LONDON (AFP) - The BBC has appointed its first Muslim head of religious programming, in a move likely to further raise concerns within the Church of England that Christian views were being sidelined.
Aaqil Ahmed will join the state-funded broadcaster from privately run Channel 4 television and take up a new joint role of Head of Religion and Ethics and Commissioning Editor for Religion TV, the BBC announced Monday.
Ahmed commissioned programmes examining both Christianity and Islam for Channel 4, as well as the BAFTA-winning documentary "Saving Africa's Witch Children" about children in poor parts of Nigeria being blamed for witchcraft.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, the leader of the world's Anglicans, was reported last month to have told BBC Director-General Mark Thompson that he feared the "Christian voice" was being marginalised.
A spokesman for the archbishop declined to comment on Ahmed's appointment.
But another senior cleric, the Bishop of Manchester, Nigel McCulloch, said the church would closely monitor the BBC's religious output under its new chief.
"Aaqil Ahmed comes to the post with a good reputation. At a time when the BBC's coverage of religion caused some disquiet, the Church of England will be watching how the future of religion and ethics develops," he told the Guardian.
It is only the second time in the BBC's 87-year history that a non-Christian has held the position. Alan Bookbinder, an agnostic, filled the role from 2001 to 2006.
The BBC also appointed a separate head of religion radio, Christine Morgan.
Reference by:http://ca.news.yahoo.com
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
For American Muslims, the plight of Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) under the Israeli occupation is ingrained in their hearts and minds
It’s really important; it’s deep in the heart of every Muslim," Imam Mahdi Bray, Executive Director of the Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom, told IslamOnline.net.
"I want to go to Al-Aqsa but I can’t. The people who are right in the region are facing severe difficulties."
Israel captured and occupied Al-Quds in the six-day 1967 war, then annexed it in a move not recognized by the world community or UN resolutions.
The city is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest shrine, and represents the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
"I think the majority of Muslims in the US are aware of the importance of Al-Quds from religious, cultural and historical aspects," says Mazen Hasan, a physician.
"We're very much aware and care about Al-Quds," agrees Dr. Amin Mahmoud, an Egyptian American.
"Historically the issue of Al Quds is very important to all Muslims.
"Add to the above the rights of the owner of the city who was removed out in 1948, and many can’t even go and visit their own families right now."
Since its occupation, Israel has adopted a series of oppressive measures to force the Palestinians out of Al-Quds, including systematic demolition of their homes.
It has also left no stone unturned in trying to judaize the holy city, also home to some of the holiest Christian worship places, including the ancient Jerusalem Church and Greek Orthodox Church.
Do Something
Dr. Mahmoud says that despite of Al-Quds’ importance for US Muslims, the community is not doing enough to support the holy city’s cause.
"I think we need to do more than what we doing now," admits Mahmoud, the coordinator of the Alliance of Egyptian Americans’ Mid Atlantic Chapter.
"We should increase our effort to educate others and hold more events to let people join us to try to help save the city."
Ibrahim Ramey, MAS Freedom civil and human rights director, advises Muslims to organize awareness programs for their non-Muslim counterparts to talk about Al-Quds issues.
"We have to present the issue in the Congress, universities and national organizations," he added.
"But most important is that the issue becomes in the media, so that people can have access to information and know the argument of the Palestinian people."
Imam Bray believes Muslims should focus on one particular argument that would appeal to their non-Muslim compatriots.
"I think the American people, regardless of their religion, are very much involved in religion. So our argument should be for freedom of religion," he explains.
"Freedom of worship is touchstone in American principles. Therefore, we must let people know that the holy sites are under siege."
Palestinians, both Muslims and Christians alike, are denied access to their holy sites particularly in the holy city of Al-Quds.
"I would say, if the US really wants to improve its image in the Muslim world as a government, practice what you preach," says Bray.
Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), also supports lobbying the administration on the issue of Al-Quds.
"Anti-American forces use our nation's pro-Israel bias as a recruiting tool," he warned.
"If America has a balanced policy and leads the way to a just and lasting peace in the region we can undermine this tool."
Reference by:http://islamonline.com/news/articles
"I want to go to Al-Aqsa but I can’t. The people who are right in the region are facing severe difficulties."
Israel captured and occupied Al-Quds in the six-day 1967 war, then annexed it in a move not recognized by the world community or UN resolutions.
The city is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest shrine, and represents the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
"I think the majority of Muslims in the US are aware of the importance of Al-Quds from religious, cultural and historical aspects," says Mazen Hasan, a physician.
"We're very much aware and care about Al-Quds," agrees Dr. Amin Mahmoud, an Egyptian American.
"Historically the issue of Al Quds is very important to all Muslims.
"Add to the above the rights of the owner of the city who was removed out in 1948, and many can’t even go and visit their own families right now."
Since its occupation, Israel has adopted a series of oppressive measures to force the Palestinians out of Al-Quds, including systematic demolition of their homes.
It has also left no stone unturned in trying to judaize the holy city, also home to some of the holiest Christian worship places, including the ancient Jerusalem Church and Greek Orthodox Church.
Do Something
Dr. Mahmoud says that despite of Al-Quds’ importance for US Muslims, the community is not doing enough to support the holy city’s cause.
"I think we need to do more than what we doing now," admits Mahmoud, the coordinator of the Alliance of Egyptian Americans’ Mid Atlantic Chapter.
"We should increase our effort to educate others and hold more events to let people join us to try to help save the city."
Ibrahim Ramey, MAS Freedom civil and human rights director, advises Muslims to organize awareness programs for their non-Muslim counterparts to talk about Al-Quds issues.
"We have to present the issue in the Congress, universities and national organizations," he added.
"But most important is that the issue becomes in the media, so that people can have access to information and know the argument of the Palestinian people."
Imam Bray believes Muslims should focus on one particular argument that would appeal to their non-Muslim compatriots.
"I think the American people, regardless of their religion, are very much involved in religion. So our argument should be for freedom of religion," he explains.
"Freedom of worship is touchstone in American principles. Therefore, we must let people know that the holy sites are under siege."
Palestinians, both Muslims and Christians alike, are denied access to their holy sites particularly in the holy city of Al-Quds.
"I would say, if the US really wants to improve its image in the Muslim world as a government, practice what you preach," says Bray.
Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), also supports lobbying the administration on the issue of Al-Quds.
"Anti-American forces use our nation's pro-Israel bias as a recruiting tool," he warned.
"If America has a balanced policy and leads the way to a just and lasting peace in the region we can undermine this tool."
Reference by:http://islamonline.com/news/articles
Monday, May 11, 2009
Women and Islam
Does Islam treat women better or worse than other religions do? Are women better off under Islam than under Western culture? These are important questions not only for women's history, but for understanding the news today. Each of the books included has its own biases -- but that's helpful because you need to read and understand several perspectives to make your own truly informed judgments.by Fatima Mernissi, translator Mary Jo Lakeland, reprint 1992. Subtitle: A Feminist Interpretation of Women's Rights in Islam. A Moroccan, Muslim and sociology professor carefully unpacks Qu'ranic and hadith texts. By rooting her feminist views in the tradition and showing how the male elite uses political and economic power to oppress women, she is able to argue for change rooted in Islam itself..
Reference by:womenshistory.about.com
Reference by:womenshistory.about.com
Frightened residents flee Swat
MINGORA, Pakistan: Tens of thousands of civilians, many on foot or donkey carts, took advantage of a brief relaxation in curfew to flee Pakistan’s embattled Swat Valley yesterday, while the army said it had killed 400 to 500 militants in its battle against the Taleban.
The hemorrhaging of residents from a scenic valley that once attracted hordes of tourists threatened to greatly exacerbate an existing internal refugee crisis for a nuclear-armed nation already facing economic, political and other woes.
But in an interview aired yesterday, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly rejected the notion that his country might collapse and called for international efforts to fight extremism.
“Is the state of Pakistan going to collapse?” Zardari asked rhetorically on NBC’s “Meet the Press” program. “No. We are 180 million people. There the population is much, much more than the insurgents are.”
The president was responding to assessments by some US military analysts, who had raised the possibility of a collapse of the Pakistani state because of the Taleban insurgency.
The army offensive has garnered praise from the US, which wants Pakistan to root out havens on its soil where Taleban militants can plan attacks on American and NATO forces across the border in Afghanistan.
As they left Swat’s main town of Mingora, some residents cursed the situation and condemned the Taleban, while others blamed Pakistani leaders for bowing to the West. “Show our picture to your master America and get money from him,” some taunted.
The desperate Swat residents were trying to leave any way they could — on motorbikes, animal-pulled carts, rickshaws or foot. A ban on civilian vehicles entering the valley complicated the exodus for those without cars. Some chided a reporter for slowing them down by asking questions.
“We are going out only with our clothes and a few things to eat on the long journey,” said Rehmat Alam, a 40-year-old medical technician walking out of Mingora with 18 other relatives
Reference by:www.islamic-world.net
The hemorrhaging of residents from a scenic valley that once attracted hordes of tourists threatened to greatly exacerbate an existing internal refugee crisis for a nuclear-armed nation already facing economic, political and other woes.
But in an interview aired yesterday, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly rejected the notion that his country might collapse and called for international efforts to fight extremism.
“Is the state of Pakistan going to collapse?” Zardari asked rhetorically on NBC’s “Meet the Press” program. “No. We are 180 million people. There the population is much, much more than the insurgents are.”
The president was responding to assessments by some US military analysts, who had raised the possibility of a collapse of the Pakistani state because of the Taleban insurgency.
The army offensive has garnered praise from the US, which wants Pakistan to root out havens on its soil where Taleban militants can plan attacks on American and NATO forces across the border in Afghanistan.
As they left Swat’s main town of Mingora, some residents cursed the situation and condemned the Taleban, while others blamed Pakistani leaders for bowing to the West. “Show our picture to your master America and get money from him,” some taunted.
The desperate Swat residents were trying to leave any way they could — on motorbikes, animal-pulled carts, rickshaws or foot. A ban on civilian vehicles entering the valley complicated the exodus for those without cars. Some chided a reporter for slowing them down by asking questions.
“We are going out only with our clothes and a few things to eat on the long journey,” said Rehmat Alam, a 40-year-old medical technician walking out of Mingora with 18 other relatives
Reference by:www.islamic-world.net
King Abdullah of Jordan's ultimatum: peace now or it’s war next year
merica is putting the final touches to a hugely ambitious peace plan for the Middle East, aimed at ending more than 60 years of conflict between Israel and the Arabs, according to Jordan’s King Abdullah, who is helping to bring the parties together.
The Obama Administration is pushing for a comprehensive peace agreement that would include settling Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians and its territorial disputes with Syria and Lebanon, King Abdullah II told The Times. Failure to reach agreement at this critical juncture would draw the world into a new Middle East war next year. “If we delay our peace negotiations, then there is going to be another conflict between Arabs or Muslims and Israel in the next 12-18 months,” the King said.
Details of the plan are likely to be thrashed out in a series of diplomatic moves this month. Chief among them is President Obama’s meeting with Binyamin Netanyahu, the right-wing Israeli Prime Minister, in Washington a week today. The initiative could form the centrepiece for Mr Obama’s much-anticipated address to the Muslim world in Cairo on June 4. A peace conference could then take place involving all the parties as early as July or August. Such an ambitious project has not been attempted since 1991, when George Bush senior’s Administration assembled all the parties for a peace conference in Madrid.
“What we are talking about is not Israelis and Palestinians sitting at the table, but Israelis sitting with Palestinians, Israelis sitting with Syrians, Israelis sitting with Lebanese,” said the King, who hatched the plan with Mr Obama in Washington last month. He added that, if Mr Obama did not make good his promise for peace, then his credibility would evaporate overnight.
The Israeli Government has so far rejected any moves that would lead to a two-state solution, the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel, but the King insisted that what was being proposed was a “57-state solution”, whereby the Arab and entire Muslim world would recognise the Jewish state as part of the deal.
“We are offering a third of the world to meet them with open arms,” said the King. “The future is not the Jordan river or the Golan Heights or the Sinai, the future is Morocco in the Atlantic and Indonesia in the Pacific. That is the prize.”
As an incentive to Israel to freeze the building of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a key step in any peace process, Arab parties may offer incentives, such as the right for El Al, the Israeli airline, to fly over Arab air space and visas for Israeli tourists to Arab states. Mr Netanyahu told the Israeli Cabinet yesterday, however, that he had no intention of leaving the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967.
Syria, which only last week was accused by Washington of being a state sponsor of terrorism, presents a huge challenge. The King, who is visiting Damascus today, insisted that the Syrians could be brought in from the cold.
Reference by:www.islamic-world.ne
The Obama Administration is pushing for a comprehensive peace agreement that would include settling Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians and its territorial disputes with Syria and Lebanon, King Abdullah II told The Times. Failure to reach agreement at this critical juncture would draw the world into a new Middle East war next year. “If we delay our peace negotiations, then there is going to be another conflict between Arabs or Muslims and Israel in the next 12-18 months,” the King said.
Details of the plan are likely to be thrashed out in a series of diplomatic moves this month. Chief among them is President Obama’s meeting with Binyamin Netanyahu, the right-wing Israeli Prime Minister, in Washington a week today. The initiative could form the centrepiece for Mr Obama’s much-anticipated address to the Muslim world in Cairo on June 4. A peace conference could then take place involving all the parties as early as July or August. Such an ambitious project has not been attempted since 1991, when George Bush senior’s Administration assembled all the parties for a peace conference in Madrid.
“What we are talking about is not Israelis and Palestinians sitting at the table, but Israelis sitting with Palestinians, Israelis sitting with Syrians, Israelis sitting with Lebanese,” said the King, who hatched the plan with Mr Obama in Washington last month. He added that, if Mr Obama did not make good his promise for peace, then his credibility would evaporate overnight.
The Israeli Government has so far rejected any moves that would lead to a two-state solution, the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel, but the King insisted that what was being proposed was a “57-state solution”, whereby the Arab and entire Muslim world would recognise the Jewish state as part of the deal.
“We are offering a third of the world to meet them with open arms,” said the King. “The future is not the Jordan river or the Golan Heights or the Sinai, the future is Morocco in the Atlantic and Indonesia in the Pacific. That is the prize.”
As an incentive to Israel to freeze the building of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a key step in any peace process, Arab parties may offer incentives, such as the right for El Al, the Israeli airline, to fly over Arab air space and visas for Israeli tourists to Arab states. Mr Netanyahu told the Israeli Cabinet yesterday, however, that he had no intention of leaving the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967.
Syria, which only last week was accused by Washington of being a state sponsor of terrorism, presents a huge challenge. The King, who is visiting Damascus today, insisted that the Syrians could be brought in from the cold.
Reference by:www.islamic-world.ne
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Best Attitude for Believing Women
There once was a woman named Jane,
she was very sweet and really quite sane.
People laughed at her innocence and made fun without shame,
some even called her Plain Jane.
Jane learned that "Allah" was really God's Name,
And all of the prophets had a message - the same.
She learned "Islam" means worship God in peace and surrender,
And Muhammad is the messenger for humans and jinn regardless of gender.
She said the shahadah on the very same day,
and became a Muslimah in every possible way.
She now understands about a Muslimah's duty
and is happy to wear her hijab - the covering for her beauty
Reference by www.islamnewsroom.com
she was very sweet and really quite sane.
People laughed at her innocence and made fun without shame,
some even called her Plain Jane.
Jane learned that "Allah" was really God's Name,
And all of the prophets had a message - the same.
She learned "Islam" means worship God in peace and surrender,
And Muhammad is the messenger for humans and jinn regardless of gender.
She said the shahadah on the very same day,
and became a Muslimah in every possible way.
She now understands about a Muslimah's duty
and is happy to wear her hijab - the covering for her beauty
Reference by www.islamnewsroom.com
Saudis Angered by Europe Visa Hassles
RIYADH -- Saudi Arabia has accused France, Germany and Italy of discrimination over unreasonable delays in granting its nationals travel visas.
"The visas take longer than it should be," Saudi Foreign Ministry spokesman Osama Nugali told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Tuesday, May 5.
Saudi applicants are forced to submit more documentation like return tickets, bank statements and insurance.
They also have to wait much longer than citizens of neighboring countries for the Schengen visa which allows visitors to travel freely through 15 countries with a visa from a single embassy.
"We want to be treated as the other Gulf countries are," insists Nugali.
Saudis have particular problem with the French, German and Italian embassies, which issue the bulk of Schengen visas.
The French embassy in Riyadh, in particular, has been accused of mistreating Saudi applicants, with some calling for a boycott of France and its businesses.
Dawood al-Shirian, a well-known columnist, says many well-placed Saudi businessmen and officials have voiced their frustration.
"These are not poor people who will stay in Europe for work," he insists.
"These are people who have businesses and houses there. People who go stay in a five-star hotel, people who spend thousands of euros, people who go to Germany for medical reasons."
Swedish Ambassador Jan Thesleff stressed in April that attracting Saudi tourists to his country is a major priority.
Malaysia is targeting 90,000 arrivals from Saudi Arabia this year, compared to 74,632 last year. Saudis do not need visa to Malaysia.
Uzbekistan, which welcomed more than two million tourists last year, is hoping to attract 100,000 Saudi tourists this year.
A new survey found that Saudi tourists were among the biggest spenders per transaction in Canada.
Reference by www.islamonline.net
"The visas take longer than it should be," Saudi Foreign Ministry spokesman Osama Nugali told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Tuesday, May 5.
Saudi applicants are forced to submit more documentation like return tickets, bank statements and insurance.
They also have to wait much longer than citizens of neighboring countries for the Schengen visa which allows visitors to travel freely through 15 countries with a visa from a single embassy.
"We want to be treated as the other Gulf countries are," insists Nugali.
Saudis have particular problem with the French, German and Italian embassies, which issue the bulk of Schengen visas.
The French embassy in Riyadh, in particular, has been accused of mistreating Saudi applicants, with some calling for a boycott of France and its businesses.
Dawood al-Shirian, a well-known columnist, says many well-placed Saudi businessmen and officials have voiced their frustration.
"These are not poor people who will stay in Europe for work," he insists.
"These are people who have businesses and houses there. People who go stay in a five-star hotel, people who spend thousands of euros, people who go to Germany for medical reasons."
Swedish Ambassador Jan Thesleff stressed in April that attracting Saudi tourists to his country is a major priority.
Malaysia is targeting 90,000 arrivals from Saudi Arabia this year, compared to 74,632 last year. Saudis do not need visa to Malaysia.
Uzbekistan, which welcomed more than two million tourists last year, is hoping to attract 100,000 Saudi tourists this year.
A new survey found that Saudi tourists were among the biggest spenders per transaction in Canada.
Reference by www.islamonline.net
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Zakat
Zakah is food or money that we give to those in need but Islam has defined some rules for Zakah.Muslims believes that all things belong to God and that wealth is therefore held by people in trust. Zakat means both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Muslims purify their possessions by setting aside a portion for those in need. For the most part, this involves a payment of at least 2.5% of one’s capital every year. Giving more is highly recommended.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
The nation that does not pay Zakat, Allah afflicts famine on them
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
The nation that does not pay Zakat, Allah afflicts famine on them
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Prayer(Salat)
Salat at fixed times is essential for believers. These prayers are compulsory for Muslims and are part of the Five Pillars of Islam. People should wash before they pray. There are fixed movements, which include kneeling with the forehead placed on the ground in front. People should wash before they pray. There are fixed movements, which include kneeling with the forehead placed on the ground in front.
Holy Prophet Said:
Prayer is the pillar of Islam. Who gives it up, he will destroys the pillar".
Holy Prophet Said:
Prayer is the pillar of Islam. Who gives it up, he will destroys the pillar".
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Pillars Of Islam
There are 5 pillars of Islam:
1- Shahada (Testimony)
2- Salat (Prayer)
3- Zakat (Almsgiving)
4- Sawm (Fasting)
5- Hajj (Pilgrimage)
In this post i am going to explain Shahada(Testimony).
There is no true God but Allah and Muhammad(peace be upon him)is the Messenger of Allah.
Every Muslim believes on this Shahada (Testimony).
1- Shahada (Testimony)
2- Salat (Prayer)
3- Zakat (Almsgiving)
4- Sawm (Fasting)
5- Hajj (Pilgrimage)
In this post i am going to explain Shahada(Testimony).
There is no true God but Allah and Muhammad(peace be upon him)is the Messenger of Allah.
Every Muslim believes on this Shahada (Testimony).
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