VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 127, April 18, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
EDITORIAL:
GERMANY: BERLIN ISLAMIC FASHION SHOW
Berlin Muslim Fashion Show
INDONESIA: JAKARTA ISLAMIC FASHION SHOW
TURKEY-ISTANBUL FASHION SHOW
A Turkish model displays a creation during a fashion show featured in ISLAMIC STYLE WORKS in Ankara (english-peopledaily.com)
A model presents swimwear for Muslims during the Islamic Fashion Fair in Istanbul April 11, 2010. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
ISLAMIC FASHION SHOW - MALAYSIA SHOULD THE GLOBAL UMMAH ENCOURAGE THE TREND OF HAVING ISLAMIC FASHION SHOWS ?
The 1.5 billion Muslims including the Muslims in 57 Muslim countries should first of all change the paradigm of ISLAMIC DECISION MAKING. It is true that Holy Quran and the Hadith has answers to lot of global problems both at the micro and macro level, however there is already an inbuilt mechanism within Islam to encourage consultation among experts and reach consensus on those issues that directly are not obvious from the verses of the Holy Quran and quotations of hadith.
Not all, but certain Muslims have a tendency of carrying a "KNOW ALL" attitude. They have quick answers to all problems and questions and if you disagree with them, they waste no time to brand you a KAFIR (nonbeliever) or HYPOCRITE (Munafiqeen). Unfortunately, they believe in only black OR white, and in their opinion there is no grey or " in between" type of responses.
In order to inculcate better understanding of any complex issue, first of all, we encourage Muslims to be more tolerant and accommodating of the various diversity issues involved in any given issue. For example, with regard to the Islamic Fashion Shows, there are some Muslims who are quick to point out that it is "HARAM" and is strictly prohibited. No further discussions on this matter.
However we have the opposite approach. We don't claim to be experts, nor have the final word nor know the answers to all problems. We consider ourselves as students who are LEARNING and will continue to pursue knowledge endlessly. The more we learn, the more we realize that there is much more to learn and towards this end, we are out to seek your valuable feedback and opinions on various issues besides seeking knowledge from other sources including consulting with Islamic experts.
We strongly believe in having an open mind and to encourage discussion and try to weigh in as many different perspectives as possible. Most Muslims DO NOT dispute that the Holy Quran and Hadith is the FINAL WORD. But what is really the problem and fuel for deep differences is the INTERPRETATION of both of above gems. It is NO breaking news to hear of different vested groups interpreting specific Quranic verses or disputing the hadith on its strength or weakness to prove their own personal points or beliefs. For example, you will never hear the notorious Osama bin Laden ever talking about the Quranic verse MANKIND IS BUT ONE COMMUNITY, instead he will keep repeating statements emphasizing DIVISIONS AMONG HUMANITY with emphasis on US verses THEM attitude thereby trying to fuel more hate and conflict between groups. One wonders, how he would respond, if asked: Is Islam a religion of peace ?
Coming back to the Islamic Fashion Show, could there be a majority consensus in terms of having a common stand FOR or AGAINST such shows? In Iran they permit such shows but with the condition that it only has a female audience in such shows. Various countries have different approaches in dealing with such shows. What is your opinion - Should such shows be encouraged or discouraged by the Muslim Governments and the global Ummah ? Since such Fashion shows primarily involve women, it is very important to get feedback from women. Their valuable input is being lost time and time again, yet they make up half the population of our Global Ummah and are the bedrock and backbone of our families in general.
The 1.5 billion Muslims including the Muslims in 57 Muslim countries should first of all change the paradigm of ISLAMIC DECISION MAKING. It is true that Holy Quran and the Hadith has answers to lot of global problems both at the micro and macro level, however there is already an inbuilt mechanism within Islam to encourage consultation among experts and reach consensus on those issues that directly are not obvious from the verses of the Holy Quran and quotations of hadith.
Not all, but certain Muslims have a tendency of carrying a "KNOW ALL" attitude. They have quick answers to all problems and questions and if you disagree with them, they waste no time to brand you a KAFIR (nonbeliever) or HYPOCRITE (Munafiqeen). Unfortunately, they believe in only black OR white, and in their opinion there is no grey or " in between" type of responses.
In order to inculcate better understanding of any complex issue, first of all, we encourage Muslims to be more tolerant and accommodating of the various diversity issues involved in any given issue. For example, with regard to the Islamic Fashion Shows, there are some Muslims who are quick to point out that it is "HARAM" and is strictly prohibited. No further discussions on this matter.
However we have the opposite approach. We don't claim to be experts, nor have the final word nor know the answers to all problems. We consider ourselves as students who are LEARNING and will continue to pursue knowledge endlessly. The more we learn, the more we realize that there is much more to learn and towards this end, we are out to seek your valuable feedback and opinions on various issues besides seeking knowledge from other sources including consulting with Islamic experts.
We strongly believe in having an open mind and to encourage discussion and try to weigh in as many different perspectives as possible. Most Muslims DO NOT dispute that the Holy Quran and Hadith is the FINAL WORD. But what is really the problem and fuel for deep differences is the INTERPRETATION of both of above gems. It is NO breaking news to hear of different vested groups interpreting specific Quranic verses or disputing the hadith on its strength or weakness to prove their own personal points or beliefs. For example, you will never hear the notorious Osama bin Laden ever talking about the Quranic verse MANKIND IS BUT ONE COMMUNITY, instead he will keep repeating statements emphasizing DIVISIONS AMONG HUMANITY with emphasis on US verses THEM attitude thereby trying to fuel more hate and conflict between groups. One wonders, how he would respond, if asked: Is Islam a religion of peace ?
Coming back to the Islamic Fashion Show, could there be a majority consensus in terms of having a common stand FOR or AGAINST such shows? In Iran they permit such shows but with the condition that it only has a female audience in such shows. Various countries have different approaches in dealing with such shows. What is your opinion - Should such shows be encouraged or discouraged by the Muslim Governments and the global Ummah ? Since such Fashion shows primarily involve women, it is very important to get feedback from women. Their valuable input is being lost time and time again, yet they make up half the population of our Global Ummah and are the bedrock and backbone of our families in general.
(Instead of repeating under each photo, it is to be acknowledged that all photos below are from yahoo.news.photos)
GERMANY: BERLIN ISLAMIC FASHION SHOW
A Model presents a wedding dress by Turkish designer Muhterem Cen during the "WALK OF ISLAM" Fashion Show in Berlin
Berlin Muslim Fashion ShowINDONESIA: JAKARTA ISLAMIC FASHION SHOW
TURKEY-ISTANBUL FASHION SHOW
A Turkish model displays a creation during a fashion show featured in ISLAMIC STYLE WORKS in Ankara (english-peopledaily.com)
A model presents swimwear for Muslims during the Islamic Fashion Fair in Istanbul April 11, 2010. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
FASHION SHOW - PAKISTAN
A PEEK OUTSIDE OUR
ISLAMIC BOX
(Easter Celebrations)
Young men dressed in traditional clothing toss girls into a brook during Easter celebrations in the village of Trencianska Tepla, Slovakia Monday, April 5, 2010. Dousing girls with water is a traditional Easter celebration. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Hungarian youths dance as part of traditional Easter celebrations in Szenna, 189km (117 miles) southwest from Budapest April 2, 2010. Locals of village Szenna of Hungary, celebrate Easter with the traditional "watering of the girls", a fertility ritual rooted in Hungarian tribes' pre-Christian past, going as far back as the second century after Christ. REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh
A Hungarian girl holds a lamb as part of traditional Easter celebrations in Szenna, 189km (117 miles) southwest from Budapest April 2, 2010. Locals of village Szenna of Hungary, celebrate Easter with the traditional "watering of the girls", a fertility ritual rooted in Hungarian tribes' pre-Christian past, going as far back as the second century after Christ. REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh
Hungarian youths dance as part of traditional Easter celebrations in Szenna, 189km (117 miles) southwest from Budapest April 2, 2010. Locals of village Szenna of Hungary, celebrate Easter with the traditional "watering of the girls", a fertility ritual rooted in Hungarian tribes' pre-Christian past, going as far back as the second century after Christ. REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh
Hungarian youths dance as part of traditional Easter celebrations in Szenna, 189km (117 miles) southwest from Budapest April 2, 2010. REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh
A veiled woman prays during a gathering called 'FOR LOVE OF JUAREZ' by the members of several Christian churches in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Friday, April9, 2010. (AP Photo/Guillermo Arias)
SPECIAL THANKS TO SISTER NAJMUNISA WHO FORWARDED BELOW E-MAIL AND BELOW AWESOME POEM SEEM TO HAVE BEEN ORIGINATED BY SISTER AMINA OMER
In search of me I discovered truth. In search of truth I discovered love. In search of love I discovered God and in God I found everything.
THEY lie on the table side by side
The Holy Quran and the TV Guide.
One is well worn and cherished with pride.
Not the Quran, but the TV Guide.
One is used daily to help folks decide.
Not the Quran, but the TV Guide.
As the pages are turned, what shall they see?
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV
So they open the book in which they confide.
No, not the Quran, but the TV Guide.
The Word of Allah is seldom read.
Maybe a verse before they fall into bed.
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be.
Not from reading the Quran, from watching TV
So then back to the table side by side,
Lie the Holy Quran and the TV Guide.
No time for prayer, no time for the Word,
The plan of Istiqama is seldom heard.
But forgiveness of sin, so full and free,
Is found in the Quran, not on TV
Take 60 seconds & give this a shot!
Let's just see if Shaytaan stops this one.
All you do is
1) say:
A- Subhan Allah
B- Alhamdulila
C- Allahu Akbar
D- La ilaha ila Allah Mohammad Rasool Allah
E- Allahuma sali aala sayidna Mohammad wa ala alihi Wasahbihi wasal'um
2) Then send it on to five other people or more.
Within hours five people have prayed for you, and you caused multitude of people to pray to Allah for other people. Then sit back and watch the power of Allah work in your life for doing things that you know HE loves. Anything worth having is worth fighting for....
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE
Thanks to Dr. Lewis for forwarding below e-mail
( DARN SHE'S GOOD!)
Husband and wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their 40th wedding anniversary!
The husband yells, "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone
that reads, 'Here Lies My Wife -- Cold As Ever'!"
"Yeah?" she replies. "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone
that reads,
'Here Lies My Husband -- Stiff At Last'!"
(HE ASKED FOR IT!)
Marriage (Part III)
She comes to the phone after many rings, and the irritated husband says,
"What took you so long to answer to the phone?"
(YEP, HE HAD THAT COMING, TOO!)
Marriage (Part IV)
A man has six children and is very proud of his achievement. He is so proud of himself, that he starts calling his wife," Mother of Six" in spite of her objections. One night, they go to a party. The man decides that it is time to go home and wants to find out if his wife is ready to leave as well. He shouts at the top of his voice, "Shall we go home Mother of Six?"
His wife, irritated by her husband's lack of discretion,
shouts right back, "Any time you're ready, Father of Four."
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE
Thanks to Dr. Lewis for forwarding below e-mail
Marriage (Part I )
Typical macho man married typical good-looking lady, and after the wedding, he laid down the following rules:
"I'll be home when I want, if I want and at what time
I want -- and I don't expect any hassle from you.
I expect a great dinner to be on the table unless
I tell you that I won't be home for dinner.
I'll go hunting, fishing, boozing, and card-playing
when I want with my old buddies, and don't you
give me a hard time about it.
Those are my rules. Any comments?"
His new bride said:
"No, that's fine with me.. Just understand that there will be sex
here at seven o'clock every night
whether you're here or not."I want -- and I don't expect any hassle from you.
I expect a great dinner to be on the table unless
I tell you that I won't be home for dinner.
I'll go hunting, fishing, boozing, and card-playing
when I want with my old buddies, and don't you
give me a hard time about it.
Those are my rules. Any comments?"
His new bride said:
"No, that's fine with me.. Just understand that there will be sex
here at seven o'clock every night
( DARN SHE'S GOOD!)
Marriage (Part II)
Husband and wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their 40th wedding anniversary!
The husband yells, "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone
that reads, 'Here Lies My Wife -- Cold As Ever'!"
"Yeah?" she replies. "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone
that reads,
'Here Lies My Husband -- Stiff At Last'!"
(HE ASKED FOR IT!)
Marriage (Part III)
Husband (a doctor) and his wife are having a fight at the breakfast table.
Husband gets up in a rage and says, "And you are no good in bed either," and storms out of the house..
After some time he realizes he was nasty and decides to make amends and rings her up.
Husband gets up in a rage and says, "And you are no good in bed either," and storms out of the house..
After some time he realizes he was nasty and decides to make amends and rings her up.
She comes to the phone after many rings, and the irritated husband says,
"What took you so long to answer to the phone?"
She says, "I was in bed."
"In bed this early, doing what?"
"Getting a second opinion!"
"In bed this early, doing what?"
"Getting a second opinion!"
(YEP, HE HAD THAT COMING, TOO!)
Marriage (Part IV)
A man has six children and is very proud of his achievement. He is so proud of himself, that he starts calling his wife," Mother of Six" in spite of her objections. One night, they go to a party. The man decides that it is time to go home and wants to find out if his wife is ready to leave as well. He shouts at the top of his voice, "Shall we go home Mother of Six?"
His wife, irritated by her husband's lack of discretion,
shouts right back, "Any time you're ready, Father of Four."
(RIGHT ON, LADY!)
THE END
