Bismillah: Assalamo Alikum.


Here is an interesting program was shown on BBC channel presented by a priest of the England Church who has investigated the plenty of early Christian writings, gospels, letters etc which contradicts today's Bible. It is the story of how and why these 'lost gospels' could not make it to the formulated New Testament.


Watch and be the judge yourself, see how many variants are there among the existing copies of the Christian manuscripts, learn about the dispute of early Christians over the nature of Jesus Christ, was he a man, divine or both? Did he die or not? All these matters aren't new debate; it has been there centuries ago.


Anywya, without further details. I recommend this video badly, here is the link:


http://www.s4.ebnmaryam.com/Files/Video/...ospels.zip


Assalamo Alikum


Wael

Racism and Underachievement


It is absurd to say that institutional racism is dead. It is still alive in the form of Islamophobia. . One of the deepest expressions of institutional racism affecting immigrant communities, and one that has been long documented is the unequal treatment of their children by the education system. They are motivated, but knocked back by their experiences of the school system. They are often treated more harshly and viewed with lower teacher expectation on the basis of teachers’ assumptions about their motivation and ability.


LAs are failing in their duty to combat racism in schools, according to OFSTED, Education system exhibits “aspects of racism”. A quarter of authorities are not doing enough to promote equal educational opportunities. A Brighton University study found that the Britain education system is institutionally racist, with pupils and teachers vulnerable to abuse by peers, teachers and management. I discovered the element of racism in early 70s. National Curriculum does not reflect cultural diversity and minority pupils are being held back by native teachers. London Borough of Newham was judged by OFSTED as unsatisfactory in tackling racism. There are big issues about racism in schools needed to be tackled but could not understand that Bilingual Muslim pupils need state funded Muslim schools with bilingual Muslim teachers as role models during their developmental periods. It is a crime against humanity to deprive a child of his mother tongue but in the name of integration every thing is fair. Independent schools are also racist in nature. The parents of a Pakistani boy who was racially abused by his classmates and teachers are suing St. Christopher School.


Education report by Birmingham Advisory Service recommends that school lessons should take into account cultural differences in order to improve pupils’ performance. It calls for teaching “the need for mutual respect and understanding”. Minority pupils are underachieving at school because the curriculum is racist. The study found lessons often failed to motivate or interest pupils because curriculum did not provide enough positive role models. The curriculum needs to be more balanced and less Eurocentric. Pupils grow up thinking there is no other playwright than Shakespeare. An ethnicity “Tsar” should be appointed to reform British schooling. Muslim schools performed best overall, although they constitute only a fraction of the country’s 7000 schools. Muslim schools do well because of their Islamic ethos and a focus on traditional discipline and teaching methods. They teach children what is right and what is wrong, because young children need structural guidance. Muslim school is responsible for the development of the whole child. Muslim schools give Muslim children “pride, identity and a sense of culture and languages.


Iftikhar Ahmad

Bismillah


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090604/ap_o...r_wh/obama


Obama in Cairo for outreach speech


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Delicious Digg Facebook Fark Newsvine Reddit StumbleUpon Technorati Yahoo! Bookmarks Print Featured Topics: Barack Obama Play Video AFP – Obama lands in Saudi Arabia


Slideshow:President Barack Obama Play Video Video:Obama in Saudi Arabia Reuters Play Video Video:Obama praises king in Saudi visit AP AP – Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, left, greets U.S. President Barack Obama upon his arrival at Qubba … By MARK S. SMITH, Associated Press Writer Mark S. Smith, Associated Press Writer – 18 mins ago


CAIRO – President Barack Obama discussed the quest for Middle East peace and Iran's disputed nuclear ambitions with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Thursday before delivering a dose of "truth-telling" about the often fraught relations between Americans and Muslims.


Aides said Obama's long-promised speech to a vast, electronically linked-in global audience would blend hopeful words about mutual understanding with carefully chosen language on Iraq, Afghanistan and the Israeli-Palestinian standoff, plus blunt talk about the need for Muslims to embrace democracy, women's rights and economic opportunity.


But first, Obama and Mubarak met privately on a range of topics. Chief among them: Iran's suspected efforts to build a nuclear bomb and the long-running conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.


In brief remarks, Obama said they spoke about "how we could move forward in a constructive way to bring about peace and prosperity to all people in the region." He said he emphasized that "America is committed to working in partnership with countries of the region so that all people can meet their aspirations."


Mubarak added: "We opened all topics with no reservations."


After spending the night at Saudi King Abdullah's horse farm in the desert outside Riyadh, Obama arrived at Egypt's imposing, ornate Qubba Palace on a lush property in the middle of Cairo with nearly two dozen horses leading his motorcade down the wide, palm-lined palace drive.


The U.S. president jogged up the steps to greet his Egyptian counterpart with a handshake and the region's traditional double-cheek kiss. As the two leaders stood on a balcony, a military band in blue dress uniforms played both countries' national anthems.


Later, Obama was delivering his long-promised speech to an audience at Cairo University.


Obama said he was "very much looking forward" to that part of his trip, but that he wanted to meet with Mubarak first because he is someone "who obviously has decades of experience" on a range of issues.


His brief stay in the city also was to include a visit to the Sultan Hassan mosque, a 600-year-old center of Islamic worship and study, and a tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza on the capital's outskirts. Aides said the schedule also would afford Obama time to talk to Egyptian journalists and young people.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009


HONOLULU -- Hawaii's state Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill Wednesday to celebrate "Islam Day" -- over the objections of a few lawmakers who said they didn't want to honor a religion connected to Sept. 11, 2001.


The Senate's two Republicans argued that a minority of Islamic extremists have killed many innocents in terrorist attacks.


"I recall radical Islamists around the world cheering the horrors of 9/11. That is the day all civilized people of all religions should remember," said Republican Sen. Fred Hemmings to the applause of more than 100 people gathered in the Senate to oppose a separate issue -- same-sex civil unions.


The resolution to proclaim Sept. 24, 2009, as Islam Day passed the Senate on a 22-3 vote. It had previously passed the House and now goes to Republican Gov. Linda Lingle.


The bill seeks to recognize "the rich religious, scientific, cultural and artistic contributions" that Islam and the Islamic world have made. It does not call for any spending or organized celebration of Islam Day.


"We are a state of tolerance. We understand that people have different beliefs," said Sen. Will Espero, a Democrat. "We may not all agree on every single item and issue out there, but to say and highlight the negativity of the Islamic people is an insult to the majority" of believers "who are good law-abiding citizens of the world."


But Republican Sen. Sam Slom argued that the United States has become too sympathetic toward Islamic extremists.


"I don't think there's any country in the history of the world that has been more tolerant than the United States of America, and because of that tolerance, we've looked the other way a lot of times, and many thousands of our citizens have been killed by terrorists," said Slom, a Republican.


The lone Democrat voting against the bill opposed it on church-state separation fears.


FoxNews

Bismillah: Assalamo Alikum...


WASHINGTON - Dalia Mogahed, a hijab-clad American Muslim, has made history being the first Muslim woman appointed to a position in President Barack Obama's administration.


She sets on a newly-formed interfaith advisory board the administration hopes will improve relations with Muslims in the US and across the globe.


The Egyptian-born American heads the Gallup American Center for Muslim Studies, a research center that produces studies on Muslim public opinion worldwide.


Click to enlarge


In an exclusive interview, IslamOnline.net discussed with Egyptian-born Mogahed her new role, the challenges facing Muslims, Islamophobia in the US and her own success story.


- How do you feel about being the first Muslim appointed to the Obama administration?


I am not actually the first Muslim. There have been other Muslims appointed to Obama's administration. I am also not the only Muslim on the White House advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. I join Dr. Eboo Patel as the second Muslim on the council. I am, however, the first Muslim woman in this council. I feel very honored for the privilege to serve in this way, but also recognize the responsibility that I've agreed to take on. I see my role much more in terms of what needs to get done rather than a historical accomplishment. I believe the accomplishments are yet to be fulfilled.


- What is the role of the Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnership?


I am a member of a 25-person advisory council to the White House focused on offering solutions for societal problems sourced in the wisdom of faith communities. More specifically, I am on the Inter-religious Dialogue and Cooperation Task Force, a group of only 5. We will work on recommendations for our area of focus and these will be reviewed by the larger council and then included in an annual report with recommendations from the council to the President.


- What is your role as an advisor on Islam?


I would not say I am an advisor on Islam. I would say that it is my role to convey the facts about what Muslims think and feel. I see my role as offering the voices of the silenced majority of Muslims in America and around the world to the council so that our deliberations are informed by their ideas and wisdom. I believe that I was chosen because the administration cares about what Muslims think and wants to listen.


- What kind of advise would you be giving Obama to improve relations with US Muslims and the Muslim world?


I would advise him to listen first and foremost. Many have claimed that terrorists have 'hijacked Islam'. I disagree. I think Islam is safe and thriving in the lives of Muslims around the world. What the terrorists have been allowed to take over are Muslim grievances. Muslim concerns over injustice have been largely dismissed by the previous administration leaving a vacuum exploited by extremists. This is a dangerous reality for all of us. Instead, the US must hear mainstream Muslim concerns even if America does not agree with their perceptions. These issues can no longer be ignored or left and the extremists to monopolize.


- What areas of domestic and foreign policies you think the administration should be introducing change in?


I would endorse the action plan outlined in the report "Changing Course" which recommends four areas of action: Respect, Reform (political and economic) and Resolution of conflict. When it comes to the US, I would recommend that a senior member of the administration go on a "listening tour" of the US and hear what Muslim Americans are concerned over. Like all Americans, they are worried about the economic crisis, their financial future and jobs. And like many other US citizens, Muslim Americans are also worried about racial profiling, discriminatory immigration policy and the erosion of civil liberties.


- What do you think of the rising Islamphobia in America?


Islamphobia in America is very real. Gallup finds that Muslims are among the most unfavorably viewed groups in the US and only a little over a third of Americans say they have no prejudice against Muslims. This presents a grave danger to America as a whole. The disease of racism, by definition, is a bias in judgment. This means that racism clouds sound judgment and leads people to make irrational decisions. It also divides a nation and prevents the full utilization of its intellectual and cultural resources. Racism is wasteful. Racism is a strategic disadvantage. I am very proud of the progress America has made in fighting this problem as it relates to the relationship between blacks and whites. In 1956 only 4% of Americans approved of a marriage between whites and blacks. The marriage that produced our president was illegal in Virginia when he was born. Today 80% of Americans approve of marriage between blacks and whites. Last year, Barack Obama became the first Democratic Presidential candidate in decades to carry Virginia. We are a stronger and smarter nation because of this growth. Our next growth spurt will be in ridding our society of anti-Muslim prejudice.


- What do you think US Muslims themselves need to do?


Muslim Americans lag behind other Americans in their political and civic participation according to our research (National Portrait). The best thing they can do to strengthen America is to become fully engaged in writing its next chapter by getting involved and feeling a strong sense of ownership for the future of their country.


- What are you hopes and aspirations for US Muslims?


I hope that they enrich America by becoming fully engaged in its growth and development, as well as its struggles.


- Tell us about your own journey of success as an American Muslim woman, with hijab. What challenges have you faced along the way?


I have been tremendously blessed, Alhamdulillah. I feel that mine is a uniquely American story. I grew up in an educated middle class home, but with no special connections or privilege. By excelling in school, I was able to attend a top university and helped pay my way by working during the summer as an engineering intern. My summer job was at a paper factory in a small Wisconsin town. I was only 19 years old. Managing technicians often reminded me that they've been working on the machine longer than I've been on Earth. Many also told me that I was the first Muslim they'd ever met. Very few women worked in the factory, so I was already a minority just as a female, but I was also the only hijab-wearing woman in the entire town and the only Muslim in the factory. All of this of course presented a challenge, but one that taught me a great deal. Once people got to know me I became a professional to them, not a woman in hijab. I took this experience with me to my permanent job after college and to my graduate work. These situations taught me that living according to your conscience was more important than comfortably conforming to your surroundings. I think this simple lesson of life is one that has helped me succeed and given me the courage to face the most difficult and daunting situations.


IslamOnline.Net

Very interesting short film (about 10 min) on Kaa'ba location


Follow the link please:






http://www.vimeo.com/3206907


copy and paste in the address bar.

Khutbah video: Leaving a legacy‏


Assalaamu-alaikum,


> Here's the link: http://www.discoverulife.com/nationbuilding


Walaikum-Assalaam

<b>A Qur'aanic Generation</b>


In the spacious courtyard of the masjid, they sat together turning its glorious pages. The rays of sunlight gently bounced from the soft pages of the Qur'aan. Humbled by the greatness of its verses and captivated by the beauty of its words, they were often moved to tears but none uttered a word. Tranquillity descended over them as individual, melodious recitations began. This was no ordinary study circle and these were no ordinary students, the sight of them alone made eyes turn and hearts were drawn to them. These were young men who had gathered in the courtyard of the masjid – serious students studying the Glorious Qur'aan. With a powerful goal in mind and a firm focus, nothing could distract them.


Their soft recitations died down and silence took over as the teacher spoke…


"This Qur'aan… This is the Clear Book of Allaah that is not approached by falsehood neither from before it nor from behind it, sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all Praise.It is the never-ending, ever-lasting miracle that is continuous through the course of Time until Allaah inherits the earth and what is upon it.It is the Strong Rope of Allaah, the Straight Path and the Light which guides to the truth and the right way.



In it is news of what was before you, what is to come after you and a source of judgement between you.


Whoever abandons it has indeed been destroyed by Allaah and whoever seeks guidance in other than it has been led astray.


Whoever speaks by it has been truthful, whoever rules by it has been just and whoever calls to it has indeed called to the straight path."


One of the students lowered his head as a tear strolled down his cheek. A young haafidh from the city, he often made his journey setting off early to join the rest of the students – many of whom like him were deeply moved by these sessions and couldn't afford to miss a single class. He was lost in thought, his mind immersed in recalling the greatness of the Qur'aan. As he wept in silence, the rest listened attentively.


"It is our role-model and the leader in our lives…



By it we are guided and to it we surrender.


Its commands and prohibitions we act according to, and at its Hudood (boundaries) we halt with firmness.It is that which ties the heavens to the earth.A covenant between Allaah and His servants.


The most Noble and honoured from the heavenly Scriptures.


What you have before you is the Way of Allaah, the Most Exalted, and the Greatest Revelation sent down to Mankind…".


It's true.


What we have before us is the Book that many lay claim to but only a few realise its value.


<b>"Had We sent down this Qur'aan on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect." [Al-Hashr: 21]</b>



Mountains are often mentioned in the Qur'aan as symbols of great stability, firmness, endurance and integrity. But even with these powerful characteristics, the mountains were unable to bear the Qur'aan… they could not bear the trust.


<b> "Truly, We did offer the trust to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it. But man bore it. Verily, he was unjust and ignorant." [Al-Ahzaab: 72]</b>



The mountains knew their capacity and they knew the incredible weight of the Qur'aan. But man… man didn't know.


"Verily, he was unjust and ignorant."



For them to shatter into pieces, break apart and cleft asunder is no easy matter. They have a right to that because of what the Qur'aan contains. It's not a physical weight that humbles the mountains, but it's the Words of Allaah – they are indeed heavy.


"Verily, We shall send down to you a heavy Word." [Al-Muzzammil: 5]

<b>Praise is to Allah under all circumstances</b>


There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no--it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed, he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.


The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but ONLY one season in the tree's life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are--and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life--can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.



If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall. Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later.


Our Iman is not always as sound and strong as we want it to be as it often fluctuates according to life circumstances. There are several causes for weakening Iman such as deficiencies in our prayers or the insinuating whispers from the Shaytan. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial for all of us to keep a check on our Iman and if we feel it is faltering in any way then we should take measures to restore it. It is our responsibility to know which things decrease our Iman and how to avoid them and those that increase our Iman and how to embrace them.



Thus we find ourselves in situations were we need to refresh, renergise and direct our efforts to increase our Imaan InshaAllah. some excellent and usefull steps to try


Wassalaamu'alaykumWarahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh


Allah knows best and we seek his Assistance






Allah says, "And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted." [17:19]

The Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah to renew the faith in your hearts” (Mustadrak al-Haakim).


Our Iman is not always as sound and strong as we want it to be as it often fluctuates according to life circumstances. There are several causes for weakening Iman such as deficiencies in our prayers or the insinuating whispers from the Shaytan. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial for all of us to keep a check on our Iman and if we feel it is faltering in any way then we should take measures to restore it. It is our responsibility to know which things decrease our Iman and how to avoid them and those that increase our Iman and how to embrace them.


<b>What are signs of a weak imaan?</b>


Signs of weak imaan:


• Committing sins and not feeling any guilt.


• Having a hard heart and no desire to read the Quran.


• Feeling too lazy to do good deeds, e.g. being late for salat


• Neglecting the Sunnah.


• Having mood swings, for instance being upset about petty things and bothered and irritated most of the time.


• Not feeling anything when hearing verses from the Quran, for example when Allah warns us of punishments and His promise of glad tidings.


• Finding difficulty in remembering Allah and making dhikr.


• Not feeling bad when things are done against the Shariah.


• Desiring status and wealth.


• Being mean and miserly, i.e. not wanting to part with wealth.


• Ordering others to do good deeds when not practising them ourselves.


• Feeling pleased when things are not progressing for others.


• Being concerned with whether something is haram or halal only; and not avoiding makroo (not recommended) things.


• Making fun of people who do simple good deeds, like cleaning the mosque.


• Not feeling concerned about the situation of Muslims.


• Not feeling the responsibility to do something to promote Islam.


• Being unable to deal with calamities, for instance crying and yelling in funerals.


• Liking to argue just for the sake of arguing without any proof.


• Becoming engrossed and very involved with dunya, worldly things, i.e. feeling bad only when losing something in terms of material wealth.


• Becoming engrossed and obsessive about ourselves.