These fears, however, are largely unfounded. All religions, including Islam, emphasise common values such as interfaith harmony and cooperation. For example, the Prophet Muhammad advocated reconciliation with other religions, as evidenced by his peace treaty with Jewish tribes in Medina. He also believed in mutual trust between different faith communities, evidenced by the fact that in 615 CE he sent Muslims fleeing persecution from the Meccans to find refuge with the Christian king of Abyssinia, current-day Ethiopia.
Dialogue is not about trying to defeat others, but about understanding and learning about them. The Qur’an insists that the world’s beauty lies in its racial and religious pluralism, otherwise God would not have created it so (10:99 and 5:48). The Qur’an states: “O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another” (49:13).
The process of dialogue forces people to examine and reconfirm their own religious identity and to strengthen their own beliefs while respecting those of others with patience and dignity.
In this sense, interfaith dialogue can provide a platform to understand and cooperate with each other. For this dialogue to move forward successfully, representatives of different faiths engaged in active dialogue should agree on the following three principles: forced conversions are not condoned; followers of all religions are free to lead lives in accordance with their own beliefs; and the values inherent in all religions — especially patience and tolerance – that allow their followers to coexist with one another peacefully are respected.
In Islam, these principles are clearly laid out. First, the often quoted Qur’anic verse: “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256) rejects forced conversions to Islam and provides a fundamental parameter for Muslims to meet peacefully with people of other religions, accepting who and what they are.
Second, the Qur’an acknowledges freedom of religion and religious worship: “Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion” (109:6). This verse clearly forbids Muslims to interfere in other peoples religious affairs and affirms the freedom to live according to one’s faith.
Third, when it comes to exercising patience and tolerance, the Qur’an advises Muslims to interact with non-Muslims for the sake of the common good: "God does not forbid you from being good to those who have not fought you over religion or driven you from your homes, or from being just towards them" (8:9).
These teachings of no compulsion, freedom of belief, and worship and forgiveness have unfortunately been disregarded or overlooked by people keen on creating division.
Those perpetrating violence in the name of religion for their own vested interests will not succeed in creating divisions if others come forward as connectors rather than dividers. Every religion has developed a message around human values of peace, love, tolerance and mutual respect. Interfaith dialogue can build on these commonalities to strengthen the world community of believers and can save religion from being maligned by those bent on destroying it.
Refference By:http://islamonline.com
Monday, May 3, 2010
India: 26/11: Kasab guilty; Ansari, Sabauddin Shaikh acquitted.Ajmal Kasab
MUMBAI, (Times of India): Pakistani terrorist, Ajmal Amir Kasab, charged with the deaths of 166 Indians and foreigners, has been pronounced guilty of all charges by a special court in Mumbai. The two Indians, who were named as co-accused in the case-- Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Shaikh, have been acquitted.
The argument on quantum of sentence to Kasab will be held tomorrow.
Kasab has been convicted on all 86 charges against him. He was found guilty or murder and waging war against the nation, the court said while delivering the judgment.
"You have been found guilty of waging war against India, and killing people at CST (train station), killing government officials and abetting the other nine terrorists," Judge M.L. Tahaliyani said as he announced his verdict. They were the most serious charges laid against Kasab, a 22-year-old Pakistani who was arrested after the Mumbai siege.
The conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan, the judge said.
The two Indian co-accused were set free because the evidence against them was weak, the court ruled. Kasab had said that the duo supplied maps of Mumbai to LeT bosses. Thus, they gave logistical support to carry out the attack. But the judge, punching a hole in the prosecution’s argument, said better maps were available on Google than the crude drawings Kasab claimed had been supplied by Ansari and Sabauddin.
This verdict is the biggest terror trial the city has witnessed in recent times. Ten Pakistani terrorists sneaked into Mumbai on 26th November 2008 and unleashed 60 hours of mayhem that left 166 people dead and 244 injured. The terrorists had targeted several sites such as the World Heritage Building of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Hotel Oberoi-Trident, Cama Hospital and the Chabad House, a Jewish prayer centre and Leopold Cafe, a favourite among foreigners.
The witnesses included many survivors of the terror attacks, eyewitnesses, family members of the victims, police officials, several foreign nationals, Indian security officials and officials from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
There was extremely tight security around the court premises as the verdict was being delivered. Some reporters were allowed inside court, however, use of mobile phones or any other devices was strictly prohibited.
The prosecution had gathered a heap of evidence against Kasab and presented strong arguments that are capable of sending him to the gallows. Special prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam charged Kasab with not just the criminal acts of killing and injuring scores of innocent people, but termed him guilty of the entire conspiracy that went into planning and executing the dastardly attack.
Nikam argued that Kasab is a highly trained and motivated member of the Pakistani terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) who underwent months of training in weapons and intelligence so he could execute the well-planned attack on Mumbai. Nikam also relied on scores of witness testimonies in a bid to establish Kasab's role in the killing of innocents at CST and Cama Hospital, the gunning down of senior policemen in Badruddin Tyabji Lane and the final gunbattle at Marine Drive.
The prosecution's main argument had been that Kasab is a cold-blooded killer whose guilt has been established both through human accounts of the night of November 26, 2008, as well as forensic evidence in the form of DNA reports.
The case against Ansari and Shaikh revolved around Kasab's confession to magistrate R V Sawant Waghule in February 2009. Kasab had said that the duo supplied maps of Mumbai to LeT bosses. Thus, they gave logistical support to carry out the attack.
In his defence, Kasab had maintained that he was an innocent Pakistani who was picked up several days prior to the attack. He has insisted that the terrorist caught on CCTV is not him but a lookalike. He also rubbished all witness testimonies as tutored and given at the behest of police officials.
Both Ansari and Shaikh had denied all wrongdoing. Their main argument is why would the LeT rely upon crude maps allegedly supplied by them when far more sophisticated versions were easily available on the internet. After the arrest of American David Coleman Headley, they also argued that recce work for the attack was done by him and they had been framed needlessly in the case.
In September 2006, after 13 years of arguments, the Tada court had begun giving its verdicts in the 1993 serial blasts case. It was the last major trial in recent times.
Reffered by:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/26/11-Kasab-guilty-Ansari-Sabauddin-Shaikh-acquitted/articleshow/5885540.cms
The argument on quantum of sentence to Kasab will be held tomorrow.
Kasab has been convicted on all 86 charges against him. He was found guilty or murder and waging war against the nation, the court said while delivering the judgment.
"You have been found guilty of waging war against India, and killing people at CST (train station), killing government officials and abetting the other nine terrorists," Judge M.L. Tahaliyani said as he announced his verdict. They were the most serious charges laid against Kasab, a 22-year-old Pakistani who was arrested after the Mumbai siege.
The conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan, the judge said.
The two Indian co-accused were set free because the evidence against them was weak, the court ruled. Kasab had said that the duo supplied maps of Mumbai to LeT bosses. Thus, they gave logistical support to carry out the attack. But the judge, punching a hole in the prosecution’s argument, said better maps were available on Google than the crude drawings Kasab claimed had been supplied by Ansari and Sabauddin.
This verdict is the biggest terror trial the city has witnessed in recent times. Ten Pakistani terrorists sneaked into Mumbai on 26th November 2008 and unleashed 60 hours of mayhem that left 166 people dead and 244 injured. The terrorists had targeted several sites such as the World Heritage Building of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Hotel Oberoi-Trident, Cama Hospital and the Chabad House, a Jewish prayer centre and Leopold Cafe, a favourite among foreigners.
The witnesses included many survivors of the terror attacks, eyewitnesses, family members of the victims, police officials, several foreign nationals, Indian security officials and officials from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
There was extremely tight security around the court premises as the verdict was being delivered. Some reporters were allowed inside court, however, use of mobile phones or any other devices was strictly prohibited.
The prosecution had gathered a heap of evidence against Kasab and presented strong arguments that are capable of sending him to the gallows. Special prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam charged Kasab with not just the criminal acts of killing and injuring scores of innocent people, but termed him guilty of the entire conspiracy that went into planning and executing the dastardly attack.
Nikam argued that Kasab is a highly trained and motivated member of the Pakistani terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) who underwent months of training in weapons and intelligence so he could execute the well-planned attack on Mumbai. Nikam also relied on scores of witness testimonies in a bid to establish Kasab's role in the killing of innocents at CST and Cama Hospital, the gunning down of senior policemen in Badruddin Tyabji Lane and the final gunbattle at Marine Drive.
The prosecution's main argument had been that Kasab is a cold-blooded killer whose guilt has been established both through human accounts of the night of November 26, 2008, as well as forensic evidence in the form of DNA reports.
The case against Ansari and Shaikh revolved around Kasab's confession to magistrate R V Sawant Waghule in February 2009. Kasab had said that the duo supplied maps of Mumbai to LeT bosses. Thus, they gave logistical support to carry out the attack.
In his defence, Kasab had maintained that he was an innocent Pakistani who was picked up several days prior to the attack. He has insisted that the terrorist caught on CCTV is not him but a lookalike. He also rubbished all witness testimonies as tutored and given at the behest of police officials.
Both Ansari and Shaikh had denied all wrongdoing. Their main argument is why would the LeT rely upon crude maps allegedly supplied by them when far more sophisticated versions were easily available on the internet. After the arrest of American David Coleman Headley, they also argued that recce work for the attack was done by him and they had been framed needlessly in the case.
In September 2006, after 13 years of arguments, the Tada court had begun giving its verdicts in the 1993 serial blasts case. It was the last major trial in recent times.
Reffered by:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/26/11-Kasab-guilty-Ansari-Sabauddin-Shaikh-acquitted/articleshow/5885540.cms
Comprehensive analysis of chances and challenges facing aspiring Muslim MPs
By Elham Asaad Buaras
The prospects of having more Muslim candidates elected at the General Election are much brighter than in 2005. Although there are around the same number standing (80 compared to 79 in 2005), more will be elected than in 2005, including several women, from various parties. As has become customary, The Muslim News presents the most comprehensive analysis of the various chances and challenges faced by the aspiring MPs.
Reffered by: http://www.muslimnews.co.uk
The prospects of having more Muslim candidates elected at the General Election are much brighter than in 2005. Although there are around the same number standing (80 compared to 79 in 2005), more will be elected than in 2005, including several women, from various parties. As has become customary, The Muslim News presents the most comprehensive analysis of the various chances and challenges faced by the aspiring MPs.
Reffered by: http://www.muslimnews.co.uk
Islamic Terms Revisited
owadays, there is a pressing need for a clear and comprehensive perception of certain Islamic concepts and terms. The misunderstanding of concepts and terms such as dar al-Islam, dar al-harb, ahl adh-dhimah, and jihad is responsible for serious mistakes on the part of both Muslims and non-Muslims. The lack of a correct perception of these terms, their historical contexts, their proper application, and their developing and changing nature has given rise to a set of ideas and acts that are totally alien to Islam.
At the same time, the lack of a proper understanding of these concepts and terms has produced a lot of prejudices against Islam and unfair judgments of its rulings. Some of these concepts emerged in certain historical contexts that should be taken into account. Otherwise, if they are taken out of their contexts, a misleading picture of Islam will inevitably be formed.
A good example is the categorization of the world into two abodes, the abode of Islam (dar al-Islam) and the abode of war (dar al-harb). Such categorization is not mentioned in the Qur'an, nor is it a fixed and unchangeable principle. Rather, it came in response to certain temporary circumstances within which this categorization was understandable and justified, but at the same time, it may not be suitable to our time.
Some Muslims want to put this categorization into effect nowadays; other people, such as the Western media, take it out of its context and judge Islam on its basis. Both attitudes are harmful and unfair.
This folder approaches these problematic questions, presenting moderate views on such issues as the abode of Islam and the abode of war, dhimmah and citizenship, security and force.
reffered by:http://www.islamonline.net
At the same time, the lack of a proper understanding of these concepts and terms has produced a lot of prejudices against Islam and unfair judgments of its rulings. Some of these concepts emerged in certain historical contexts that should be taken into account. Otherwise, if they are taken out of their contexts, a misleading picture of Islam will inevitably be formed.
A good example is the categorization of the world into two abodes, the abode of Islam (dar al-Islam) and the abode of war (dar al-harb). Such categorization is not mentioned in the Qur'an, nor is it a fixed and unchangeable principle. Rather, it came in response to certain temporary circumstances within which this categorization was understandable and justified, but at the same time, it may not be suitable to our time.
Some Muslims want to put this categorization into effect nowadays; other people, such as the Western media, take it out of its context and judge Islam on its basis. Both attitudes are harmful and unfair.
This folder approaches these problematic questions, presenting moderate views on such issues as the abode of Islam and the abode of war, dhimmah and citizenship, security and force.
reffered by:http://www.islamonline.net
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