Cairo: Flames burst from the stage for a grand entrance, and fake fog swirls around a young man in a white robe.
He clutches the microphone, gazes seriously into the camera and then, accompanied only by drums, he sings.
"I accept Allah as my God, His religion as my religion, and His Messenger as my Messenger," he intones, as the audience, divided into men's and women's sections, claps along with the rhythm.
The singer is a contestant on a new Islamic version of "American Idol," launched to find and promote talent for the Arab world's first Islamic pop music video channel.
The satellite station, 4shbab, Arabic for "For the Youth", is the brainchild of an Egyptian media worker, Ahmad Abu Heiba, who says his mission is to spread the message that observant Muslims can also be modern and in touch with today's world.
"We have failed to deliver this message," Abu Heiba said. "What I am trying to do is to use the universal language of music to show what Islam looks like."
The channel, which was launched in February and can be seen across the Arab world, is a bid to capitalise on a generation of young Muslims who have become more observant but are also raised on Western pop influences.
But it is hard to hit the right balance between conservative and liberal.
So what does Islam look like on 4shbab? There's rock and hip-hop from American and British Muslim bands, singing about the struggles of keeping up with daily prayers or dressing modestly.
The Arab singers tend toward a more romantic pop style: young men with smouldering eyes and flowing shirts sing in the rain about leading a virtuous life, going to mosque and supporting their families, from helping their sisters with homework to taking out the garbage.
Abu Heiba said 4shbab is an antidote to the "lewd" music videos that mainstream channels show.
"We give our kids the shadow of holiness because this is basic in our culture and religion," said Abu Heiba. "But when our kids are exposed to this (un-Islamic) media, it is totally different, they don't feel like they belong to this culture anymore ... their passions are divided."
For the past two months, listeners called in to 4shbab to sing a song on the air, and a panel of experts judged them.
The 12 best, from around the Arab world, won the chance to compete in the finals in front of a live audience of about 300 people in an open air theater at Cairo's historic Citadel.
Reference by:http://www.gulfnews.com/region
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
A.Q Khan for religious education to students
ATTOCK: Renowned nuclear scientist, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan has called upon the government to impart religious education to students throughout the country especially FATA along with English and Mathematics.
"Due to poor education system, children are creating law and order situation in the country after falling into the hands of terrorists", he said while addressing a ceremony held at Tameer-e-Millat School in Dhok Haji here on Tuesday.
Dr. Qadeer said that he was a poor man and reached to this position after long struggle and efforts, adding, he made Pakistan a nuclear power and served the government of Pakistan by working sincerely.
"I did the work which I could never think about it", he added.
He advised the students to concentrate on their studies and it is not necessary to become scientists by following in his steps but choose subjects of their own choice.
Dr. Qadeer stressed the parents to educate their children according to their choice and he educated his children according to their choice.
He said good education is not being given to our students due to which they fall in to the hands of terrorists and create law and order situation in the country.
He urged the government to make arrangements for imparting religious education to students throughout the country especially in FATA along with English and Mathematics, it is important to make them technical.
"Due to poor education system, children are creating law and order situation in the country after falling into the hands of terrorists", he said while addressing a ceremony held at Tameer-e-Millat School in Dhok Haji here on Tuesday.
Dr. Qadeer said that he was a poor man and reached to this position after long struggle and efforts, adding, he made Pakistan a nuclear power and served the government of Pakistan by working sincerely.
"I did the work which I could never think about it", he added.
He advised the students to concentrate on their studies and it is not necessary to become scientists by following in his steps but choose subjects of their own choice.
Dr. Qadeer stressed the parents to educate their children according to their choice and he educated his children according to their choice.
He said good education is not being given to our students due to which they fall in to the hands of terrorists and create law and order situation in the country.
He urged the government to make arrangements for imparting religious education to students throughout the country especially in FATA along with English and Mathematics, it is important to make them technical.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Ruling on committing suicide on committing suicideide because of depression.
What is the ruling on committing suicide in the case of severe depression in which the sick person is not aware of the consequences of what he does? Will Allaah forgive him for this action?Â
Is it possible that the suffering that the sick person goes through because of this disease is an expiation for his sins?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Suicide is a major sin, and the one who does that is faced with a warning of eternity in the Fire of Hell, where Allaah will punish him with the means that he used to commit suicide. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever throws himself down from a mountain and kills himself will be throwing himself down in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever. Whoever drinks poison and kills himself will be sipping it in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever. Whoever kills himself with a piece of iron will have that iron in his hand, thrusting it into his belly in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever.� Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5442) and Muslim (109),
It was narrated from Thaabit ibn Dahhaak (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever kills himself with something will be punished with it on the Day of Resurrection.� Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5700) and Muslim (110).
It was narrated that Jundub ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: “A man among those who came before you was wounded. He panicked and took a knife and cut his hand, and the bleeding did not stop until he died. Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, said: ‘My slave hastened his death; I have forbidden Paradise to him.� Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3276) and Muslim (113).
The believer has to be patient and to seek the help of Allaah, may He be exalted, and understand that no matter what hardship befalls him in this world -- no matter how severe it is -- the punishment of the Hereafter is worse than it. It is not acceptable according to anyone who is of right mind to run away from the heat of the desert and throw himself into the fire. How can he flee from temporary hardship and difficulty -- which inevitably will come to an end -- to an eternal punishment which has no end?
The Muslim should ponder and realise that he is not the only one in this world who is affected by calamity and hardship. Calamities befell the greatest of mankind, namely the Prophets, Messengers and the righteous. They also befell the worst of mankind, namely the disbelievers and atheists.
Calamity is part of the natural order of things and hardly anyone is safe from it.
If the believer handles it well and is patient, and it becomes a means that makes him turn back to Allaah and strive hard in worship and righteous deeds, then the calamity will have been good for him and will be expiation for his sins, and perhaps he will meet Allaah with no burden of sin.
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: “No pain, hardship, sickness or grief befalls a believer, not even worry that befalls him, but some of his bad deeds will be expiated.� Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5642) and Muslim (2573).
Al-Tirmidhi (2399) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: “Calamities will continue to befall believing men and women in themselves, their children and their wealth, until they meet Allaah with no burden of sin.� Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth al-Saheehah (2280).
And Allaah knows best.
Reference by:http://www.islamonline.com/news/articles/
Is it possible that the suffering that the sick person goes through because of this disease is an expiation for his sins?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Suicide is a major sin, and the one who does that is faced with a warning of eternity in the Fire of Hell, where Allaah will punish him with the means that he used to commit suicide. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever throws himself down from a mountain and kills himself will be throwing himself down in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever. Whoever drinks poison and kills himself will be sipping it in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever. Whoever kills himself with a piece of iron will have that iron in his hand, thrusting it into his belly in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever.� Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5442) and Muslim (109),
It was narrated from Thaabit ibn Dahhaak (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever kills himself with something will be punished with it on the Day of Resurrection.� Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5700) and Muslim (110).
It was narrated that Jundub ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: “A man among those who came before you was wounded. He panicked and took a knife and cut his hand, and the bleeding did not stop until he died. Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, said: ‘My slave hastened his death; I have forbidden Paradise to him.� Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3276) and Muslim (113).
The believer has to be patient and to seek the help of Allaah, may He be exalted, and understand that no matter what hardship befalls him in this world -- no matter how severe it is -- the punishment of the Hereafter is worse than it. It is not acceptable according to anyone who is of right mind to run away from the heat of the desert and throw himself into the fire. How can he flee from temporary hardship and difficulty -- which inevitably will come to an end -- to an eternal punishment which has no end?
The Muslim should ponder and realise that he is not the only one in this world who is affected by calamity and hardship. Calamities befell the greatest of mankind, namely the Prophets, Messengers and the righteous. They also befell the worst of mankind, namely the disbelievers and atheists.
Calamity is part of the natural order of things and hardly anyone is safe from it.
If the believer handles it well and is patient, and it becomes a means that makes him turn back to Allaah and strive hard in worship and righteous deeds, then the calamity will have been good for him and will be expiation for his sins, and perhaps he will meet Allaah with no burden of sin.
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: “No pain, hardship, sickness or grief befalls a believer, not even worry that befalls him, but some of his bad deeds will be expiated.� Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5642) and Muslim (2573).
Al-Tirmidhi (2399) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said: “Calamities will continue to befall believing men and women in themselves, their children and their wealth, until they meet Allaah with no burden of sin.� Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth al-Saheehah (2280).
And Allaah knows best.
Reference by:http://www.islamonline.com/news/articles/
Yusuf Islam Unites Muslims, West
LOS ANGELES — Renowned British Muslim singer Yusuf Islam sees his music and songs can be a bridge between the Muslims world and the West. "I think I've been given a position and place in this world which is quite unique," Islam told CNN on Monday, May 18.
"The fact that I'm a Westerner by birth and I'm a Muslim at the same time -- and living in this time where there seems to be such a gravitational split in polarities -- there need to be bridges.
"I think music is one of the best ways to bridge all those gaps."
Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, performed his first concert in Los Angeles last week, his first in the United States in 33 years.
Playing new and old songs for over an hour, the 60-year-old musician has delighted a star-studded audience.
"You don't understand," teary-eyed US singer and songwriter Michelle Branch said.
"I learned how to play guitar with the Cat Stevens songbook!"
Yusuf Islam reverted to Islam in 1977 and has since become a leading voice in Britain's two million Muslims.
His UN-registered charity, Small Kindness, provides humanitarian relief, through direct aid as well as social and educational programs, to orphans and families in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and other regions of the world.
In 2003, Islam was awarded the "World Social Award" for his humanitarian relief work.
In November 2004, he was honored with the "Man for Peace" award by a committee of Nobel peace laureates.
Prejudiced
Islam lamented that the Islamic faith is tarnished in Western media.
"I used to be prejudiced -- as prejudiced as anyone about Islam," he said.
The prominent singer recalled the moment when he decided to revert to Islam at the height of his fame.
" I was given the opportunity of reading the actual source, the Quran itself, without anybody forcing me or looking over my shoulder and saying, "What do you think?" It was just me in my space.
"The more I read the Quran, the more I realized that it was like an incredible matrix of connection with Christianity and Judaism," he said.
"I mean Jesus, Moses, the religion of Abraham in this book! And I said, "Wow, how come I didn't know this before?" It was kind of like a secret.
"So that was kind of my discovery, and a lot of people, I don't think, have gone through that process because they've seen Islam as a headline -- and you never learn anything about a headline. Because headlines, you know -- people make things up, to be honest."
Under the former Bush administration, Islam was denied access to the US and his name was put on a no-fly list.
"I felt chosen! I felt suddenly, I was given a halo. "This guy stands for peace, and they won't let him in.
"It was really kind of a joke, in a way, because the person I am and the kind of things they were kind of insinuating by putting me on this list with other people who were very dangerous."
But the situation took a new turn under the US administration of Barack Obama.
"I'm here now (in the United States), so things are kind of working themselves out. But there's a new administration, a new president, and it's a great new day."
Reference by:http://islamonline.com/news/articles
"The fact that I'm a Westerner by birth and I'm a Muslim at the same time -- and living in this time where there seems to be such a gravitational split in polarities -- there need to be bridges.
"I think music is one of the best ways to bridge all those gaps."
Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, performed his first concert in Los Angeles last week, his first in the United States in 33 years.
Playing new and old songs for over an hour, the 60-year-old musician has delighted a star-studded audience.
"You don't understand," teary-eyed US singer and songwriter Michelle Branch said.
"I learned how to play guitar with the Cat Stevens songbook!"
Yusuf Islam reverted to Islam in 1977 and has since become a leading voice in Britain's two million Muslims.
His UN-registered charity, Small Kindness, provides humanitarian relief, through direct aid as well as social and educational programs, to orphans and families in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and other regions of the world.
In 2003, Islam was awarded the "World Social Award" for his humanitarian relief work.
In November 2004, he was honored with the "Man for Peace" award by a committee of Nobel peace laureates.
Prejudiced
Islam lamented that the Islamic faith is tarnished in Western media.
"I used to be prejudiced -- as prejudiced as anyone about Islam," he said.
The prominent singer recalled the moment when he decided to revert to Islam at the height of his fame.
" I was given the opportunity of reading the actual source, the Quran itself, without anybody forcing me or looking over my shoulder and saying, "What do you think?" It was just me in my space.
"The more I read the Quran, the more I realized that it was like an incredible matrix of connection with Christianity and Judaism," he said.
"I mean Jesus, Moses, the religion of Abraham in this book! And I said, "Wow, how come I didn't know this before?" It was kind of like a secret.
"So that was kind of my discovery, and a lot of people, I don't think, have gone through that process because they've seen Islam as a headline -- and you never learn anything about a headline. Because headlines, you know -- people make things up, to be honest."
Under the former Bush administration, Islam was denied access to the US and his name was put on a no-fly list.
"I felt chosen! I felt suddenly, I was given a halo. "This guy stands for peace, and they won't let him in.
"It was really kind of a joke, in a way, because the person I am and the kind of things they were kind of insinuating by putting me on this list with other people who were very dangerous."
But the situation took a new turn under the US administration of Barack Obama.
"I'm here now (in the United States), so things are kind of working themselves out. But there's a new administration, a new president, and it's a great new day."
Reference by:http://islamonline.com/news/articles
Muslim scholars from the main two schools of thoughts in Pakistan stand divided on the ongoing military offensive in the restive Swat valley
"Military operations are not the solution of any problem," Hafiz Hussein Ahmed, deputy secretary-general of the Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI), which belongs to the Deobandi school of thought, told IslamOnlin.
Jets and helicopters bombarded on Monday, May 18, targets in Swat, once a popular tourist destination, as the deadly offensive against Taliban entered its fourth week.
The military says its troops are closing in on Mingora, the capital of Swat and a Taliban stronghold.
Authorities say more than 1,000 militants and at least 46 soldiers have been killed in the onslaught launched in late April against Lower Dir, Buner and Swat districts.
IslamOnline in Swat (Special Folder) The military says up to 15,000 troops were taking on about 4,000 well-armed fighters. For scholars from the Deobandi school, who mainly follow Abu Hanifa Madhab, both Taliban and the government are responsible for the ongoing bloodshed.
"You resolve the issues through talks, rather than a military operation or a war," insists Ahmed.
"The prime minister is saying that military action is not the solution of the problem, and there must be some political arrangements," he said, referring to Yousaf Raza Gilani’s recent briefing on the operation in the parliament.
"We are saying the same thing."
The UN refugee agency said more than 1.1 million people have fled the fighting and registered with authorities since May 2.
They join another 500,000 people who fled fighting between government forces and Taliban last year.
Right
Ahmed, the JUI deputy chief, believes the Swat offensive is a direct outcome of President Asif Zardari’s recent visit to Washington. "This all was pre-planned and had to occur in any case because it suits America to bring Pakistanis against each other," he argues.
"The US aid always needs blood in return. And that blood is being shed in Swat."
The government ordered the offensive under mounting US pressure after Taliban took up positions in Buner, just 100 kilometers from Islamabad, in what Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described as "an existential threat" to Pakistan.
But scholars from the Brelvi school of thought, who mainly follow Hanafi Madhab, believe that the government is doing the right thing by taking on the militants.
"The army… is acting against those who have been masquerading themselves as exponents of Jihad and Islam," Sahibzada Haji Fazal Karim, head of the Jamiat Ulema Pakistan (JUP), which is affiliated with the Barelvi school, told IOL.
"They are enemies of state, and it is obligatory on the state to act against them with full force."
Several religious groups belonging to Brelvi have formed the Save Pakistan alliance to launch a countrywide campaign against Taliban.
"We do not accept any interpretation of Shari`ah under which the killing of civilians is allowed," insisted Karim.
Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, chairman of the Moon Sighting Committee and a prominent Barelvi scholar, agrees.
Reference by:http://islamonline.com/news/articles
Jets and helicopters bombarded on Monday, May 18, targets in Swat, once a popular tourist destination, as the deadly offensive against Taliban entered its fourth week.
The military says its troops are closing in on Mingora, the capital of Swat and a Taliban stronghold.
Authorities say more than 1,000 militants and at least 46 soldiers have been killed in the onslaught launched in late April against Lower Dir, Buner and Swat districts.
IslamOnline in Swat (Special Folder) The military says up to 15,000 troops were taking on about 4,000 well-armed fighters. For scholars from the Deobandi school, who mainly follow Abu Hanifa Madhab, both Taliban and the government are responsible for the ongoing bloodshed.
"You resolve the issues through talks, rather than a military operation or a war," insists Ahmed.
"The prime minister is saying that military action is not the solution of the problem, and there must be some political arrangements," he said, referring to Yousaf Raza Gilani’s recent briefing on the operation in the parliament.
"We are saying the same thing."
The UN refugee agency said more than 1.1 million people have fled the fighting and registered with authorities since May 2.
They join another 500,000 people who fled fighting between government forces and Taliban last year.
Right
Ahmed, the JUI deputy chief, believes the Swat offensive is a direct outcome of President Asif Zardari’s recent visit to Washington. "This all was pre-planned and had to occur in any case because it suits America to bring Pakistanis against each other," he argues.
"The US aid always needs blood in return. And that blood is being shed in Swat."
The government ordered the offensive under mounting US pressure after Taliban took up positions in Buner, just 100 kilometers from Islamabad, in what Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described as "an existential threat" to Pakistan.
But scholars from the Brelvi school of thought, who mainly follow Hanafi Madhab, believe that the government is doing the right thing by taking on the militants.
"The army… is acting against those who have been masquerading themselves as exponents of Jihad and Islam," Sahibzada Haji Fazal Karim, head of the Jamiat Ulema Pakistan (JUP), which is affiliated with the Barelvi school, told IOL.
"They are enemies of state, and it is obligatory on the state to act against them with full force."
Several religious groups belonging to Brelvi have formed the Save Pakistan alliance to launch a countrywide campaign against Taliban.
"We do not accept any interpretation of Shari`ah under which the killing of civilians is allowed," insisted Karim.
Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, chairman of the Moon Sighting Committee and a prominent Barelvi scholar, agrees.
Reference by:http://islamonline.com/news/articles
Friday, May 15, 2009
Protests in Kashmir over atrocities against Sikhs in Pakistan
Poonch (J-K), May 15 : Hundreds of Sikh, Hindu and Muslim devotees took out a protest march in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district against the excesses of the Taliban in Pakistan and urged the international community to take note of it.
Holding placards and raising slogans against Taliban, the protesters hit the streets and blocked traffic near Gurdwara Singh Sabha.
"A protest was taken out by the members and leaders of all religious communities here against the barbaric acts of Taliban in Swat valley. All have condemned the atrocities, " said Narendra Singh, President, Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee.
The protestors said the Indian government along with the international community should view the situation as a serious infringement on human rights by the Taliban.
Thousands of people, including many from the minority Sikh community, have fled Pakistan's Swat Valley, as government troops battle Taliban fighters after a February peace pact to end violence in the valley collapsed.
Indian Sikhs say the government in Pakistan was doing little to protect the lives of Sikhs.
Reportedly, the Taliban outfits demolished at least 11 houses belonging to the Sikh community in the Orakzai Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan after they refused to pay 'Jazia'.
'Jazia' was a tax imposed on non-Muslims for their protection that prevailed during the Mughal era.
Reference by:http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/501690/cs/1/
Holding placards and raising slogans against Taliban, the protesters hit the streets and blocked traffic near Gurdwara Singh Sabha.
"A protest was taken out by the members and leaders of all religious communities here against the barbaric acts of Taliban in Swat valley. All have condemned the atrocities, " said Narendra Singh, President, Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee.
The protestors said the Indian government along with the international community should view the situation as a serious infringement on human rights by the Taliban.
Thousands of people, including many from the minority Sikh community, have fled Pakistan's Swat Valley, as government troops battle Taliban fighters after a February peace pact to end violence in the valley collapsed.
Indian Sikhs say the government in Pakistan was doing little to protect the lives of Sikhs.
Reportedly, the Taliban outfits demolished at least 11 houses belonging to the Sikh community in the Orakzai Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan after they refused to pay 'Jazia'.
'Jazia' was a tax imposed on non-Muslims for their protection that prevailed during the Mughal era.
Reference by:http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/501690/cs/1/
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
NC: Duke Opens Center for Muslim Community
More than 100 faculty, staff, students and members of the Muslim community from Duke and the Triangle gathered Thursday for the official opening of a Muslim Life center at Duke.
For Duke's Muslim Chaplain Abdullah Antepli, the gray clapboard house at 406 Swift Ave. represents "one of the most happy, joyous moments of my life ... a dream come true."
Duke University law student Mazen Alhroob led the Islamic call to prayer, or adhan. Then, following a brief reading from the Koran, several Duke officials spoke to the crowd about the significance of the occasion.
Both President Richard Brodhead and Duke Chapel Dean Sam Wells said a strong Muslim community on campus was essential for bringing out the best of Duke.
"We are ambitious and we want to be the best we can be," Wells said. "We can't be the best without each other."
Fatemah Ahmad, a senior at Duke and co-president of the Muslim Students Association, expressed gratitude at the university's commitment to and support for the campus Muslim community. She and Antepli emphasized the center is open and welcoming to everyone.
"The easiest way to show you what we mean to do with this space is for you to come in and participate -- hang out, drink tea, read books, or study," she said. "The light is always on and a pot of tea is always brewing."
Rference by:http://islamonline.com/news/articles/
For Duke's Muslim Chaplain Abdullah Antepli, the gray clapboard house at 406 Swift Ave. represents "one of the most happy, joyous moments of my life ... a dream come true."
Duke University law student Mazen Alhroob led the Islamic call to prayer, or adhan. Then, following a brief reading from the Koran, several Duke officials spoke to the crowd about the significance of the occasion.
Both President Richard Brodhead and Duke Chapel Dean Sam Wells said a strong Muslim community on campus was essential for bringing out the best of Duke.
"We are ambitious and we want to be the best we can be," Wells said. "We can't be the best without each other."
Fatemah Ahmad, a senior at Duke and co-president of the Muslim Students Association, expressed gratitude at the university's commitment to and support for the campus Muslim community. She and Antepli emphasized the center is open and welcoming to everyone.
"The easiest way to show you what we mean to do with this space is for you to come in and participate -- hang out, drink tea, read books, or study," she said. "The light is always on and a pot of tea is always brewing."
Rference by:http://islamonline.com/news/articles/
Pakistan Targets Taliban Swat Leadership
ISLAMABAD – With local Taliban fighters in troubled Swat putting up a tough fight, the Pakistani army is targeting their top leadership, especially their commander Maulana Maulvi Fazlullah, to break their nerve. "Our main focus is to neutralize the Taliban leadership, including Fazlullah, who have been commanding militant groups in different parts of Swat, Boner and Dir districts," a senior army official involved in the ongoing military operations told IslamOnline on Tuesday, May 12, requesting anonymity.
Commandos from the army’s elite Special Services Group (SSG) were airlifted to Peochar, the stronghold of Fazlullah and his Tehrik-e-Taliban Swat (TTS) some 60 kilometers from Mingora, the capital of Swat.
"We have concrete information that he is commanding the militants from Peochar," said the army official.
Reference by:http://islamonline.com/news/articles/
IslamOnline in Swat (Special Folder)
"Commandos have been airlifted to Peochar via army helicopters and are trying to flush him out." Maulana Fazlullah, locally known as Maulana Radio because of his FM radio station, has been leading a two-year uprising that has devastated the area.
His TTS is a break-away faction of the non-violent Tehrik Nifaz-e-Shari’ah Mohammadi (TNSM) led by Maulana Sufi Mohammad, his father-in-law.
Other key Taliban commanders targeted by the army commandos are Muslim Khan, Mufti Shahid, Maulana Khalil, Ibn-e-Ameen, Maulana Shah Dauran and Qari Jabbar.
"They will also be targeted in order to break the nerves of militants, who have been putting a tough resistance in respective areas," said the army official.
"The army leadership is sure that if six to eight main Taliban leaders are neutralized - either captured or killed - a majority of militants will either surrenders or run away."
The army has been conducting a punishing offensive against militants in Malakand division, a conglomerate of eight districts including Swat, Dir and Boner.
The military said last week that around 12,000-15,000 security forces were operating against 4,000 well-armed Taliban fighters.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik claims that around 700 militants have been killed so far.
Tough Task
The army official declines to give a timeframe for the end of the ongoing operations. "In these kinds of operations, no deadline can be given. It may last for weeks, or months, but we will try our level best to accomplish the task as soon as possible," he said.
"That is why we are trying to neutralize their leadership to bring the ongoing operation to an end as soon as possible.
But defense and security analysts believe that liquidating the local Taliban leadership is not a walk in the park.
"This will be a very difficult task," Major General rtd Jamshed Ayaz, a senior defense and security analyst, told IOL.
"These types of people do not sit at one place. They camouflage themselves among the masses and use them as human shield. It is very hard to differentiate them."
Ayaz, who was commissioned in the army in 1965 and served in various capacities till 2001, believes intelligence can make the task much easier.
"Therefore, I emphasize on intelligence, both human and technical. The most difficult step in this process will be their precise location," he explains.
"If the army, with the help of an active intelligence, succeeds to locate them, then the task will turn out to easier."
The expert agrees that finishing off the main Taliban leaders will be a turning point.
"This is a uniformed formula that if the leadership is eliminated, the nerves of the troops are broken. That is especially true in the case of such militias who do not act as a regular force."
He contends that with such militias, personalities are very important as they keep their followers attached and united thanks to their personal charisma.
"But once these personalities are de-motivated or eliminated, their followers’ nerves are shattered, and they do not stay united and firm.
"The elimination of leadership will be disastrous for them."
Commandos from the army’s elite Special Services Group (SSG) were airlifted to Peochar, the stronghold of Fazlullah and his Tehrik-e-Taliban Swat (TTS) some 60 kilometers from Mingora, the capital of Swat.
"We have concrete information that he is commanding the militants from Peochar," said the army official.
Reference by:http://islamonline.com/news/articles/
IslamOnline in Swat (Special Folder)
"Commandos have been airlifted to Peochar via army helicopters and are trying to flush him out." Maulana Fazlullah, locally known as Maulana Radio because of his FM radio station, has been leading a two-year uprising that has devastated the area.
His TTS is a break-away faction of the non-violent Tehrik Nifaz-e-Shari’ah Mohammadi (TNSM) led by Maulana Sufi Mohammad, his father-in-law.
Other key Taliban commanders targeted by the army commandos are Muslim Khan, Mufti Shahid, Maulana Khalil, Ibn-e-Ameen, Maulana Shah Dauran and Qari Jabbar.
"They will also be targeted in order to break the nerves of militants, who have been putting a tough resistance in respective areas," said the army official.
"The army leadership is sure that if six to eight main Taliban leaders are neutralized - either captured or killed - a majority of militants will either surrenders or run away."
The army has been conducting a punishing offensive against militants in Malakand division, a conglomerate of eight districts including Swat, Dir and Boner.
The military said last week that around 12,000-15,000 security forces were operating against 4,000 well-armed Taliban fighters.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik claims that around 700 militants have been killed so far.
Tough Task
The army official declines to give a timeframe for the end of the ongoing operations. "In these kinds of operations, no deadline can be given. It may last for weeks, or months, but we will try our level best to accomplish the task as soon as possible," he said.
"That is why we are trying to neutralize their leadership to bring the ongoing operation to an end as soon as possible.
But defense and security analysts believe that liquidating the local Taliban leadership is not a walk in the park.
"This will be a very difficult task," Major General rtd Jamshed Ayaz, a senior defense and security analyst, told IOL.
"These types of people do not sit at one place. They camouflage themselves among the masses and use them as human shield. It is very hard to differentiate them."
Ayaz, who was commissioned in the army in 1965 and served in various capacities till 2001, believes intelligence can make the task much easier.
"Therefore, I emphasize on intelligence, both human and technical. The most difficult step in this process will be their precise location," he explains.
"If the army, with the help of an active intelligence, succeeds to locate them, then the task will turn out to easier."
The expert agrees that finishing off the main Taliban leaders will be a turning point.
"This is a uniformed formula that if the leadership is eliminated, the nerves of the troops are broken. That is especially true in the case of such militias who do not act as a regular force."
He contends that with such militias, personalities are very important as they keep their followers attached and united thanks to their personal charisma.
"But once these personalities are de-motivated or eliminated, their followers’ nerves are shattered, and they do not stay united and firm.
"The elimination of leadership will be disastrous for them."
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
BBC names first Muslim head of religious programmes
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
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
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
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