VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 40, August 10, 2008
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
Editors: Mohamed and Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
(ED NOTE: We acknowledge that most of you are too busy to read all detailed information of this newsletter. Out of respect for your time, we have highlighted the contents to make it easier for you to review the list of contents and read only those that may interest you).
Contents:
1) Sports-INCREASED PARTICIPATION OF FEMALE MUSLIMS IN OLYMPICS AT BEIJING, CHINA.
2) Islamic-Psycho-Social Issue: Misuse of Islamic organizational structure: "DELIBERATE BREAKING OF A FAMILY- Forcing a married couple with children to divorce against the wishes of the couple".
3) We applaud the change the U.S. Govt made in terms of (mis)using the word "jihad".
4) U.S. POLITICS: (a) Vijay Kumar - A misguided Hindu politician in the US who is exploiting the unfounded fears of the American Psyche (b) Oppose Congressional Republican Sue Maverick's ten point plan that unfairly targets Muslims.
5) Exploitation of women in alcohol advertisement
6) Area of improvement for the Ummah:
6a) Two Imams (Abu Bakar Bashir and Abdul Waheed) whose advice is misleading their local congregations.
6b) Three examples of intolerance and hate (i) Afghan Muslim teacher shot to death for speaking out against suicide bombers. (ii) Hate crime attack on Jewish Rabbi. (iii) Priest Hurt in Faith Attack.
7) HEALTH: Implications for the Ummah when the current global HIV infection is rising faster among women than men.
8) How much more low can the misguided extremist Muslims go - by using a eight year old child as a suicide bomber ?
8) How much more low can the misguided extremist Muslims go - by using a eight year old child as a suicide bomber ?
9) WOMEN: Islam's respect for women.
10) Australian Police harsh attitude towards Muslims: An approach guaranteed not only to fail but to subtly push moderate Muslims towards extremism.
11) Entertainment: Music in Islam: Halal or Haram
1) Sports-INCREASED PARTICIPATION OF FEMALE MUSLIMS IN OLYMPICS AT BEIJING, CHINA.
(ED NOTE: How supportive is the global Ummah to such a trend ? Would the push towards gender equality be fine as long as it does not compromise on the Islamic expectations of a Muslima? Now that women have entered the sport of wrestling, can you visualize a Muslima with hijab involved in wrestling ?)
Historically, women were barred from competing in the first modern Olympic games in 1896 but four years later they were permitted to participate in the "ladylike" sports of tennis, golf and croquet. In the Barcelona Olympic games of 1992, half of the 35 countries that had sent all male delegations (athletes) were Muslim countries.
Historically, women were barred from competing in the first modern Olympic games in 1896 but four years later they were permitted to participate in the "ladylike" sports of tennis, golf and croquet. In the Barcelona Olympic games of 1992, half of the 35 countries that had sent all male delegations (athletes) were Muslim countries.
Two French advocates, Annie Sugier and Linda Weil-Curiel, founded a group called Atlanta Plus whose goal was to make it mandatory for countries to include women in their Olympic delegations.
Weil-Curiel, a lawyer, says all-male delegations violate the Olympic charter's prohibition against all forms of discrimination. She has been lobbying the International Olympic Committee for years to impose sanctions on nations that bar women from competing. Her organization is located in Paris and she has renamed it "Atlanta-Sydney-Athens Plus" and she is happy to see the fruits of her hard work in terms of reduced number of all male national delegations.
Thirty-five all-male Olympic teams competed in Barcelona in 1992 compared to 26 in Atlanta in 1996, 10 in Sydney in 2000 and five in Athens 2004. There are at least four all-male delegations sent to Beijing, but a tally is not yet available. In 2004 women athletes competed in 135 events and represented 44 percent of all participants. Sports officials in Arab countries contend that women's limited participation is not restricted to their countries and point to the limited number of women in the International Olympic Committee's decision-making bodies.
In March 2008, during the fourth International Olympic Committee conference on women and sports, held in Jordan, 600 participants endorsed the Dead Sea Plan of Action. It calls for gender equality in national teams, their leadership and technicians, and also encourages female sports reporters to actively cover the events. Attendees included the world's top sporting officials, including International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, many Olympic medalists and King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan.
In Beijing, female athletes will compete in nearly every Olympic sport, including wrestling, which was opened to women for the first time at the Athens Games. The Japanese are expected to be the dominant force with the Americans, Bulgarians and Chinese expected to pose a threat in their quest for Olympic gold.
In Beijing, female athletes will compete in nearly every Olympic sport, including wrestling, which was opened to women for the first time at the Athens Games. The Japanese are expected to be the dominant force with the Americans, Bulgarians and Chinese expected to pose a threat in their quest for Olympic gold.
Muslima Aline Bannayan is a reporter and editor based in Amman, Jordan. A former national basketball team player, she has covered sports for the Jordan Times as well as the AP in Amman since 1991.
(womensnewstoday.com)
2) Islamic-Psycho-Social Issue: Misuse of Islamic organizational structure: "DELIBERATE BREAKING OF A FAMILY- Forcing a married couple with children to divorce against the wishes of the couple".
(womensnewstoday.com)
2) Islamic-Psycho-Social Issue: Misuse of Islamic organizational structure: "DELIBERATE BREAKING OF A FAMILY- Forcing a married couple with children to divorce against the wishes of the couple".
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF A MUSLIM COUPLE WHO WERE FORCED TO DIVORCE AGAINST THEIR WILL ? REASON: "Husband's tribal stock was not prestigious enough". WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THE SAUDI KING TO INTERVENE AND HELP UNITE THE COUPLE)
May 25 2008
By Souhail Karam (IOL)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:
A Saudi couple forced to divorce by an Islamic court have called for more international pressure to reunite them after Saudi authorities failed to fulfill a pledge to a UN body to do so.
Fatima Azzaz and Mansour al-Timani were forced to separate in 2006 after her brothers persuaded judges her husband's tribal stock was not prestigious enough. It is one of a series of cases that have drawn international criticism of human rights in Saudi Arabia, a key US ally and the world's top oil exporter. Yakin Erturk, the UN's expert on violence against women, said during a visit to Riyadh in February that authorities had promised to allow the couple to reunite. "Our case has not been resolved yet... I cannot get justice in my country, the United Nations could not get me justice, I turn to Allah and to the world to ask for this injustice to be brought to an end," said Timani late on Saturday.
Fatima Azzaz and Mansour al-Timani were forced to separate in 2006 after her brothers persuaded judges her husband's tribal stock was not prestigious enough. It is one of a series of cases that have drawn international criticism of human rights in Saudi Arabia, a key US ally and the world's top oil exporter. Yakin Erturk, the UN's expert on violence against women, said during a visit to Riyadh in February that authorities had promised to allow the couple to reunite. "Our case has not been resolved yet... I cannot get justice in my country, the United Nations could not get me justice, I turn to Allah and to the world to ask for this injustice to be brought to an end," said Timani late on Saturday.
Timani said authorities had repeatedly detained and warned him not to speak to the media. He said he had been banned from traveling or seeing his wife and two-year-old son. "Authorities want me to give up the case. I could spend my entire life seeking justice or even be thrown in a dark cell, but I will never give up," he said by telephone.
Fatima Azzaz is being held with her son in a government home for orphans. She refuses to return to her family home as required by the court order divorcing her from Timani, who has custody of their four-year-old daughter.
Fatima Azzaz is being held with her son in a government home for orphans. She refuses to return to her family home as required by the court order divorcing her from Timani, who has custody of their four-year-old daughter.
"I urge international organisations to find a quick solution, we have had enough of empty promises," she said by telephone from the Eastern city of Dammam.
In December, King Abdullah issued a pardon to a 19-year-old woman condemned to 200 lashes for having been with an unrelated man when seven men kidnapped and raped her. The intervention followed international pressure. Washington asked Riyadh to avoid such cases.
3) (ED NOTE: We applaud the change the U.S. Govt made in terms of advising against the use of the word "jihad" while describing terrorists).
By Matthew Lee for AP:
[...] Federal agencies, including the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Counter Terrorism Center, are telling their people not to describe Islamic extremists as "jihadists" or "mujahedeen," according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. Lingo like "Islamo-fascism" is out, too. The reason: Such words may actually boost support for radicals among Arab and Muslim audiences by giving them a veneer of religious credibility or by causing offense to moderates.
While Americans may understand "jihad" to mean "holy war," it is in fact a broader Islamic concept of the struggle to do good, says the guidance prepared for diplomats and other officials tasked with explaining the war on terror to the public. Similarly, "mujahedeen," which means those engaged in jihad, must be seen in its broader context. U.S. officials may be "unintentionally portraying terrorists, who lack moral and religious legitimacy, as brave fighters, legitimate soldiers or spokesmen for ordinary Muslims," says a Homeland Security report. It's entitled "Terminology to Define the Terrorists: Recommendations from American Muslims."
"Regarding 'jihad,' even if it is accurate to reference the term, it may not be strategic because it glamorizes terrorism, imbues terrorists with religious authority they do not have and damages relations with Muslims around the world," the report says. Language is critical in the war on terror, says another document, an internal "official use only" memorandum circulating through Washington entitled "Words that Work and Words that Don't: A Guide for Counter terrorism Communication."
The memo, originally prepared in March by the Extremist Messaging Branch at the National Counter Terrorism Center, was approved for diplomatic use this week by the State Department, which plans to distribute a version to all U.S. embassies, officials said.
The memo, originally prepared in March by the Extremist Messaging Branch at the National Counter Terrorism Center, was approved for diplomatic use this week by the State Department, which plans to distribute a version to all U.S. embassies, officials said.
"It's not what you say but what they hear," the memo says in bold italic lettering, listing 14 points about how to better present the war on terrorism. "Don't take the bait," it says, urging officials not to react when Osama bin Laden or al-Qaida affiliates speak. "We should offer only minimal, if any, response to their messages. When we respond loudly, we raise their prestige in the Muslim world." "Don't compromise our credibility" by using words and phrases that may ascribe benign motives to terrorists. _ "Never use the terms 'jihadist' or 'mujahedeen' in conversation to describe the terrorists. ... Calling our enemies 'jihadis' and their movement a global 'jihad' unintentionally legitimizes their actions." _ "Use the terms 'violent extremist' or 'terrorist.'
Both are widely understood terms that define our enemies appropriately and simultaneously deny them any level of legitimacy." _ On the other hand, avoid ill-defined and offensive terminology: "We are communicating with, not confronting, our audiences. Don't insult or confuse them with pejorative terms such as 'Islamo-fascism,' which are considered offensive by many Muslims."
The memo says the advice is not binding and does not apply to official policy papers but should be used as a guide for conversations with Muslims and media. At least at the top level, it appears to have made an impact. Secretary of State Condolezza Rice, who once frequently referred to "jihad" in her public remarks, does not appear to have used the word, except when talking about the name of a specific terrorist group, since last September.
The memo says the advice is not binding and does not apply to official policy papers but should be used as a guide for conversations with Muslims and media. At least at the top level, it appears to have made an impact. Secretary of State Condolezza Rice, who once frequently referred to "jihad" in her public remarks, does not appear to have used the word, except when talking about the name of a specific terrorist group, since last September.
The memo mirrors advice distributed to British and European Union diplomats last year to better explain the war on terrorism to Muslim communities there. It also draws heavily on the Homeland Security report that examined the way American Muslims reacted to different phrases used by U.S. officials to describe terrorists and recommended ways to improve the message. Because of religious connotations, that report, released in January and obtained by AP this week, counseled "caution in using terms such as, 'jihadist,' 'Islamic terrorist,' 'Islamist,' and 'holy warrior' as grandiose descriptions."
"We should not concede the terrorists' claim that they are legitimate adherents of Islam," the report said, adding that bin Laden and his adherents fear "irrelevance" more than anything else. "We must carefully avoid giving bin Laden and other al-Qaida leaders the legitimacy they crave, but do not possess, by characterizing them as religious figures, or in terms that may make them seem to be noble in the eyes of some," it said.
"We should not concede the terrorists' claim that they are legitimate adherents of Islam," the report said, adding that bin Laden and his adherents fear "irrelevance" more than anything else. "We must carefully avoid giving bin Laden and other al-Qaida leaders the legitimacy they crave, but do not possess, by characterizing them as religious figures, or in terms that may make them seem to be noble in the eyes of some," it said.
4) U.S. POLITICS:
(4 a) (Ed Note: Vijay Kumar - A misguided Hindu politician in the US who is exploiting the unfounded fears of the American Psyche)
(ED NOTE: While the American economy is going downhill with every sign pointing towards inflation, besides increased unemployment, record high gas prices, housing crisis with hundreds of thousands losing their homes through foreclosures, with millions of Americans having no health insurance, increased problems with homelessness, drug abuse, high crime rate, cuts in funds for social services thereby adversely impacting the services to the poor et.c. et.c, for Mr. Vijay Kumar above seems UNIMPORTANT. He has disconnected himself from the harsh realities facing the average American family and instead he has decided to focus on the SHARIA and WAR ON TERROR as his main platform to run for Congress.)
Below is a condensed version of his interview with Frontpage.
Frontpage Interview’s guest is Vijay Kumar, an émigré from India who is seeking the Republican nomination in a Tennessee primary Congressional race set for August. He is running on an anti-Sharia platform.
Kumar was born in Hyderabad, India, in 1954. He grew up in India, in a conservative, middle-class family. He studied classics, political science, and philosophy. He emigrated to the US in 1979 and has been living in the Bellevue area of Nashville, Tennessee for past twenty years.
Kumar was born in Hyderabad, India, in 1954. He grew up in India, in a conservative, middle-class family. He studied classics, political science, and philosophy. He emigrated to the US in 1979 and has been living in the Bellevue area of Nashville, Tennessee for past twenty years.
The main focus of his campaign is the War on Terror. According to Kumar: "CAIR (Council of American Islamic Relations) is a direct manifestation of Mohammed’s Sunna and jihad. CAIR is actually just one part of Islam’s strategy to annihilate the Western culture. It is far more dangerous than any Mohammed Atta or any other jihadists".
Kumar added "People forget that Mohammed’s last words were to keep giving the money to kafir ambassadors and that is what Islam is doing in Washington, DC. Capitol Hill is awash in Saudi money and our dhimmi political types cannot get enough of it"
(ED NOTE: May be we need to forward a copy of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (SAW) LAST SERMON to Mr. Kumar. From where he obtained or fabricated above false information regarding the above so called "Mohammed's last words" is not clear).
Kumar added: "The media only has a concern for white oppression and white evil. If the source of evil is non-white and non-Christian, they don’t care"(ED NOTE: May be we need to forward a copy of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (SAW) LAST SERMON to Mr. Kumar. From where he obtained or fabricated above false information regarding the above so called "Mohammed's last words" is not clear).
(ED NOTE: Yes the Muslims have seen to what extent the great Media has shown its concerns for atrocities against Muslims world wide specially in Palestine (sixty years later, many of them are still staying in refugee camps in squalid and deplorable conditions and unable to meet the basic necessities of life), Kashmir, Chechyna and Bosnia. It appears that Mr. Kumar is out of touch with the reality of the Media).
Kumar added: "All of our textbooks teach a CAIR approved history and doctrine of Islam. All of the young minds are trained to never see any wrong in Islam and to blame all the faults of Islam on us" (ED NOTE: We would respectfully wish to differ with above statement which is NOT TRUE).
Kumar added: "It is a moral imperative to oppose the nations that practice Sharia Law. We must start scrutinizing way more carefully immigration from Sharia practicing nations. Why should we let on our shores those who want to install and live by Sharia? The progenitors of Sharia Law and Universal Jihad are Iran, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia – the true Axis of Evil. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are not our allies; they are our enemies. "These outlaw nations must be demilitarized, secularized, and democratized".
(ED NOTE: Mr. Kumar contradicts himself in above quoted sentence. His main opposition of Islam is that Muslims are trying to impose their will on others but he has NO hesitation on his philosophy of imposing his value system on Muslims "These outlaw nations MUST be demilitarized, securalized and democratized"- Does the above sound like the words of a dictator trying to impose his dominance over other nations, which to us is the typical characteristics of an extremist. We are confident that the American public being smart and open minded, will not be fooled by Mr. Vijay Kumar's playing with and exploiting their insecurities that had started since 9/11).
Kumar continues: "That should be the goal of our "War on Terror.” Make no mistake: unless these nations forego their fundamentalist and militarist theology and join the secular humanity there will not be a lasting peace in the world".
(ED NOTE: Yes, the now broken up USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic) which pushed RELIGION to the back burner was an excellent example of Mr. Kumar's SECULAR HUMANITY and we now know how it disintegrated.
(ED NOTE: Yes, the now broken up USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic) which pushed RELIGION to the back burner was an excellent example of Mr. Kumar's SECULAR HUMANITY and we now know how it disintegrated.
USA is the melting pot of the world and no other country in numbers has such diversity of religions, cultures and languages. AMERICANS ARE ONE OF THE MOST TOLERANT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. In a poll, 92 percent of the respondents stated that they would have elected Hillary Clinton as the President if she was up to their expectation. It was because of her qualities that she lost, not because of her gender. You are already seeing that the minority multi-racial candidate Barack Obama has become the front line runner for the democratic party and could very well become the next President of US.
Minority candidates are able to lead in the election process partly because of the tolerance of the masses. THE AMERICANS ARE IN NEED OF A UNIFYING ROLE MODEL NOT A ROLE MODEL BENT ON DIVIDING AND CREATING HATE AMONG THE DIVERGENT POPULATION GROUPS OF THE U.S. Unfortunately Congressional candidates like Mr. Vijay Kumar if elected would only help in creating deep divisions within the American multi-cultural and multi-religious populations and ENCOURAGING SUCH DIVISIONS IS NOT GOOD FOR AMERICA.
Minority candidates are able to lead in the election process partly because of the tolerance of the masses. THE AMERICANS ARE IN NEED OF A UNIFYING ROLE MODEL NOT A ROLE MODEL BENT ON DIVIDING AND CREATING HATE AMONG THE DIVERGENT POPULATION GROUPS OF THE U.S. Unfortunately Congressional candidates like Mr. Vijay Kumar if elected would only help in creating deep divisions within the American multi-cultural and multi-religious populations and ENCOURAGING SUCH DIVISIONS IS NOT GOOD FOR AMERICA.
We would love to support Congressional candidates who speak of UNITY IN DIVERSITY. Unfortunately Mr. Kumar is a strong advocate of DIVISIVE POLITICS based on personal prejudice and hate of other specific religion or group of people. That we are sure is not going to fly with the American public who based on the various polls have learnt from their mistakes and over-reaction.
However on the positive side, we sincerely appreciate Mr. Kumar who being born overseas for having raised himself to the level of running for U.S. Congress and in a way he has surpassed the American dream. We have nothing against Mr. Kumar in terms of his religion of Hinduism or nation of birth - INDIA. In fact some of our close lifelong friends are Hindus. We need to shift the paradigm from ISLAMIC CENTERED TO HUMANITY CENTERED without compromising our ability to continue to maintain our Islamic identity and be practicing Muslims to the best of our ability. As far as the leaders are concerned, their ideas in terms of unifying the country despite its diversity is more important than what their specific religion is.
However the platform in which Mr. Kumar is running for Congress in terms of his opposition to Sharia and war on terror is foundationaly and structurally weak and NOT really addressing the most important concerns of an average American family today. For a potential American head of household, the main worry today may be loss of his job or his house or other psycho-social crisis impacting himself and his immediate family. In such a financial or psycho-social crisis, he or she may care less about Sharia, whether one wears a niqaab or hijab or shortens one's hair or even shaves one's head. Their immediate concern is their own stability. With job losses and a failing economy, for Mr. Kumar to run on the anti-Sharia platform there is not much water to hold in terms of meeting the most important needs of his constituents. In short Mr. Kumar's primary strategy has a major flaw and it would come as no surprise if he is NOT elected to the Congress.
On the other hand, if Mr. Kumar could have changed his strategy and focused on the immediate needs of the average American and come up with strategies and solutions to improve our economy, housing affordability, improving access to higher education, insurance coverage issues et.c. Then needless to say, we ourselves would be more than happy to support such worthwhile causes and work through various grass root levels to assist Mr. Kumar and we would have been proud to support him.
(4 b) Oppose Congressional Republican Sue Maverick's (Republican - North Carolina) ten point plan that unfairly targets Muslims.
"N.C. congresswoman releases 10-point list to tackle radical Islam threats,"www.theranger.org The Ranger Online 7/19/08
1. Investigate all military chaplains endorsed by Abdurahman Alamoudi, who was imprisoned for funding a terrorist organization.
2. Investigate all prison chaplains endorsed by Alamoudi.
3. Investigate the selection process of Arabic translators working for the Pentagon and the FBI.
4. Examine the non-profit status of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
5. Make it an act of sedition or solicitation of treason to preach or publish materials that call for the deaths of Americans.
6. Audit sovereign wealth funds in the United States.
7. Cancel scholarship student visa program with Saudi Arabia until they reform their text books, which she claims preach hatred and violence against non-Muslims.
8. Restrict religious visas for imams who come from countries that don't allow reciprocal visits by non-Muslim clergy.
9. Cancel contracts to train Saudi police and security in U.S. counterterrorism tactics.
10. Block the sale of sensitive military munitions to Saudi Arabia.
5) Exploitation of women in Alcohol advertisement:
(ED NOTE: How many pictured alcohol advertisements have you seen that did not involve a semi-nude woman. But we are expected to believe that it is NOT exploitation of women. The majority of the people who become victims from the negative behaviors of intoxicated people are women. Yet to appeal to the basal instinct of men, the same victimized women are frequently associated with alcohol advertisements portrayed in a sexually enticing manner. If this is not one form of exploitation of women, what else it ? As an example, see the most recent advertisement below:)
(The age.com.au. Jill STALK, Aug 7, 2008)
A 30-second TV version, first shown on Friday on Australian Fox Sports, features one semi-naked women stating:
"We say, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, take off your cozzie."
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Senator Jan McLucas told The Age the ad was unacceptable. She hinted at regulatory change. "Generating cheap controversy with this type of ad is the kind of tactic some companies resort to in an attempt to get more for their advertising spend." The campaign comes as Jim Beam this week launched a "responsible drinking strategy".
An ALCOHOL advertisement with topless Swedish sunbathers being stalked by peeping toms could prompt a crackdown on the industry's advertising tactics. - Semi-naked women in alcohol ad - 'Cheap controversy' unacceptable: Senator - Health groups to complain.
Outraged health groups will lodge formal complaints about the Jim Beam advertisement, describing it as one of the most offensive promotions in the industry's history. The Australian Federal Government has slammed it. The bourbon maker's campaign, The Neighbours, includes TV and internet ads showing two blondes in G-strings applying sunscreen, bouncing on a trampoline and finally stripping naked as they're watched through a hedge by "Stevo next door" and his mates.
Outraged health groups will lodge formal complaints about the Jim Beam advertisement, describing it as one of the most offensive promotions in the industry's history. The Australian Federal Government has slammed it. The bourbon maker's campaign, The Neighbours, includes TV and internet ads showing two blondes in G-strings applying sunscreen, bouncing on a trampoline and finally stripping naked as they're watched through a hedge by "Stevo next door" and his mates.
A 30-second TV version, first shown on Friday on Australian Fox Sports, features one semi-naked women stating:
"We say, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, take off your cozzie."
Viewers are then directed to a website with a longer ad in which the women are spied on as they undress. The camera zooms in on their breasts and backsides before ending with a close-up of one topless woman washing dishes at the kitchen sink.
The Australian Drug Foundation and VicHealth will make complaints against the ad, claiming it trivialises the criminal act of stalking, objectifies women and links sex to alcohol - a breach of the industry's own self-regulated advertising code.
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Senator Jan McLucas told The Age the ad was unacceptable. She hinted at regulatory change. "Generating cheap controversy with this type of ad is the kind of tactic some companies resort to in an attempt to get more for their advertising spend." The campaign comes as Jim Beam this week launched a "responsible drinking strategy".
6) Area of improvement for the Ummah:
(6 a) Two Imams (Abu Bakar Bashir and Abdul Waheed) whose advice is misleading their youth and local congregations.
IMAM ABU BAKAR BASHIR:
THE AUSTRALIAN
Natasha Robinson, March 24, 2008
Natasha Robinson, March 24, 2008
ISLAMIC cleric Abu Bakar Bashir has returned to his hardline rhetoric with a call for followers to "beat up" Western tourists and for young Muslims to die as martyrs.
In the sermon, organised by an Islamic youth organisation and delivered a few kilometres from the home village of convicted Bali bombers Amrozi and Mukhlas, Bashir likened tourists in Bali to "worms, snakes, maggots", and specifically referred to the immorality of Australian infidels.
In the sermon, organised by an Islamic youth organisation and delivered a few kilometres from the home village of convicted Bali bombers Amrozi and Mukhlas, Bashir likened tourists in Bali to "worms, snakes, maggots", and specifically referred to the immorality of Australian infidels.
The address was caught on video by an Australian university student.
"The youth movement here must aspire to a martyrdom death," said the cleric, who was convicted of conspiracy over the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians, but was later cleared and released from prison.
"The young must be first at the front line - don't hide at the back. You must be at the front, die as martyrs and all your sins will be forgiven. This is how to achieve forgiveness."
"The youth movement here must aspire to a martyrdom death," said the cleric, who was convicted of conspiracy over the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians, but was later cleared and released from prison.
"The young must be first at the front line - don't hide at the back. You must be at the front, die as martyrs and all your sins will be forgiven. This is how to achieve forgiveness."
Observers said the sermon's content was a clear indication of what many terrorism academics have noted - that the accused spiritual head of Jemaah Islamiah has been emboldened by his release from prison last year after serving 26 months for conspiracy in relation to the Bali blasts.
"Immediately after Abu Bakar Bashir was released from incarceration he was very cautious in spreading hatred," said Rohan Gunaratna, head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University. "The remarks show that Abu Bakar Bashir has gone back to the pre-incarceration period where he was in a very similar way urging JI members, encouraging JI members to move in the direction of violence, especially violence including terrorism."
"Immediately after Abu Bakar Bashir was released from incarceration he was very cautious in spreading hatred," said Rohan Gunaratna, head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University. "The remarks show that Abu Bakar Bashir has gone back to the pre-incarceration period where he was in a very similar way urging JI members, encouraging JI members to move in the direction of violence, especially violence including terrorism."
The sermon was organised by the youth group Persatuan Pemuda Islam Pantura (Java North Coast Islamic Youth Group) and delivered on October 22 last year.
It was captured on videotape by Darwin-based political science PhD student Nathan Franklin, who was conducting research at Islamic boarding schools in east Java.
Bashir's address was observed by the village's police chief and a horde of plain-clothes Indonesian police officers. It was also attended by relatives of Amrozi, who travelled to the sermon from the Bali bomber's former Islamic boarding school on the village's outskirts.
It was captured on videotape by Darwin-based political science PhD student Nathan Franklin, who was conducting research at Islamic boarding schools in east Java.
Bashir's address was observed by the village's police chief and a horde of plain-clothes Indonesian police officers. It was also attended by relatives of Amrozi, who travelled to the sermon from the Bali bomber's former Islamic boarding school on the village's outskirts.
The cleric has warned of retribution should the Bali bombers be executed by firing squad.
During the sermon, Bashir talked of a previous visit to Australia, claiming that he had wanted to see the "beauty of the ocean" but was told by a friend there was "one condition" of a visit to the beach.
"He said if you enter that area you must be completely naked," Bashir told the crowd of about 300 hearing his sermon.
During the sermon, Bashir talked of a previous visit to Australia, claiming that he had wanted to see the "beauty of the ocean" but was told by a friend there was "one condition" of a visit to the beach.
"He said if you enter that area you must be completely naked," Bashir told the crowd of about 300 hearing his sermon.
Bashir likened non-Muslims to crawling animals. "Worms, snakes, maggots - those are animals that crawl. Take a look at Bali ... those infidel tourists. They are naked."
He called for signs to be erected across Indonesia warning tourists they were entering a Muslim area, and directing they cover up appropriately. But in east Java, he urged the Islamist youth to "beat up" foreigners.
"God willing, there are none here," Bashir said. "If there were infidels here, just beat them up. Do not tolerate them."
He called for signs to be erected across Indonesia warning tourists they were entering a Muslim area, and directing they cover up appropriately. But in east Java, he urged the Islamist youth to "beat up" foreigners.
"God willing, there are none here," Bashir said. "If there were infidels here, just beat them up. Do not tolerate them."
Bashir has never sought to hide his support for the Mujahideen, or holy warriors, who seek to wage jihad and die as martyrs in defence of Islam. However, he has in the past been careful to distance himself from the Bali bombings, praising the bombers' intention but not their method.
Mr Franklin, who is completing a doctorate in political science specialising in Indonesian politics, agreed that Bashir's radical address proved the cleric had been emboldened by his early release from prison and was seemingly intent on attracting greater publicity for his cause. "Going to jail, serving a very light sentence, and becoming a media icon - it's the best thing that's happened to him," Mr Franklin said.
Mr Franklin, who is completing a doctorate in political science specialising in Indonesian politics, agreed that Bashir's radical address proved the cleric had been emboldened by his early release from prison and was seemingly intent on attracting greater publicity for his cause. "Going to jail, serving a very light sentence, and becoming a media icon - it's the best thing that's happened to him," Mr Franklin said.
He said Bashir sensed his opportunity for greater power and influence as Indonesia increasingly moved away from secularism towards Islamic law.
The PhD student will screen extracts of the Bashir video, which has been sub-titled, at Charles Darwin University in Darwin on Friday as part of an academic talk on how the sermons give inspiration to the radical Islamist cause to create a Caliphate, or greater Islamic state.
Dr Gunaratna said the radical nature of Bashir's current sermons showed that Indonesia's legal system was still not equipped to police terrorism.
The PhD student will screen extracts of the Bashir video, which has been sub-titled, at Charles Darwin University in Darwin on Friday as part of an academic talk on how the sermons give inspiration to the radical Islamist cause to create a Caliphate, or greater Islamic state.
Dr Gunaratna said the radical nature of Bashir's current sermons showed that Indonesia's legal system was still not equipped to police terrorism.
"The very fact that Abu Bakar Bashir is spreading hatred and ideological extremism is testimony to the fact that Australia has failed in engagement with Indonesia to build a robust Indonesian counter-terrorism legislation," Dr Gunaratna said.
Bashir's address contained many direct challenges to Indonesian secularism. The cleric urged his supporters to reject the laws of the nation's parliament and said following state laws that contradicted Islamic Shariah law was an act of "blasphemy".
Bashir's address contained many direct challenges to Indonesian secularism. The cleric urged his supporters to reject the laws of the nation's parliament and said following state laws that contradicted Islamic Shariah law was an act of "blasphemy".
IMAM ABU WALEED:
(Implies that it is okay to commit welfare fraud)
(Implies that it is okay to commit welfare fraud)
Dailymail.co.uk
March 5, 2008
March 5, 2008
Radical Muslim preacher caught on film giving advice on how to 'hoodwink' the Government over benefits.
A radical Muslim preacher has been filmed talking about fraudulently claiming benefits and giving advice on how to cheat the Government.
A radical Muslim preacher has been filmed talking about fraudulently claiming benefits and giving advice on how to cheat the Government.
Self-proclaimed extremist Abu Waleed was speaking at the London School of Shariah event in preparation for Ramadan, during which he also made jokes about Muslims taking backpacks on to the Underground.
The British-born radical retold fables from the Koran before encouraging his audience to hoodwink the Government.
The British-born radical retold fables from the Koran before encouraging his audience to hoodwink the Government.
After a story about a wealthy man, he said: "There was one man, he had a lot of money - just like us, we have a lot of money today from the income support and the incapacity benefit.
"Obviously when you have the incapacity benefit, you want to make sure you walk with a limp when you leave the house just in case there's someone taking pictures.
"Obviously you don't need to tell them that, the Department of Work and Pensions."
"Obviously you don't need to tell them that, the Department of Work and Pensions."
Waleed has links through the London School of Shariah, in Bethnal Green, which hosts guest speakers such as jailed fanatic Abu Hamza and radical British Islamist Anjem Choudary.
The three all have links to exiled cleric Omar Bakri.
In the video, Waleed says: "[God] will come to you if you praying ... maybe I left the toaster on ... or maybe I left the rucksack on the Underground - maybe they found some powder in there or something like that - but don't leave a rucksack on the Underground, they'll do you for terrorism."
The three all have links to exiled cleric Omar Bakri.
In the video, Waleed says: "[God] will come to you if you praying ... maybe I left the toaster on ... or maybe I left the rucksack on the Underground - maybe they found some powder in there or something like that - but don't leave a rucksack on the Underground, they'll do you for terrorism."
Talking about the video, Mr Waleed said: "My comments about the backpacks were not meant to glorify the attacks of 7/7 in any way.
"They were not meant to cause offence, the bombings were a horrendous act of terrorism, no one can deny that."
"They were not meant to cause offence, the bombings were a horrendous act of terrorism, no one can deny that."
6 b) Three examples of intolerance and hate.
(i)Afghan Muslim teacher shot to death for speaking out against suicide bombers.
International Herald Tribune (NY Times)
May 14, 2008Kabul, Afghanistan:
A teacher was shot to death in northern Afghanistan after he gave a speech condemning suicide bombings, officials said Wednesday. Abdul Hadi criticized such attacks as un-Islamic and un-Afghan during a speech Tuesday in the Archi district of Kunduz province, said Khair Mohammad Subat, the provincial education department director.
Hadi spoke at a gathering of about 700 people, including the Kunduz governor, and was on his way home when he was killed, Subat said....
Hadi spoke at a gathering of about 700 people, including the Kunduz governor, and was on his way home when he was killed, Subat said....
(ii) Hate crime attack on Jewish Rabbi.
Germany jails attacker of Rabbi:
A German court has jailed a Muslim of Afghan origin for three and a half years for stabbing an Orthodox Jewish rabbi in the stomach in the street.
The court in the south-western city of Frankfurt convicted Sajed Aziz, 23, of grievous bodily harm.
Witnesses said he had shouted anti-Semitic insults at the victim, Rabbi Zalman Gurevitch, 43.
The case sparked a discussion in Germany about whether there were no-go areas for Jews in some cities.
The case sparked a discussion in Germany about whether there were no-go areas for Jews in some cities.
Passing the sentence, Judge Klaus Drescher said there had not been enough evidence to support the original charge of attempted manslaughter.
Aziz admitted in court that he had stabbed his victim on a Frankfurt street on 7 September 2007 but called it self-defence, saying Mr Gurevitch had grabbed him by the collar.
The rabbi said Aziz had first shouted anti-Semitic slurs at him, then plunged a early three-inch (7-cm) blade into his lower abdomen.
The rabbi said Aziz had first shouted anti-Semitic slurs at him, then plunged a early three-inch (7-cm) blade into his lower abdomen.
(iii) Priest hurt in faith-hate attack
BBC news March 15, 2008
A priest has been attacked in the grounds of his church, in what police described as a "faith-hate" crime. Canon Michael Ainsworth, 57, was injured by two Asian youths at the church, in Tower Hamlets, east London.
Canon Ainsworth said a third youth watched as he suffered cuts, bruises and black eyes in the assault at the church of St George-in-the-East.
The youths also jeered at the priest for being a churchman in the attack on Wednesday night, the Met Police said.
An appeal for witnesses has been made
Canon Ainsworth said a third youth watched as he suffered cuts, bruises and black eyes in the assault at the church of St George-in-the-East.
The youths also jeered at the priest for being a churchman in the attack on Wednesday night, the Met Police said.
An appeal for witnesses has been made
7) HEALTH:
Implications for the Ummah when the current global HIV infection is rising faster among women than men. What lifestyle changes can the Muslims make at an individual/family/community level to combat such rapid spread of HIV infections ? What role can the Mosques and other Islamic institutions play to dessiminate accurate information and dispel myths and superstitious beliefs about HIV and AIDS.
Implications for the Ummah when the current global HIV infection is rising faster among women than men. What lifestyle changes can the Muslims make at an individual/family/community level to combat such rapid spread of HIV infections ? What role can the Mosques and other Islamic institutions play to dessiminate accurate information and dispel myths and superstitious beliefs about HIV and AIDS.
MEXICO CITY: The rate of HIV infection is rising faster among women than men, and the link between AIDS rates and violence against women is becoming more central, said health advocates and officials during the recent XVII International AIDS Conference.
"Violence against women is both a cause and consequence of HIV and AIDS," said Ines Alberdi, executive director of UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women. "In order to successfully tackle AIDS, we must address violence against women. Both pandemics are intertwined in a vicious cycle."
"Violence against women is both a cause and consequence of HIV and AIDS," said Ines Alberdi, executive director of UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women. "In order to successfully tackle AIDS, we must address violence against women. Both pandemics are intertwined in a vicious cycle."
The U.N. General Assembly is set to vote in September on the creation of a unified women's agency to streamline its fragmented approach to women's issues and programs.
The feminization of AIDS is obvious in sub-Saharan Africa, where two-thirds of the world's HIV-positive people live and where the pandemic has taken its heaviest toll.
The percentage of infected women has risen steadily over the years. In the Caribbean region overall, the female-male ratio is now 1-to-1 among 230,000 infected people. In Haiti, which now has 170,000 HIV-positive people, unprotected heterosexual intercourse is the main cause.
Nearly one-third, or 32 percent, of newly diagnosed HIV infections and cases of AIDS in the United States stem from high-risk sexual intercourse, although male-to-male sex still remains the main transmission mode. In Western Europe, 42 percent of new infections are attributed to unprotected heterosexual sex.
The percentage of infected women has risen steadily over the years. In the Caribbean region overall, the female-male ratio is now 1-to-1 among 230,000 infected people. In Haiti, which now has 170,000 HIV-positive people, unprotected heterosexual intercourse is the main cause.
Nearly one-third, or 32 percent, of newly diagnosed HIV infections and cases of AIDS in the United States stem from high-risk sexual intercourse, although male-to-male sex still remains the main transmission mode. In Western Europe, 42 percent of new infections are attributed to unprotected heterosexual sex.
"First, physically the transmission from male to female is 2.5 times more likely than the transmission from a woman to a man," Kastberg said in an interview. "So already physically speaking we have a situation that will gradually drive the pandemic toward an increasing proportion of women."
The U.N. AIDS agency, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, estimated in a July 29 report that 33 million people worldwide were living with HIV in 2007.
Two million people died of complications related to AIDS, and 2.7 million became infected. About 2 million children are infected, nearly 90 percent of them living in sub-Saharan Africa.
Two million people died of complications related to AIDS, and 2.7 million became infected. About 2 million children are infected, nearly 90 percent of them living in sub-Saharan Africa.
Women also contract HIV in violent encounters, often from abusive partners, because rough or violent sex is more likely to produce tears that let the HIV virus in. Moreover recent studies find abusive men more likely to practice high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex with multiple partners or intravenous drug use.
Childhood sexual abuse, which can seed a lifetime of high-risk behaviors; partner and non-partner sexual violence; and physical, psychological and emotional violence all "make it incredibly difficult for women to protect themselves from HIV," said Charlotte Watts, head of the Health Policy Unit at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
The United Nations estimates that 1 in 3 women worldwide will suffer abuse in her lifetime.
Childhood sexual abuse, which can seed a lifetime of high-risk behaviors; partner and non-partner sexual violence; and physical, psychological and emotional violence all "make it incredibly difficult for women to protect themselves from HIV," said Charlotte Watts, head of the Health Policy Unit at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
The United Nations estimates that 1 in 3 women worldwide will suffer abuse in her lifetime.
XVII International AIDS Conference: - http://www.aids2008.org
Kaiser Network, AIDS Conference webcasts and transcripts: - http://www.kaisernetwork.org/aids2008/
8) How much more low can the misguided extremist Muslims go - by using a eight year old child as a suicide bomber ?
DAILYMAIL.CO.UK MAY 15, 2008
Iraqi insurgents use eight-year-old girl as suicide bomber
Iraqi insurgents use eight-year-old girl as suicide bomber
An eight-year-old girl was strapped with remote-controlled explosives and used as a human bomb by Iraqi insurgents in a blast that killed an Iraqi commander earlier today.
An Iraqi captain was killed and seven other soldiers were injured in the explosion which took place in the town of Youssifiyah, south of Baghdad.
The explosives were detonated as the girl approached the Iraqi commander.
An Iraqi captain was killed and seven other soldiers were injured in the explosion which took place in the town of Youssifiyah, south of Baghdad.
The explosives were detonated as the girl approached the Iraqi commander.
"I can confirm that a female suicide bomber attacked an Iraqi Army position," said a U.S Army spokesman.
Involving women in fighting violates religious taboos in Iraq, but extremists are recruiting females and youths to stage suicide attacks in a desperate attempt to beat tightened security measures.
Involving women in fighting violates religious taboos in Iraq, but extremists are recruiting females and youths to stage suicide attacks in a desperate attempt to beat tightened security measures.
Women can avoid thorough searches at checkpoints because of Islamic sensitivities, and four have carried out suicide bombings since November.
In February, Iraqi insurgents used two women with Downs Syndrome as human bombs in a blast that killed 99 people in Baghdad.
The women were apparently fooled into wearing explosive vests which were then detonated remotely by mobile phones as they mingled with crowds.
In February, Iraqi insurgents used two women with Downs Syndrome as human bombs in a blast that killed 99 people in Baghdad.
The women were apparently fooled into wearing explosive vests which were then detonated remotely by mobile phones as they mingled with crowds.
It is unclear whether this latest blast used the same method for detonating the bomb.
9) WOMEN: Islam' Teaches Respect for Women
Media Credit: AccuNet/AP Multimedia Archive
By Martin R. Herrera
4/18/08
Media Credit: AccuNet/AP Multimedia Archive
By Martin R. Herrera
4/18/08
Malay Muslim women, wearing their traditional "sarong kebaya" dress, find a sidewalk to rest in downtown Kuala Lumpur
Women in Malaysia, in spite of the laws of Islam, have considerable power in Malay society, and more freedom than their sisters in the Middle East.
www.theranger.org. (April 18, 2008)
In the fourth installment of a six-week lecture series on Christianity and Islam, a three-woman panel put together by the United Methodist Student Movement Ministry Team spoke about women in the Muslim culture.
Often perceived by the Western world to have an oppressive attitude toward their women, Muslims often have been subjected to scorn and ridicule because of a misconception that these negative behaviors are rooted in Islamic belief, speaker Brenda Meneses said. Meneses said that is not true.
In the fourth installment of a six-week lecture series on Christianity and Islam, a three-woman panel put together by the United Methodist Student Movement Ministry Team spoke about women in the Muslim culture.
Often perceived by the Western world to have an oppressive attitude toward their women, Muslims often have been subjected to scorn and ridicule because of a misconception that these negative behaviors are rooted in Islamic belief, speaker Brenda Meneses said. Meneses said that is not true.
Islam actually teaches equality and respect for everyone, including women, but people often confuse cultural behaviors with the actual theology, Meneses said. Christians in the Western world, she said, have difficulty understanding because they have a different attitude about the role of religion in their lives.
Christians - Westerners in general, for that matter - have long separated their religious life from a secular one. They are "compartmentalized," she said.
In contrast, Muslims integrate their religion into every aspect of their lives, affecting how they dress, court one another and conduct politics, she said.
Meneses and the other two women on the panel, Aurora Deiri and Narjis Pierre, acknowledged conditions for women vary from country to country but they stem largely from the culture that existed prior to Islam's spread throughout the world and the nuances of varied interpretations of the theology.
In contrast, Muslims integrate their religion into every aspect of their lives, affecting how they dress, court one another and conduct politics, she said.
Meneses and the other two women on the panel, Aurora Deiri and Narjis Pierre, acknowledged conditions for women vary from country to country but they stem largely from the culture that existed prior to Islam's spread throughout the world and the nuances of varied interpretations of the theology.
Deiri likened it to the subtleties of the many Christian faiths that exist today.
Except for extreme instances of disparity, which Meneses said is becoming more rare, Islam has pushed women's rights sooner and more significantly than Christianity. "If you ask me if there is any feminism in the Muslim world I say ... it is in the Muslim world," Pierre said.
It is difficult for the Western world to see this, Deiri said, because there is very limited understanding of the Islamic religion.
This ignorance causes people to misinterpret some of the external practices of Muslims that Westerners often cite as oppressive, she said, such as the wearing of head scarves by women.
Except for extreme instances of disparity, which Meneses said is becoming more rare, Islam has pushed women's rights sooner and more significantly than Christianity. "If you ask me if there is any feminism in the Muslim world I say ... it is in the Muslim world," Pierre said.
It is difficult for the Western world to see this, Deiri said, because there is very limited understanding of the Islamic religion.
This ignorance causes people to misinterpret some of the external practices of Muslims that Westerners often cite as oppressive, she said, such as the wearing of head scarves by women.
When asked how Christianity and Islam can be so far apart today when they have so much they share in common ancestry, Deiri replied, "In some instances, ignorance allows you to retain power."
10) (ED NOTE: Australian Police harsh attitude towards Muslims: An approach guaranteed not only to fail but to subtly push moderate Muslims towards extremism).
(The Global Terrorism Research Centre says police are too willing to use aggressive tactics)
Australian broadcasting corporation (ABC NEWS)
Australian broadcasting corporation (ABC NEWS)
Aggressive policing turns Muslims to terrorism: study
March 10, 2008
(AFP)
A study from the Global Terrorism Research Centre at Monash University suggests that Australia's approach to stopping terrorism might actually be encouraging it.
A study from the Global Terrorism Research Centre at Monash University suggests that Australia's approach to stopping terrorism might actually be encouraging it.
Waleed Aly from the centre says the aggressive police approach is alienating young Muslim men, who may be more likely to turn to radical groups as a result.
He says a community-based approach may be more effective than a hardline approach.
He says a community-based approach may be more effective than a hardline approach.
"The problem is that as we repeat that "hardline" approach, what we actually end up doing is exacerbating the problem," he told tonight's Four Corners program.
"We set in motion drivers that move us towards greater radicalisation."
He says currently the police are too willing to use aggressive tactics.
"Police feel 'the more aggressive we can be, the harder we can be, the better'," he said.
He says currently the police are too willing to use aggressive tactics.
"Police feel 'the more aggressive we can be, the harder we can be, the better'," he said.
11) Entertainment: Music in Islam: Halaal or Haram
Music Halal or Haraam ?
June 26th, 2008
Source: Pro Pakistan
June 26th, 2008
Source: Pro Pakistan
PERSPECTIVE ONE:
Finally something that has been widely debated with respect to its allowance in the light of Islam .There are always conflict of opinion regarding such matters .
Something I found with a little research it is in Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #1942
‘A’isha reported: The Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) came (in my apartment) while there were two girls with me singing the song of the Battle of Bu’ath. He lay down on the bed and turned away his face. Then came Abu Bakr and he scolded me and said: Oh! this musical instrument of the devil in the house of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him)! The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) turned towards him and said: Leave them alone. And when he (the Holy Prophet) became unattentive, I hinted them and they went out, and it was the day of ‘Id and negroes were playing with shields and spears. (I do not remember) whether I asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) or whether he said to me if I desired to see (that sport). I said: Yes. I stood behind him with his face parallel to my face, and he said: O Banu Arfada, be busy (in your sports) till I was satiated. He said (to me): Is that enough? I said: Yes. Upon this he asked me to go.
Even something as simple as a bell is considered Haram, we read in Sahih Muslim Book #024, Hadith #5279
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The bell is the musical instrument of the Satan.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The bell is the musical instrument of the Satan.
Also it says in Sahih Bukhari, this is not the one that has been refuted it in Sahih Bukhari Book #58 Hadith #268
Narrated Aisha: That once Abu Bakr came to her on the day of ‘Id-ul-Fitr or ‘Id ul Adha while the Prophet was with her and there were two girl singers with her, singing songs of the Ansar about the day of Buath. Abu Bakr said twice. “musical instrument of Satan!” But the Prophet said, “Leave them Abu Bakr, for every nation has an ‘Id (i.e. festival) and this day is our ‘Id.”
The word musical instruments is referred in Sahih Bukhari 5 times.
Narrated Aisha: That once Abu Bakr came to her on the day of ‘Id-ul-Fitr or ‘Id ul Adha while the Prophet was with her and there were two girl singers with her, singing songs of the Ansar about the day of Buath. Abu Bakr said twice. “musical instrument of Satan!” But the Prophet said, “Leave them Abu Bakr, for every nation has an ‘Id (i.e. festival) and this day is our ‘Id.”
The word musical instruments is referred in Sahih Bukhari 5 times.
In Book #15, Hadith #70“musical instruments of Satan near the Prophet (pbuh) ?”
In Book #15, Hadith #72 “musical instruments of Satan in the house of Allah’s Apostle !”
In Book #58, Hadith #268 “musical instrument of Satan!”
In Book #61, Hadith #568 “O Abu Musa! You have been given one of the musical wind-instruments of the family of David .’
In Book #15, Hadith #72 “musical instruments of Satan in the house of Allah’s Apostle !”
In Book #58, Hadith #268 “musical instrument of Satan!”
In Book #61, Hadith #568 “O Abu Musa! You have been given one of the musical wind-instruments of the family of David .’
In Book #69, Hadith #494 “From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful.
As for music, there are a number of hadiths, all of which have led the major fuqaha and ulema to ban music and musical instruments altogether—even something as minor as the bell (due, no doubt, to its “Christian” overtones) is considered haram.
Conclusion:
If nothing, we know that the use of musical instruments is forbidden by the Prophet (pbuh) in no less than three places therefore musical instruments are haram.
The kind of music that might be Halal because it is only vocals and no instruments
As for music, there are a number of hadiths, all of which have led the major fuqaha and ulema to ban music and musical instruments altogether—even something as minor as the bell (due, no doubt, to its “Christian” overtones) is considered haram.
Conclusion:
If nothing, we know that the use of musical instruments is forbidden by the Prophet (pbuh) in no less than three places therefore musical instruments are haram.
The kind of music that might be Halal because it is only vocals and no instruments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsJ5ZaR5Jm8
PERSPECTIVE TWO (OPPOSITE OF PERSPECTIVE ONE):
"Islam is a very liberal religion and poses no compulsions on its followers. It never demands of its followers to come hard on themselves in the practice of their faith. I guess, it is upto you to practice your faith to the degree that you can afford to. There are some believers who never practice all five pillars and still insist to be identified as BIG Muslims. There are others who practice down to every letter and spirit and still feel so humble and imperfect. Whether music is Halal of Haram, ask your self and decide. I would admit, music is a fact of life and I cant avoid it today’s life but that does not stop me from loathing it as a forbidden thing.
That the possibility of a Muslim heavy-metal scene came as a total surprise to me only underscored how much I still had to learn about Morocco, and the Muslim world more broadly, even after a dozen years studying, traveling, and living in it. If there could be such a thing as a Heavy Metal Islam, I thought, then perhaps the future was far brighter than most observers of the Muslim world imagined less than a year after September 11, 2001.
That the possibility of a Muslim heavy-metal scene came as a total surprise to me only underscored how much I still had to learn about Morocco, and the Muslim world more broadly, even after a dozen years studying, traveling, and living in it. If there could be such a thing as a Heavy Metal Islam, I thought, then perhaps the future was far brighter than most observers of the Muslim world imagined less than a year after September 11, 2001.
And so began a five-year journey across the Muslim world, from Morocco to Pakistan, with a dozen countries in between, in search of the artists, fans, and activists who make up the alternative music scenes of the Muslim world. My journey was long, and sometimes dangerous "why, I wonder?". But the more I traveled and the more musicians I met, the more I understood how much insight into Islam today could be gained by getting to know the artists who were working on what might seem to be the edges of their societies. Their imagination and openness to the world, and the courage of their convictions, remind us that Muslim and Western cultures are more heterogeneous, complex, and ultimately alike than the peddlers of the clash of civilizations, the war on terror, and unending jihad would have us believe.
It might seem counterintuitive to Americans, whose images of Islam and the contemporary Muslim world come largely from Fox or CNN, but an eighteen-year-old from Casablanca with spiked hair, or a twenty-year-old from Dubai wearing goth makeup, is as representative of the world of Islam today as the Muslims who look and act the way we expect them to....."
P.S - NPR
It might seem counterintuitive to Americans, whose images of Islam and the contemporary Muslim world come largely from Fox or CNN, but an eighteen-year-old from Casablanca with spiked hair, or a twenty-year-old from Dubai wearing goth makeup, is as representative of the world of Islam today as the Muslims who look and act the way we expect them to....."
P.S - NPR
As usual, feel free to send your comments to info@mehrunyusuficds.com
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