VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 119, February 21, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
(3) THREE GLOBAL HOT SPOTS IMPACTING THE UMMAH
Afghanistan:
(yahoo.news.photos)
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
(Ed Note: Special thanks to Sr. Jabeen Mobasheshera from Los Angeles, California for forwarding below picture which has never been seen by most Muslims).
PLEASE RECITE DAROOD-E-SHAREFF
This is view of Rauza e Rasool (P.B.U.H), which is not open for visitors/Zayeriens perhaps not even 0.1% Muslims had the opportunity to see this view. Please pass it to all you know for spiritual benefits. May ALLAH bless all of us.( Ameen )
CONTENTS:
(1) Letter to Editor
(2) Editorial
(4) AFRICA:
Wanted: A New Egyptian President
(5) ASIA:
(5a) MALAYSIA:
(5b) INDONESIA: The changing Dynamics and Impact of Fatwas
Aerobics Contrary to Islam, Provokes Lust, Sumatra Leader Says
Fatwa Against Women's Hairdos and Pre-marital Photos
(FINALLY A COMMON GROUND): Ulema and Feminists Against Polygamy Club
Ulemas and Government Agree on Prison and Fines for Common Law Couples
Jakarta Taxes Marriages With Foreigners (500 million Indonesian Rupiah or US $50,000) to marry Indonesian Women
(5c) SAUDI ARABIA:
Saudi Arabia Closes Illegal Women's Fitness Centre
(5d) BURMA (Mayamar): Rohingyas: The Forgotten Muslims
(5e) LEBANON: Arab Unity
Do Traitors Deserve Death Sentence
(5f) INDIA: Extremists in Action Over a Movie: "MY NAME IS KHAN"
(6) AUSTRALIA: A Peek Outside our Islamic Faith
(7) EUROPE:
(7a) NORWAY: Our Norwegian Sister in Humanity
(7b) KOSOVO: The Third Muslim Country of Europe, where the natives are White Muslims
(7c) GERMANY:
Far Right Rhetoric Fuels Opposition to Minaret in German Town
German Dentist Refuses to Treat Muslim Teen (Because of his name "Cihad" which is close to Jihad - Holy War)
(7d) FRANCE:
Mob of 80 Muslims attack ("IMAM OF THE JEWS") Hassen Chalghourmi in a Mosque in Paris
Election Candidate - Muslima Ilham Mousid in Headscarf Causes an Uproar in France
French Fast Food Chain Makes their Menus HALAL
(7e) ENGLAND:
Anti-Muslim Racists Arrested in Wales
Domino Pizza Outlet Bans Pork in Favor of Halal Menu
(8) NORTH AMERICA:
(8a) CANADA: Ottawa Imam Issues Fatwa Against Credit Cards
(8b) UNITED STATES: NASA plans More Outreach to Muslim Countries
(9) NEWS OF THE WEIRD
(10) ON THE LIGHTER SIDE LIFE: 92 year old man marries a 89 year old woman.
(1) Letter to Editor
(2) Editorial
(3) Three Global Hot spots - Afghanistan/Palestinians Continuing Their Struggle/Kashmir, India
(4) AFRICA:
Wanted: A New Egyptian President
(5) ASIA:
(5a) MALAYSIA:
Malaysian Court Canes Three Women for sex out of wedlock
Malaysian Women say Caning Was Good For Them (They were not masochist, just spiritual self-realization)
Malaysian Woman Sentenced to Caning After Being Caught Drinking Beer in a Hotel Bar.
Malaysian Women say Caning Was Good For Them (They were not masochist, just spiritual self-realization)
Malaysian Woman Sentenced to Caning After Being Caught Drinking Beer in a Hotel Bar.
(5b) INDONESIA: The changing Dynamics and Impact of Fatwas
Aerobics Contrary to Islam, Provokes Lust, Sumatra Leader Says
Fatwa Against Women's Hairdos and Pre-marital Photos
(FINALLY A COMMON GROUND): Ulema and Feminists Against Polygamy Club
Ulemas and Government Agree on Prison and Fines for Common Law Couples
Jakarta Taxes Marriages With Foreigners (500 million Indonesian Rupiah or US $50,000) to marry Indonesian Women
(5c) SAUDI ARABIA:
Saudi Arabia Closes Illegal Women's Fitness Centre
(5d) BURMA (Mayamar): Rohingyas: The Forgotten Muslims
(5e) LEBANON: Arab Unity
Do Traitors Deserve Death Sentence
(5f) INDIA: Extremists in Action Over a Movie: "MY NAME IS KHAN"
(6) AUSTRALIA: A Peek Outside our Islamic Faith
(7) EUROPE:
(7a) NORWAY: Our Norwegian Sister in Humanity
(7b) KOSOVO: The Third Muslim Country of Europe, where the natives are White Muslims
(7c) GERMANY:
Far Right Rhetoric Fuels Opposition to Minaret in German Town
German Dentist Refuses to Treat Muslim Teen (Because of his name "Cihad" which is close to Jihad - Holy War)
(7d) FRANCE:
Mob of 80 Muslims attack ("IMAM OF THE JEWS") Hassen Chalghourmi in a Mosque in Paris
Election Candidate - Muslima Ilham Mousid in Headscarf Causes an Uproar in France
French Fast Food Chain Makes their Menus HALAL
(7e) ENGLAND:
Anti-Muslim Racists Arrested in Wales
Domino Pizza Outlet Bans Pork in Favor of Halal Menu
(8) NORTH AMERICA:
(8a) CANADA: Ottawa Imam Issues Fatwa Against Credit Cards
(8b) UNITED STATES: NASA plans More Outreach to Muslim Countries
(9) NEWS OF THE WEIRD
(10) ON THE LIGHTER SIDE LIFE: 92 year old man marries a 89 year old woman.
(1) Letter to Editor:
Allahafiz
Nazia Sultana
(2) EDITORIAL:
"This is with reference to Blog No 115, (Global Ummah) which prodded me to express my views on the matter I read. First of all I wish to thank the editor for acquainting me with current issues relating to Muslims in particular and all others in general.
To begin with I can easily relate to the evils of dowry which is prevalent in India and to Indian communities in adopted countries like UK, USA etc. The easiest way the parents can get back the expenses they have incurred to educate their son is by demanding hefty dowry. This evil has pervaded all sections of society in varying degrees. Dowry menace has led to harassment and murder or marriage breakdown. I feel counseling should be done to prospective bridegrooms so that their transition from bachelorhood to matrimony would be smooth.
Another point I would allude to is about the most powerful man in this world namely the American President. With great power lies greatness to establish peace and bring new order, which is beneficial to all nations. He can do a lot to quell the myth that all terrorists are Muslims and go deep into the mire to grapple successfully with this bane of mankind, which is a cancerous growth leading towards chaos and catastrophe. The solution lies in brokering lasting peace in the Middle East between the Arab world and Israel , which will slowly end the ultimate cause for terrorists to fight in the name of Jihad. The reality is Jihad has no track with mindless violence.
I would encourage the readers to voice out their opinions by which we can interact as an online community through this blog and last, but not the least my hats off to the editor Br. Ziauddin for his innovative idea of including counseling online. .
Allahafiz
Nazia Sultana
(2) EDITORIAL:
World peace is still NOT a dream and we believe that in the 21st century if we work hard enough we can come close to achieving it. One of the most important step is for all of us to work together to achieve it despite our differences in religion, nationality, ethnicity and cultural differences. We believe that it is not hard for all of us to recognize what an injustice is. We must as a collective group of human beings work towards injustice both at the micro and macro levels.
Working towards fairness and justice starts from home, first towards our own loved ones, relatives and friends and then progressively to larger groups or bigger issues. Look around your own immediate social circle and recall those who wronged you.
As a religious group, people of all faiths must NOT downplay injustice caused by their own faith members and must act actively to fight against such injustice. The guiding force should be "Let's clean up the wrongful actions perpetrated by people of our own faith first, before we point fingers at people of other faiths". We need to strive to be exemplary role models and prove in actions the loving gems of Islam. If we do it as good practicing Muslims, then non-Muslims will on their own be inspired and possibly be more inclined to be supportive of us. Honestly, we do have a problem with anyone trying to force their values on others.
As a religious group, people of all faiths must NOT downplay injustice caused by their own faith members and must act actively to fight against such injustice. The guiding force should be "Let's clean up the wrongful actions perpetrated by people of our own faith first, before we point fingers at people of other faiths". We need to strive to be exemplary role models and prove in actions the loving gems of Islam. If we do it as good practicing Muslims, then non-Muslims will on their own be inspired and possibly be more inclined to be supportive of us. Honestly, we do have a problem with anyone trying to force their values on others.
This is one of the few E-Zines where as Muslims we do not hesitate to point out the injustice committed by our own fellow Muslims. Holy Quran strongly encourages us to fight for injustice and NOWHERE does it exempt us from fighting for injustice if it is perpetrated by fellow Muslims.
In short we would like to address injustice perpetrated by all faiths and communities. While most of the world are peace loving global citizens, threats to peace are primarily coming from extremists from all religions and a fairly new growing force that was incubating all along has finally begun to raise its ugly head and they are the right wing extremists from Europe.
The longest running injustice at the present time is against the Palestinians perpetrated by Israel. We hope and pray that a day will soon come, when they have their own single homeland. We grieve for the deaths of thousands of innocent men, women and children who became victims during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Pakistan, Kashmir-India, Gaza, West Bank et.c. and hope their soul rests in peace. We will continue to condemn all attacks against Christians whether by Muslims (Indonesia, Egypt) or Hindus (India) or Buddhists (Sri Lanka). The deviated Muslim groups such as the Taliban and Al-Queida are a black mark on the peace loving religion of Islam and Allah willing their cancerous growth will be significantly reduced if not eliminated.
Below are pictures that highlight some of the hot spots of the world and complex issues pertaining to the Global Ummah in terms of Fatwas and discrimination against Muslims in Europe. Put on your cyber seat belt and go ahead with your cyber cruise into the current complexities of the Muslim world.
(3) THREE GLOBAL HOT SPOTS IMPACTING THE UMMAH
Afghanistan:
(ED NOTE:
Allah has declared in the Holy Quran, that those Muslims who do not follow his guidance, Allah will replace them with a new group of Muslims. We are now seeing Allah's promise implemented in action in Afghanistan. Inshallah the deviated Taliban who have created turmoil will be totally defeated and will be replaced by Muslims who will implement Prophet Mohammed (SAW) advice on moderation. Enough is enough, with Afghan women having the highest suicide rate in the world, we Muslims can no longer tolerate continued violations of Islam as it pertains to injustice, depriving them of their Islamic educational right by Taliban and oppression of women through various non-Islamic cultural practices.
It is to be noted, that while we condemn the death of innocent women and children due to the terrorist attacks by the Taliban, we equally condemn the deaths of women and children by the attacks by NATO and American forces. We urge them to be extremely careful in their military operations. We definitely do not want the Taliban to capitalize on their strategic errors).
Allah has declared in the Holy Quran, that those Muslims who do not follow his guidance, Allah will replace them with a new group of Muslims. We are now seeing Allah's promise implemented in action in Afghanistan. Inshallah the deviated Taliban who have created turmoil will be totally defeated and will be replaced by Muslims who will implement Prophet Mohammed (SAW) advice on moderation. Enough is enough, with Afghan women having the highest suicide rate in the world, we Muslims can no longer tolerate continued violations of Islam as it pertains to injustice, depriving them of their Islamic educational right by Taliban and oppression of women through various non-Islamic cultural practices.
It is to be noted, that while we condemn the death of innocent women and children due to the terrorist attacks by the Taliban, we equally condemn the deaths of women and children by the attacks by NATO and American forces. We urge them to be extremely careful in their military operations. We definitely do not want the Taliban to capitalize on their strategic errors).
(yahoo.news.photos)An Afghan soldier attempts to break open a door as U.S. Marines look on during an operation to search for weapons in the town of Marjah, in Nad Ali district of Helmand province February 17, 2010. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic/Files
PALESTINIAN'S CONTINUED STRUGGLE:
(ED NOTE: If the majority of the Global Ummah cannot speak up against the injustice of fellow Muslims, we cannot expect the majority of Jews in Israel to speak up against the injustice perpetrated by their fellow Jews and their Government whom they elected to lead them. We call upon all peace loving Muslims, Jews and Christians to step up to the plate and come together to work for peace in resolving the the current world's longest conflict of 60 plus years)
(yahoo.news.photos)
An undercover Israeli police officer (R) scuffles with a Palestinian youth in the West Bank February 9, 2010. Anyone who thinks the world would rally to Israel's side if it pulled out of the West Bank might as well believe in the tooth fairy, PM Benjamin Netanyahu's closest adviser said. REUTERS/Ammar Awad/Files
(yahoo.news.photos)
A Palestinian youth prepares to hurl a stone towards an Israeli border police vehicle in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh near Ramallah February 19, 2010. Israeli border police used tear gas to disperse some 150 Palestinian protesters and foreign activists during a violent protest over a land dispute with Jewish settlers in the area. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman
(yahoo.news.photos)
Protesters march towards the controversial Israeli barrier during a protest in the West Bank village of Bilin, near Ramallah, February 19, 2010. Israeli border police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse some 1,000 Palestinian protesters and foreign activists during a protest marking the 5th anniversary of their campaign against the controversial Israeli barrier in the village. REUTERS/Darren Whiteside 
(yahoo.news.photos)
An Israeli soldier throws a stun grenade to Palestinians demonstrators, not seen, during a protest over water supplies in the West Bank village of Nabi Salah, Friday, Feb. 19, 2010. The water supply is used by Jewish settlers from the nearby settlement of Halamish and is claimed by both sides. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
(yahoo.news.photos)Palestinian, foreign and Israeli left-wing activists try to break down a section of Israel's separation barrier during a protest to mark the fifth anniversary of protests against Israel's West Bank separation barrier in the West Bank town of Bilin near Ramallah, Friday, Feb. 19, 2010. Israel says the barrier is needed for security, but Palestinians consider it a land grab. (AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh)
(yahoo.news.photos)
Palestinians use slings to hurl stones toward Israeli border police in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh near Ramallah February 19, 2010. Israeli border police used tear gas to disperse some 150 Palestinian protesters and foreign activists during a violent protest over a land dispute with Jewish settlers in the area. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman 
(yahoo.news.photos)Protesters try to pull down a section of the controversial Israeli barrier during a protest in the West Bank village of Bilin near Ramallah February 19, 2010. Israeli border police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse some 1000 Palestinian protesters and foreign activists during a protest marking the 5th anniversary of their campaign against the controversial Israeli barrier in the village. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
(yahoo.news.photos)A protester climbs on a section of the controversial Israeli barrier as protesters try to pull it down during a protest in the West Bank village of Bilin near Ramallah February 19, 2010. Israeli border police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse some 1000 Palestinian protesters and foreign activists during a protest marking the 5th anniversary of their campaign against the controversial Israeli barrier. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
KASHMIR, INDIA
(ED NOTE: Has the world ignored the injustice perpetrated by the Indian Government against our Kashmiri brothers and sisters? Many of the soldier rapists of our Kashmiri sisters are still scott free and the repression from the Indian military continues unabated. Having addressed the above issue, we still oppose any Kashmiris who involve in terrorist actions resulting in death of innocents).
(yahoo.news.photos)
(yahoo.news.photos)
(yahoo.news.photos)Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front activists shout pro-freedom slogans during a protest in Srinagar on February 11. A security lockdown and general strike crippled life in Indian Kashmir on Thursday, on the anniversary of the execution of a prominent Muslim separatist. (AFP/Tauseef Mustafa)
(4) AFRICA:
WANTED: A NEW EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT:
(ED NOTE: Respected President Hosni Mubarak, you have ruled Egypt for close to 30 years, and we understand that you are now grooming your son to replace you. We never knew that monarchy system existed in Egypt. In the best interests of the repressed Egyptian masses, please open the doors for future leadership to all interested candidates including ex-IAEA chief Mohamed El Baradei. If you really want to prove that democracy still exists in Egypt allow the people to decide their next leader by removing various restrictions imposed on who could run as potential candidates)
(yahoo.news.photos)(5) ASIA
(5a) MALAYSIA:
(SIA News, Feb 18, 2010)
MALAYSIAN COURT CANES THREE WOMEN:
By James Hookway (Condensed version)
(SIA News, Feb 18, 2010)
MALAYSIAN COURT CANES THREE WOMEN:
By James Hookway (Condensed version)
Malaysian authorities said Wednesday that officials caned four Muslim men and, for the first time, three Muslim women this month after being found guilty of having sex out of wedlock.
(yahoo.news.photos)Journalists (facing camera) interview three women who were caned for having sex out of wedlock, at a prison in Kajang outside Kuala Lumpur February 18, 2010. REUTERS/The New Straits Times Press/Mokhsin Abidin
The move to cane the women under the country's Islamic Shariah laws has raised fresh concerns about the growing political and judicial influence of Islam in what traditionally has been one of the world's more moderate Muslim nations.
The move to cane the women under the country's Islamic Shariah laws has raised fresh concerns about the growing political and judicial influence of Islam in what traditionally has been one of the world's more moderate Muslim nations.
"I hope this will not be misunderstood, so that it defiles the sanctity of Islam," Mr. Hishammuddin said. "The punishment is to teach and give a chance to those who have fallen off the path to return and build a better life in the future."
Two of the women and the four men were struck six times, while the other woman was struck four times.
Mr. Hishammuddin said that a doctor was present at the canings, which took place in male and female prisons, and that the offenders weren't tied. The women were seated while they were struck, and no injuries were reported. The idea, the officials previously have said, is to humiliate rather than injure—unlike the canings administered to drug pushers and other violators of civil laws, which can sometimes leave deep scars.
msnbc.msn.com
Malaysian Women Say Caning "Good" For Them
By David Chance
Feb. 18, 2010
POLITICAL STRESS
Two of the women and the four men were struck six times, while the other woman was struck four times.
Mr. Hishammuddin said that a doctor was present at the canings, which took place in male and female prisons, and that the offenders weren't tied. The women were seated while they were struck, and no injuries were reported. The idea, the officials previously have said, is to humiliate rather than injure—unlike the canings administered to drug pushers and other violators of civil laws, which can sometimes leave deep scars.
The offenders, Mr. Hishammuddin said, were then "advised on ways to repent and to get closer to Allah."
msnbc.msn.com
Malaysian Women Say Caning "Good" For Them
By David Chance
Feb. 18, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR - Three Malaysians who became the first women to be caned under the country's Islamic laws said they "deserved" their punishment and that it would help stem sex outside marriage.
The three women were caned for having sex out of wedlock in a move that has angered human rights activists and some lawyers who say the punishments are illegal in this mainly Muslim country that runs parallel civil and Islamic justice systems.
"I deeply regret my actions as I should have married before having sex," the New Straits Times newspaper quoted one of the women who it said was aged 17, as saying in its Friday edition.
The newspaper did not reveal the womens' real names and a picture showed the three clad in traditional Malaysian dress and headscarves seated before reporters.
The newspaper did not reveal the womens' real names and a picture showed the three clad in traditional Malaysian dress and headscarves seated before reporters.
The 17-year old said that she had become pregnant and gone into labor while at school, losing the baby, and then had turned herself in to the authorities last December.
A second woman said she had to support her family after her father left home and had a three-year-old daughter out of wedlock. She said that she too turned herself in due to feelings of guilt.
All three women were caned on February 9 and the punishments were announced by Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein on Wednesday.
A second woman said she had to support her family after her father left home and had a three-year-old daughter out of wedlock. She said that she too turned herself in due to feelings of guilt.
All three women were caned on February 9 and the punishments were announced by Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein on Wednesday.
Hishammuddin said they were "carried out perfectly."
The punishment of six strokes of the rattan is carried out while the women are fully clothed and while they are seated. The person administering the punishment is not allowed to raise their arm above shoulder level.
"Even though the caning did not injure them, the three women said it caused pain within their souls," Hishammuddin said.
The punishment of six strokes of the rattan is carried out while the women are fully clothed and while they are seated. The person administering the punishment is not allowed to raise their arm above shoulder level.
"Even though the caning did not injure them, the three women said it caused pain within their souls," Hishammuddin said.
POLITICAL STRESS
The caning has received widespread support from Muslim groups in this Southeast Asian country of 27 million people where around 55 percent of the population is Malay and Muslim.
"The guilty have also repented and there is no proof of injuries at all. What is the problem now?" Fadhalina Sidek, vice president of the Islamic Youth Movement was quoted as saying on the Malaysian Insider website (www.themalaysianinsider.com).
Caning is used in Malaysian prisons for other crimes.
"The guilty have also repented and there is no proof of injuries at all. What is the problem now?" Fadhalina Sidek, vice president of the Islamic Youth Movement was quoted as saying on the Malaysian Insider website (www.themalaysianinsider.com).
Caning is used in Malaysian prisons for other crimes.
(MALAYSIAN MUSLIMA SENTENCED TO CANING AFTER BEING CAUGHT DRINKING BEER IN A HOTEL BAR).
online.wsj.com (Wall Street Journal) Feb 18, 2010
Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno is hugged by well wishers in her father's home in Sungei Siput, about 300km (186 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia's state of Perak August 24, 2009 as she prepares to go to prison to be caned. REUTERS/Zainal Abd Halim/Files
A Shariah court last year sentenced Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, right, to be caned after she was caught drinking beer in a hotel bar. The sentence hasn't been carried out.
(5b) INDONESIA
(Ed Note: Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world. With all the different fatwas being issued to regulate human behavior, is it truly reflective of what Islam should ideally stands for, in the backdrop of teachings mentioned in the Holy Quran and the Hadith ?)
THE CHANGING DYNAMICS AND IMPACT OF FATWAS
AsiaNews.NetAerobics Contrary to Islam, Promotes Lust, Sumatra Islamic Leader Says
(condensed version)
(condensed version)
by Mathias Hariyadi (Feb 15, 2010)
AsiaNews
Ulema chief in Palembang says exercises and garments worn by women are haram. Clothing is too provocative and leads men astray. Women respond saying the Ulema organisation lacks arguments when it tries to address the “problems raised in modern society.” Jakarta (AsiaNews) – “Sexy attire” used by women during aerobics class is “against the spirit of Islam,” said the Indonesian Islamic Ulemas Council (MUI) in Palembang, South Sumatra province. The statement comes only a few weeks after the agency in charge of public morality and the defense of Islamic values had issued a similar fatwa concerning hairdos and pre-marital photos. In its recent pronouncement, it targeted sexy outfits that “provoke lust in men.”
For the MUI, it is wrong especially for young women to wear “improper” garments during aerobic exercises in gyms or in the open air, because of their effect on men. Aerobic exercises early in the morning, especially during weekends, have become a regular activity for thousands of women of all ages.
Kiai Hajj Sodikun, MUI leader in Palembang, said women should wear more chaste clothing so as not to arouse men. Because of this, unduly sexy gym suits or physical exercises and movements that excite men “should be considered haram (morally illicit)”.
Mr Kiai does acknowledge the importance of physical exercises for human health, but insists that they must be practiced with the appropriate clothing.
FATWA AGAINST FANCY WOMEN'S HAIRDOS AND PRE-MARITAL PHOTOS
by Mathias Hariyadi
AsiaNews
(1/18/10)
AsiaNews(1/18/10)
Fancy perms and photo albums made before marriage are ‘haram’, i.e. contrary to Islamic religion and morality. Two East Java educational institutions issue the ruling in order to preserve the “purity” of customs. Indonesia’s Ulema Council describes the fatwa as “exaggerated”.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Wearing elaborate hairdos and being photographed before one’s wedding are haram, against the Islamic religion and morality. Two all-female educational institutions (pesantren) issued a fatwa to that effect. In doing so, they add more fuel to an already heated debate over bans.
In fact, a ban has been imposed on smoking in public places and on women wearing tight jeans or traveling on motorbikes.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Wearing elaborate hairdos and being photographed before one’s wedding are haram, against the Islamic religion and morality. Two all-female educational institutions (pesantren) issued a fatwa to that effect. In doing so, they add more fuel to an already heated debate over bans.
In fact, a ban has been imposed on smoking in public places and on women wearing tight jeans or traveling on motorbikes.
The controversial ruling on women’s hairdos comes from the All-Girl Islamic Educational Institutions Forum of East Java Province. Fussing over one’s hair, getting a perm, having one’s hair curled too much or coloured are deemed “morally illicit” and contrary to the principles of Islam. Premarital photos are also condemned as haram because they favour “extra-marital relations”, and give photographs the opportunity to retouch female bodies to show them in storefronts in order to “attract new customers”.
The fatwa was issued during 12th Female Bahtsul Masail Forum held at the Lirboyo pesantren in Kediri (East Java). Its purpose, activists believe, is to preserve the “purity” of marriage between bride and groom by helping them avoid morally unacceptable behaviour. Iswatun Hasanah, who chairs the forum, said that the ruling was “to prevent extra-marital relations” before the marriage, and applies to bride and groom, photographers, clothes designers and make-up artists. Physical contacts during photo shoots, kissing on the lips, walking hand in hand are unacceptable behaviours because” the people involved “are not yet married.”
Photographers are guilty of accentuating the “sensuality” of their subjects and of manipulating the pictures shown in public in order to attract new customers.
AsiaNews
In the last few years, thousands of couples have had photo albums about themselves made and handed them out to family and friends on their wedding day. This has generated business worth millions of rupees and attracted a growing number of customers.Indonesia’s Ulema Council (MIU) has reacted to the fatwa by downplaying the whole matter. MUI leader Cholil Ridwan said that the fatwa against hairdos is exaggerated, especially since it is addressed to women who do not wear the hijab or Islamic headscarf.
ULEMA AND FEMINISTS AGAINST POLYGAMY CLUB
by Mathias Hariyadi 10-27-09
AsiaNewsMany Muslim authorities calling for a fatwa to ban the spread of this practice. According to the promoters polygamy nears one to "love of God." But according to women the practice humiliates wives and is a source of domestic violence and abuse. Ex-President Suharto was anti-polygamy, but initial Ex-President Sukarno had many women.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Groups of Muslim leaders are furious with a club that promotes polygamy and has asked the National Council of Ulema (MUI) to issue a fatwa banning it. Even the Indonesian feminists are up in arms against the club because polygamy “is a violence against women".
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Groups of Muslim leaders are furious with a club that promotes polygamy and has asked the National Council of Ulema (MUI) to issue a fatwa banning it. Even the Indonesian feminists are up in arms against the club because polygamy “is a violence against women".
The Global Ikhwan polygamy Club was opened on 18 October in Bandung (West Java) in the Grand Aquila Hotel, with the participation of 150 guests. Among the guests was the founder of the club in Malaysia, Chodijah Binti Am. The purpose of the club is to promote and disseminate polygamy. The theme of the evening was in fact "Polygamy, a powerful solution to meet the love of God." "By adhering to the philosophy of the club and practicing polygamy - explained Am - people experience the merciful love of God When the wives are not good, they will pray to ask God's help. If a woman is married to a polygamist, the use of praying for God's help will be continuous”.
Such affected religiosity is unconvincing for Muslim leaders. Kiai Hajj Bunyamin, Bandung Islamic leader, says that the club of Malaysian origin is "immoral" because its purpose is to "inflate carnal desire among males”. "I am totally opposed to the club," he said. The Head of Ulema of West Java, Kiai Hajj Hafidz Usman asks "What is the benefit of this controversial club "; academic Jujun Junaedi, warns against instrumental use of Islam made by the club.
"According to me - he says - the Ulema Council should block it”. The polygamy club of in Bandung was founded by Mohammed Umar, of Malaysian nationality, according to whom the club just wants to "promote the moral value of the practice of polygamy."
To find new members, the club has opened an account on Facebook, with 302 new members so far, 32 other Indonesian families intend joining.
"According to me - he says - the Ulema Council should block it”. The polygamy club of in Bandung was founded by Mohammed Umar, of Malaysian nationality, according to whom the club just wants to "promote the moral value of the practice of polygamy."
To find new members, the club has opened an account on Facebook, with 302 new members so far, 32 other Indonesian families intend joining.
There are three directors of the club: Mohamad Safir, Latifah Abd Al Qohar and Andrew Fah Tan. They require only one condition from new members: the wives of polygamists should not be more than four.
ULEMAS AND GOVT AGREE ON PRISON AND FINES FOR COMMON LAW COUPLES
AsiaNews
by Mathias Hariyadi
02/16/10
by Mathias Hariyadi
02/16/10
Common law and polygamous couples could get up to three months in jail and fines of up to US$ 535,000. Religious Affairs Ministry drafts bill, backed by powerful Ulemas Council. Whilst legal in Islam, polygamy is seen as “bad” and a sign of selfishness.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Indonesia’s Ministry for Religious Affairs, backed by the powerful Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), plans to introduce a bill that would include jail time and fines for common law couples. The government also plans to crack down on contract marriages and polygamy—the latter is allowed in Islam but rejected by most people in Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world. Should the bill become law, violations could entail up to three months in jail and fines of up to 5 million rupiahs (US$ 535,00o).
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Indonesia’s Ministry for Religious Affairs, backed by the powerful Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), plans to introduce a bill that would include jail time and fines for common law couples. The government also plans to crack down on contract marriages and polygamy—the latter is allowed in Islam but rejected by most people in Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world. Should the bill become law, violations could entail up to three months in jail and fines of up to 5 million rupiahs (US$ 535,00o).
Maaruf Armin, a prominent MUI official, said that his organisation has backed the Ministry’s proposal since 2005. He said he wants to see the draft bill against unregistered marriages turned into law. Common law couples deserve to go to jail because of their “illegal” behaviour, he said.
JAKARTA TAXES MARRIAGES WITH FOREIGNERS: FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS (500 million Indonesian rupiah) TO MARRY INDONESIAN WOMEN
02/20/2010
by Mathias Hariyadi
www.asianews.it
02/20/2010
by Mathias Hariyadi
www.asianews.it
The law aims to "protect" wives and children in cases of abandonment. The bill is supported by the Indonesian Council of Ulema and the money will be paid to Islamic banks. However, it does not apply to foreign women married to Indonesians.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Foreigners will have to pay at least 500 million Indonesian rupiah - about 50 thousand US dollars - to marry a woman of the archipelago. The sum of money, payable to one of Islamic banks in the country, will serve to "protect" wives and children in divorce cases. This is spelled out in a bill currently before Parliament and strongly supported by the powerful Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). The norm, however, does not apply to the Indonesian men who marry foreign women.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Foreigners will have to pay at least 500 million Indonesian rupiah - about 50 thousand US dollars - to marry a woman of the archipelago. The sum of money, payable to one of Islamic banks in the country, will serve to "protect" wives and children in divorce cases. This is spelled out in a bill currently before Parliament and strongly supported by the powerful Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). The norm, however, does not apply to the Indonesian men who marry foreign women.
After the controversy that erupted in recent days about the proposal to punish unmarried couples and polygamy, although permitted in Islam, with prison and fines, comes another provision intended to provoke a fierce debate in Indonesia. The goal, explains the signatories of the Act, is to "ensure" a financial income to women and children, where the husband wishes to separate.
According to the bill the money is to be paid "to an Islamic bank" - the Syariah banks - and "will be given to the women should the husband abandon his wife and children for unspecified reasons." The amount, says the text, shall be withdrawn only at the time of separation and help to ensure the survival of the family and children until they reach the 21st birthday.
(5c) SAUDI ARABIA:
(Ed Note: Is Saudi Arabia moving in the wrong direction by closing down Women's Fitness Centers ?)
Jan 21, 2010 www.arabianbusiness.com
Saudi officials close 'illegal' women's fitness centre
by Elsa Baxter
Health officials have closed down an “illegal” women’s fitness centre attached to a hospital in Jeddah, it was reported on Wednesday. Gyms or fitness clubs for women continue to be illegal in the kingdom, despite the growing popularity of underground venues. “Anyone who violates regulations governing the running of health facilities would be punished severely because this involves people’s health,” Muhammad Abdul Jawad, director of the Medical Licensing Administration, told Arab News.
by Elsa Baxter
Health officials have closed down an “illegal” women’s fitness centre attached to a hospital in Jeddah, it was reported on Wednesday. Gyms or fitness clubs for women continue to be illegal in the kingdom, despite the growing popularity of underground venues. “Anyone who violates regulations governing the running of health facilities would be punished severely because this involves people’s health,” Muhammad Abdul Jawad, director of the Medical Licensing Administration, told Arab News.
He warned clinics and hospitals that officials regularly inspect health facilities to make sure they are following regulations. Saudi’s municipal and rural affairs ministry recently closed two other gyms in Jeddah and one in Dammam, in eastern Saudi Arabia.
There is no rules in Islam that prohibit women from going to exercise to stay fit and healthy. In the history records about Prophet Mohammed and how he treated females in his family (wives and daughters) clearly shows that he well treated them, protected them, and took care of them. In his last words before he passed away he clearly asked all Muslim to take care of women and protect them. From records we know that he used to take his wives for walk (this is fitness), he raced with them, he helped them in cleaning the house. There are wealth of stories about him cooking by himself for his guests, serving food with his hands etc. Clearly there is a confusion between how to execute the responsibility to take care of women/females and to abuse them created by the confusion between what is a rule of Islam and what is a rule of social conduct.
(5d) BURMA (MAYAMAR): Rohingyas: The Forgotten Muslims
(ED NOTE: Bangladesh is a Muslim country and the Rohingyas are Burmese Muslims persecuted in Burma by the brutal non-Muslim Burmese military. The Rohingyas escaped Burma and came to Bangladesh seeking protection and refuge from their neighboring Muslim country. But what they get from their fellow members of UMMAH is further violence. We appeal to the Bangladesh Government to please stop such violence against this helpless muhajareen).
(yahoo.news.photos)Rohingya refugees are seen at a camp in Kutupalong, Bangladesh in 2009. Bangladesh has unleashed a crackdown of unprecedented violence against Muslim refugees from neighbouring Myanmar, a report by humanitarian group Medecins Sans Frontieres has said. (AFP/File/Munir Uz Zaman)
(yahoo.news.photos)
(yahoo.news.photos)A Rohingya refugee child stands in the doorway of a shelter in an unregistered camp southeast of Dhaka in 2009. Bangladesh has unleashed a crackdown of unprecedented violence against Muslim refugees from neighbouring Myanmar, a report by humanitarian group Medecins Sans Frontieres has said. (AFP/File/Munir Uz Zaman)
(5e) LEBANON
ARAB UNITY:
(yahoo.news.photos)
(yahoo.news.photos)A picture released by the offical Lebanese photo agency Dalati and Nohra shows Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa giving a press conference after his meeting with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman at the presidential palace of Baabda. Mussa said that Arab countries would stand by Lebanon if it were attacked by Israel, adding that the situation between the two countries is tense. (AFP/Dalati and Nohra)
DO TRAITORS DESERVE DEATH SENTENCE ?
(yahoo.news.photos)Lebanese internal security forces parade with their armoured personnel carriers (APCs) just north of Beirut, in 2009. A retired member of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces was sentenced on Thursday to death for having spied for Israel and for his involvement in the murder of two Palestinian militant leaders. (AFP/File/Anwar Amro)
(5f) INDIA - EXTREMISTS IN ACTION
Shiv Sena supporters tear a poster for Shahrukh Khan's new film My Name Is Khan. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters
(ED NOTE: We rarely endorse seeing a movie but for those who champion the cause of multiculturalism, interfaith unity, inter-ethnic and inter-race unity and those that are against racial profiling, discrimination & stereotypes, we recommend seeing below movie "My Name is Khan". We saw it and found our valuable time well spent)
According to en.wikipedia.org:
My Name Is Khan (Hindi: माय नेम इज़ ख़ान) is a 2010 Bollywood film directed by Karan Johar...and starring Shahrukh Khan and Kajol. It ...will be distributed by FOX Star Entertainment, which bought the rights for the film for the sum of Rs. 100 crores, thus becoming the SECOND MOST EXPENSIVE BOLLYWOOD FILM, behind Blue.
My Name is Khan debuted in Abu Dhabi, UAE on 10 February 2010. It released globally in theaters on 12 February 2010. It will also be screened as part of the 60th Berlin International Film Festival's Official Selection that same month.
UPON RELEASE, THE FILM BROKE BOX OFFICE RECORDS FOR AN INDIAN FILM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
IT GROSSED THE HIGHEST OPENING WEEKEND AND OPENING DAY OVERSEAS FOR A BOLLYWOOD FILM.
IT ALSO GROSSED THE HIGHEST WORLDWIDE OPENING WEEKEND, SURPASSING RECORD HELD BY "3 IDIOTS"
AND THE HIGHEST NET COLLECTION IN THE FIRST WEEK FOR A BOLLYWOOD FILM.
IN THE UNITED STATES, IT GROSSED $ 18 MILLION
IT GROSSED THE HIGHEST OPENING WEEKEND AND OPENING DAY OVERSEAS FOR A BOLLYWOOD FILM.
IT ALSO GROSSED THE HIGHEST WORLDWIDE OPENING WEEKEND, SURPASSING RECORD HELD BY "3 IDIOTS"
AND THE HIGHEST NET COLLECTION IN THE FIRST WEEK FOR A BOLLYWOOD FILM.
IN THE UNITED STATES, IT GROSSED $ 18 MILLION
Shiv Sena supporters tear a poster for Shahrukh Khan's new film My Name Is Khan. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters
Indian Hindu nationalist Shiv Sena party activists burn posters of Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan at a protest in New Delhi on Feburary 7. Security will be increased at cinemas for the Indian release of the latest Khan film after a row between the actor-producer and a hardline Hindu nationalist party, police said Tuesday. (AFP/File/Manpreet Romana)
Indian Hindu nationalist Shiv Sena party activists hit an effigy of Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan with their shoes at a protest in New Delhi on Feburary 7. Security will be increased at cinemas for the Indian release of the latest Khan film after a row between the actor-producer and a hardline Hindu nationalist party, police said Tuesday. (AFP/File/Manpreet Romana)
Shah Rukh Khan at a press meeting for 'My Name is Khan' in Mumbai in August 2009. Security will be increased at cinemas for the Indian release of the latest Shah Rukh Khan film after a row between the actor-producer and a hardline Hindu nationalist party, police said Tuesday.(AFP/File)
According to REUTERS: .. more than 1,800 people have been arrested in Mumbai for vandalising cinemas advertising Shahrukh Khan's latest movie, My Name Is Khan.
This weekend, 21,000 special police will protect cinemagoers, and there will be security checks at the box office. "This is not Shahrukh, but the Khan in him that's saying all this", said a spokesman for the Shiv Sena, the militant Hindu nationalist organisation in Maharashtra which is behind the trouble.
The Sena told Khan – an Indian Muslim – to move to Pakistan, and issued a threat: "There will be dire consequences if Shahrukh defies the orders of the Sena chief."
This weekend, 21,000 special police will protect cinemagoers, and there will be security checks at the box office. "This is not Shahrukh, but the Khan in him that's saying all this", said a spokesman for the Shiv Sena, the militant Hindu nationalist organisation in Maharashtra which is behind the trouble.
The Sena told Khan – an Indian Muslim – to move to Pakistan, and issued a threat: "There will be dire consequences if Shahrukh defies the orders of the Sena chief."
(6) AUSTRALIA
A PEEK OUTSIDE OUR ISLAMIC FAITH
Australian embassy-handout shows a painting of Australian nun Mary MacKillop. The country is preparing to celebrate ahead of the expected announcement that a rebel nun who was once excommunicated from the church, is to become the country's first saint. (AFP)
(7) EUROPE:
(7A) NORWAY: OUR NORWEGIAN SISTER OF HUMANITY:
(ED NOTE:
Our deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Martine Vik Magnussen. Like any other student, Ms. Martine may have had her own dreams of pursuing higher education, career, having a family et.c. All her dreams have been shattered due to the anti-islamic & criminal actions of a wealthy Yemeni man resulting in her death. We urge the Yemeni Govt to track down the alleged rapist and murderer and extradite him to Norway to stand trial for the allegations. We acknowledge that many would consider above urging as our "wishful thinking". The alternative option is for the Yemeni Govt with cooperation of the Norwegian authorities try the alleged criminal inside Yemen itself for his crimes, and if convicted implement the punishment to the fullest extent of the Yemeni law. Some would argue that above alternative may also be "wishful thinking" given the realities of the Yemeni political situation today. As Muslims, what are we talking of fighting for JUSTICE IN ISLAM when a Muslim country is harboring a criminal who is alleged to have raped and murdered a innocent student ?)
Our deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Martine Vik Magnussen. Like any other student, Ms. Martine may have had her own dreams of pursuing higher education, career, having a family et.c. All her dreams have been shattered due to the anti-islamic & criminal actions of a wealthy Yemeni man resulting in her death. We urge the Yemeni Govt to track down the alleged rapist and murderer and extradite him to Norway to stand trial for the allegations. We acknowledge that many would consider above urging as our "wishful thinking". The alternative option is for the Yemeni Govt with cooperation of the Norwegian authorities try the alleged criminal inside Yemen itself for his crimes, and if convicted implement the punishment to the fullest extent of the Yemeni law. Some would argue that above alternative may also be "wishful thinking" given the realities of the Yemeni political situation today. As Muslims, what are we talking of fighting for JUSTICE IN ISLAM when a Muslim country is harboring a criminal who is alleged to have raped and murdered a innocent student ?)
(yahoo.news.photos)
Norwegian student Martine Vik Magnussen, seen here in this undated family handout. Police vowed they would never give up trying to extradite a wealthy Yemeni man whom they suspect raped and murdered a Norwegian student, even though it could take a decade. (AFP/HO/SCANPIX/File) (7B) KOSOVO:
(The Third Muslim Country of Europe Whose Natives are White Muslims)
According to religioustolerance.org, in KOSOVO, the religious affiliation of the approximately 1.9 million residents of Kosovo, includes on the order of: Muslims: 1.6 million, Serbian Orthodox: 150,000 and Roman Catholics: 60,000
(ijtema.net) Let us welcome the freedom of Kosovars from tyranny. Let us also thank the United States for ensuring that Kosovars are safe from human rights violations, at least for now. Kosova is also unique in some sense in that this majority Muslim population is pro-US. Much of the freedom struggle was funded by the Saudis- with support from US.
Mosque in Pristina, Kosovo cache.virtualtourist.com 
(ijtema.net)(IJTEMA.NET IS A CONGREGATION OF MUSLIM BLOGGERS)
(www.kosovo.life.com)
A woman walks past Albanian national flags which have been put up ahead of the second anniversary of Kosovo's independence in the town of Kacanik, southeast of the capital Pristina February 16, 2010. Two years after Kosovo's independence from Serbia, increasingly wary Western donors are keen to wean the country from foreign aid and take more resolute steps to fight poverty, crime and corruption. The landlocked country of 2 million people, mostly ethnic Albanians, is among the poorest in Europe, swallowing 4 billion euros in aid since the war with Belgrade ended in 1999. REUTERS/Hazir Reka
(7C) GERMANY:
Far-Right Rhetoric Fuels Opposition to Minaret in German Town
Spiegel
Feb 5, 2010
A small Muslim community in a western German town would like to build a minaret on its mosque. But the plan has triggered passionate opposition from locals, many of whom rely on rhetoric from the extreme right in railing against the “symbol of Islam’s quest for power.”
Elsewhere in the city – particularly in the quarter known as Wehrden – Muslim immigrants may not feel quite as welcome. A small mosque on the banks of the Saar River there has applied for a permit to build a small minaret on its roof – triggering a wave of at-times vehement protest reminiscent of the fuss surrounding the November 2009 referendum in Switzerland to ban minarets in the country.
The debate in Völklingen is once again showing how quickly right-wing rhetoric can cross over into the mainstream when it comes to debates on Islam in Europe. Local right-wing extremists – two of whom are in the Völklingen city council – have argued that minarets are “symbols of Turkish dominance.”
Minaret opponents are now looking into the possibility of holding a referendum on the issue in Völklingen.
German Dentist Refuses to Treat Muslim Teen
Spiegel,
February 5, 2010
An orthodontist in the state of Baden-WĂĽrttemberg has reportedly turned a 16-year-old boy out of her practice because she was offended by his name – “Cihad,” an alternate spelling for “Jihad,” which she interpreted to mean “holy war.”
The doctor in Donaueschingen told local daily Schwarzwälder Bote on Friday that she believed his name was a declaration of war against all non-Muslims and refused to treat him.
The doctor in Donaueschingen told local daily Schwarzwälder Bote on Friday that she believed his name was a declaration of war against all non-Muslims and refused to treat him.
(7d) FRANCE:
Mob of 80 Muslims attack Hassen Chalghoumi’s mosque in Paris suburb
By Gavin Mortimer
Jan 27, 2010
Should the burka be banned from French society? It’s a contentious issue, and in some cases a dangerous one, too, as Hassen Chalghoumi discovered this week.
( Confident, liberal West shouldn’t need a burka-clad scapegoat)www.thefirstpost.co.uk
Chalghoumi, at 36 one of the younger and certainly one of the most liberal imams in France, told Le Parisien last week that he supported "a legal ban of the burka, which has no place in France, a country where women have been voting since 1945".
(www.csmonitor.com)
The imam, whose mosque is in Drancy, a north-eastern suburb of Paris, also criticised those Muslims who advocated the wearing of the burka, saying they "belong to a tiny minority tradition reflecting an ideology that undermines the Muslim religion. The burka is a prison for women, a tool of sexist domination and Islamist indoctrination.” ,....,....
(www.csmonitor.com)The imam, whose mosque is in Drancy, a north-eastern suburb of Paris, also criticised those Muslims who advocated the wearing of the burka, saying they "belong to a tiny minority tradition reflecting an ideology that undermines the Muslim religion. The burka is a prison for women, a tool of sexist domination and Islamist indoctrination.” ,....,....
Chalghoumi’s comments were designed to provoke discussion among the Muslim community in France, but a small minority of radicals considered his pronouncements so insulting that on Monday evening they stormed Chalghoumi’s mosque and threatened to kill him.
He was chairing a meeting of the Conference of Imams, a body established in 2009 to promote better relations between France’s faiths, particularly Jews and Muslims, when a mob of 80 men forced their way into the building. There was a brief scuffle between the two groups, ending in a handful of invaders grabbing the microphone. "They started to cry Allah Akbar and God is great," recounted Chalghoumi. "Then they insulted me, my mosque, the Jewish community and the [French] Republic. They left after an hour and a half."
He was chairing a meeting of the Conference of Imams, a body established in 2009 to promote better relations between France’s faiths, particularly Jews and Muslims, when a mob of 80 men forced their way into the building. There was a brief scuffle between the two groups, ending in a handful of invaders grabbing the microphone. "They started to cry Allah Akbar and God is great," recounted Chalghoumi. "Then they insulted me, my mosque, the Jewish community and the [French] Republic. They left after an hour and a half."
According to a member of the Conference of Imams, the mob condemned Chalghoumi as an apostate and threatened him with "liquidation, this imam of the Jews". ,..... As for Chalghoumi, he is now under police protection, as is his mosque, and he is promising to press charges against his aggressors.
While he has received support from the Christian and Jewish communities throughout France, the reaction from many of his fellow Muslims has been luke-warm.
Fouad Alaoui, president of the Union des Organisations Islamiques de France (UOIF), said he "wasn't surprised" at the incident. "We've warned him several times to moderate his words because he risks to attract these sort of reactions."
While he has received support from the Christian and Jewish communities throughout France, the reaction from many of his fellow Muslims has been luke-warm.
Fouad Alaoui, president of the Union des Organisations Islamiques de France (UOIF), said he "wasn't surprised" at the incident. "We've warned him several times to moderate his words because he risks to attract these sort of reactions."
"Election Candidate (Ilham Moussaid) in Headscarf Causes Uproar in France"
(www.telegraph.co.uk)
Feb 15, 2010
(yahoo.news.photos)Ilham Moussaid
These two statements from Ilham are amazing and I think many Western Muslims can find resonance in what she says,
“Try as I might to explain that I am not oppressed and that it shows, there’s still a lack of understanding,” she told today’s Le Monde.
In a statement to local party members at the weekend she wrote: “It is with great sadness that I watch … my life reduced to my headscarf. It is with great sadness that I hear that my personal beliefs are a danger to others while I advocate friendship, respect, tolerance, solidarity and equality for all".
Olivier Besancenot, the postman-turned-revolutionary at the helm of France’s anti-capitalist movement, has been fiercely criticised from all sides of the political spectrum for fielding a headscarf-wearing candidate in forthcoming elections.
Ilham Moussaid, a 21-year-old Muslim woman who describes herself as “feminist, secular and veiled”, is running for the far-left New Anti-Capitalist party (NPA) in the south-eastern region of Avignon.
But, despite her insistence that there is no contradiction between her clothing and her political role, Moussaid’s candidacy in the regional vote due in March has angered other feminists and politicians.
In an echo of the controversy raised by recent moves to ban the full, face-covering veil in public places such as schools, hospitals and buses, critics have said that the young activist’s headscarf, which conceals only her hair, goes against values of laĂŻcitĂ© – secularism – and women’s rights.
Today, in a sign of how deep concerns are running, a leading feminist group announced it would file an official complaint against the NPA’s list of candidates in the Vaucluse dĂ©partement to protest against what it called an “anti-secular, anti-feminist and anti-republican” stunt.
“In choosing to endorse ‘open’ laĂŻcitĂ©, the NPA is perverting the values of the Republic and suggesting we reread them in a manner which conforms with regressive visions of women,” said the Ni Putes Ni Soumises (Neither Whores Nor Submissives) association in a statement.
Others have expressed their shock at Besancenot’s attempt to field a candidate who sees no problem with making an overt statement about her religion in the public sphere, a practice considered taboo.
Moussaid’s candidacy has been considered all the more surprising because she is running for a party with far-left leanings traditionally seen as hostile to religion and pro-women’s rights. Socialist MP AurĂ©lie Filippetti advised Besancenot to “reread Marx” in order to understand why the headscarf was unacceptable.
The government is attempting to wrap up a “great debate” on national identity, which many people believe has caused Islamophobia. It is reminiscent of the controversy in 2004 when headscarves and other conspicuous religious symbols were banned from state schools.
QUICK, one of France's most popular fast food chains, has taken pork off the menu at eight of its restaurants, turning them into halal-only outlets.
The chain has replaced bacon with smoked halal turkey in restaurants in three branches in a Paris suburb, two in Marseille, and the remainder in Toulouse, Villeurbanne, near Lyon, and Roubaix, northern France – all of them areas with high Muslim populations.
These restaurants now serve only halal food, seen as permissible according to Islamic law...
“Try as I might to explain that I am not oppressed and that it shows, there’s still a lack of understanding,” she told today’s Le Monde.
In a statement to local party members at the weekend she wrote: “It is with great sadness that I watch … my life reduced to my headscarf. It is with great sadness that I hear that my personal beliefs are a danger to others while I advocate friendship, respect, tolerance, solidarity and equality for all".
Olivier Besancenot, the postman-turned-revolutionary at the helm of France’s anti-capitalist movement, has been fiercely criticised from all sides of the political spectrum for fielding a headscarf-wearing candidate in forthcoming elections.
Ilham Moussaid, a 21-year-old Muslim woman who describes herself as “feminist, secular and veiled”, is running for the far-left New Anti-Capitalist party (NPA) in the south-eastern region of Avignon.
But, despite her insistence that there is no contradiction between her clothing and her political role, Moussaid’s candidacy in the regional vote due in March has angered other feminists and politicians.
In an echo of the controversy raised by recent moves to ban the full, face-covering veil in public places such as schools, hospitals and buses, critics have said that the young activist’s headscarf, which conceals only her hair, goes against values of laĂŻcitĂ© – secularism – and women’s rights.
Today, in a sign of how deep concerns are running, a leading feminist group announced it would file an official complaint against the NPA’s list of candidates in the Vaucluse dĂ©partement to protest against what it called an “anti-secular, anti-feminist and anti-republican” stunt.
“In choosing to endorse ‘open’ laĂŻcitĂ©, the NPA is perverting the values of the Republic and suggesting we reread them in a manner which conforms with regressive visions of women,” said the Ni Putes Ni Soumises (Neither Whores Nor Submissives) association in a statement.
Others have expressed their shock at Besancenot’s attempt to field a candidate who sees no problem with making an overt statement about her religion in the public sphere, a practice considered taboo.
Moussaid’s candidacy has been considered all the more surprising because she is running for a party with far-left leanings traditionally seen as hostile to religion and pro-women’s rights. Socialist MP AurĂ©lie Filippetti advised Besancenot to “reread Marx” in order to understand why the headscarf was unacceptable.
The government is attempting to wrap up a “great debate” on national identity, which many people believe has caused Islamophobia. It is reminiscent of the controversy in 2004 when headscarves and other conspicuous religious symbols were banned from state schools.
French Fast Food Chain Makes Menus Halal
By Henry Samuel in Paris
Feb 15, 2010
By Henry Samuel in Paris
Feb 15, 2010
The chain has replaced bacon with smoked halal turkey in restaurants in three branches in a Paris suburb, two in Marseille, and the remainder in Toulouse, Villeurbanne, near Lyon, and Roubaix, northern France – all of them areas with high Muslim populations.
These restaurants now serve only halal food, seen as permissible according to Islamic law...
(7e) ENGLAND:
walesonline.come Feb 10, 2010
Anti-Muslim Racists Arrested in Wales
Five men have been arrested after a Facebook site was set up declaring “all Muslims should be thrown out of Wales”.
Around 150 people joined the group on the social networking site claiming they would march through the Rhondda Valleys to make their feelings known. But South Wales Police have now stepped in and arrested five men for religiously aggravated public order offences.
It is one of the first occasions people have been arrested over comments posted on Facebook. The group has also been removed from the site. Police now believe the march will not go ahead, but they will be on standby in case anyone turns up.
Members of the group, which was entitled Rhondda March, said they would walk from Treherbert down to Pontypridd on February 28. And the organisers declared: “We Dont Want Musslims in our country move them out they are takeing over.”
It is one of the first occasions people have been arrested over comments posted on Facebook. The group has also been removed from the site. Police now believe the march will not go ahead, but they will be on standby in case anyone turns up.
Members of the group, which was entitled Rhondda March, said they would walk from Treherbert down to Pontypridd on February 28. And the organisers declared: “We Dont Want Musslims in our country move them out they are takeing over.”
The group’s message board was inundated with comments including “ai im in, gona put sum nails in a stick 4 the f******” and “Got my steel toe caps ready, wot a craking idea”. Another reads: “send the f****** bk. Join us u now u want 2 stand up tall”. A further message said: “Move these musslims back home”. And another read: “yeah support our local buissnes not forgin ones. Im in”.
Domino's Pizza Outlet Bans Pork in Favour of Halal Menu
Meat pizza: Halal items on the menu include halal spicy beef sausage, roast and tandoori chicken, halal pepperoni and halal cured turkey Photo: GETTYA Domino's Pizza outlet has infuriated locals after becoming the first in the country to take pork off the menu and offer only halal food.
11 Feb 2009
Meat pizza: Domino's Pizza outlet bans pork in favour of halal menu
The takeaway has told customers in the mixed-race area of Hall Green, Birmingham, that if they want ham or pork on their pizza they will have to go elsewhere.
Chris Yates, 29, a hospital worker living in Moseley, Birmingham, said he was told he couldn't have a 'Meteor' pizza, topped with pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, ground beef and smoky bacon, when he called up at the weekend.
The takeaway has told customers in the mixed-race area of Hall Green, Birmingham, that if they want ham or pork on their pizza they will have to go elsewhere.
Chris Yates, 29, a hospital worker living in Moseley, Birmingham, said he was told he couldn't have a 'Meteor' pizza, topped with pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, ground beef and smoky bacon, when he called up at the weekend.
Halal items on the menu include halal spicy beef sausage, roast and tandoori chicken, halal pepperoni and halal cured turkey – all produced and stored within the Halal Food Authorities guidelines. The change intends to appeal to the area's Muslim customers.
A worker at the store said: "The store wasn't doing very well so we had to do something – we needed people who weren't getting halal options to come to us.
"It's been like this for four weeks and business has picked up a little."
A spokesman for Dominos, who recently announced their profits were up 33 per cent, said: "In that particular area of Birmingham there are a large number of Muslims so there is naturally more of a demand for halal based products.
"It's been like this for four weeks and business has picked up a little."
A spokesman for Dominos, who recently announced their profits were up 33 per cent, said: "In that particular area of Birmingham there are a large number of Muslims so there is naturally more of a demand for halal based products.
"We appreciate we cannot please everybody but there are alternatives, such as turkey ham, and we have thought long and hard about this decision and we are sure it is the right one."
Masood Khawaja, President of the Halal Food Authority, said: "It's good news for Muslims, with changing palates, who want a bit of variety in their diet. This is only the beginning and we are delighted that Domino's has participating in this trend."
(8) NORTH AMERICA:
Ottawa Imam Issues Fatwa Against Credit Cards
'Demeaning To People'
Jennifer Green, Canwest News Service
February 18, 2010
(8a) CANADA:
Ottawa Imam Issues Fatwa Against Credit Cards
'Demeaning To People'
Jennifer Green, Canwest News Service
February 18, 2010
In an economy awash in easy credit, Ottawa's leading imam is definitely swimming against the tide.
Imam Khaled Abdul-Hamid Syed has issued a fatwa against credit cards, even if they are paid off every month.
"I conclude that it contains usury ... which is forbidden in Islam, so it should not be used," Imam Syed said in a mass email to members of the city's main mosque.
Islam has always banned interest for the same reason usury is condemned in other faiths: It can sink debtors, even whole economies, as recent years have shown.
"It's to protect people from falling in a lot of debt," the imam said in an interview.
"Interest is demeaning to people," added Ismail Barreh, an MBA student at the University of Ottawa who sat in on the conversation. "They are in need, and then you can take advantage of them."
Imam Khaled Abdul-Hamid Syed has issued a fatwa against credit cards, even if they are paid off every month.
"I conclude that it contains usury ... which is forbidden in Islam, so it should not be used," Imam Syed said in a mass email to members of the city's main mosque.
Islam has always banned interest for the same reason usury is condemned in other faiths: It can sink debtors, even whole economies, as recent years have shown.
"It's to protect people from falling in a lot of debt," the imam said in an interview.
"Interest is demeaning to people," added Ismail Barreh, an MBA student at the University of Ottawa who sat in on the conversation. "They are in need, and then you can take advantage of them."
There are two schools of thought about credit cards among Islamic scholars. Some argue they are permissible as long as no interest is accrued, meaning bills must always be paid in full.
Others disagree, quoting one of the earliest religious authorities, Ibn Mass'ood: "Allah has cursed the one who consumes Riba [usury or interest], the one who gives it to others, the one who records it and the one who witnesses it.... All of them are equal in sin."
This group believes anyone who signs a contract for the card "is ready to pay interest, thus he freely approves of dealing with interest."
Others disagree, quoting one of the earliest religious authorities, Ibn Mass'ood: "Allah has cursed the one who consumes Riba [usury or interest], the one who gives it to others, the one who records it and the one who witnesses it.... All of them are equal in sin."
This group believes anyone who signs a contract for the card "is ready to pay interest, thus he freely approves of dealing with interest."
A young Ottawa woman heard on a Saudi television broadcast that any credit card was forbidden, even if no interest was incurred, so she wrote the imam for clarification. "Do you advise me to get rid of my ... card? I only have one for emergencies and when I travel ... can you give me some advice please, should I cancel it and rely on Allah ... or is having it an exception to living in this society?"
Imam Syed replied in the mass email that she should rely instead on a prepaid credit card that can be loaded with set amounts. Cardholders can only spend what is on the card, and no interest is incurred.
Imam Syed replied in the mass email that she should rely instead on a prepaid credit card that can be loaded with set amounts. Cardholders can only spend what is on the card, and no interest is incurred.
In the interview, the imam stressed the fatwa is not binding, nor would every imam hold the same opinion.
"A fatwa is a religious decision, to tell people what their God loves, and what makes their God angry with them.... It is a religious decision to the person who asked."
(8 b) UNITED STATES:
NASA Plans More Outreach to Muslim Countries
blogs.orlandosentinel.com
Mark Matthews on February, 16 2010
"A fatwa is a religious decision, to tell people what their God loves, and what makes their God angry with them.... It is a religious decision to the person who asked."
So, while Islam has a general principle forbidding interest, each situation would call for a slightly different decision. For instance, another member of the mosque needed to buy groceries and other necessities as he awaited his monthly paycheque. For him, the card is allowed.
(8 b) UNITED STATES:
NASA Plans More Outreach to Muslim Countries
blogs.orlandosentinel.com
Mark Matthews on February, 16 2010
WASHINGTON — NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden said Tuesday that President Barack Obama has asked him to “find ways to reach out to dominantly Muslim countries” as the White House pushes the space agency to become a tool of international diplomacy.
“In addition to the nations that most of you usually hear about when you think about the International Space Station, we now have expanded our efforts to reach out to non-traditional partners,” said Bolden, speaking to a lecture hall of young
engineering students.
engineering students.
Specifically, he talked about connecting with countries that do not have an established space program and helping them conduct science missions. He mentioned new opportunities with Indonesia, including an educational program that examines global climate change.
“We really like Indonesia because the State Department, the Department of Education [and] other agencies in the U.S. are reaching out to Indonesia as the largest Muslim nation in the world. We would love to establish partners there,” Bolden said.
“We really like Indonesia because the State Department, the Department of Education [and] other agencies in the U.S. are reaching out to Indonesia as the largest Muslim nation in the world. We would love to establish partners there,” Bolden said.
As a presidential candidate, Obama espoused a space program that invited more participation from the international community and Deputy NASA Administrator Lori Garver said recently that the next time NASA lands on the moon it would be part of an international exploration effort.
(9) NEWS OF THE WEIRD:
A Muslim woman wearing a niqab. An Arab ambassador called off his wedding after discovering his wife-to-be, who had worn a face-covering veil whenever they met, was bearded and cross-eyed, the Gulf News reported (AFP/File/Philippe Desmazes)
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE:
(Thanks to Dr. Lewis for forwarding below joke)Getting Married
Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, are all excited about their decision to get married.
They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a chemist. Jacob suggests they go in.
They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a chemist. Jacob suggests they go in.
Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: "Are you the owner?"
The pharmacist answers, "Yes."
Jacob: "We're about to get married.. Do you sell heart medication?"
Pharmacist: "Of course we do."
Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"
Pharmacist: "All kinds "
Jacob: "Medicine for rheumatism?"
Pharmacist: "Definitely."
Jacob: "How about suppositories?"
Pharmacist: "You bet!"
Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, and Alzheimer's?"
Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works."
Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?"
Pharmacist: "Absolutely.."
Jacob: "Everything for heartburn and indigestion?"
Pharmacist: "We sure do."
Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?"
Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes."
Jacob: "Adult incontinance pants?"
Pharmacist: "Sure."
Jacob: "WE HAD LIKE TO USE THIS STORE FOR OUR WEDDING PRESENTS LIST".
THE END
