by withholding food, drink or clothing.
10-The Fate of War Prisoners:
This was based upon the teaching of the Qur’an:
“Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens. That (is the ordinance). And if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (thus it is ordained) that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah, He rendereth not their actions vain.” (Muhammad 47:4)
According to Islamic law, the captive belongs to the state and not to his captor. The ruler has the ultimate option, as he sees fit, of granting freedom or doing that after taking a ransom.
Among those whom the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, granted freedom was a poet called Abu-Azza who said to the Prophet: “I have five daughters who have no one to support them, so give me away to them as a charity and I promise never to fight you or help your enemies."
Abul-As Ibn Al Rabiae was freed for a ransom, which the Prophet later returned back to him. Later, the man embraced Islam.
Umarna Ibn-Athal was set free upon his promise not to provide the enemy with food. This gentle treatment touched the man’s heart and was then converted to Islam saying to the Prophet: "There was a time when your face was the most hated face to me, and there comes a day when it is the most loved.”
Sometimes captives were exchanged for Muslim captives in enemy hands. An acceptable ransom that was quite often carried out was to teach ten Muslim children to read and write. It is noteworthy that modern international law allows for setting free a prisoner of war on equivalent lines.
Personnel were set free upon their word of honor not to fight again, and they should not be ordered by their governments to go to battle again. If they break their promise, they might be punishable by death if they are captured again.
11-Nonbelligerents
Islam never fought nations but fought only despotic authorities. Islamic war was one of liberation and not of compulsion. The freedom of the liberated people to decide their religion has already been mentioned, and it was to ensure this freedom that Muslims fought. It is interesting to mention that when Muslims fought the Romans in Egypt, the Egyptian Copts sided with and helped Muslims against the Romans who were Christians like them. This was because Christian Egypt was suffering religious oppression by the Christian Romans to compel them to adopt their religious beliefs.
One of the earliest actions of the Muslims in Egypt was the assurance of religious freedom and the reinstatement of Bejamin as Bishop of Alexandria after years of hiding from the Romans in the western desert.
But religious freedom was but one aspect that Islam gave. Whether Arab or Egyptian, Muslim or Christian, Islam built up that FELLOWSHIP that humanity aspires to, in equality and fraternity .The story is well known of the running contest held in Egypt and won by an Egyptian to the dismay of an Arab competitor who was the son of `Amru Ibn Al-`Aas, governor of Egypt. The Arab hit the boy saying 'how dare you outrun me and I am the son of the nobility." Upon which Umar, the caliph, ordered the three all the way to Madinah, and ordered the Egyptian to avenge by hitting the offending Arab, saying: "Hit him back. Hit the son of nobility." Addressing `Amru, he uttered his famous saying: “O `Amru, since when have you enslaved people while their mothers have born them free.”
12-International Law:
The process of active intervention to stop or remove aggression is a development that modem international law has recognized.
The second world war for example was sparked by Germany's invasion of Poland, and drew into the fighting countries that were not direct parties to the conflict. One of the fruits of war was the creation of the United Nations in order to settle disputes between nations by peaceful means or indeed if necessary by a collective military force. No one should argue therefore that Egypt and the Roman Empire for example should have been left alone to solve their mutual problems. In modem times the rest of the family of nations consider it a duty to do something about it. Fourteen centuries prior to the establishment of the League of Nations and later the United Nations, Islam decreed such responsibility.
The legal principle of intervention to solve dispute was offered by the Qur’anic saying:
“If two parties of believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them: But if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of God; but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair: for God loves those who are fair.” (Al-Hujurat 49:9)
13-Respect of Treaties and Agreements:
One of the major shortcomings of modern international politics is its meager regard to moral obligation. Time and again, treaties and agreements proved unworthy of the price of paper they had been written on. The most splendid produce of the human intellect in the field of international law might instantly vanish upon the call of greed or creed at this age that we wish to think has brought us to the epic of civilization.
And what is worse is that the most sophisticated achievements of scientific progress are often used as tools in the hands of Godless or God-disregarding policies: instead of being exploited 'in the cause of God.’
From the outset, Islam has emphatically prohibited treachery by taking the enemy by surprise attack. Recent examples of signing a pact or treaty with a nation as camouflage to hidden intent to attack it are quite contrary to
Islam, as several quotations from the Qur’an reads:
“ O ye who believe! Fulfil your undertakings…” (Al-Maidah 5:1)
“Fulfill the convenant of God when you have entered into it, and break not your oaths after you have confirmed them; indeed you have made God your surety, for God knoweth an that you do.” (An-Nahl 16:91)
If Muslims sense the treachery of any enemy with whom they had a treaty, they should declare to him the annulment of that treaty before embarking on war again.
“Thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms: for God loveth not the treacherous.” (Al-Anfal 8:85)
Although Muslims are bound to go to the help of their Muslim brethren who are religiously persecuted in the land of an enemy; they are not allowed to fulfill this duty if there is a treaty between the Muslim community and this enemy. Priority goes to honouring the treaty.
“But if they seek your aid in religion, it is your duty to help them, except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance. And (remember) God seeth an that you do." (Al-Anfal 8:72)
And above all, this is not a nicety to be taken or left by the state. It is a binding religious dictate overruling emotion and prejudice: otherwise it would be a grave violation of Islam.
I hope that clears the horrifying misconception of Jihad and Islam...
My next post will explain why some muslims misunderstand the Qur'an when it comes to jihad.
Peace to ALL who want peace.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
What Exactly is Jihad? (Part 1)
Allah said, "Enter into peace completely and do not follow the steps of Satan." (Al-Baqarah 2:208)
One of the largest misconceptions in Islam whether from Muslims or non Muslims is the word "Jihad" Many know it as holy war. May the truth be told, that is not the precise meaning of the word. It is an Arabic word that means to strive for a better way of life. The nouns are Juhd, Mujahid, Jihad, and Ijtihad. The other meanings are: endeavor, strain, exertion, effort, diligence, fighting to defend one's life, land, and religion.
1) Trying to balance between right and wrong.
2) Trying to fit in an environment that you don't feel you belong.
3) Trying to makes choices that wouldn't have consequences on anybody including you.
4) Trying to make this world, a better place to live in.
5) Trying to balance the mind, body and soul.
6) Trying to be true to yourself and to others.
7) Trying to resist issues that are going against you, stopping you from achieving your goal in life.
8) Trying to balance among your intellect, emotions and your spirit.
9) Working hard to earn a living.
Etc. etc. etc… All this is considered Jihad.
Jihad should not be confused with Holy War; the latter does not exist in Islam nor will Islam allow its followers to be involved in a Holy War. The latter refers to the Holy War of the Crusaders.
Jihad is not a war to force the faith on others, as many people think of it. It should never be interpreted as a way of compulsion of the belief on others, since there is an explicit verse in the Qur'an that says: "There is no compulsion in religion" (Al-Baqarah 2:256).
Jihad is not a defensive war only, but a war against any unjust regime. If such a regime exists, a war is to be waged against the leaders, but not against the people of that country. People should be freed from the unjust regimes and influences so that they can freely choose to believe in Allah.
Not only in peace but also in war Islam prohibits terrorism, kidnapping, and hijacking, when carried against civilians. Whoever commits such violations is considered a murderer in Islam, and is to be punished by the Islamic state. during wars, Islam prohibits Muslim soldiers from harming civilians, women, children, elderly, and the religious men like priests and rabies. It also prohibits cutting down trees and destroying civilian constructions.
The Qur'an, the most fundamental scripture of Islam, teaches sanctity of life, not violence. It enjoins peace, justice, and compassion as basic tenets for all of humankind and condemns violence and aggression in all forms. "God enjoins justice and compassion and giving freely to the next of kin, and forbids lewdness, wickedness and oppression.He admonishes you so that you may take heed" (An-Nahl 16:90).
In a society where human dignity was measured by race, ethnicity, color, status, and wealth, the Qur'an stressed the sacred bond of humanity binding all people. "O mankind, We have created you from a single pair of a male and female, and rendered you nations and tribes so that you might know one another. The most honorable of you in the sight of God is the one who is most conscious of Him. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware" (Al-Hujurat 49:13).
Even the concept of holy war is denounced in Islam because in Islam war can only be characterized as either just or unjust, not holy. The Qur'an permits only a just war, a war waged to remove tyranny and oppression, or in self-defense. The Qur'an is categorical in denouncing all wars of aggression.
"Fight for the sake of Allah those that fight against you, but do not attack them first. Allah does not love aggressors" (Al-Baqarah 2:190)
"Permission [to fight] is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged — and, verily, God has indeed the power to succor them." (Al-Hajj 22:39)
Allah also forbids Muslims from attacking anyone who allows others to live in peace:
"Thus, if they let you be, and do not make war on you, and offer you peace, God does not allow you to harm them." (An-Nisaa' 4:90)
"Hence, if they do not let you be, and do not offer you peace, and do not stay their hands, seize them and slay them whenever you come upon them: for it is against these that We have clearly empowered you [to make war]" (An-Nisaa' 4:91)
I can't stress on this enough that half is what Muslims that are shown in the media aren't doing what they're suppose to be doing. Honestly, they are going against the Prophet's (Peace Be Upon Him) teachings and the Qur'an.
This is what the Holy Book has to say about Jihad in war:
"And fight them until sedition and persecution are no more, and religion is all Allah's. But if they stop, then let there be no hostility except against the transgressors." (Al-Baqarah 2:193)
In the above verses the general Islamic commandment about armed combat is presented. Wars of aggression are specifically forbidden, but to fight self defense is not only allowable, it is an obligation to prevent occurrence of sedition and persecution in the land. This was commanded after the Muslims were thrown out of their own homes, got their belongings stolen and getting killed in Makkah.
"Call to the path of your Lord with wisdom kindly exhortation, and reason with them in the most courteous manner. For your Lord knows best those who have strayed from His path, and He knows best who are rightly-Guided" (Al Nahl 16:125)
The patience and self restraint of the Blessed Prophet were sorely tested:
At battle of Uhud the disbelievers not only killed his uncle Hamza but cut his nose and ears, then they cut out his liver. When the Prophet saw his uncle's body thus disfigured, he threatened retaliation. Then the above verse was revealed, in which the restraint and gentleness which has always been the Islamic way were confirmed and emphasized. When he last entered Makkah in triumph, he caused astonishment by forgiving his enemies.
"O you who believe! Do not Devour your property among yourselves wrongly; but trade by mutual consent, and kill not one another. Surely Allah is Compassionate to you." (Al Nisaa' 4:29)
In a time of war these disciplines were put by the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him):
1) You may not harm a woman, a child or any old person.
2) You may not harm cripples.
3) You may not harm a man that works in the field. (Meaning a person who isn't fighting)
4) You may not cut down trees.
5) Strike only at those who have expelled you, who have stolen your rights, and riched themselves in your possessions.
To be Continued....
One of the largest misconceptions in Islam whether from Muslims or non Muslims is the word "Jihad" Many know it as holy war. May the truth be told, that is not the precise meaning of the word. It is an Arabic word that means to strive for a better way of life. The nouns are Juhd, Mujahid, Jihad, and Ijtihad. The other meanings are: endeavor, strain, exertion, effort, diligence, fighting to defend one's life, land, and religion.
1) Trying to balance between right and wrong.
2) Trying to fit in an environment that you don't feel you belong.
3) Trying to makes choices that wouldn't have consequences on anybody including you.
4) Trying to make this world, a better place to live in.
5) Trying to balance the mind, body and soul.
6) Trying to be true to yourself and to others.
7) Trying to resist issues that are going against you, stopping you from achieving your goal in life.
8) Trying to balance among your intellect, emotions and your spirit.
9) Working hard to earn a living.
Etc. etc. etc… All this is considered Jihad.
Jihad should not be confused with Holy War; the latter does not exist in Islam nor will Islam allow its followers to be involved in a Holy War. The latter refers to the Holy War of the Crusaders.
Jihad is not a war to force the faith on others, as many people think of it. It should never be interpreted as a way of compulsion of the belief on others, since there is an explicit verse in the Qur'an that says: "There is no compulsion in religion" (Al-Baqarah 2:256).
Jihad is not a defensive war only, but a war against any unjust regime. If such a regime exists, a war is to be waged against the leaders, but not against the people of that country. People should be freed from the unjust regimes and influences so that they can freely choose to believe in Allah.
Not only in peace but also in war Islam prohibits terrorism, kidnapping, and hijacking, when carried against civilians. Whoever commits such violations is considered a murderer in Islam, and is to be punished by the Islamic state. during wars, Islam prohibits Muslim soldiers from harming civilians, women, children, elderly, and the religious men like priests and rabies. It also prohibits cutting down trees and destroying civilian constructions.
The Qur'an, the most fundamental scripture of Islam, teaches sanctity of life, not violence. It enjoins peace, justice, and compassion as basic tenets for all of humankind and condemns violence and aggression in all forms. "God enjoins justice and compassion and giving freely to the next of kin, and forbids lewdness, wickedness and oppression.He admonishes you so that you may take heed" (An-Nahl 16:90).
In a society where human dignity was measured by race, ethnicity, color, status, and wealth, the Qur'an stressed the sacred bond of humanity binding all people. "O mankind, We have created you from a single pair of a male and female, and rendered you nations and tribes so that you might know one another. The most honorable of you in the sight of God is the one who is most conscious of Him. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware" (Al-Hujurat 49:13).
Even the concept of holy war is denounced in Islam because in Islam war can only be characterized as either just or unjust, not holy. The Qur'an permits only a just war, a war waged to remove tyranny and oppression, or in self-defense. The Qur'an is categorical in denouncing all wars of aggression.
"Fight for the sake of Allah those that fight against you, but do not attack them first. Allah does not love aggressors" (Al-Baqarah 2:190)
"Permission [to fight] is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged — and, verily, God has indeed the power to succor them." (Al-Hajj 22:39)
Allah also forbids Muslims from attacking anyone who allows others to live in peace:
"Thus, if they let you be, and do not make war on you, and offer you peace, God does not allow you to harm them." (An-Nisaa' 4:90)
"Hence, if they do not let you be, and do not offer you peace, and do not stay their hands, seize them and slay them whenever you come upon them: for it is against these that We have clearly empowered you [to make war]" (An-Nisaa' 4:91)
I can't stress on this enough that half is what Muslims that are shown in the media aren't doing what they're suppose to be doing. Honestly, they are going against the Prophet's (Peace Be Upon Him) teachings and the Qur'an.
This is what the Holy Book has to say about Jihad in war:
"And fight them until sedition and persecution are no more, and religion is all Allah's. But if they stop, then let there be no hostility except against the transgressors." (Al-Baqarah 2:193)
In the above verses the general Islamic commandment about armed combat is presented. Wars of aggression are specifically forbidden, but to fight self defense is not only allowable, it is an obligation to prevent occurrence of sedition and persecution in the land. This was commanded after the Muslims were thrown out of their own homes, got their belongings stolen and getting killed in Makkah.
"Call to the path of your Lord with wisdom kindly exhortation, and reason with them in the most courteous manner. For your Lord knows best those who have strayed from His path, and He knows best who are rightly-Guided" (Al Nahl 16:125)
The patience and self restraint of the Blessed Prophet were sorely tested:
At battle of Uhud the disbelievers not only killed his uncle Hamza but cut his nose and ears, then they cut out his liver. When the Prophet saw his uncle's body thus disfigured, he threatened retaliation. Then the above verse was revealed, in which the restraint and gentleness which has always been the Islamic way were confirmed and emphasized. When he last entered Makkah in triumph, he caused astonishment by forgiving his enemies.
"O you who believe! Do not Devour your property among yourselves wrongly; but trade by mutual consent, and kill not one another. Surely Allah is Compassionate to you." (Al Nisaa' 4:29)
In a time of war these disciplines were put by the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him):
1) You may not harm a woman, a child or any old person.
2) You may not harm cripples.
3) You may not harm a man that works in the field. (Meaning a person who isn't fighting)
4) You may not cut down trees.
5) Strike only at those who have expelled you, who have stolen your rights, and riched themselves in your possessions.
To be Continued....
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
What is the Religion of Islam?
It's been a while since I've written; it's just been a busy month. It's our month of Ramadan were it is 100% dedicated in developing our spirits to make it stronger and more peaceful by disciplining our lower self. With me, the results have been strikingly successful and there has been amazing change in me and I got learn a lot more about myself. So up till now, it has been a remarkable month.
A little while ago S.R. brought to my attention some really important issues that I think that might have been a misunderstanding of what I was saying in my earlier post. I'll have 2 separate posts clarifying my statement.
1st post: Explaining the Pillars Islam and the Pillars of its creed.
2nd post: Explaining the misconception of the actual word "Jihad" in Islam and Islamic ethics of war.
The Islamic religion is a really simple concept. It's just unfortunate that there are Muslims. That doesn't make them non-Muslim. I have no right and it is against Islamic teachings to make these accusations. I'm just saying that they are misinterpreting major details of the Qur'an. Plus, in my previous post, I wasn't defining the religion of Islam, I was just merely defining the word "Islam"
There are 5 pillars for being a Muslim according to the Prophet (PBUH):
1) Shahada: This Pillar is believing that there is only one God and Mohammad (PBUH) is His Prophet.
2) Salah (Prayer): This Pillar is praying five times a day.
3) Zakah (Charity): Muslims are supposed to give a fixed proportion of their savings for endeavors such as helping the poor.
4) Sawm (Fast): Refraining from food and drink during the month of Ramadan during daylight hours.
5) Hajj (Pilgrimage): This is making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your life, if it can be afforded.
The Islamic Creed and the 7 pillars of faith according to the Prophet (PBUH):
1) Believe in God.
2) Believe in Angels
3) Believe in God's books such as Torah, The Gospel, The Psalms and the Qur'an.)
4) Believe in God's Prophets ( Noah (PBUH), Jonah (PBUH), David (PBUH) Abraham (PBUH), Joseph (PBUH), Moses (PBUH), Jesus (PBUH) and Mohammad (PBUH)), just to name a few.
5) Believe in the Last Day
6) Believe in the Devine Destiny.
We, just like Jews and Christians, do also follow the 10 commandments and as humans we do mistakes. In Arabic the word human is "Insan" which derives from the word "nisyan" which means forgetfulness. Another words, we humans it is in our nature to forget the comandments or we choose to forget them, so we end up doing mistakes. It is only normal. We aren't perfect only the Creator of the Universe is. God is The Most Merciful and Most Compassionate. He forgives us when we do those mistakes if we admit them and if we don't realize we actually did a mistake. Hence we should always ask forgiveness even though we think we might not have made a mistake. In His own words: "My Mercy, comes before My Wrath"
What does Submission to God means in Islam? It's not just praising Him in unison. That's is one part of submission. We have to look at the bigger picture of the meaning of submission in Islam. In simple terms it means follow what God asks you to do. Surely, God does NOT ask of us only to pray for Him. He asks us to work hard on earth, to fix it, make it a better place. Be good to yourself and taking care of ourself and the people around us. Spread love, peace and justice. That's all part of submission. Believe it or not, recreational activities that doesn't conflict with Islamic ethics is considered as submission.
Why you may ask? It's simple… We are brought to earth for a reason and that is to make it a better living place. Help the poor, take care of the needy, clean the environment, help the mistreated, including animals, developing and building on this earth. Etc.. That is our reason of our existence as far as Islam is concerned. It's all about being Proactive.
The Qur'an says:
"Righteousness is not whether you turn your face to the east or to the west, but righteousness is he who believe in God, and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the Prophets; and gives of his wealth for the love of God to relatives orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, and those who ask, and for liberation of slaves and establishes the ritual prayer and pays the Zakah; and those who keep their pledges when they make then, and show patience in hardship and adversity, and times of distress. Such are truthful, and such are God-fearing." (2:177)
In order to be able to keep up with our duties, we need to be mentally, physically and spiritually healthy. So sleeping, eating, reading, learning, exercising, having a good laugh, etc… Any basic human need that helps us to be healthy in every shape and form is considered as a form of worship. Even smiling to another human being is considered a form of worship because it brings happiness to others. As I said earlier anything that feeds our intellect, emotions and spirit, as long as it doesn't conflict Islamic ethics, is considered a form of worship and that is what I meant by "submission" to God.
I hope that clears up the misunderstanding…
A little while ago S.R. brought to my attention some really important issues that I think that might have been a misunderstanding of what I was saying in my earlier post. I'll have 2 separate posts clarifying my statement.
1st post: Explaining the Pillars Islam and the Pillars of its creed.
2nd post: Explaining the misconception of the actual word "Jihad" in Islam and Islamic ethics of war.
The Islamic religion is a really simple concept. It's just unfortunate that there are Muslims. That doesn't make them non-Muslim. I have no right and it is against Islamic teachings to make these accusations. I'm just saying that they are misinterpreting major details of the Qur'an. Plus, in my previous post, I wasn't defining the religion of Islam, I was just merely defining the word "Islam"
There are 5 pillars for being a Muslim according to the Prophet (PBUH):
1) Shahada: This Pillar is believing that there is only one God and Mohammad (PBUH) is His Prophet.
2) Salah (Prayer): This Pillar is praying five times a day.
3) Zakah (Charity): Muslims are supposed to give a fixed proportion of their savings for endeavors such as helping the poor.
4) Sawm (Fast): Refraining from food and drink during the month of Ramadan during daylight hours.
5) Hajj (Pilgrimage): This is making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your life, if it can be afforded.
The Islamic Creed and the 7 pillars of faith according to the Prophet (PBUH):
1) Believe in God.
2) Believe in Angels
3) Believe in God's books such as Torah, The Gospel, The Psalms and the Qur'an.)
4) Believe in God's Prophets ( Noah (PBUH), Jonah (PBUH), David (PBUH) Abraham (PBUH), Joseph (PBUH), Moses (PBUH), Jesus (PBUH) and Mohammad (PBUH)), just to name a few.
5) Believe in the Last Day
6) Believe in the Devine Destiny.
We, just like Jews and Christians, do also follow the 10 commandments and as humans we do mistakes. In Arabic the word human is "Insan" which derives from the word "nisyan" which means forgetfulness. Another words, we humans it is in our nature to forget the comandments or we choose to forget them, so we end up doing mistakes. It is only normal. We aren't perfect only the Creator of the Universe is. God is The Most Merciful and Most Compassionate. He forgives us when we do those mistakes if we admit them and if we don't realize we actually did a mistake. Hence we should always ask forgiveness even though we think we might not have made a mistake. In His own words: "My Mercy, comes before My Wrath"
What does Submission to God means in Islam? It's not just praising Him in unison. That's is one part of submission. We have to look at the bigger picture of the meaning of submission in Islam. In simple terms it means follow what God asks you to do. Surely, God does NOT ask of us only to pray for Him. He asks us to work hard on earth, to fix it, make it a better place. Be good to yourself and taking care of ourself and the people around us. Spread love, peace and justice. That's all part of submission. Believe it or not, recreational activities that doesn't conflict with Islamic ethics is considered as submission.
Why you may ask? It's simple… We are brought to earth for a reason and that is to make it a better living place. Help the poor, take care of the needy, clean the environment, help the mistreated, including animals, developing and building on this earth. Etc.. That is our reason of our existence as far as Islam is concerned. It's all about being Proactive.
The Qur'an says:
"Righteousness is not whether you turn your face to the east or to the west, but righteousness is he who believe in God, and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the Prophets; and gives of his wealth for the love of God to relatives orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, and those who ask, and for liberation of slaves and establishes the ritual prayer and pays the Zakah; and those who keep their pledges when they make then, and show patience in hardship and adversity, and times of distress. Such are truthful, and such are God-fearing." (2:177)
In order to be able to keep up with our duties, we need to be mentally, physically and spiritually healthy. So sleeping, eating, reading, learning, exercising, having a good laugh, etc… Any basic human need that helps us to be healthy in every shape and form is considered as a form of worship. Even smiling to another human being is considered a form of worship because it brings happiness to others. As I said earlier anything that feeds our intellect, emotions and spirit, as long as it doesn't conflict Islamic ethics, is considered a form of worship and that is what I meant by "submission" to God.
I hope that clears up the misunderstanding…
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Islam does not justify Violence
Judaism, Christianity and Islam are all from the same God. We are all the children of Adam. There is no way on earth that God would want violence justified in any shape or form in his name...
I cannot deny that in Islam that is happening but it doesn't make it right. This isn't happening only in Islam, unfortunately, it's also happening with the Jews in Israel but that's a totally different story that I won't get into.
The point is this; Muslim leaders (not any leader of any Arab country because all they care about is power) are falling behind in what they should do to bridge the gap between Muslims and Non-Muslims. That's not the only problem though, for there are some Islamic scholars and Shaykhs who are trying their best to bridge the gap and show the true face of Islam but the western media doesn't concentrate on them... There are people like Amr Khaled, Tarik Swaidan, Habib Ali AlJifry, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson, Shaykh Yusuf Al Qaradawi, Imam Suhaib Webb, Shaykh Abdullah Adhami etc... etc... etc... Whoever is reading this, have you heard of ANY of these people?
Not only scholars and preachers that are working on showing the true image of Islam there are Islamic musicians like Yusuf Islam, Sami Yusuf and others who are working on that...
It's so easy to be take in what you're being fed and follow what you think is right because that is what is being told in the ridiculous propaganda of the western media. Search for the truth and you'll find the truth about Islam... The word itself is derived from Salam which means peace in Arabic and is one of the 99 names of God and it also mean complete submission to Him... Another words, complete submission to peace.
I cannot deny that in Islam that is happening but it doesn't make it right. This isn't happening only in Islam, unfortunately, it's also happening with the Jews in Israel but that's a totally different story that I won't get into.
The point is this; Muslim leaders (not any leader of any Arab country because all they care about is power) are falling behind in what they should do to bridge the gap between Muslims and Non-Muslims. That's not the only problem though, for there are some Islamic scholars and Shaykhs who are trying their best to bridge the gap and show the true face of Islam but the western media doesn't concentrate on them... There are people like Amr Khaled, Tarik Swaidan, Habib Ali AlJifry, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson, Shaykh Yusuf Al Qaradawi, Imam Suhaib Webb, Shaykh Abdullah Adhami etc... etc... etc... Whoever is reading this, have you heard of ANY of these people?
Not only scholars and preachers that are working on showing the true image of Islam there are Islamic musicians like Yusuf Islam, Sami Yusuf and others who are working on that...
It's so easy to be take in what you're being fed and follow what you think is right because that is what is being told in the ridiculous propaganda of the western media. Search for the truth and you'll find the truth about Islam... The word itself is derived from Salam which means peace in Arabic and is one of the 99 names of God and it also mean complete submission to Him... Another words, complete submission to peace.
These people who act violently in the name of God in ANY religion are taking the meaning of their holy book in a serious shallow manner and really aren't understanding the content and what's behind the content.
Terrorism has no religion. I just saw that statement on an Islamic TV channel as I type this post. Unfortunately the west don't see this... I believe there should be amazing Islamic channels in English showing the true faith of Islam just like any other cable TV channel... Maybe people in the west get to see it without too much work to search for it.
People in the west if you truly search you'll find movies and other stuff that show the true face of Islam... Don't search on the internet because you'll find the bad as much as the good. Yes, there is me and other like me on the web but I still prefer to go search deeper. I mean seriously God hates terror in his name and how can a religion's name that means complete submission to Peace (Allah) supports violence? Doesn't make sense... It's not the religion that has the problem, it's the people. PEOPLE are the problem and they use religion as a means of violence... Religion doesn't ask us to be violent...
If you want to ask about Jihad? Well, I'll tell you this, it doesn't mean Holy war... That'll be in a whole other post... Probably right after this one...
Thursday, September 21, 2006
What the Pope said...
I know this post is coming a little too late but I just wanted to think over the whole situation and type something when I'm not soo pissed of at the Pope and the idiots who burned down churches that weren't even Catholic.
Here's the thing... The Pope is suppose to be a man of religion, a man of hope, love and toleration. He didn't show what he's expected to be as a man of religion. Instead, he was talking about long gone history and hate... Why? He's a man of religion not a biased historian. If he wants to talk about Islam being the religion of the sword then what were the crusades all about? The Pope's appology isn't enough, it was very generlized and he didn't exactly explain himself. He just was sorry for being misunderstood which is another insult to us. Just like he made the speech, he needs to applogize fully to what he said.
What ever happened to John Paul's Peace message?
In my personal opinion he had no right to say what he said and that's all I have to say about that.
As for the some of the ignorant Muslims, I'll say.. WAKE UP for crying out loud... The Pope was merely saying "his" opinion it's not even majority of the other Catholics. Why burn down the churches that aren't even catholic and don't take the Pope as their religious leader? WAKE UP and learn that this act even if they were Catholic churches, isn't the way the Prophet (PBUH) would deal with it. WAKE UP from your deadly slumber. Stop being zombies and take Islam seriously and learn about the true ways of the Prophet (PBUH)... Demand the apology from the Pope, I agree but never cause destruction to those who are innocent. Even if they weren't innocent fight them back the exact same way they fight you. Never take a step further unless it is for peace. You have the right to be angery and even show it but do it peacefully.
I truly believe that Muslims are falling short on showing the true face of Islam... I don't want to blame anybody but again WAKE UP, MUSLIMS!! Be good Muslims not by only doing your ritual obligations there are other obligations and that treatment of others and the most important one is seriously getting to know our religion, the Qur'an, the way of the Prophet (PBUH)... Stop allowing your emotions take over and start using your heads that has been idle for way too long. Just WAKE UP!!!
The Prophet's (PBUH) companion, Omar (May Allah be please with him) refused to pray in a church even when a priest invited him to, just because Omar feared that Muslims after him would want to change the church into a masjid... Another words, respect other religions' places of worship. It's the Pope with the problem not the faith nor the Christians...
Peace to all who want peace.
Here's the thing... The Pope is suppose to be a man of religion, a man of hope, love and toleration. He didn't show what he's expected to be as a man of religion. Instead, he was talking about long gone history and hate... Why? He's a man of religion not a biased historian. If he wants to talk about Islam being the religion of the sword then what were the crusades all about? The Pope's appology isn't enough, it was very generlized and he didn't exactly explain himself. He just was sorry for being misunderstood which is another insult to us. Just like he made the speech, he needs to applogize fully to what he said.
What ever happened to John Paul's Peace message?
In my personal opinion he had no right to say what he said and that's all I have to say about that.
As for the some of the ignorant Muslims, I'll say.. WAKE UP for crying out loud... The Pope was merely saying "his" opinion it's not even majority of the other Catholics. Why burn down the churches that aren't even catholic and don't take the Pope as their religious leader? WAKE UP and learn that this act even if they were Catholic churches, isn't the way the Prophet (PBUH) would deal with it. WAKE UP from your deadly slumber. Stop being zombies and take Islam seriously and learn about the true ways of the Prophet (PBUH)... Demand the apology from the Pope, I agree but never cause destruction to those who are innocent. Even if they weren't innocent fight them back the exact same way they fight you. Never take a step further unless it is for peace. You have the right to be angery and even show it but do it peacefully.
I truly believe that Muslims are falling short on showing the true face of Islam... I don't want to blame anybody but again WAKE UP, MUSLIMS!! Be good Muslims not by only doing your ritual obligations there are other obligations and that treatment of others and the most important one is seriously getting to know our religion, the Qur'an, the way of the Prophet (PBUH)... Stop allowing your emotions take over and start using your heads that has been idle for way too long. Just WAKE UP!!!
The Prophet's (PBUH) companion, Omar (May Allah be please with him) refused to pray in a church even when a priest invited him to, just because Omar feared that Muslims after him would want to change the church into a masjid... Another words, respect other religions' places of worship. It's the Pope with the problem not the faith nor the Christians...
Peace to all who want peace.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Another Attack
As you all heard there has been another attack in Syria, this time; it's the US Embassy. The first thing that came to my mind when I heard that is "Oh boy, here we go again" As I said before in similar posts about the attacks on couple of European embassies in Syria, this is totally not acceptable Islamically or anything to do in the name of the Lord of the universe. I'm beyond aggravated at this act. As a Muslim to see this is done in the name of Islam, is totally an insult to me if it's truly done in the name of Islam.
If the Prophet (PBUH) were to see these acts, he'll probably outcast all these "so called" proper Muslims... They do nothing but give Islam a seriously horrifying name. Then whoever has gain from such acts would take advantage of the catastrophic situation to gain whatever they can from it all. It's all sickening... The really agonizing thing to Muslims like me, is that some of these acts aren't even done by Muslims but Muslims are framed so other people get their benefits. It's very easy to take advantage of simply because with the Qa'eda bombing everything they can that has to do with the US. It's extremely easy to add some fabricated acts or violence to the actual acts that are condemned by any descent Muslim worldwide .
I truly don't know what to do... When I feel the situation is getting better something messed up happens and things get worse than when they started... Muslims need to be a whole lot more pro-active, educated, and less secluded... They need to be part of the solution because staying silent is only being part of the problem. Muslims should be heard condemning the non-Islamic violent acts done in their name; bring our name and the teaching of the Prophet (PBUH) down to the ground. The question that I keep asking myself is, "Are we going to be heard, or are we wanted to be heard rather??"
I say no to all violent terrorist acts should be condemned. Though as there are many different point of views of what truly is terrorism... There's a difference between protecting and resisting and then there is terrorism... People have the right to protect their homes and live in peace without occupation. People occupy unjustly they'll get people resisting. It's only cause and effect.
If the Prophet (PBUH) were to see these acts, he'll probably outcast all these "so called" proper Muslims... They do nothing but give Islam a seriously horrifying name. Then whoever has gain from such acts would take advantage of the catastrophic situation to gain whatever they can from it all. It's all sickening... The really agonizing thing to Muslims like me, is that some of these acts aren't even done by Muslims but Muslims are framed so other people get their benefits. It's very easy to take advantage of simply because with the Qa'eda bombing everything they can that has to do with the US. It's extremely easy to add some fabricated acts or violence to the actual acts that are condemned by any descent Muslim worldwide .
I truly don't know what to do... When I feel the situation is getting better something messed up happens and things get worse than when they started... Muslims need to be a whole lot more pro-active, educated, and less secluded... They need to be part of the solution because staying silent is only being part of the problem. Muslims should be heard condemning the non-Islamic violent acts done in their name; bring our name and the teaching of the Prophet (PBUH) down to the ground. The question that I keep asking myself is, "Are we going to be heard, or are we wanted to be heard rather??"
I say no to all violent terrorist acts should be condemned. Though as there are many different point of views of what truly is terrorism... There's a difference between protecting and resisting and then there is terrorism... People have the right to protect their homes and live in peace without occupation. People occupy unjustly they'll get people resisting. It's only cause and effect.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Buying Stuff online...
Ever since I've been using the internet for as long as I remember, I've been buying stuff online. I rarely ran into trouble like frauds, people stealing my credit card info etc... Even with the little problems, I've always been able to resolve the issue. It didn't matter where I was in the world, either, the UAE, USA, Malaysia or Syria, everything was smooth until today.
In Sept 1st I ordered some stuff from Aimcraft everything seemed fine and everything... Then I get this email from Aimcraft telling me that my order is on hold. I'm thinking, why is that? I made sure there's nothing wrong with the credit card and everything. I tried to figure it all out and just today, I got the email telling that the order was canceled and the reason why it was cancelled from the online distribution center that allows the buyers to use credit card to buy from online establishment. This is what it says:
Message by cduncan on Fri, 8th Sep 2006 11:46 am
Greetings,
Thank you for contacting 2Checkout.com. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry. According to our records, this order was canceled because of our OFAC regulations. This order will not be reinstated. If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know.
In Sept 1st I ordered some stuff from Aimcraft everything seemed fine and everything... Then I get this email from Aimcraft telling me that my order is on hold. I'm thinking, why is that? I made sure there's nothing wrong with the credit card and everything. I tried to figure it all out and just today, I got the email telling that the order was canceled and the reason why it was cancelled from the online distribution center that allows the buyers to use credit card to buy from online establishment. This is what it says:
Message by cduncan on Fri, 8th Sep 2006 11:46 am
Greetings,
Thank you for contacting 2Checkout.com. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry. According to our records, this order was canceled because of our OFAC regulations. This order will not be reinstated. If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know.
I was like, what is this OFAC? This is what I came up with:
The Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") of the US Department of the Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on US foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. OFAC acts under Presidential wartime and national emergency powers, as well as authority granted by specific legislation, to impose controls on transactions and freeze foreign assets under US jurisdiction. Many of the sanctions are based on United Nations and other international mandates, are multilateral in scope, and involve close cooperation with allied governments.
This is stupid... Just because I placed the order when I was in Syria, they refused it. Yes, I tell you, it's a real security threat to the US or anywhere in the world to buy skirts from India to be sent to the UAE?!?! Doesn't make sense to me but then again neither does the US foreign policy all together.
Anyways, now that I'm in the UAE, I've used a different credit card to reorder... Till now I've heard nothing, so I'm hoping that it'll work out... I believe there is good relations between the UAE and the US. I don't think I'll have the problem now. Let's see how it'll work though in these coming days.
Friday, September 08, 2006
The Importance of the Qiblah
I was reading something online about the Qiblah and I never really saw it put in a really beautiful sense. I, myself have wondered why does it exist and why Mecca? After reading this piece of info, it as clear to me...
When we begin our prayer, we not only face the House of Allah in Makkah, but we also connect ourselves along an invisible line, forming an axis that proceeds from every point on earth, to the spiritual centre of Islam. Whether we pray alone, or as recommended, we pray in a group, we do so as a part of the great Ummah. Standing and facing the qiblah in our prayers connects us along an invisible line, to every other Muslim on the planet. We become an important link in the huge chain of worshippers who face Makkah at least 5 times each day. If we could go up into space, and look down upon the earth and see all the Muslims praying, we would see a huge flower the size of the earth, opening and closing its millions of petals. Each of those petals represents a Muslim engaged in worship. As well as this, those of us who have been blessed with the invitation from Allah to perform pilgrimage will remember that remarkable sight inside the holy Mosque. There, at prayer times, it is as if a giant flower opens and closes its petals, as Muslims prostrate as one body, in neat and orderly rows, around the Ka`bah.
So, the qiblah is not only about degrees of latitude or longitude on the compass. It is about bringing together every nation, language, race and tribe on this planet, in regular acts of worship linked to a common centre. The qiblah lies at the very heart of the great Ummah of Islam it is the navigational axis that connects every Muslim through the Ka`bah and again to every other Muslim. This is the physical expression of monotheism and unity, the belief in AllahÂ’s oneness; AllahÂ’s Unity. Allah is One, so His Ummah is also one, and our qiblah; our direction for worship, is one.
Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: www.netcomuk.co.uk
A question may arise, why is the Ka`bah appointed as the qiblah? The answer should be that the Ka`bah is the place of the first Muslim community; it is the abode that witnessed the early days of Islam and the footsteps of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In addition, it is the centre of the earth and it is the place wherein the first verses of the Qur'an were received.
Jurists have commented that the Ka`bah, although seen to a certain height, reaches up to the heavens and right down to the bottom of the earth.
Furthermore, the secret in facing toward the direction of the Ka`bah is the spirit of `ibadah (worship), and contentment and serenity of the heart. Without this contentment there would exist no spirit (ruh), which is the reason we are instructed to focus our sight on the place of prostration in prayer so that we may be able to concentrate with both heart and soul.
Taken from Islam Online
What I loved about this is the comparison of the prayer unity, facing the same direction to a flower closing and opening. It's quite romantic... There are a lot of things in Islam that seem very romantic to me. The relationship between the Prophet (PBUH) and his wife Ayesha is probably the most amazing love story ever... Forget Romeo and Juliet... It's not even comparable. Then of course, the relationship we choose with our creator can be the mosaffectionatete and loving of all relationships.
When we begin our prayer, we not only face the House of Allah in Makkah, but we also connect ourselves along an invisible line, forming an axis that proceeds from every point on earth, to the spiritual centre of Islam. Whether we pray alone, or as recommended, we pray in a group, we do so as a part of the great Ummah. Standing and facing the qiblah in our prayers connects us along an invisible line, to every other Muslim on the planet. We become an important link in the huge chain of worshippers who face Makkah at least 5 times each day. If we could go up into space, and look down upon the earth and see all the Muslims praying, we would see a huge flower the size of the earth, opening and closing its millions of petals. Each of those petals represents a Muslim engaged in worship. As well as this, those of us who have been blessed with the invitation from Allah to perform pilgrimage will remember that remarkable sight inside the holy Mosque. There, at prayer times, it is as if a giant flower opens and closes its petals, as Muslims prostrate as one body, in neat and orderly rows, around the Ka`bah.
So, the qiblah is not only about degrees of latitude or longitude on the compass. It is about bringing together every nation, language, race and tribe on this planet, in regular acts of worship linked to a common centre. The qiblah lies at the very heart of the great Ummah of Islam it is the navigational axis that connects every Muslim through the Ka`bah and again to every other Muslim. This is the physical expression of monotheism and unity, the belief in AllahÂ’s oneness; AllahÂ’s Unity. Allah is One, so His Ummah is also one, and our qiblah; our direction for worship, is one.
Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: www.netcomuk.co.uk
A question may arise, why is the Ka`bah appointed as the qiblah? The answer should be that the Ka`bah is the place of the first Muslim community; it is the abode that witnessed the early days of Islam and the footsteps of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In addition, it is the centre of the earth and it is the place wherein the first verses of the Qur'an were received.
Jurists have commented that the Ka`bah, although seen to a certain height, reaches up to the heavens and right down to the bottom of the earth.
Furthermore, the secret in facing toward the direction of the Ka`bah is the spirit of `ibadah (worship), and contentment and serenity of the heart. Without this contentment there would exist no spirit (ruh), which is the reason we are instructed to focus our sight on the place of prostration in prayer so that we may be able to concentrate with both heart and soul.
Taken from Islam Online
What I loved about this is the comparison of the prayer unity, facing the same direction to a flower closing and opening. It's quite romantic... There are a lot of things in Islam that seem very romantic to me. The relationship between the Prophet (PBUH) and his wife Ayesha is probably the most amazing love story ever... Forget Romeo and Juliet... It's not even comparable. Then of course, the relationship we choose with our creator can be the mosaffectionatete and loving of all relationships.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
The Final Decision...
So here's the deal... I'm back in the UAE for now but to go to college but to see my family and organise some thoughts in my head... I was telling this lady in Syria who I totally look up to about my situation because I sincerely do not want to live in the UAE. I send her a text message telling her that things didn't really work out. They said that yes, I'm accepted in the company but not at the moment... They'll let me know once they have a job opening or at least create a position for me, or something of that nature. Anyways, she called me as soon as she read it and then she asked me if I wanted to work with her as a 3rd grade teacher. I was thinking, hey why not? It's a temp job for this year, and who knows I might LOVE it.
So I decided to go to the UAE to take care of my residency and then go back Syria to start doing what I need to be doing... That makes me happy because I'll be doing a lot of the things I love doing that don't get the chance to do here in the UAE. I'm going to be a Voice Over talent, I'll joining this motivtional volunteer program. Plus, I might have deal going with this Lebanese Islamic music band. I already compose a song for them so and the rest is still in the making. So it'll all be good... I'm looking forward to it all... I just feel that my dreams can come true in Syria and in the UAE, it's just cool to make good cash but that's not my aim.
That's it for now.... Wish me luck and I'm going to go pray and Thank God for my blessings...
PEACE!!!
So I decided to go to the UAE to take care of my residency and then go back Syria to start doing what I need to be doing... That makes me happy because I'll be doing a lot of the things I love doing that don't get the chance to do here in the UAE. I'm going to be a Voice Over talent, I'll joining this motivtional volunteer program. Plus, I might have deal going with this Lebanese Islamic music band. I already compose a song for them so and the rest is still in the making. So it'll all be good... I'm looking forward to it all... I just feel that my dreams can come true in Syria and in the UAE, it's just cool to make good cash but that's not my aim.
That's it for now.... Wish me luck and I'm going to go pray and Thank God for my blessings...
PEACE!!!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Weird Job Situation...
It's been a while since I wrote something on here. It's just been an emotionally draining few months and I just couldn't get myself to post anything but here I am babbling some thoughts... At the moment I'm running only on 2 hours sleep. Well, let's hope that I'll be able to change my bio clock so if I get the new job I'll be awake all day long to actually do the work.
So I'm going back to the UAE on Tuesday. Here's the dilemma though, I don't know if I'm going move there, or just go for a visit... I'm traveling day after tomorrow and Hopefully today I'll get to see who I need to see from human resources at the company I'm applying for... It was all a last minute thing because my former boss told me about it a little too late for some odd reason. It's all good though... I believe everything is going to work out well, whether I get the job or not..
I've already done some work for these guys. I mixed some songs and did a voice over; plus my former boss used to work there and is tight with them so he has good things to say about me. Hehehe... Will find out today, at least I seriously hope...
It's really weird how things are happening at the moment... I'm meeting people that work there left and right... It's quite awesome actually, I just have a good feeling about this. My 2 hours prayer session today gave me some sort of sense of serenity for all this. I just want to get this over with because the one thing that I'm worried about is that I'm traveling day after tomorrow and I don't know if I have loads to pack or just the general traveling stuff. I pray that I'll find out today...
If I actually get this job at Star Animation, I believe it'll be amazing, because not only would I be an audio engineer, I'd be an English script editor, an English voice over talent and maybe even a English voice over director, doing shows that would be aired on Islam Channel in Europe and AlResala TV, an Islamic Satellite Channel in the Arab world. So all this is pretty exciting since it'll get me closer to my goal in life.
If all this doesn't work out, I'll just end up going back to the UAE and go back to get my BA in Recording Arts for a year and then figure out what I want to do afterwards.
Pray for me, as I pray all works out...
PEACE!!!
So I'm going back to the UAE on Tuesday. Here's the dilemma though, I don't know if I'm going move there, or just go for a visit... I'm traveling day after tomorrow and Hopefully today I'll get to see who I need to see from human resources at the company I'm applying for... It was all a last minute thing because my former boss told me about it a little too late for some odd reason. It's all good though... I believe everything is going to work out well, whether I get the job or not..
I've already done some work for these guys. I mixed some songs and did a voice over; plus my former boss used to work there and is tight with them so he has good things to say about me. Hehehe... Will find out today, at least I seriously hope...
It's really weird how things are happening at the moment... I'm meeting people that work there left and right... It's quite awesome actually, I just have a good feeling about this. My 2 hours prayer session today gave me some sort of sense of serenity for all this. I just want to get this over with because the one thing that I'm worried about is that I'm traveling day after tomorrow and I don't know if I have loads to pack or just the general traveling stuff. I pray that I'll find out today...
If I actually get this job at Star Animation, I believe it'll be amazing, because not only would I be an audio engineer, I'd be an English script editor, an English voice over talent and maybe even a English voice over director, doing shows that would be aired on Islam Channel in Europe and AlResala TV, an Islamic Satellite Channel in the Arab world. So all this is pretty exciting since it'll get me closer to my goal in life.
If all this doesn't work out, I'll just end up going back to the UAE and go back to get my BA in Recording Arts for a year and then figure out what I want to do afterwards.
Pray for me, as I pray all works out...
PEACE!!!
Friday, August 11, 2006
The Muslim Ummah: Looking on the Bright Side
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Nations are about to scheme against you in the same way as greedy eaters vie with one another on the dining-table.' One of the companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) asked: 'O Messenger of Allah! Will that relate to being few in numbers?' The Prophet said: 'No, but your huge number will be of little effectiveness, and (Allah) will cast Al-Wahan in your hearts.' They said: O Messenger of Allah, what does Al-Wahan mean? He said, 'Your hearts are strongly attached to life luxuries and you feel strong aversion to death." (Reported by Ahmad and Abu-Dawud)
The previous hadith is considered one of the miracles with which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was aided. The hadith refers to what will happen by the end of this world. In other words, it shows the extent of the moral decay that will affect the Muslim Ummah, and will encourage its enemies to haunt it, especially after neglecting Allah’s Commands and ignoring His Prophet’s teachings.
The miracles that Allah Almighty has granted His Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all) to help in delivering their messages are not only rules and regulations from which the Muslim Ummah can seek guidance regarding what is lawful and what is prohibited. Rather, they serve as a means of encouraging the Muslim to bear the sufferings and tribulations of life with patience and perseverance, keeping in mind that Allah will never forsake him.
The words of the hadith show that the state of weakness facing the Muslim Ummah nowadays is transitory.
Unfortunately, the Muslim Ummah’s hands are tied, finding themselves handicapped to put an end to the brutal massacres and mass killing of Muslims in many places of the world, in addition to gross violation of Muslim human rights.
The main reason behind all this can easily be ascribed to forsaking the Islamic umbrella, which encompasses economy, mass media and education, as well as politics.
Every member of Muslim Ummah has a share in this responsibility; it is a collective one. We are together in the same boat and we have to start rowing before it is too late.
Stressing the fact that, despite the sorry state of affairs of Muslim Ummah now, there is a glimmer of hope lying in the future, we would like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by the eminent Muslim scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi:
Some scholars claim that the Doom is approaching and that the darkness looms large and there are troubles on the horizon. Actually, such premonitions bring benefits to none and make things get worse. This leads to the belief that there is no hope for a change or reform and that the coming days carry nothing but bad events. This is, in fact, a very wrong way of thinking and it is plainly a pessimistic approach to life. Muslims are to stick their mind to many glad tidings of the coming victory of Islam, and they should have faith in Allah that the coming days will be more bright and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thus, it is necessary for Muslims to derive from the following glad tidings glimpse of light to fill their hearts with and let despair vanish and fade away. Here are some of the glad tidings mentioned in the Qur’an:
1. Almighty Allah says: (He it is who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion, however much the idolaters may be averse. ) (At-Tawbah 9: 33)
2. Almighty Allah also says: (Fain would they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light however much the disbelievers are averse. ) (As-Saff 61: 8)
In these verses, Almighty Allah makes it clear that at the end sweeping victory and triumph will be for Islam and Allah’s light will cover all corners of the globe.
The Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is also a record of many hadiths that give glad tidings of the coming victory of Islam. Here, we would like to cite some of these hadiths:
1. In his Sahih, Imam Muslim recorded that Thawban quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “Almighty Allah has gathered the earth for me so that I could see all its corners. My nation will rule over all that which Almighty Allah has gathered for me.”
2. Ibn Hibban quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “This matter (i.e., Islam) will spread to cover all area where there is night and day. Allah will never leave a house in a rural area or in urban community without its people being Muslims. Honor is for those who embrace it (i.e., Islam) while disbelievers are doomed to disgrace and humiliation.”
This hadith, along with many others, give us glad tidings that the patch of the Muslim state will expand to cover the whole earth and that the strength of this state will grow and become obvious to all. This also denotes good news for the long-cherished hope of revival of Muslims unity and rebirth of Islamic Caliphate.
Also, there are many other glad tidings in the reality of being a Muslim, for any wise man knows that no falsehood is to remain forever. Life has its ups and downs and days have their own vicissitudes. After hardship comes ease and every cloud has a silver lining. The bitter reality of the Muslim nation will come to an end, and tomorrow will be definitely better than today.
The emergence of the Islamic awakening has breathed in the Muslim nation a sense of confidence and hope in the future. Viewing this awakening as a threat, the enemies of Islam have tried their utmost to suppress it. However, it is Allah’s will that the Muslim awakening will endure all tribulations without being affected. Such movement is worthy of leading the Muslim nation to utter victory once there are leaders who are rightly guided by Almighty Allah and filled with wisdom.
We plea to Allah Almighty to guide the Muslim Ummah back to the right track. This is the only way we can find a place in the modern world where non-Islamic systems impose distorted ideologies in the name of civilization.
The previous hadith is considered one of the miracles with which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was aided. The hadith refers to what will happen by the end of this world. In other words, it shows the extent of the moral decay that will affect the Muslim Ummah, and will encourage its enemies to haunt it, especially after neglecting Allah’s Commands and ignoring His Prophet’s teachings.
The miracles that Allah Almighty has granted His Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all) to help in delivering their messages are not only rules and regulations from which the Muslim Ummah can seek guidance regarding what is lawful and what is prohibited. Rather, they serve as a means of encouraging the Muslim to bear the sufferings and tribulations of life with patience and perseverance, keeping in mind that Allah will never forsake him.
The words of the hadith show that the state of weakness facing the Muslim Ummah nowadays is transitory.
Unfortunately, the Muslim Ummah’s hands are tied, finding themselves handicapped to put an end to the brutal massacres and mass killing of Muslims in many places of the world, in addition to gross violation of Muslim human rights.
The main reason behind all this can easily be ascribed to forsaking the Islamic umbrella, which encompasses economy, mass media and education, as well as politics.
Every member of Muslim Ummah has a share in this responsibility; it is a collective one. We are together in the same boat and we have to start rowing before it is too late.
Stressing the fact that, despite the sorry state of affairs of Muslim Ummah now, there is a glimmer of hope lying in the future, we would like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by the eminent Muslim scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi:
Some scholars claim that the Doom is approaching and that the darkness looms large and there are troubles on the horizon. Actually, such premonitions bring benefits to none and make things get worse. This leads to the belief that there is no hope for a change or reform and that the coming days carry nothing but bad events. This is, in fact, a very wrong way of thinking and it is plainly a pessimistic approach to life. Muslims are to stick their mind to many glad tidings of the coming victory of Islam, and they should have faith in Allah that the coming days will be more bright and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thus, it is necessary for Muslims to derive from the following glad tidings glimpse of light to fill their hearts with and let despair vanish and fade away. Here are some of the glad tidings mentioned in the Qur’an:
1. Almighty Allah says: (He it is who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion, however much the idolaters may be averse. ) (At-Tawbah 9: 33)
2. Almighty Allah also says: (Fain would they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light however much the disbelievers are averse. ) (As-Saff 61: 8)
In these verses, Almighty Allah makes it clear that at the end sweeping victory and triumph will be for Islam and Allah’s light will cover all corners of the globe.
The Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is also a record of many hadiths that give glad tidings of the coming victory of Islam. Here, we would like to cite some of these hadiths:
1. In his Sahih, Imam Muslim recorded that Thawban quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “Almighty Allah has gathered the earth for me so that I could see all its corners. My nation will rule over all that which Almighty Allah has gathered for me.”
2. Ibn Hibban quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “This matter (i.e., Islam) will spread to cover all area where there is night and day. Allah will never leave a house in a rural area or in urban community without its people being Muslims. Honor is for those who embrace it (i.e., Islam) while disbelievers are doomed to disgrace and humiliation.”
This hadith, along with many others, give us glad tidings that the patch of the Muslim state will expand to cover the whole earth and that the strength of this state will grow and become obvious to all. This also denotes good news for the long-cherished hope of revival of Muslims unity and rebirth of Islamic Caliphate.
Also, there are many other glad tidings in the reality of being a Muslim, for any wise man knows that no falsehood is to remain forever. Life has its ups and downs and days have their own vicissitudes. After hardship comes ease and every cloud has a silver lining. The bitter reality of the Muslim nation will come to an end, and tomorrow will be definitely better than today.
The emergence of the Islamic awakening has breathed in the Muslim nation a sense of confidence and hope in the future. Viewing this awakening as a threat, the enemies of Islam have tried their utmost to suppress it. However, it is Allah’s will that the Muslim awakening will endure all tribulations without being affected. Such movement is worthy of leading the Muslim nation to utter victory once there are leaders who are rightly guided by Almighty Allah and filled with wisdom.
We plea to Allah Almighty to guide the Muslim Ummah back to the right track. This is the only way we can find a place in the modern world where non-Islamic systems impose distorted ideologies in the name of civilization.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
بيان عمرو خالد حول الإعتداء الإسرائيلي على لبنان
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
إننا نؤمن أن الله سبحانه وتعالى هو المالك القادر المطلع ينصر المظلومين وينتقم من المعتدين ولذلك فإن أول ما نملكه الآن كشعوب عربية ومسلمة أن نبتهل إليه سبحانه أن يغيث المنكوبين، وأن ينتقم من المعتدين، وإننا نوقن أنه سبحانه يستجيب إذا رفعت الأمة بأكملها أيدي التضرع إلى الله، وتابت إليه توبة نصوحا، ولجأت إليه بصدق وإلحاح، فهو القادر أن ينتقم من المعتدين الظالمين، وينصر المستضعفبن. وإن واجبنا الأول الآن هو التضرع إلى الله بالدعاء وخاصة في وقت السحر. "فدعا ربه أني مغلوب فانتصر، ففتحنا أبواب السماء بماء منهمر، وفجرنا الأرض عيونا فالتقى الماء على أمر قد قدر."
ونحن نرى الطائرات الإسرائيلية تدك قرى ومدن ومدارس ومستشفيات البلد المسالم لبنان، فتقتل نساء وأطفالا، وتستبيح آراض مسالمة، كنا ننتظر رؤية الجيوش العربية والطائرات العربية والصواريخ العربية تدفع الإعتدء الذي يقع على الأرض العربية. فإذا لم تتحرك هذه الجيوش والطائرات والصواريخ، فما هي الحكمة من وجودها إذن؟ ومتي ستتحرك إن لم يكن الآن؟ "وما لكم لا تقاتلون في سبيل الله والمستضعفين من الرجال والنساء والولدان الذين يقولون ربنا أخرجنا من هذه القرية الظالم أهلها واجعل لنا من لدنك وليا واجعل لنا من لدنك نصيرا".
إننا نؤكد جميعا مسلمين وغير مسلمين في كافة أنحاء الأرض أننا في انتظار قيام الهيئات الإغاثية المتخصصة بمد خطوطها فورا دون تردد أو انتظار كي نؤدي ما علينا تجاه إخواننا وأخواتنا وآبائنا وأمهاتنا وأبنائنا وبناتنا في لبنان، فنداوي الجرحى، ونأوي من تهدم بيته، ونواري جثث القتلى. ويؤسفنا أن يكون هذا هو كل ما نملك أن نقدمه في عالم أصبح الحق فيه في جانب ، والقوة في الجانب الآخر.
نتقدم إلى أصحاب الضمائرونتسائل إلى متى سيظل العالم يُمتطى من قبل الإرهابيين وسفكة الدماء والمعتدين؟ لابد من وقفة عالمية
ونحن نرى الطائرات الإسرائيلية تدك قرى ومدن ومدارس ومستشفيات البلد المسالم لبنان، فتقتل نساء وأطفالا، وتستبيح آراض مسالمة، كنا ننتظر رؤية الجيوش العربية والطائرات العربية والصواريخ العربية تدفع الإعتدء الذي يقع على الأرض العربية. فإذا لم تتحرك هذه الجيوش والطائرات والصواريخ، فما هي الحكمة من وجودها إذن؟ ومتي ستتحرك إن لم يكن الآن؟ "وما لكم لا تقاتلون في سبيل الله والمستضعفين من الرجال والنساء والولدان الذين يقولون ربنا أخرجنا من هذه القرية الظالم أهلها واجعل لنا من لدنك وليا واجعل لنا من لدنك نصيرا".
إننا نؤكد جميعا مسلمين وغير مسلمين في كافة أنحاء الأرض أننا في انتظار قيام الهيئات الإغاثية المتخصصة بمد خطوطها فورا دون تردد أو انتظار كي نؤدي ما علينا تجاه إخواننا وأخواتنا وآبائنا وأمهاتنا وأبنائنا وبناتنا في لبنان، فنداوي الجرحى، ونأوي من تهدم بيته، ونواري جثث القتلى. ويؤسفنا أن يكون هذا هو كل ما نملك أن نقدمه في عالم أصبح الحق فيه في جانب ، والقوة في الجانب الآخر.
نتقدم إلى أصحاب الضمائرونتسائل إلى متى سيظل العالم يُمتطى من قبل الإرهابيين وسفكة الدماء والمعتدين؟ لابد من وقفة عالمية
الداعية الإسلامي
عمرو خالد
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
The Need to Vent
I don't even know where to start and I don't know what to say. I just need to vent.
Few days ago my aunt's (Mom's sister) husband had excruciating chest pains. He was rushed to the hospital and as it turns out to be his blood vessels were tearing apart and his blood pressure was decreasing. There wasn't much doctors can do. This afternoon we got the phone call that he had passed away.
My mom rushed down to be with my aunt's side and I wish with all my power to be there for my aunt and my cousins. Since I have Bronchitis, my mom is terrified if I get out of the house, it'll get worse and God forbid, it may be fatal.
So here I am home alone with irritating chest pains as the Qur'an is being recited on TV. I can't even explain how I feel with the physical pain and the emotional pain of not being able to be there for my aunt and my cousins. I need somebody to be near me as well but I feel seriously selfish to ask for that because my aunt needs the family more than I do. Her husband just died. I'm well alive. I don't know what to do or what to feel. I just pray that God gives all of us strength to face our pain whether physical or emotional.
Few days ago my aunt's (Mom's sister) husband had excruciating chest pains. He was rushed to the hospital and as it turns out to be his blood vessels were tearing apart and his blood pressure was decreasing. There wasn't much doctors can do. This afternoon we got the phone call that he had passed away.
My mom rushed down to be with my aunt's side and I wish with all my power to be there for my aunt and my cousins. Since I have Bronchitis, my mom is terrified if I get out of the house, it'll get worse and God forbid, it may be fatal.
So here I am home alone with irritating chest pains as the Qur'an is being recited on TV. I can't even explain how I feel with the physical pain and the emotional pain of not being able to be there for my aunt and my cousins. I need somebody to be near me as well but I feel seriously selfish to ask for that because my aunt needs the family more than I do. Her husband just died. I'm well alive. I don't know what to do or what to feel. I just pray that God gives all of us strength to face our pain whether physical or emotional.
Calling out Muslims!!!
Al Resala TV has asked all Muslims around the world to fast on Thursday August 3rd, 2006 to pray and supplicate to the Creator to help our brothers and sisters in Lebanon and Palestine...
This is the unified prayer for everybody...
This is the unified prayer for everybody...
نص الدعاء
اللهم مُنزل الكتاب, مُجري السحاب, هازم الأحزاب, إهزمهم وانصر المسلمين في لبنان و فلسطين
Here is your chance to help this Ummah. Let us all reach out to The Creator of the universe for we need Him now more than ever. Let us stand united and do something spiritual for this Ummah...
Monday, July 31, 2006
Israel Kills 55 Civilians in Qana
At least 55 people, including 23 children, were killed when Israeli war planes blitzed the southern Lebanese village of Qana on Sunday, July 30, 2006, the scene of a similar Israeli massacre in 1996. Rescue workers had pulled 40 bodies from under the rubble and were searching for more. Red Cross sources said 23 children had died and at least 17 bodies were feared still buried, including seven more children.
These pics are taken from Islam Online
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Protest the Attacks on the Palestinian People and Lebanon - Majed, 7/28/06
These are some photos taken at a demostration against Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Palestine. The protest took place infront of the Israeli consulate in New York , USA
This protest brought people from all faiths,nationalities, sex, age, race and political background to stand united for one cause. The photos speak for themselves.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
From Israel to Lebanon
Just click on the banner to see photos of the war in Lebanon...
WARNING:
Some Photos are very graphic so if you don't have a strong stomach or a strong heart, try not to see the photos. Thank you very much....
PEACE!!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Because This Is the Middle East
'Because This Is the Middle East'
CBS' Schieffer ignores context in Mideast crisis
7/19/06
On July 16, CBS Face the Nation host (and CBS Evening News anchor) Bob Schieffer dedicated the entire Sunday morning news show to the Middle East conflict. In his closing editorial, he adapted a well-known fable in an attempt to explain the causes of the current conflict—or rather, the lack of causes:
Finally today, when the war broke out in the Middle East, the first thing I thought about was the old story of the frog and the scorpion who were trying to cross a river there. The scorpion couldn't swim, the frog was lost. So the scorpion proposed a deal, ‘Give me a ride on your back, and I'll show you the way.’ The frog agreed, and the trip went fine until they got to the middle of the river, and then suddenly the scorpion just stung the frog. As they were sinking, the frog asked, in his dying breath, ‘Why would you do that?’ To which the scorpion replied, ‘Because this is the Middle East.’
Lest there be any doubt about who is the frog and who is the scorpion in that parable, Schieffer went on to spell it out:
It is worth noting that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip did not kidnap that Israeli soldier and provoke all of this because the Israelis were invading Gaza. No, all this happened in the wake of the Israeli withdrawal, which was what the Palestinians supposedly wanted. But this is the Middle East. Why would fundamentalists in Gaza and Lebanon choose to provoke this war at this time? There is no real answer except this is the Middle East.
Schieffer was echoing the media’s conventional wisdom in portraying the Palestinian raid that captured the Israeli soldier as an inexplicable provocation. The New York Times, in a June 29 editorial headlined “Hamas Provokes a Fight,” declared that "the responsibility for this latest escalation rests squarely with Hamas," adding that "an Israeli military response was inevitable."
The media assumption is that in withdrawing from Gaza in September 2005, Israel ended its conflict with at least that portion of Palestine and gave up, as Schieffer put it, "what the Palestinians supposedly wanted." In reality, however, since the pullout and before the recent escalation of violence, at least 144 Palestinians in Gaza had been killed by Israeli forces, often by helicopter gunships, according to a list compiled by the Israeli human rights group B’tselem. Only 31 percent of the people killed were engaged in hostile actions at the time of their deaths, and 25 percent of all those killed were minors.
From the time of the pullout until the recent upsurge in violence, according to B’tselem’s lists, no Israelis were killed by violence emanating from Gaza. Although during this period Palestinian militants launched some 1,000 crude Kasam missiles from Gaza into Israel, no fatalities resulted; at the same time, Israel fired 7,000 to 9,000 heavy artillery shells into Gaza. On June 9, just two weeks before the Hamas raid that killed two Israeli soldiers and captured a third, an apparent Israeli missile strike killed seven members of a Palestinian family picnicking on a Gaza beach, which prompted Hamas to end its 16-month-old informal ceasefire with Israel. (Though Israel has denied responsibility for the killings, a Human Rights Watch investigation strongly challenged the denial, calling the likelihood of Israel not being responsible "remote"; Human Rights Watch, 6/15/06.) Hamas has repeatedly pointed to the Gaza beach incident as one of the central events that prompted its cross-border raid—indeed, Schieffer's own CBS Evening News has reported that claim (CBS Evening News, 6/25/06). Even so, Schieffer seems unable to recall this recent event (see Action Alert, 6/30/06).
Hamas also points to the capture of some of its leaders by Israel as the provocation for its raid. If Israelis had every right, as Schieffer said, to respond with force to the capture of one soldier by Hamas, then how are Palestinians expected to feel about the more than 9,000 prisoners captured and held by Israel—including 342 juveniles and over 700 held without trial (Mandela Center for Human Rights, 4/30/06)?
Moreover, Israel's withdrawal did not remotely give Palestinians "what they wanted." In addition to its continued deadly attacks on Gaza, Israel has continued to control Gaza’s borders and has withheld tens of millions of dollars of tax revenue in response to Hamas’ victory in democratic elections in January 2006. Israel’s actions crippled the Gaza economy and prompting warnings from the U.N. of a looming humanitarian disaster (UNRWA, 7/8/06).
None of this is to say that Hamas, which has regularly ignored the distinction between military and civilian targets, does not share part of the blame for the current crisis. But to act as though Israel had been behaving as a peace-loving neighbor to Gaza until the soldier’s capture is a willful rewriting of very recent history. The most Schieffer can bring himself to say about Israel is this:
Israel had every right to respond, and it did. But again, this is the Middle East, so perhaps a response may have made it all worse by giving moderate Arabs in the region an excuse to distance themselves from Israel.
Israel’s “response” has resulted in the deaths to date of at least 103 Palestinians, while no Israelis have died other than one soldier killed by friendly fire (New York Times, 7/19/06). Meanwhile, Israel has also destroyed Gaza's main power plant and its water system, leaving tens of thousands of Gaza families without access to food, water and medical care (Oxfam, 7/19/06). In Lebanon, Israel has killed over 300 people, the vast majority of them civilians, wounded over 1000 and displaced half a million (MSNBC, 7/19/06). To call such devastation an "excuse" for Arabs to “distance themselves from Israel” is a trivialization of real human suffering.
Why is Bob Schieffer allowed to get away with such shallow, dismissive coverage of complicated and tragic events? Because it’s the Middle East.
ACTION: Please ask Bob Schieffer to accurately report the history and current reality of the conflict in the Middle East.
CONTACT:
Bob Schieffer
Face the Nation
202-457-4481
ftn@cbsnews.com
You can also contact CBS's "Public Eye" ombudsman:
publiceye@cbs.com
- Taken from - www.fair.org
CBS' Schieffer ignores context in Mideast crisis
7/19/06
On July 16, CBS Face the Nation host (and CBS Evening News anchor) Bob Schieffer dedicated the entire Sunday morning news show to the Middle East conflict. In his closing editorial, he adapted a well-known fable in an attempt to explain the causes of the current conflict—or rather, the lack of causes:
Finally today, when the war broke out in the Middle East, the first thing I thought about was the old story of the frog and the scorpion who were trying to cross a river there. The scorpion couldn't swim, the frog was lost. So the scorpion proposed a deal, ‘Give me a ride on your back, and I'll show you the way.’ The frog agreed, and the trip went fine until they got to the middle of the river, and then suddenly the scorpion just stung the frog. As they were sinking, the frog asked, in his dying breath, ‘Why would you do that?’ To which the scorpion replied, ‘Because this is the Middle East.’
Lest there be any doubt about who is the frog and who is the scorpion in that parable, Schieffer went on to spell it out:
It is worth noting that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip did not kidnap that Israeli soldier and provoke all of this because the Israelis were invading Gaza. No, all this happened in the wake of the Israeli withdrawal, which was what the Palestinians supposedly wanted. But this is the Middle East. Why would fundamentalists in Gaza and Lebanon choose to provoke this war at this time? There is no real answer except this is the Middle East.
Schieffer was echoing the media’s conventional wisdom in portraying the Palestinian raid that captured the Israeli soldier as an inexplicable provocation. The New York Times, in a June 29 editorial headlined “Hamas Provokes a Fight,” declared that "the responsibility for this latest escalation rests squarely with Hamas," adding that "an Israeli military response was inevitable."
The media assumption is that in withdrawing from Gaza in September 2005, Israel ended its conflict with at least that portion of Palestine and gave up, as Schieffer put it, "what the Palestinians supposedly wanted." In reality, however, since the pullout and before the recent escalation of violence, at least 144 Palestinians in Gaza had been killed by Israeli forces, often by helicopter gunships, according to a list compiled by the Israeli human rights group B’tselem. Only 31 percent of the people killed were engaged in hostile actions at the time of their deaths, and 25 percent of all those killed were minors.
From the time of the pullout until the recent upsurge in violence, according to B’tselem’s lists, no Israelis were killed by violence emanating from Gaza. Although during this period Palestinian militants launched some 1,000 crude Kasam missiles from Gaza into Israel, no fatalities resulted; at the same time, Israel fired 7,000 to 9,000 heavy artillery shells into Gaza. On June 9, just two weeks before the Hamas raid that killed two Israeli soldiers and captured a third, an apparent Israeli missile strike killed seven members of a Palestinian family picnicking on a Gaza beach, which prompted Hamas to end its 16-month-old informal ceasefire with Israel. (Though Israel has denied responsibility for the killings, a Human Rights Watch investigation strongly challenged the denial, calling the likelihood of Israel not being responsible "remote"; Human Rights Watch, 6/15/06.) Hamas has repeatedly pointed to the Gaza beach incident as one of the central events that prompted its cross-border raid—indeed, Schieffer's own CBS Evening News has reported that claim (CBS Evening News, 6/25/06). Even so, Schieffer seems unable to recall this recent event (see Action Alert, 6/30/06).
Hamas also points to the capture of some of its leaders by Israel as the provocation for its raid. If Israelis had every right, as Schieffer said, to respond with force to the capture of one soldier by Hamas, then how are Palestinians expected to feel about the more than 9,000 prisoners captured and held by Israel—including 342 juveniles and over 700 held without trial (Mandela Center for Human Rights, 4/30/06)?
Moreover, Israel's withdrawal did not remotely give Palestinians "what they wanted." In addition to its continued deadly attacks on Gaza, Israel has continued to control Gaza’s borders and has withheld tens of millions of dollars of tax revenue in response to Hamas’ victory in democratic elections in January 2006. Israel’s actions crippled the Gaza economy and prompting warnings from the U.N. of a looming humanitarian disaster (UNRWA, 7/8/06).
None of this is to say that Hamas, which has regularly ignored the distinction between military and civilian targets, does not share part of the blame for the current crisis. But to act as though Israel had been behaving as a peace-loving neighbor to Gaza until the soldier’s capture is a willful rewriting of very recent history. The most Schieffer can bring himself to say about Israel is this:
Israel had every right to respond, and it did. But again, this is the Middle East, so perhaps a response may have made it all worse by giving moderate Arabs in the region an excuse to distance themselves from Israel.
Israel’s “response” has resulted in the deaths to date of at least 103 Palestinians, while no Israelis have died other than one soldier killed by friendly fire (New York Times, 7/19/06). Meanwhile, Israel has also destroyed Gaza's main power plant and its water system, leaving tens of thousands of Gaza families without access to food, water and medical care (Oxfam, 7/19/06). In Lebanon, Israel has killed over 300 people, the vast majority of them civilians, wounded over 1000 and displaced half a million (MSNBC, 7/19/06). To call such devastation an "excuse" for Arabs to “distance themselves from Israel” is a trivialization of real human suffering.
Why is Bob Schieffer allowed to get away with such shallow, dismissive coverage of complicated and tragic events? Because it’s the Middle East.
ACTION: Please ask Bob Schieffer to accurately report the history and current reality of the conflict in the Middle East.
CONTACT:
Bob Schieffer
Face the Nation
202-457-4481
ftn@cbsnews.com
You can also contact CBS's "Public Eye" ombudsman:
publiceye@cbs.com
- Taken from - www.fair.org
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Jews aren't hated,The Zionists are...
Let me clear something up here. Muslims don't hate the Jewsish people. The ones that do are simply ignorant. For crying out loud we have the same Prophets and we both follow the 10 commandments.
Click here for The Ten Commandments & The confirmation in the Qur'an.
Click on the actual commandments to get a clearer view.
"Surely We revealed the Taurat in which was guidance and light; with it the prophets who submitted themselves (to God) judged (matters) for those who were Jews, and the masters of Divine knowledge and the doctors, because they were required to guard (part) of the Book of God, and they were witnesses thereof; therefore fear not the people and fear Me, and do not take a small price for My communications; and whoever did not judge by what God revealed, those are they that are the unbelievers."
-(Qur'an 5:44)
Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
-(Qur'an 2:62 )
Click here for The Ten Commandments & The confirmation in the Qur'an.
Click on the actual commandments to get a clearer view.
"Surely We revealed the Taurat in which was guidance and light; with it the prophets who submitted themselves (to God) judged (matters) for those who were Jews, and the masters of Divine knowledge and the doctors, because they were required to guard (part) of the Book of God, and they were witnesses thereof; therefore fear not the people and fear Me, and do not take a small price for My communications; and whoever did not judge by what God revealed, those are they that are the unbelievers."
-(Qur'an 5:44)
Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
-(Qur'an 2:62 )
The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) honored Jews, married a Jewish wife, forbade forced conversions of Jews, always bowed in respect when a Jewish funeral passed, and promised that good and faithful Jews would go to Paradise just as good Muslims and Christians would, and that the Jews would have their Holy Place in the west (meaning Jerusalem) while Muslims would have their Holy Place in the East (meaning Mecca).
The problem is not Jews, in matter facts according to the Jews themselves as well, The Zionist movement is the problem...
This is what some Jews have to say,
"Contrary to common perception, Jewish anti-Zionism is not restricted exclusively to the well know Jewish anti-Zionist movements such as Satmar and Neturei Karta.
There are in fact many Jewish movements, groups and organizations whose ideology regarding Zionism and the so-called "State of Israel" is that of the unadulterated Torah position that any form of Zionism is heresy and that the existence of the so-called "State of Israel" is illegitimate.
No one has had to create any antagonism between our Torah and Zionism because such antagonism exists by virtue of the essence of Judaism itself, which can never tolerate the heresy of Zionism.
Zionism is wrong from the Torah viewpoint, not because many of its adherents are lax in practice or even anti-religious, but because its fundamental principle conflicts with the Torah.
Unfortunately, due to many undesirable factors, the view of Torah-true Jewry has been concealed from the general public."
- taken from http://www.jewsnotzionists.org/index.htm
Thank you very much...
Peace...
Monday, July 17, 2006
Syrian Bloggers: Today, we are all Lebanese
I
Today, we are all Lebanese.
Lebanon has been sentenced to death. On Wednesday 12 July, she was put in prison, and now she's being tortured.
Israel's war is with Lebanon's civilians, not Hizbollah. Nearly every person killed has been a civilian. Power stations, bridges and petrol stations have been targeted. Israel has warned residents to get out of certain villages, but bombed roads to make it difficult - and refugee
convoys have been picked out for deadly air raids.
And getting out of the country is impossible now too. The airport has been destroyed, the sea ports are blockaded, and the border posts and highways have been razed to the ground.
Lebanon is held hostage to the angry Israeli war machine. And now more than ever, Syrians bloggers, just like every Syrian stand by her.
Another generation of Lebanese will know nothing but war. We can't let this happen, Again.
Today, we are all Lebanese.Lebanon has been sentenced to death. On Wednesday 12 July, she was put in prison, and now she's being tortured.
Israel's war is with Lebanon's civilians, not Hizbollah. Nearly every person killed has been a civilian. Power stations, bridges and petrol stations have been targeted. Israel has warned residents to get out of certain villages, but bombed roads to make it difficult - and refugee
convoys have been picked out for deadly air raids.And getting out of the country is impossible now too. The airport has been destroyed, the sea ports are blockaded, and the border posts and highways have been razed to the ground.
Lebanon is held hostage to the angry Israeli war machine. And now more than ever, Syrians bloggers, just like every Syrian stand by her.Another generation of Lebanese will know nothing but war. We can't let this happen, Again.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Bridging the Gap Through Children
Hello once again Syrians... I need a HUGE favor from any Syria that is willing to help. So here goes...
I've been told that there are a group of Danish people (A reporter, photographer, school teacher and a musician) are coming to Syria to learn about Syrian children culture.
These Danes are trying to create a program that can be taught in Danish schools. They want to have a CD of Arabic children's music and a book about Arab Children with pictures. This is used to bridge the gap between the two cultures. They want to show there is no difference between Arabs and the Westerners.
They are traveling all over the Middle East and now they are in Syria till Thursday night (July 13th)... They want to meet with families to get material for the book they're working on. Do you know of any families with young children that are willing to meet with them?
If you are interested or know anybody that can help or need to know more information you can email me at stellar101@gmail.com
Hope to hear from you guys soon...
Salamat...
I've been told that there are a group of Danish people (A reporter, photographer, school teacher and a musician) are coming to Syria to learn about Syrian children culture.
These Danes are trying to create a program that can be taught in Danish schools. They want to have a CD of Arabic children's music and a book about Arab Children with pictures. This is used to bridge the gap between the two cultures. They want to show there is no difference between Arabs and the Westerners.
They are traveling all over the Middle East and now they are in Syria till Thursday night (July 13th)... They want to meet with families to get material for the book they're working on. Do you know of any families with young children that are willing to meet with them?
If you are interested or know anybody that can help or need to know more information you can email me at stellar101@gmail.com
Hope to hear from you guys soon...
Salamat...
Sunday, July 09, 2006
A New Muslim...
When a devoted Muslim receives this kind of email, he/she will be beyond ecstatic and I mean beyond the believable.
Sobhan Allah, I met this lady who wrote me this email, as you see below, on Couch Surfing... She is traveling to Syria and neighboring countries to learn about Islam since she already started to learn for a while now and now wanted to check out Islamic countries. I had to help her out it every way possible. So I contacted her and after a few emails, some chatting on MSN messenger and answering a few questions of hers, I got this email, ElHamdullah (Thank God)
Well Sara ...
Something truly amazing happened to me today!
I said out loud the Shahada and really believed what I was saying!
Next week I start a new placement for 4 weeks ... do you believe this ... there is a Mosque on the same road as where I'm working ... that can't be a coincidence ... so I'm going to contact them and ask for their advice on what to do next (I'm not going to tell my family for the moment I've decided)!!!
I'm seriously happy for this lady and I can't wait till she comes to Syria to help her some more.
Sobhan Allah, I met this lady who wrote me this email, as you see below, on Couch Surfing... She is traveling to Syria and neighboring countries to learn about Islam since she already started to learn for a while now and now wanted to check out Islamic countries. I had to help her out it every way possible. So I contacted her and after a few emails, some chatting on MSN messenger and answering a few questions of hers, I got this email, ElHamdullah (Thank God)
Well Sara ...
Something truly amazing happened to me today!
I said out loud the Shahada and really believed what I was saying!
Next week I start a new placement for 4 weeks ... do you believe this ... there is a Mosque on the same road as where I'm working ... that can't be a coincidence ... so I'm going to contact them and ask for their advice on what to do next (I'm not going to tell my family for the moment I've decided)!!!
I'm seriously happy for this lady and I can't wait till she comes to Syria to help her some more.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Black Flag
A black flag hangs over the "rolling" operation in Gaza. The more the operation "rolls," the darker the flag becomes. The "summer rains" we are showering on Gaza are not only pointless, but are first and foremost blatantly illegitimate. It is not legitimate to cut off 750,000 people from electricity. It is not legitimate to call on 20,000 people to run from their homes and turn their towns into ghost towns. It is not legitimate to penetrate Syria's airspace. It is not legitimate to kidnap half a government and a quarter of a parliament.
A state that takes such steps is no longer distinguishable from a terror organization. The harsher the steps, the more monstrous and stupid they become, the more the moral underpinnings for them are removed and the stronger the impression that the Israeli government has lost its nerve. Now one must hope that the weekend lull, whether initiated by Egypt or the prime minister, and in any case to the dismay of Channel 2's Roni Daniel and the IDF, will lead to a radical change.
Everything must be done to win Gilad Shalit's release. What we are doing now in Gaza has nothing to do with freeing him. It is a widescale act of vengeance, the kind that the IDF and Shin Bet have wanted to conduct for some time, mostly motivated by the deep frustration that the army commanders feel about their impotence against the Qassams and the daring Palestinian guerilla raid. There's a huge gap between the army unleashing its frustration and a clever and legitimate operation to free the kidnapped soldier.
To prevent the army from running as amok as it would like, a strong and judicious political echelon is required. But facing off against the frustrated army is Ehud Olmert and Amir Peretz's tyro regime, weak and happless. Until the weekend lull, it appeared that each step proposed by the army and Shin Bet had been immediately approved for backing. That does not bode well, not only for the chances of freeing Shalit, but also for the future management of the government, which is being revealed to be as weak as the Hamas government.
The only wise and restrained voice heard so far was that of the soldier's father, Noam Shalit, of all people. That noble man called at what is clearly his most difficult hour, not for stridency and not for further damage done to the lives of soldiers and innocent Palestinians. Against the background of the IDF's unrestrained actions and the arrogant bragging of the latest macho spokesmen, Maj. Gen. Yoav Gallant of the Southern Command and Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos Gilad, Shalit's father's voice stood out like a voice crying in the wilderness.
Sending tens of thousands of miserable inhabitants running from their homes, dozens of kilometers from where his son is supposedly hidden, and cutting off the electricity to hundreds of thousands of others, is certainly not what he meant in his understated emotional pleas. It's a shame nobody is listening to him, of all people.
The legitimate basis for the IDF's operation was stripped away the moment it began. It's no accident that nobody mentions the day before the attack on the Kerem Shalom fort, when the IDF kidnapped two civilians, a doctor and his brother, from their home in Gaza. The difference between us and them? We kidnapped civilians and they captured a soldier, we are a state and they are a terror organization. How ridiculously pathetic Amos Gilad sounds when he says that the capture of Shalit was "illegitimate and illegal," unlike when the IDF grabs civilians from their homes. How can a senior official in the defense ministry claim that "the head of the snake" is in Damascus, when the IDF uses the exact same methods?
True, when the IDF and Shin Bet grab civilians from their homes - and they do so often - it is not to murder them later. But sometimes they are killed on the doorsteps of their homes, although it is not necessary, and sometimes they are grabbed to serve as "bargaining chips," like in Lebanon and now, with the Palestinian legislators. What an uproar there would be if the Palestinians had grabbed half the members of the Israeli government. How would we label them?
Collective punishment is illegitimate and it does not have a smidgeon of intelligence. Where will the inhabitants of Beit Hanun run? With typical hardheartedness the military reporters say they were not "expelled" but that it was "recommended" they leave, for the benefit, of course, of those running for their lives. And what will this inhumane step lead to? Support for the Israeli government? Their enlistment as informants and collaborators for the Shin Bet? Can the miserable farmers of Beit Hanun and Beit Lahia do anything about the Qassam rocket-launching cells? Will bombing an already destroyed airport do anything to free the soldier or was it just to decorate the headlines?
Did anyone think about what would have happened if Syrian planes had managed to down one of the Israeli planes that brazenly buzzed their president's palace? Would we have declared war on Syria? Another "legitimate war"? Will the blackout of Gaza bring down the Hamas government or cause the population to rally around it? And even if the Hamas government falls, as Washington wants, what will happen on the day after? These are questions for which nobody has any real answers. As usual here: Quiet, we're shooting. But this time we are not only shooting. We are bombing and shelling, darkening and destroying, imposing a siege and kidnapping like the worst of terrorists and nobody breaks the silence to ask, what the hell for, and according to what right?
- Gideon Levy
A state that takes such steps is no longer distinguishable from a terror organization. The harsher the steps, the more monstrous and stupid they become, the more the moral underpinnings for them are removed and the stronger the impression that the Israeli government has lost its nerve. Now one must hope that the weekend lull, whether initiated by Egypt or the prime minister, and in any case to the dismay of Channel 2's Roni Daniel and the IDF, will lead to a radical change.
Everything must be done to win Gilad Shalit's release. What we are doing now in Gaza has nothing to do with freeing him. It is a widescale act of vengeance, the kind that the IDF and Shin Bet have wanted to conduct for some time, mostly motivated by the deep frustration that the army commanders feel about their impotence against the Qassams and the daring Palestinian guerilla raid. There's a huge gap between the army unleashing its frustration and a clever and legitimate operation to free the kidnapped soldier.
To prevent the army from running as amok as it would like, a strong and judicious political echelon is required. But facing off against the frustrated army is Ehud Olmert and Amir Peretz's tyro regime, weak and happless. Until the weekend lull, it appeared that each step proposed by the army and Shin Bet had been immediately approved for backing. That does not bode well, not only for the chances of freeing Shalit, but also for the future management of the government, which is being revealed to be as weak as the Hamas government.
The only wise and restrained voice heard so far was that of the soldier's father, Noam Shalit, of all people. That noble man called at what is clearly his most difficult hour, not for stridency and not for further damage done to the lives of soldiers and innocent Palestinians. Against the background of the IDF's unrestrained actions and the arrogant bragging of the latest macho spokesmen, Maj. Gen. Yoav Gallant of the Southern Command and Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos Gilad, Shalit's father's voice stood out like a voice crying in the wilderness.
Sending tens of thousands of miserable inhabitants running from their homes, dozens of kilometers from where his son is supposedly hidden, and cutting off the electricity to hundreds of thousands of others, is certainly not what he meant in his understated emotional pleas. It's a shame nobody is listening to him, of all people.
The legitimate basis for the IDF's operation was stripped away the moment it began. It's no accident that nobody mentions the day before the attack on the Kerem Shalom fort, when the IDF kidnapped two civilians, a doctor and his brother, from their home in Gaza. The difference between us and them? We kidnapped civilians and they captured a soldier, we are a state and they are a terror organization. How ridiculously pathetic Amos Gilad sounds when he says that the capture of Shalit was "illegitimate and illegal," unlike when the IDF grabs civilians from their homes. How can a senior official in the defense ministry claim that "the head of the snake" is in Damascus, when the IDF uses the exact same methods?
True, when the IDF and Shin Bet grab civilians from their homes - and they do so often - it is not to murder them later. But sometimes they are killed on the doorsteps of their homes, although it is not necessary, and sometimes they are grabbed to serve as "bargaining chips," like in Lebanon and now, with the Palestinian legislators. What an uproar there would be if the Palestinians had grabbed half the members of the Israeli government. How would we label them?
Collective punishment is illegitimate and it does not have a smidgeon of intelligence. Where will the inhabitants of Beit Hanun run? With typical hardheartedness the military reporters say they were not "expelled" but that it was "recommended" they leave, for the benefit, of course, of those running for their lives. And what will this inhumane step lead to? Support for the Israeli government? Their enlistment as informants and collaborators for the Shin Bet? Can the miserable farmers of Beit Hanun and Beit Lahia do anything about the Qassam rocket-launching cells? Will bombing an already destroyed airport do anything to free the soldier or was it just to decorate the headlines?
Did anyone think about what would have happened if Syrian planes had managed to down one of the Israeli planes that brazenly buzzed their president's palace? Would we have declared war on Syria? Another "legitimate war"? Will the blackout of Gaza bring down the Hamas government or cause the population to rally around it? And even if the Hamas government falls, as Washington wants, what will happen on the day after? These are questions for which nobody has any real answers. As usual here: Quiet, we're shooting. But this time we are not only shooting. We are bombing and shelling, darkening and destroying, imposing a siege and kidnapping like the worst of terrorists and nobody breaks the silence to ask, what the hell for, and according to what right?
- Gideon Levy
Friday, June 30, 2006
With my Own Two Hands
A while back I bought Jack Johnson's Curious George soundtrack when I was back in the UAE. It is by far one of the most beautiful albums my ears ever heard. The simple music, the striking lyrics and Jack Johnson's warm voice is just perfect for my taste of serenity. Another thing I find fascinating about the album is that it's perfect for kids to listen to it and learn from the lessons sung. One song in particular caught my attention; Ben Harper's "With My Own Two Hands"
The new version that was featured on this album just expresses what I've been trying to express all my life. It simply is me and all I want to be. I just love the straightforwardness of the music and lyrics.
I can change the word
With my own two hands
Make it a better place
With my own two hands
Make it a kinder place
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I can make peace on earth
With my own two hands
I can clean up the earth
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I'm going to make it a brighter place
With my own two hands
I'm going to make it a safer place
With my own two hands
I'm going to help the human race
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I can hold you
With my own two hands
I can comfort you
With my own two hands
But you've got to use
Use your own two hands
Use your own
Use your own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
If children learn to sing along to that and learn this priceless virtue of knowing that we can able to work together to make a better place on earth, then this song would've done it's purpose.
Of course, along with our two hands, help and guidance from Allah (SWT) would be just an extraordinary combination to make this world a better place. For the creator of mankind and the universe knows best and has all power to give us strength to make things happen for us and the world around us.
The new version that was featured on this album just expresses what I've been trying to express all my life. It simply is me and all I want to be. I just love the straightforwardness of the music and lyrics.
I can change the word
With my own two hands
Make it a better place
With my own two hands
Make it a kinder place
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I can make peace on earth
With my own two hands
I can clean up the earth
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I'm going to make it a brighter place
With my own two hands
I'm going to make it a safer place
With my own two hands
I'm going to help the human race
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I can hold you
With my own two hands
I can comfort you
With my own two hands
But you've got to use
Use your own two hands
Use your own
Use your own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
If children learn to sing along to that and learn this priceless virtue of knowing that we can able to work together to make a better place on earth, then this song would've done it's purpose.
Of course, along with our two hands, help and guidance from Allah (SWT) would be just an extraordinary combination to make this world a better place. For the creator of mankind and the universe knows best and has all power to give us strength to make things happen for us and the world around us.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
What now?
Every experience comes with a lesson but I still haven't figured this one experience out yet. When I first started out in my current job I was beyond ecstatic. It was my dream job I've ever imagined. Everything was going great. My boss was the greatest, the nature of my work was amazing, the timing was just the best. I couldn't ask for better.
Now I can't help but wonder. I moved from the UAE especially to get that kind of job here in Syria. Since I was freelance and I've been not doing anything for over a month sitting at home doing nothing. Right before that I worked on an amazing and fun project. Most of the time before that, I'd be at home doing nothing. I didn't travel to live alone, do nothing and get no paycheck at the end of the month. This is getting to be a seriously frustrating situation. If I'm not productive and actually accomplishing something, I'm not going to be a happy person.I am the kind that needs to see that my work is making some sort of difference in the world. When I feel I'm stuck going nowhere, I go crazy and freak out. Being unemployed and unproductive is out of the question.
One of things that I despise is sitting doing nothing. I feel useless and worthless. All my insecurities come bursting out. It's actually physically painful. I can't even sleep well at night. I know this might sound like I'm exaggerating but I'm not.
I have no idea what to do next. I have a choice to go back to college for year to get my BA. I even applied for a job in the same college, maybe I can work and finish my studies, so I won't lose any time on getting working experience.
Since I didn't get to go to Egypt a few weeks ago, I still need to go there to check out work and Insha'Allah (If God Permits it) I'll be able to start my career there as either a musician or Audio Engineer or anything in the field. I know people there that might be able to help me out to at least know where to apply. That's the least I ask for.
We'll see how all this would go. I just need prayers and good positive vibes from all people that care. I desperately need it.
I pray for guidance.
I pray for solace.
I pray for assurance.
I pray for strength.
I pray for faith.
Now I can't help but wonder. I moved from the UAE especially to get that kind of job here in Syria. Since I was freelance and I've been not doing anything for over a month sitting at home doing nothing. Right before that I worked on an amazing and fun project. Most of the time before that, I'd be at home doing nothing. I didn't travel to live alone, do nothing and get no paycheck at the end of the month. This is getting to be a seriously frustrating situation. If I'm not productive and actually accomplishing something, I'm not going to be a happy person.I am the kind that needs to see that my work is making some sort of difference in the world. When I feel I'm stuck going nowhere, I go crazy and freak out. Being unemployed and unproductive is out of the question.
One of things that I despise is sitting doing nothing. I feel useless and worthless. All my insecurities come bursting out. It's actually physically painful. I can't even sleep well at night. I know this might sound like I'm exaggerating but I'm not.
I have no idea what to do next. I have a choice to go back to college for year to get my BA. I even applied for a job in the same college, maybe I can work and finish my studies, so I won't lose any time on getting working experience.
Since I didn't get to go to Egypt a few weeks ago, I still need to go there to check out work and Insha'Allah (If God Permits it) I'll be able to start my career there as either a musician or Audio Engineer or anything in the field. I know people there that might be able to help me out to at least know where to apply. That's the least I ask for.
We'll see how all this would go. I just need prayers and good positive vibes from all people that care. I desperately need it.
I pray for guidance.
I pray for solace.
I pray for assurance.
I pray for strength.
I pray for faith.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Coming back Early...
Here I am coming back much earlier to Syria a lot earlier than I thought. I really don't want to come back and live my old disgusting routine. The only thing that'll make this a lot easier is that my mom is coming down and would be staying till August. That should take some crap off of me.
I still have seriously mixed feeling towards Syria. My job situation isn't getting any better and I don't think staying in that company is going to do me much in developing my career sitting at home most of the time doing nothing. I get no pay and I learn jack.
I've decided to go back to college next year. I'll be moving once again, this time to either London or Dubai (haven't decided yet) for a year to get my audio engineering BA. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a job as well at SAE (School of Audio Engineering) That way I wouldn't miss out on the working experience while I'm in that year of college. What happens once I graduate, I'm not too sure yet. A friend of mine told me that there might be a new Islamic Entertainment satellite channel opening by that time. I think I might apply for a job there and see where that takes me.
Other than that, I still have to talk to people I know about my music, maybe I can get that going as well. I think it'll be amazing if I get it published. My trip to Egypt is postponed but doesn't mean I can't talk to other people who might be help me who know other people. I'll see where all this might lead me.
I just need to find a really awesome web designer to start my own website where I can promote my own music. I have some cool ideas that might get this going. Woohoo. I'm getting all excited just thinking about it. Well good luck for me and in God's will all would work out in the end.
I still have seriously mixed feeling towards Syria. My job situation isn't getting any better and I don't think staying in that company is going to do me much in developing my career sitting at home most of the time doing nothing. I get no pay and I learn jack.
I've decided to go back to college next year. I'll be moving once again, this time to either London or Dubai (haven't decided yet) for a year to get my audio engineering BA. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a job as well at SAE (School of Audio Engineering) That way I wouldn't miss out on the working experience while I'm in that year of college. What happens once I graduate, I'm not too sure yet. A friend of mine told me that there might be a new Islamic Entertainment satellite channel opening by that time. I think I might apply for a job there and see where that takes me.
Other than that, I still have to talk to people I know about my music, maybe I can get that going as well. I think it'll be amazing if I get it published. My trip to Egypt is postponed but doesn't mean I can't talk to other people who might be help me who know other people. I'll see where all this might lead me.
I just need to find a really awesome web designer to start my own website where I can promote my own music. I have some cool ideas that might get this going. Woohoo. I'm getting all excited just thinking about it. Well good luck for me and in God's will all would work out in the end.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Silly Coincidence.
I know this might be silly to share but I just thought I'd share the coincidence. I was searching for some info about what movies theaters are playing the Da Vinci Code here in the UAE and I got this from an English teaching site that I found while searching online. The Ironic thing is that I bought a new CD, actually 3 CD's, the other day I am going to Africa soon. Hehehehe...
infinitive of purpose
The infinitive with to is used to talk about people's purposes, the reasons why they do things.
*Sara is going to the shop to buy a new CD. (= because she wants to buy a new CD)
* I'm going to Africa to have a vacation. (= because I want to have a vacation)
Do not use "for" before the infinitive of purpose!
* Sara is going to the shop for to buy a new CD.
* I'm going to Africa for to have a vacation
infinitive of purpose
The infinitive with to is used to talk about people's purposes, the reasons why they do things.
*Sara is going to the shop to buy a new CD. (= because she wants to buy a new CD)
* I'm going to Africa to have a vacation. (= because I want to have a vacation)
Do not use "for" before the infinitive of purpose!
* Sara is going to the shop for to buy a new CD.
* I'm going to Africa for to have a vacation
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Finally
So the day has finally come... I'm actually going back to the UAE to visit my parents and my kitties. YAY!! Oddly enough, I'm traveling in 8 hours and I still didn't pack. Bleh... I really don't like it. It's a drag. Well, it's a good thing that I don't have much to pack.
Everything is good. Finally found a home for my little rascal, my place is sorta tidy. It'll be more tidy once I pack my stuff that is all over the place.
YAY!! I'm excited and very sleepy.. Hence I can't think of anything to write.
So good nigh
Zzzzzz....
Everything is good. Finally found a home for my little rascal, my place is sorta tidy. It'll be more tidy once I pack my stuff that is all over the place.
YAY!! I'm excited and very sleepy.. Hence I can't think of anything to write.
So good nigh
Zzzzzz....
Monday, May 22, 2006
My Conclusion.
Human nature is quite interesting with all its complexes. I've been surprising myself how I'm really aware of how I'm behaving and why I am behaving the way I am. It's not good enough though. I'm being reactive more than proactive simply because, it's easier to handle even though I know that the consequences are relentless. Maybe it's something I'm used to and is what everybody around me seems to be doing. I guess, I'm just comfortable, not really absorbing the concept of the consequence.
One of things thing I really am not enjoy in particular is letting my anger out on somebody who doesn't deserve it at all. It's all because I don't feel he understands. I have to explain everything to him thoroughly again and again. Then I don't know how I end up listening about his things. This guy is one of the most loving human beings on earth but I need more. I feel disconnected as it is and he doesn't know how to deal with my situation. So why am I mad at him in particular? It's because of me. I expect too much of him. I know he's doing the best he can and I seriously appreciate it but I need more.
My feelings of loneliness is turning into anger. According to a therapist I once talked to, that is a good thing. Anger is one of the signs of being fed up and when I'm fed up, I'll actually do something about it to make things better if I'm in a positive state of mind otherwise I'll be a disaster. That is unlikely in my opinion. I just wish it didn't involve me pushing the people that care about away from me. I do have a habit of doing that. It's either I don't want to them to see me weak because of the fear they might leave or that I feel they are not giving me what I need so they get fed up and they leave.
Wow!! As I am typing this, I figured the problem... I'm afraid of people leaving me because that is what usually happens. So what do I do? I push them away before I get too attached then they leave. Quite interesting observation. I should be my own therapist. hehehe.. Yeah, I just don't know what to do about it though... I'm sure within time, I'll get it right.
One of things thing I really am not enjoy in particular is letting my anger out on somebody who doesn't deserve it at all. It's all because I don't feel he understands. I have to explain everything to him thoroughly again and again. Then I don't know how I end up listening about his things. This guy is one of the most loving human beings on earth but I need more. I feel disconnected as it is and he doesn't know how to deal with my situation. So why am I mad at him in particular? It's because of me. I expect too much of him. I know he's doing the best he can and I seriously appreciate it but I need more.
My feelings of loneliness is turning into anger. According to a therapist I once talked to, that is a good thing. Anger is one of the signs of being fed up and when I'm fed up, I'll actually do something about it to make things better if I'm in a positive state of mind otherwise I'll be a disaster. That is unlikely in my opinion. I just wish it didn't involve me pushing the people that care about away from me. I do have a habit of doing that. It's either I don't want to them to see me weak because of the fear they might leave or that I feel they are not giving me what I need so they get fed up and they leave.
Wow!! As I am typing this, I figured the problem... I'm afraid of people leaving me because that is what usually happens. So what do I do? I push them away before I get too attached then they leave. Quite interesting observation. I should be my own therapist. hehehe.. Yeah, I just don't know what to do about it though... I'm sure within time, I'll get it right.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
People come into your life for a reason
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
The Importance of Mothers in Islam...
Here's a little something I thought I'd share with you guys. I believe it simply says it all about how in Islam we should take care of a woman before anything. Just to clear the misconceptions about women are not treated well in Islam.
One day a man came to see the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. It seemed that he was trying to solve something but couldn't quite work it out. So he asked the Prophet. ''Tell me, O Prophet!'' I have many relatives and many friends whom I love, and whom I wish to care for and help. But I often find it difficult to decide which of them has the greatest claim upon me? Which of them should come first?'' The Prophet replied immediately, ''Your mother should come first and before all others.''
The man was very pleased to have this clear guidance from the Prophet. But of course there were all his other relatives and his friends, so he asked ''and after my mother, who has the greatest claim upon me?'' The Prophet's reply this second time surprised him. ''Your mother!'' he said again.
The man wondered why the Prophet was repeating himself. Perhaps he had not spoken clearly, the man thought, so he asked the question again, ''What I want to know is, after my mother, who has the greatest claim upon me? Again the Prophet said ''your mother!''
Your mother, your mother, your mother!
The Prophet had now said it three times. Slowly, the man realized why he had done so. ''The Prophet means that my mother is extremely important, so much so that my duty to her must be stressed over and over again. Even so, the man's thoughts ran on, ''what about all the others I love and wish to care for?'' Still uncertain and wanting to know more, he once again turned to the Prophet and said, ''and after my mother, who comes after her? Is there anyone besides her?'' The Prophet then replied ''after your mother, your father.'' ''And then?'' asked the man. ''Then people who are nearest to you,'' said the Prophet. Allah's peace and blessings be upon the Prophet.
One day a man came to see the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. It seemed that he was trying to solve something but couldn't quite work it out. So he asked the Prophet. ''Tell me, O Prophet!'' I have many relatives and many friends whom I love, and whom I wish to care for and help. But I often find it difficult to decide which of them has the greatest claim upon me? Which of them should come first?'' The Prophet replied immediately, ''Your mother should come first and before all others.''
The man was very pleased to have this clear guidance from the Prophet. But of course there were all his other relatives and his friends, so he asked ''and after my mother, who has the greatest claim upon me?'' The Prophet's reply this second time surprised him. ''Your mother!'' he said again.
The man wondered why the Prophet was repeating himself. Perhaps he had not spoken clearly, the man thought, so he asked the question again, ''What I want to know is, after my mother, who has the greatest claim upon me? Again the Prophet said ''your mother!''
Your mother, your mother, your mother!
The Prophet had now said it three times. Slowly, the man realized why he had done so. ''The Prophet means that my mother is extremely important, so much so that my duty to her must be stressed over and over again. Even so, the man's thoughts ran on, ''what about all the others I love and wish to care for?'' Still uncertain and wanting to know more, he once again turned to the Prophet and said, ''and after my mother, who comes after her? Is there anyone besides her?'' The Prophet then replied ''after your mother, your father.'' ''And then?'' asked the man. ''Then people who are nearest to you,'' said the Prophet. Allah's peace and blessings be upon the Prophet.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Calling out people in Syria...
Hello readers in Syria...
I terribly need your help. I have this really cute kitten that needs a good home. He's lively and cute... I trained him myself and I took care of him myself. So he's in great condition...
The reason why I'm leaving is because I'm leaving the place I'm staying at and can't take the cat with me. So please please please, if anybody wants him please let me know as soon as possible because I'm leaving in 2 weeks and I can't put this kitten in the streets.
If anybody is interested or know somebody that might be please let me know. For people outside of Syria, I really wish I can ship him to you.email me at
stellar101@gmail.com
Thank you and I hope to hear from you really soon.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
True Love...
I just realized that true love does not die no matter what. When I was living back in the US I had friend that I only loved with all my heart. He was one of the most amazing human beings on earth. The sweetest, the hottest, the most loving, the most gentle human being I've ever known. His name, Mikel Cunha.
It all started back in 1999 in English class. He forgot his book so I shared mine with him. He kept dropping his pen and kept apologizing to me for the distraction. I wasn't bothered though, I thought it was cute. At that moment, for some reason I knew, I just knew, that something special is going to develop between us.
One day I was taking part of an International fair and who do I see walking around, not the least, it was Mike. He saw me and was surprised to see me all dressed up in Traditional Syrian wear. He came up to me and started talking. He mention something about him wanting to go to California to pursue his acting career. Ironically, I wanted to check out California for my music career. So that's when we exchanged numbers. We were 2 people who wanted to share their goals together. From then it a beautiful friendship has started. We joined the drama club together and let me tell ya, he is one good actor. He sure did convince me.
Then few months later, he simply dropped from the face of the earth. I stopped hearing from him and I for some reason, I never tried to contact him. Then a year later I was walking in a corridor at college and who do I bump into? No one but Mike. I was ecstatic to see him. I gave him my new number and ever since then we've been closer than ever.
I have a few wonderful memories of him. Like one I had the cancer scare he took me out to let me forget and just was the most loving human being. Drove me around Boston, and just showed me a wonderful time. Another when we were acting together, when I went over his place when he was taking part of this local reality TV show in Boston. When I was freaking out about not being able to stay in the US after 9/11, he actually offered to marry me, to keep me in the country. I remember him saying, "we're a team we need to follow our dreams in California together."
Obviously that never happened and when I couldn't go back to the US, I kicked myself in the head for not accepting. Oh well, that is what's meant to happen. I can't complain now. Anyways, so we exchanged emails since then we just lost contact again. About a year later when I was living in Malaysia I contacted him and we had a great talk. This guy just always knew how to show how much he cared. As it is I missed him terribly and that was the last time I heard from him.
It has been 3 years since we talked. Finally after trying to attempt to contact him, I get an email from a friend of mine, Blake that he has contacted him for me. Oh man, for the past few months I was suffering. I was worried sick about Mike because I hadn't heard from him for ever, I didn't know his email addy, I kept getting weird dreams about him and last but not least I couldn't when I called his home, his mom for some odd reason told me that I got the wrong number. I guess she thought I was some stalker or something. hehehe...
This is what Blake had to say in his email when he contacted Mike:
"He sounded very nice and sort of surprised yes. He asked if I was calling for Sara from the Middle East and sounded relieved when he realized I meant you. I told him you had called once and was told he did not live there anymore and that it obviously seems much harder to track someone down stateside when you are so far away. He asked where you are now and said he had not heard from you since you were in Malaysia. I said I knew that, you had told me that was about 3 years ago. He really sounded like he wanted to get a hold of you. He did not sound at all like he was smoking BC Bud...He wanted my email address too and he was thankful and very pleasant indeed to speak with. I think this is going to be the start of a beautiful relationship...I have an uber-smile for you Sara! Amazing what can turn up from chatting online twice, hey?!? "
So you can see, Mike still is thinking of me as well. Hehehehe... Now that's what I call true love. Both of us always knew that we had feelings for one another but we never did anything about it. We even discussed it. We didn't want to ruing the special friendship that we had. Well, I believe it's good that nothing happened. It only makes our relationship even more special. We never held back to tell the other how we love each other. In matter of facts his last words to me were "I love you" Of course, it's not in the sense romantically, it's said in the most innocent and loving way... It's a seriously close friendship kinda thing.
It hasn't happened yet but now we're going to be in touch again and I'm happy beyond words. I just thought I'd share this heaven like experience. What makes it odd is that Blake is a cool Canadian that I met on Couch Surfing . I never met him personally and still was able to make this sad little girl's decade :D The ironic thing is that, Mike and I had an mutual friend and I contacted him so he can help me out but nothing has happened. He told me that he'll contact Mike but that never happened. While Blake, the min he knew about the story, he tried to contact him and the next day he sends me the email telling me, it was a great success.
Sometimes, strangers are better than the people you've known for years and claim that they care about you. That's life for ya. Well, all I care now is that Mike and I are going to be in touch again and I'm super thrilled.
Thank you BLAKE!!!
It all started back in 1999 in English class. He forgot his book so I shared mine with him. He kept dropping his pen and kept apologizing to me for the distraction. I wasn't bothered though, I thought it was cute. At that moment, for some reason I knew, I just knew, that something special is going to develop between us.
One day I was taking part of an International fair and who do I see walking around, not the least, it was Mike. He saw me and was surprised to see me all dressed up in Traditional Syrian wear. He came up to me and started talking. He mention something about him wanting to go to California to pursue his acting career. Ironically, I wanted to check out California for my music career. So that's when we exchanged numbers. We were 2 people who wanted to share their goals together. From then it a beautiful friendship has started. We joined the drama club together and let me tell ya, he is one good actor. He sure did convince me.
Then few months later, he simply dropped from the face of the earth. I stopped hearing from him and I for some reason, I never tried to contact him. Then a year later I was walking in a corridor at college and who do I bump into? No one but Mike. I was ecstatic to see him. I gave him my new number and ever since then we've been closer than ever.
I have a few wonderful memories of him. Like one I had the cancer scare he took me out to let me forget and just was the most loving human being. Drove me around Boston, and just showed me a wonderful time. Another when we were acting together, when I went over his place when he was taking part of this local reality TV show in Boston. When I was freaking out about not being able to stay in the US after 9/11, he actually offered to marry me, to keep me in the country. I remember him saying, "we're a team we need to follow our dreams in California together."
Obviously that never happened and when I couldn't go back to the US, I kicked myself in the head for not accepting. Oh well, that is what's meant to happen. I can't complain now. Anyways, so we exchanged emails since then we just lost contact again. About a year later when I was living in Malaysia I contacted him and we had a great talk. This guy just always knew how to show how much he cared. As it is I missed him terribly and that was the last time I heard from him.
It has been 3 years since we talked. Finally after trying to attempt to contact him, I get an email from a friend of mine, Blake that he has contacted him for me. Oh man, for the past few months I was suffering. I was worried sick about Mike because I hadn't heard from him for ever, I didn't know his email addy, I kept getting weird dreams about him and last but not least I couldn't when I called his home, his mom for some odd reason told me that I got the wrong number. I guess she thought I was some stalker or something. hehehe...
This is what Blake had to say in his email when he contacted Mike:
"He sounded very nice and sort of surprised yes. He asked if I was calling for Sara from the Middle East and sounded relieved when he realized I meant you. I told him you had called once and was told he did not live there anymore and that it obviously seems much harder to track someone down stateside when you are so far away. He asked where you are now and said he had not heard from you since you were in Malaysia. I said I knew that, you had told me that was about 3 years ago. He really sounded like he wanted to get a hold of you. He did not sound at all like he was smoking BC Bud...He wanted my email address too and he was thankful and very pleasant indeed to speak with. I think this is going to be the start of a beautiful relationship...I have an uber-smile for you Sara! Amazing what can turn up from chatting online twice, hey?!? "
So you can see, Mike still is thinking of me as well. Hehehehe... Now that's what I call true love. Both of us always knew that we had feelings for one another but we never did anything about it. We even discussed it. We didn't want to ruing the special friendship that we had. Well, I believe it's good that nothing happened. It only makes our relationship even more special. We never held back to tell the other how we love each other. In matter of facts his last words to me were "I love you" Of course, it's not in the sense romantically, it's said in the most innocent and loving way... It's a seriously close friendship kinda thing.
It hasn't happened yet but now we're going to be in touch again and I'm happy beyond words. I just thought I'd share this heaven like experience. What makes it odd is that Blake is a cool Canadian that I met on Couch Surfing . I never met him personally and still was able to make this sad little girl's decade :D The ironic thing is that, Mike and I had an mutual friend and I contacted him so he can help me out but nothing has happened. He told me that he'll contact Mike but that never happened. While Blake, the min he knew about the story, he tried to contact him and the next day he sends me the email telling me, it was a great success.
Sometimes, strangers are better than the people you've known for years and claim that they care about you. That's life for ya. Well, all I care now is that Mike and I are going to be in touch again and I'm super thrilled.
Thank you BLAKE!!!
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