VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH

Volume 49, October 12, 2008

St. Louis, Missouri

Editors: Mohamed and Rashida Ziauddin

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

Contents:

(1) Hadith of the Week: Seek God's Guidance

(2) Editorial:

Helping those in Need:

(a) Ocala Islamic Center Donates Food to the Poor

(b) CAIR-New Jersey Seeks Volunteers for Soup Kitchen.

(c) Galveston Islamic Center Seeks Help Handing Out Supplies

(3) Nigerian Muslim defies Court Order to divorce 82 of his 86 wives. (Maximum allowed in Islam is four. Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the highest Nigerian Muslim body in Northern Nigeria issued a death sentence on him).

(4) US Elections: Muslim-American voices could be heard loudly in elections

(5) Statement issues by INTERFAITH ALLIANCE against the anti-Muslim film - Obsession.

(6) Book: "Jewel of Medina"

(7) Sometimes it is hard to believe that we live in the 21st Century.

(8) Results from Ignorance: Death of Malaysian Muslim couple seeking treatment to end Nicotine Addiction (smoking) and for other ailments.

(9) CHILDREN:

(9a) Al-Qaeda used 24 child suicide bombers in last two years. The children were (from the most vulnerable and helpless group) - mentally ill, orphans, street children and homeless.

(9b) President Bush signs law on child soldiers.

(10) Global Islamic News: Shortage of Imams in Bulgaria results in shutdown of 200 Mosques

(11) INTOLERANCE THAT NEEDS TO BE CONDEMNED:

UNITED STATES: Missouri: Member of Islamic Society of Joplin not surprised by harassment.

SOMALIA: Islamist militiamen destroy Church in South.

INDIA: Man arrested in rape of Nun in Orissa

AUSTRIA: Muslim graves defaced after far-right election win

ITALY: Muslims protest against Mosque closure

GERMANY: Cologne braces for anti-Islam protesters amid fears of violence

(1) HADITH OF THE WEEK: SEEK GOD’S GUIDANCE

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to teach his companions to perform a specific prayer, called “Istikhara,” whenever they had to make an important decision. He recommended offering two units of the normal Islamic prayer, and after finishing, saying in part:

“O God! If you know that this matter is good for me in my faith, my livelihood and for my life in the Hereafter, then make it (easy) for me. And if you know that this matter is not good for me in my faith, my livelihood and my life in the Hereafter, then keep it away from me and take me away from it, and choose what is good for me wherever it is and make me be pleased with it."

Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Hadith 487


(2) EDITORIAL:

Given the current climate of Islamophobia and anti-Islamic attacks, it becomes all the more imperative that we as Muslims of the Global Ummah remain steadfast in practicing Islam to the fullest. We should practice Islam in our personal lives beginning with our individual interaction with our family members, relatives, friends, colleagues and the community at large.

Even before the US Government officially came into existence with its comprehensive infrastructure, historically, the Church played a leading role in various forms in the local community specially as it relates to social services and it continues to play a important role today in various forms. Besides Church, there are several Christian organizations and institutions reaching out to help the community through educational institutions, social service agencies, hospitals and clinics et.c.

It is high time for the Muslim community to increase its involvement to help others beyond just offering Islamic related services to the Muslims. We must aim towards establishing Muslim hospitals, Muslim colleges and universities and Muslim social service agencies for the entire community.

The American Ummah has already started taking baby steps in this direction by having few clinics such as the UMMAH CLINIC in Los Angeles but our goal must be to own and run a major hospital too. Ideally, the Islamic Center should be the hub and center point for its local Muslims in their local community for multiple activities and not just confine itself only to salaat, madrassa on weekends and providing iftihaar and taraweh services.

As far as Social Services is concerned, alhamdulillah, various Muslim organizations and Islamic Centers are playing a increasingly pivotal role in the United States to assist not only other Muslims but also strengthen the identity of the AMERICAN MUSLIM in the fabric of the American society. Below are three examples of Muslim organization (CAIR- New Jersey) and Islamic Centers (at Galveston and Ocala) that could be good role models for other Muslim organizational entities to follow.

(a) Helping Those In Need: Islamic Center Members Donate Food To Poor

BY LASHONDA STINSON CURRY
Ocala Star-Banner

October 6, 2008

On a sweltering Sunday afternoon in September, the parking lot of the Salvation Army is filled with teenagers.

Halimah Kasem, 16, laughs as she helps prepare food at the Islamic Center of Ocala on Sept. 21. For months, teens have hit the streets every Sunday to hand out food to the homeless.

(Lee Ferinden/Ocala Star-Banner)

Boys and girls, dressed in jeans and flip-flops, are lined up against cars near boxes and coolers. White lunch bags filled with sandwiches and snacks are inside the boxes. The coolers are filled with bottled water, juice and ice cream treats.

As they wait, church bells ring in the distance to the tune of "America, the Beautiful." A few minutes go by and then a steady stream of men and women stroll out from the downtown Ocala shelter. They form a moving line where they are greeted with handshakes, smiles and friendly hellos from the teens. Some of the people talk with the kids for a minute. Others say thank you and escape from the sun to eat their food on a concrete bench in the shade.

But these kids are used to the heat. For months, they have pounded the downtown streets every Sunday to hand out free food to the homeless.

And for weeks, they've been feeding the poor while their own stomachs sit empty. They are members of the Islamic Center of Ocala. As part of their Muslim faith they fast - no food or water - from sunset to sundown for 30 days as part of Ramadan. The holiday ended last week, but on this hot day, when a big gulp of cold, refreshing water would satisfy anyone, the teens give it to those who need it more.

About six months ago, the Islamic Center of Ocala started Project Downtown, part of a national movement that began in 2006 in Miami, that helps the homeless by providing free food and supplies on a weekly basis. "The big emphasis in Islam is social services," said Dr. Yousef Elyaman, one of the few adults who help supervise the teens on Sundays. "Almost every verse talks about being a believer and talks about doing good deeds. Over and over again it [Quran] talks about helping the poor people."

Maryam Bennet, 19, said handling the food while they're fasting isn't a major challenge. She and her 16-year-old sister Salsabila Bennett just started volunteering with Project Downtown.

"I think it's mind over matter," said Maryam two weeks ago. "You feel good about helping other people so you almost forget about it."

Bassam Ayshesh, 17 and his brother Mohamad Ayshesh, 13, have helped with Project Downtown since the beginning. They, like most of the youth, attend Sunday school at the center. After it ended at 1:30 p.m., Bassam would go home and watch TV. Then, Elyaman told him about the program. Bassam said when they give out the food, he sees so much happiness and gratitude in the people's eyes.

"We greet them and we shake their hands. We don't just give the food and leave," Bassam said. "We actually talk to them. We've actually gotten to know a lot of them.... "In the Quran, it says we should help people less fortunate and if you have more than what you need, you should help. It's good to help."

Right before they head out downtown, Elyaman gathers everyone for a quick talk. "They are human beings," Elyaman tells the group. "We could be in that situation tomorrow, so treat them like people... We're not doing it so that people will think we are good people. We're not doing it so that we think we are good people. We're not doing it because we are bored. We are doing this for God alone."

In the Salvation Army parking lot, the Bennett sisters and Malak Fakhoury chatted with three women from the shelter. They talked about school, family, how they ended up in Ocala. Heather Pascale, 19, had gotten snacks from them before. She's pregnant and her baby is due this month.

"We got water and juice. I think it's a good thing, don't you?" she said. "It does help the community." "Thank God for them," Cherelle Gordon, 38, chimed in.

After some time passes, a smaller group leaves the Salvation Army and drives to Tuscawilla Park. Two boys pull a cooler on wheels filled with drinks. The ladies carry the lunch bags. As the kids, chaperoned by Marrero, walk down a concrete path they spot three men hanging out by a picnic table under a tree. They introduce themselves, shake their hands and ask them if they'd like something to eat. The men happily take the food as a big group of ducks waddle toward them.

"Thank you" one said graciously. "God Bless You," added another.

The downtown square is the next and last stop for the group. Frank Fleming, 51, was sitting on a bench on the square with a hot pink Adidas backpack next to him. He got one of the last snack bags. He was pleasantly surprised when the kids approached him with food. He was also intrigued they were Muslim, he said. He's always been interested in Islam and the Quran.

"It's good to see young people in that frame of mind," said Fleming, wearing a white T-shirt speckled with a few small holes. "They are very good people."

Finally the other cars arrive. Nazin Khan, a member of the Islamic Center, stood back and watched. He said this is how his generation was raised, helping people in need and being charitable.

"But, it's not just about them doing it, but letting them understand why they're doing it," said Khan, whose two kids participate in Project Downtown. "That's the main thing. Having them doing do it without a lesson would be of no value to them."

(b) CAIR-New Jersey SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR SOUP KITCHEN

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) calls on all Muslims in the New Jersey area to assist Muslims Against Hunger by volunteering at the Morristown Community Soup Kitchen.

"Muslims Against Hunger Project" has launched its "Fight Against Hunger in Our Backyard" campaign by organizing special "Muslims Serve Day" in various parts of the NY/NJ metropolitan area. Volunteers will gather to prepare hot lunches/dinners and serve the working poor, hungry and homeless at the Soup Kitchens.

It is an Islamic tradition to feed the poor and needy. This time of the year the crowd in soup kitchens is larger than usual because bad economy has put many laborers out of work. Also, seniors on fixed incomes are running low on cash as the month wears down. Serving at the Soup kitchen gives Muslim community an opportunity to participate in the "Act of Righteousness" and shows the greater communities true and compassionate face of the Muslims and Islam.

WHAT: Volunteer Opportunity

WHEN: Thursday, October 16th

WHERE: Community Soup Kitchen, 36 South St in Morristown, New Jersey 07960

DEADLINE: Volunteers (13 years of age plus) need to register by Oct 10th.

CONTACT: Please submit your contact information for registration by email: morristown.muslimsagainsthunger@gmail.com or by Phone: 908-364-4441

For more information: Please contact Zamir Hassan Phone: 908-364-4441 OR e-mail: muslimsagainsthunger@gmail.com

In an ongoing effort to promote volunteerism among our communities under the "Muslims Care" Campaign, CAIR-NJ Public Relations Director, Afsheen Shamsi has committed to volunteering with the Interfaith Soup Kitchen on an ongoing basis and encourages others in the NJ Muslim community to do the same.

SEE: http://www.cair.com/muslimscare

To learn more about CAIR-NJ or Muslims Care please contact: CAIR-NJ Public Relations Director, Afsheen Shamsi at 908-938-5990 or ashamsi@cair.com

(c) Islamic Center Seeks Help Handing Out Supplies

By Chris Paschenko
The Daily News
(condensed version)

October 6, 2008

GALVESTON — Volunteers with the Galveston Islamic Center will spend the coming weeks dispensing hurricane supplies to the needy, but members of the organization say they will need some help.

Katie Huff lost everything in her home to Hurricane Ike’s storm surge, but the Galveston resident was busy Saturday handing out supplies across the street from the Islamic center.

Ahmed E. Ahmed is a center member and professor of experimental pathology at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

The center suffered major flooding, and mold covered many of the walls below the waterline.

Ahmed said he is attempting to have someone on hand to treat minor wounds.

“I’m talking with my colleagues to start a mini health care center,” Ahmed said. “We need volunteers to dispense the food and help clean up the containers that are here.

“Our main goal is to target the needy. I pray that God will help us through this.”

For more information or to volunteer, call Ahmed at 281-804-8779 or Ayub Badat at 917-602-4450.

(3) Nigerian Muslim defies Court Order to divorce 82 of his 86 wives

Kano - Authorities in Nigeria on Tuesday dropped charges of illegal marrying 86 wives slapped on an 84-year-old Islamic cleric after his case was transferred to a criminal court, a court official said.


The Niger state Sharia commission withdrew the charge of illegal marriage against Muhammadu Bello Masaba when he appeared before a magistrate court, after his case was transferred from an Islamic Sharia court a day earlier.

He will only face one charge of disturbing religious peace by claiming to have seen Allah in interviews he granted the media, court clerk Abdullahi Dangana said by phone from the central state's capital Minna.

Masaba pleaded not guilty to the charge, Dangana said.

Magistrate Ahmed Bima refused Masaba bail and ordered him back to court on October 16, Dangana said. He was arrested after he failed to divorce 82 of his 86 wives. Muslim laws allow a maximum of four wives per man.

The revelation attracted sharp criticism and indignation from Islamic clerics with the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Nigerian Muslim umbrella body that slammed a fatwa, or death sentence, on Masaba.

He later agreed to divorce 82 of the wives and keep four, following an ultimatum issued by the influential traditional chief of his home town Bidda to either part with his excess wives or quit the town.

Since the return of Nigeria to civil rule in 1999 a dozen predominantly Muslim states in the north have re-introduced a version of the Islamic Sharia legal system.

"Rights groups have mobilized to defend Masaba, promising to enlist 86 lawyers for the 86 wives.

Meanwhile, Masaba has asked the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to nullify the death sentence (Fatwa) passed on him by the highest Islamic body in Northern Nigeria, Jamatu Nasril Islam.

He is also praying the court to declare as illegal and unconstitutional the order of banishment issued against him by Bida Emirate Council" (2)

(4) U.S. ELECTION:

CONTRACOSTATIMES OCT 1, 2008
By Jen'nan Ghazal Read

Muslim-American voices could be heard loudly in election

A FREE DVD CONTAINING anti-Muslim propaganda recently appeared as an advertising supplement in newspapers here in North Carolina and in other electoral swing states across the country. "Obsession: Radical Islam's War on the West" was filled with scenes of Muslims flying planes into buildings, bombing people, burning American flags and screaming with homicidal rage. Although the video dutifully offered a disclaimer that most Muslims are not fanatics, its horrific images and sinister music conveyed an emotional message about Muslims that was unmistakable.

The video appeared in the midst of a presidential campaign in which John McCain has conflated the terms "Islamic" with "terrorism" and "radical extremism." Barack Obama continues to deny allegations that he is a Muslim (as if that were a bad thing). Joe Biden refers to such allegations as a "smear campaign."

Most Americans may be too distracted by the Wall Street crisis and other recent news to pay attention to how Muslims are being portrayed as our nation heads to its historic election. But these messages have not escaped the notice of one of the least-discussed — but potentially most important — group of American voters: Muslim Americans.

There are more Muslims in the United States than many people realize — anywhere from four million to six million, most of whom are U.S. citizens. Michigan has significant numbers of Muslim-American voters.

So do Ohio, Virginia, Florida and other swing states where even a small group of voters might determine the results. These citizens vote at roughly the same levels as other Americans.

As someone who studies their voting patterns, my guess is they're now likely to support Sen. Obama.

Muslim Americans weren't always so politically active. Before Sept. 11, 2001, the Muslim American community — largely made up of affluent, well-assimilated, residentially integrated people — was content to enjoy the benefits of living in a pluralistic, democratic society without getting too involved in politics. Who could blame them? Many originated from countries where religion and politics didn't mix very well. Those who did get involved in politics tended to vote on issues of the day, just like other Americans. In 2000, this translated into overwhelming support for George W. Bush, whose social conservative values resonated with Muslim Americans, which ironically put them on the same side as the Christian right.

After 9/11 and the ensuing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, however, Muslim Americans felt increasingly besieged. Many concluded they could no longer sit passively on the sidelines if they wanted to be part of American society.

Their participation at the local level in 2004 resulted in nearly half of 100 Muslim American candidates nationwide winning election to positions ranging from a mayor in New Jersey to a state senator in North Carolina.

Ordinarily, this would have indicated growing political integration with the larger society, a familiar story for groups in the United States. But as the recent DVD illustrated, Muslim Americans continue to face fear from other Americans.

Campaign ads that now remind Americans to be concerned about Osama bin Laden, the Taliban and the war in Iraq result too often in Muslims and others with dark skin feeling like they're the ones being watched at airports, even though they are American citizens who obey the law, pay taxes and raise families much like everybody else.

Rather than focusing on the bank bailout and other domestic issues like other Americans, some Muslim Americans still find themselves feverishly denying any ties to al-Qaida and Islamic extremism. Rather than promoting conservative social values like they did in 2000, many are spending their time and money on public advertising campaigns, such as the ones currently running on buses and subways in New York and Seattle that aim to correct popular misconceptions about Muslims.

It's unclear whether those who mailed the "Obsession" DVD so close to the election were seeking to scare people into voting for Sen. McCain. But if that was their intent, one wonders whether they also stopped to consider the impact on millions of Muslim Americans who are already concerned about how their religion is being portrayed. In previous elections, many of them could be counted on to vote for social conservatives. This time around, that seems a lot less likely, including in the states where even a small shift could determine who wins the White House.

Author of above article is Jen'nan Ghazal Read, an Associate Professor of Sociology and Global Health at Duke University and is a Carnegie Scholar studying Muslim American political assimilation.

(5) STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE AGAINST THE ANTI-MUSLIM FILM "OBSESSION:

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today joined dozens of national Jewish, Christian and Muslim interfaith leaders in condemning the distribution of the anti-Muslim film “Obsession” to 28 million households in presidential election swing states nationwide.

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/7/08

A statement, issued today at a news conference held by the Interfaith Alliance in Washington, D.C., read in part:

“We, the undersigned religious leaders, representing a wide spectrum of theological beliefs and political persuasions, have come together in moral consensus to voice our deep concern over the recent distribution of a deeply divisive and anger-provoking DVD called ‘Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West’ to residents across the United States.

“The singular impact of this DVD is not to fight our common threat of terrorism, but to mischaracterize Islam in a way that de-humanizes Muslims...

“’Obsession’ serves as a divisive political ploy that undermines the integrity of American religious pluralism. Indeed, it is the duty of every American to stand against those who would divide our common and cherished beliefs by inciting fear and furthering ignorant stereotypes.”

CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad is a signatory to the joint statement, which was coordinated by the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC).

(6) CONTROVERSIAL ISLAMIC HISTORICAL FICTION NOVEL: "Jewel of Medina"

"adnkronos"

Islam: Prophet bride novel published in US (novel)

New York, 7 Oct. (AKI)

A controversial novel about the Muslim Prophet Mohammed's child bride was released in the US this week, despite a firebomb attack against its British publisher.

Beaufort Books published The Jewel of Medina by American journalist Sherry Jones after Random House dropped it amid fears its publication could incite violence.

The novel has been denounced by Muslim fundamentalists as an "insult" to Islam. It traces the life of the Prophet Mohammed's child bride Aisha from the age of six until his death.

Denise Spellberg, professor of History and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas, criticised the novel as a disrespectful misrepresentation of history, warning Random House its publication would be "a national security issue."

It's uncertain if the book will be published in Britain after the firebomb attack last month on the London home of Martin Rynja, the novel's UK publisher.

Three male Muslims aged between 22 and 40 were last Friday charged over the attack on Rynja's house in Islington, in north London.

Beaufort Books said it had decided to bring forward The Jewel of Medina's release date so it could be assessed on its merits as literature.

"We felt that ... it was better for everybody ...to let the conversation switch from a conversation about terrorists and fearful publishers, to a conversation about the merits of the book itself," said Beaufort Books president Eric Kampmann.

In 2006, deadly riots erupted in many Muslim countries over cartoons of the Prophet originally published in a Danish daily.

Indian-British author Salman Rushdie was forced into hiding for almost 10 years after Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989 issued a fatwa calling on Muslims to kill him for his novel, The Satanic Verses.

EUROPE: Serbia: Controversial book divides Muslim groups

Belgrade, 19 August (AKI) - Serbia's two main Muslim organisations are divided over a controversial book that has been withdrawn from sale.

'The Jewel of Medina' written by Sherry Jones has been withdrawn from bookshops after the Islamic Community organisation complained about its content.

The group's mufti Muamer Zukorlic said the book was an insult to Muslims and asked the Belgrade publisher Beobuk to withdraw it from the market.

Beobuk's director Aleksandar Jasic later apologised and the book was withdrawn.

However, The Islamic Community of Serbia, Mufti Adem Ziklic on Tuesday said Zukorlic just wanted to represent himself as the sole representative of all Muslims in the country.

"This way Zukorlic has imposed himself as the only protector of Islam and causing this much stir over the book will only result in a bigger demand for the novel.

"I doubt that the mufti has read the book and it seems he is acquainted only with the parts which directly refer to scenes from the Koran (the Muslim holy book)," Ziklic said.

Even though Zukorlic asked Beobuk's director to repent for what he had done, he consulted with the Centre of Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and stated on Monday evening that Muslims were satisfied with his apology.

"I expect that no one will ever again with any publication insult Muslim sanctity. The Jewel of Medina will not have its second edition," Zukorlic said.

Publishers and writers from Serbia disagree over the decision to withdraw the book from sale.

Belgrade publicist Teofil Pancic told local media that no religious community should be able to intervene in this kind of issue.

"If someone regards the prophet Mohammed as a saint, one cannot force others to have the same symbol of faith," he said.

"Literature is fiction and if someone does not want to read the book, it should just be his choice and nothing more."

Meanwhile, author Sherry Jones went public saying she did not want to be offensive, but instead wanted to show a love story about one of Islam's most revered women, Aisha.

The novel is a love story about the life of Aisha, the seventh wife of the Islam prophet Mohammed, and follows her life from her betrothal to the prophet when she was six-years-old.

According to the novel, Aisha was Mohammed’s favourite wife and he died in her arms.

Jones said she had put a lot of effort into researching her life and her relationship with the prophet.

(7) SOMETIMES IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT WE LIVE IN 21ST CENTURY:

Albinos live in fear after Burundi attacks

October 02 2008

Bujumbura - Two albinos were murdered and cut into pieces in Burundi by attackers suspected of seeking to sell the body parts in Tanzania where witch doctors use them for lucky potions, officials said on Thursday.

The grisly murders have caused panic among the small Central African country's albino community, forcing the authorities to gather them in a few protected areas.

Daniel Nzeyimana was attacked on Wednesday by gunmen armed with rifles at his home in Bweru, a town in the eastern province of Ruyigi, local governor Moise Bucumi said.

"They decapitated him, cut off his arms and legs and made away with the parts," he said.

In the same province, a 16-year-old girl was killed in a similar incident on September 22. "She was murdered, and again they cut off her arms and legs and took them away," the governor said.

"According to the investigation's preliminary findings, these crimes are connected to witchcraft... The locals claim these people go to Tanzania to sell these albino arms and legs, where they will be used to make charms and potions," Bucumi said.

"The albinos are terrified. We have decided to gather them in small groups and around a dozen have already found refuge in a municipal facility in Bweru, where their security is ensured," he said.

The governor of Ruyigi also said that an awareness campaign would be launched to combat the trade in body parts and belief in witchcraft.

Tanzania has been plagued by a series of attacks targeting albinos, spurring the government into launching nationwide awareness and protection programs.

An albino was appointed to parliament earlier this year to defend the community's rights in the east African country, where President Jakaya Kikwete said at least 19 murders had been reported over the past year. - AF

(8) RESULT OF IGNORANCE:

(The most addictive substance in the global ummah is nicotine (smoking). One Muslim couple sought treatment to quit smoking and for other ailments but ended up being violently murdered)

Muslim couple die after bizarre ritual

iol.co.za October 03 2008

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

A Malaysian couple were beaten to death by family members in a bizarre ritual to cure them of a smoking habit and illnesses, reports said on Friday.

A 15-year-old daughter of one of the four relatives who carried out the beating was also attacked after stumbling onto the scene and is fighting for her life in hospital.

Police spokesperson Ku Chin Wah told the official Bernama news agency that the attack took place when Mohamed Ibrahim Kader Mydin, 47, and his wife Rosina Mydin Pillay, 41, visited their family on Thursday.

They mentioned that Mohamed Ibrahim was seeking help to stop his smoking habit, and that his wife was suffering from asthma and a liver ailment.

"Following this, a 23-year-old male relative suggested that the couple undergo a ritual which involved all family members joining forces to beat up the couple to rid them of their ailments," Ku told Bernama.

The four relatives smashed the couple's heads on a table and assaulted them with crash helmets and brooms, he said. An ambulance was called only hours later when they had not regained consciousness.

Bernama said that one of the four suspects, who are now in custody, was believed to belong to a "deviant" cult. Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country and authorities periodically crack down on unauthorised sects. - Sapa-AF

(9) CHILDREN:

(9.a) Iraq: Al-Qaeda used 24 child suicide bombers in last two years

Baghdad, 1 Oct. (AKI) - Al-Qaeda has over the past two years used 24 children to carry out suicide bombings in Iraq, the director of military operations for the Interior Ministry, Abdelaziz Mohammed Jasim, told pan-Arab daily al-Sharq al-Awsat.


"Of the 24 children, five had a mental disability. From analysing the others' remains, we established that they were homeless," said Jasim. American soldiers stationed in Iraq have reported that the insurgency has armed children as young as 11 to fight against them. Al-Qaeda is targeting orphans, street children and mentally disabled children as suicide bomber recruits as well as women, according to the Iraqi Interior Ministry. There have been at least 16 suicide attacks carried out by women in recent months in the volatile Al-Qaeda stronghold of Diyala province, north of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Iraqi children (above photo) in general make up 20 percent of the civilian victims of bomb attacks in the country.

(9.b) (ED Note: Thanks to President Bush and the US Govt to be a LEADER and MODEL for the world in this particular aspect relating to making laws against recruitment of child-soldiers).

United States: President Bush Signs Law on Child Soldiers

Measure to Prosecute Recruiters Abroad Puts Commanders on Notice

New York, October 3, 2008

Under a new law signed today by US President George W. Bush, leaders of military forces and armed groups who have recruited child soldiers may be arrested and prosecuted in the United States, Human Rights Watch said today. The law could apply to leaders of dozens of forces that have recruited and used child soldiers in over 20 armed conflicts.

The law imposes penalties of up to 20 years, or up to life in prison if their action resulted in the child’s death. It also allows the United States to deport or deny entry to individuals who have knowingly recruited children as soldiers. “The US is saying to the world that using child soldiers is a serious crime and that it will take action,” said Jo Becker, children’s rights advocate for Human Rights Watch. “Military commanders who use children can no longer come to the United States without the risk of ending up in jail.”

The legislation was introduced by Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois and adopted unanimously by both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate in September 2008. In a statement issued on October 3, Senator Durbin said: “The United States must not be a safe haven for those who exploit children as soldiers. The use of children as combatants is one of the most despicable human rights violations in the world today and affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of boys and girls who are used as combatants, porters, human mine detectors and sex slaves. The power to prosecute and punish those who violate the law will send a clear signal that the U.S. will in no way tolerate this abhorrent practice.” The recruitment and use of children as soldiers was recognized in 1998 as a war crime under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

In 2007, four former military commanders from Sierra Leone were convicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone for recruiting and using children as soldiers. Rebel and military commanders from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have also been charged under the International Criminal Court with recruiting and using child soldiers, though none have yet gone to trial.

“This new law is a breakthrough because it no longer leaves the prosecution of child recruiters to international tribunals and the national courts of conflict-affected countries,” Becker said. “The United States is stepping up to hold these war criminals accountable in its own courts.” Children are currently used in armed conflicts in at least 17 countries.

Countries and territories in which children are known to have been used in hostilities between 2004 and 2007 include:

Afghanistan
Burma
Burundi
Central African Republic
Chad
Colombia
Cote d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of Congo
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Occupied Palestinian Territories
Nepal
Philippines
Somalia
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Thailand
Uganda.

Between 2001 and 2004, child soldiers were also used in:

Angola
Republic of Congo
Guinea
Liberia
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Iran
Yemen.

(From the above blacklist, there are at least eight Muslim countries directly violating the Islamic principles of love, care and protection for the children which is strongly emphasized in the Holy Quran and Hadith. While we keep repeating WE ARE ONE UMMAH, WE ARE ONE UMMAH, one wonders what the Ummah is practically doing to prevent exploitation to a group that has NO advocates of its own - "0ur lovely children"?)

(10) GLOBAL ISLAMIC NEWS:

Bulgaria: Imam shortage forces 200 mosques to close

Sofia, 24 Sept. (AKI) - Bulgaria's highest Muslim authority has announced the closure of 200 mosques due to a lack of religious leaders or imams to lead prayers.


"Although the number of faithful has grown, we are forced to close the mosques due to a lack of religious leaders," said Bulgaria's Grand Mufti, Mustafa Haji.

"Many years of Communist rule and a lack of funds are the reasons for this crisis," he said.

Bulgaria has 1,500 mosques, but only 900 are currently open to the faithful and 200 of those are likely to be shut down indefinitely.

Bulgaria has 8.7 million inhabitants, of whom 12 percent are Muslim. The country joined the European Union in January last year.

Most Muslims in the country are Bulgarians of Turkish origin that have been living in the area since the time of Ottoman rule from the late 14th until the late 19th century.

INTOLERANCE THAT NEEDS TO BE CONDEMNED:

UNITED STATES: Missouri:

MEMBER OF ISLAM SOCIETY OF JOPLIN NOT SURPRISED BY HARASSMENT

Muslims at the Islam Society of Joplin speak out about alleged hate crimes against them and their place of worship.

We've told you of a Federal Bureau of Investigation of possible federal crimes against the mosque.

The mosque has been in Joplin for the past two years, and members say it attracts believers from throughout the four States.

But they also say since the mosque first opened, they've experienced harassment and destruction to the property.

Last weekend, someone set fire to the mosque's outside sign.

SOMALIA: Islamist Militiamen Destroy Church in South

Mogadishu, 2 Oct. (AKI) - An Islamist militia has destroyed the Italian-built Catholic Cathedral in Somalia's southern port city of Kisimayo, pan-Arab daily al-Sharq al-Awsat reported on Thursday.

Built by Italians at the beginning of the last century, the cathedral is the fourth church to be destroyed by Islamist militias in Somalia.

Militiamen razed the cathedral on Wednesday straight after prayers to mark the end of the holy muslim fasting month of Ramadan, al-Sharq al-Awsat reported.

"This is retaliation for the destruction of a mosque in the Ethiopian city of Harar and the construction of a church where the mosque stood," said Al-Qaeda linked 'Young Mujahadeen' formation, which claimed the attack.

Islamist militias seized control of Kisimayo last month.

Somalia is ranked among the world's five most dangerous countries for minorities. Its tiny Christian community lives in hiding, in fear of attacks from the overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim majority.

Recent years have seen a series of such attacks against Christians in Somalia, which has been off-limits to Catholic missionaries since the late Archbishop of Mogadishu, Salvatore Colombo's murder by Muslim militias in 1989.

A total 8,000 civilians have been killed and 1 million uprooted since early last year. Somalia has had no effective government since warlords overthrew dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

INDIA: India: Man arrested in rape of Nun in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, 8 Oct. (AKI/Asian Age) -

A man has been arrested in the troubled Indian state of Orissa in relation to the gang rape of a nun that is alleged to have occurred during sectarian violence in the region.

Santosh Pradhan was arrested in the town of Baliguda in the Kandhamal district on Tuesday and appeared in a local court, a police officer said.

Police previously arrested four men for their alleged roles in the crime, he said.

Communal clashes between Hindus and Christians in the eastern Indian state since late August have left at least 35 dead and thousands of others homeless.

The violence began days after a Hindu spiritual leader was killed in August. The nun filed a formal complaint about the alleged rape days later.

Though the report was filed many weeks ago, police collected the medical examination report only last week after the media reported the issue.

Sister Nirmala, superior general of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, also wrote to the state authorities seeking justice for the nun.

According to media reports, the medical examination report confirmed that she was raped. The state government suspended the inspector in charge of the Baliguda police station, where the nun had filed her complaint.

According to the nun's written complaint, a mob of about 40 to 50 armed men attacked a house where she and a local priest, Thomas Chellantharayil, had taken refuge.

She claims she was dragged from the building, and allegedly stripped and raped before being paraded naked in the streets. The priest was reportedly doused with petrol and beaten up.

AUSTRIA: Muslim graves defaced after far-right election win

Vienna, 29 Sept. (AKI) - Over 90 Muslim graves were desecrated on Sunday in the central Austrian town of Traun, near Linz, close to the Czech border.

The gravestones were knocked over and in certain cases painted with black spray paint, Austrian security authorities said in a statement.

Jewish symbols such as the star of David were also painted on the graves, as well as "Menorah" or Jewish candelabra.

Austrian authorities suspect right-wing extremist neo-Nazis were responsible for the violence.

The cemetery's undertaker said a sticker of a right-wing organisation was removed from the entrance of the cemetery last week.

The incident took place the same day as two far-right political parties made substantial gains in Austria's parliamentary election.

At the weekend the far-right Freedom Party and the New Alliance for the Future of Austria received a combined 29.1 percent of the vote.

The Social Democrats won the polls with 30 percent but they and the conservative People's Party suffered their worst results since 1945.

A total of 183 parliamentary seats were contested in Sunday's election.

The right parties are known for their anti-immigrant and anti-Islam campaigns.

"adnkronos" NEWSPAPER

ITALY: Muslims protest against mosque closure

Modena, 9 Oct. (AKI)

Muslims in the northern Italian city of Sassuolo plan to protest on Friday against what they claim is the town council's refusal to allow them to build a mosque.

"Tomorrow we will perform Friday prayers in the street, to protest against the municipality for not allowing us to have a mosque," said Hisham Abu Marwan, spokesman for the Islamic Association Huda of Sassuolo, in an interview with Adnkronos International (AKI).

The Muslim community, guided by Egyptian-born Imam Sheikh Tareq, said it wanted to continue protesting against the council which had ordered police to close the prayer hall that the community had been using for more than 10 years.

"We will pray in the street in front of the mosque that was shut down, and there will be several hundred of us so that the municipality does not discriminate against us," said Abu Marwan.

"We wanted to follow the rules and so we rented a new place where we could pray, but the authorities deemed it unsuitable because they said it is located in an industrial area and not an appropriate place to carry out religious activities."

Abu Marwan said that explanations from city authorities are nothing but excuses and asked them to allow them to pray in the place that they rented.

The council offered the group a temporary place of worship located five kilometres outside of Sassuolo. But Abu Marwan said the location was too far away, and the community was looking for a permanent solution instead.

At least 300 Muslims from Sassuolo, an industrial city near Modena, have been praying in the past few days outside the mosque closed by the authorities.

There is a considerable number of Moroccan immigrants that work in the ceramic factories in Modena who have been living there for years.

GERMANY: Cologne braces for anti-Islam protesters amid fears of violence

Cologne, 19 Sept. (AKI)

Far-right protesters were gathering in the German city of Cologne this weekend to attend a THREE DAY ANTI-ISLAMIFICATION CONGRESS" amid fears of possible clashes with Muslim minorities as well as German leftist groups.

The anti-immigrant Pro-Cologne group has organised the event in protest of plans to build a grand mosque for the city's sizeable Muslim community.

Trade unions and Muslim groups have organised a peaceful mass counter-demonstration in support of the building of the mosque.

Over 3,000 police officers have been deployed to maintain peace and security in the otherwise tolerant city.

The Pro-Cologne group has invited other far-right groups from neighboring Austria, France and Belgium to take part in their protest.

Throughout Cologne, signs calling for resistance to the event are reported to be visible. Barkeepers have also decided not to serve Cologne's famous beer 'Koelsch', to far-right protesters.

The city gave planning permission this month for the mosque, which will have a dome and two minarets.

Pro-Cologne is separate from Germany's far-right parties, but state police have put it under surveillance.

Cologne's Mayor has also called on its citizens to shun the far-right protest.


Acknowledgements:
(1) adnkronos (Turkish newspaper)
(2) www.allafrica.com (19 September 2008)Muraina, Aisha Wakaso Abuja & Minna

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