A joyous Islamic festival after British Muslims show enormous generosity during the month of Ramadan.
On behalf of the Muslim Council of Britain, I extend my Eid greetings to all Muslims and peoples of other faiths and communities in the UK. Times like Eid are special as they bring together in celebration our richly diverse and vibrant range of Muslim communities living in Britain.
Eid is a joyous and unique thanksgiving festival which Muslims celebrate all over the world. We praise and thank Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala for the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan, where the Almighty showers His mercy and forgiveness, and an opportunity to reflect and enhance our understanding and commitment to Him and His creation.
Throughout this month we witnessed moving and humbling feats of spiritual devotion and solidarity. Men, women and children fasted long hours; thousands filled mosques in our towns and cities for the nightly prayers and many of our friends from other faiths joined us to experience the fast of Ramadan. This is inspiring and heartening at a time when many in our community are experiencing the rise of Islamophobia.
We celebrate Eid knowing also that the month of Ramadan was an opportunity to extend our hand of generosity to those less fortunate. Millions of pounds were raised to feed the poor around the world, particularly the victims of the Pakistan floods. In this country, Muslim families also brought food to their local parks in Leicester, Manchester and other towns to share with the homeless and hungry of all faiths and backgrounds.
Our festival of Eid al-Fitr is a culmination of this month of spiritual reflection, good works and charity. Let it be an opportunity to bring together families and communities, and share our joy to foster respect and understanding. I pray that Allah accepts all our good deeds and we continue to live the spirit of Ramadan throughout the rest of the year.
Source: http://islamonline.com
Showing posts with label About Al Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Al Islam. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Zakir Naik Exclusion Order a Serious Error of Judgement
The Muslim Council of Britain deplores Home Secretary Theresa May’s uncharacteristically intemperate move to ban the renowned Indian mainstream Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Abdul-Karim Naik, from a speakers’ tour in the UK, reported in the media (Daily Telegraph, 18th June 2010), apparently because of his “unacceptable behaviour” and that his visit “would not be conducive to the public good”.
The Home Secretary’s action serves to demonise the very voices within the world ready for debate and discussion. The tour would have been a golden opportunity for young Muslims who are eager to hear the true messages of Islam which promote understanding between communities.
It appears that Government has responded to a recent campaign of vilification against the scholar, ignoring what Dr Naik stated on 11th June 2010: “the purpose of this statement is in response to the recent press reports about my intended tour to the UK in June 2010, including the things I am supposed to have previously said including their context and my views about terrorism and violent extremism in the light of the beautiful faith of Islam...as a student of comparative religion my work has involved engaging in constructive discussion with people of other major faiths, promoting similarities and converging values for a common platform of Peace using the commonalities that bind us all together....”
Expressing his grave concern at the decision, the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said today "this exclusion order demonstrates the double standards practised by the government concerning freedom of speech. While preachers of hate such as Geert Wilders are free to promote their bigotry in this country, respected Muslim scholars such as Dr Naik are refused entry to the UK under false pretences. It is deeply regrettable this is likely to cause serious damage to community cohesion in our country."
Reference by: http://islamonline.com
The Home Secretary’s action serves to demonise the very voices within the world ready for debate and discussion. The tour would have been a golden opportunity for young Muslims who are eager to hear the true messages of Islam which promote understanding between communities.
It appears that Government has responded to a recent campaign of vilification against the scholar, ignoring what Dr Naik stated on 11th June 2010: “the purpose of this statement is in response to the recent press reports about my intended tour to the UK in June 2010, including the things I am supposed to have previously said including their context and my views about terrorism and violent extremism in the light of the beautiful faith of Islam...as a student of comparative religion my work has involved engaging in constructive discussion with people of other major faiths, promoting similarities and converging values for a common platform of Peace using the commonalities that bind us all together....”
Expressing his grave concern at the decision, the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said today "this exclusion order demonstrates the double standards practised by the government concerning freedom of speech. While preachers of hate such as Geert Wilders are free to promote their bigotry in this country, respected Muslim scholars such as Dr Naik are refused entry to the UK under false pretences. It is deeply regrettable this is likely to cause serious damage to community cohesion in our country."
Reference by: http://islamonline.com
Monday, May 24, 2010
US jettisons linking terrorism with Islam
The US President Barack Obama has ordered a revision of America's National Security Strategy with the aim to remove terms that link Islam to terrorism, administration officials said.
The officials said the change would remove terms like “Islamic radicalism” from the National Security Strategy, a document that was created by the previous administration to outline the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive war.
The US National Security Strategy outlines major national security concerns and the methods to deal with them. Such documents are prepared periodically by the executive branch of the government for Congress. US media outlets often refer to this document for borrowing terms to use in a report.
The Bush-era document describes the war against terrorists as “the struggle against militant Islamic radicalism … the great ideological conflict of the early years of the 21st century.” The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed the announcement on April 8, saying it was a step in the right direction.
“We welcome this change in language as another step towards respectful and effective outreach to Muslims at home and abroad,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. He recommended that media professionals and commentators adopt similarly neutral and objective language and avoid “loaded” terminology.
In 2008, the US National Counter-Terrorism Centre produced a document, called “Words that Work and Words that Don't: A Guide for Counter-Terrorism Communication,” which encouraged government agencies and officials to avoid characterizing Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups as “Islamic” or “Muslim,” as that could “unintentionally legitimise” their tactics.
US Counterterrorism officials said the move to rewrite the security strategy is part of an effort to assure the Muslims that the United States does not link them with terrorism. Since taking office, President Obama has attempted o seek reconciliation with the Muslim world. During his landmark speech at Cairo University in Egypt in June 2009, Mr. Obama said that the US did not have any enmity with the Muslim world.
The document that the Obama administration is consulting for drafting the new strategy — “A Guide for Counter-Terrorism Communication” — urges US officials to “avoid labelling everything 'Muslim.' It reinforces the 'US vs. Islam' framework that Al Qaeda promotes.” It reminds US officials that “a large percentage of the world's population subscribes to this religion” and “unintentionally alienating them is not a judicious move.”
Urging officials not to use the word Islam in conjunction with terrorism, the guide notes that, “Although the Al Qaeda network exploits religious sentiments and tries to use religion to justify its actions, we should treat it as an illegitimate political organisation, both terrorist and criminal.”
Instead of calling terror groups Muslim or Islamic, the guide suggests using words like totalitarian, terrorist or violent extremist — “widely understood terms that define our enemies appropriately and simultaneously deny them any level of legitimacy.”
By employing the language the extremists use about themselves, the guide warns, officials can inadvertently help legitimise them in the eyes of Muslims. “Never use the terms 'jihadist' or 'mujahideen' … to describe the terrorists,” instructs the guide. “A mujahid, a holy warrior, is a positive characterisation in the context of a just war. In Arabic, jihad means 'striving in the path of God' and is used in many contexts beyond warfare. Calling our enemies Jihadis and their movement a global Jihad unintentionally legitimises their actions.” The guide also bans the use of the word caliphate to describe Al Qaeda's goal. The term “has positive connotations for Muslims,” says the guide, adding, “The best description of what (Al Qaeda) really want to create is a 'global totalitarian state.'”
A longer document — “Terminology to Define the Terrorists: Recommendations from American Muslims” — says officials should use “terms such as 'death cult,' 'cult-like,' 'sectarian cult,' and 'violent cultists' to describe the ideology and methodology of Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups.” It recommends eschewing the terms Islamist or Islamism — the advocacy of a political system based on Islam – while referring to terrorist groups.
The document urges officials to consider describing Al Qaeda's ideology as “Takfirism” — the practice of declaring Muslims who disagree with extremism apostates who can be killed.
Reference by: http://islamicvoice.com
The officials said the change would remove terms like “Islamic radicalism” from the National Security Strategy, a document that was created by the previous administration to outline the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive war.
The US National Security Strategy outlines major national security concerns and the methods to deal with them. Such documents are prepared periodically by the executive branch of the government for Congress. US media outlets often refer to this document for borrowing terms to use in a report.
The Bush-era document describes the war against terrorists as “the struggle against militant Islamic radicalism … the great ideological conflict of the early years of the 21st century.” The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed the announcement on April 8, saying it was a step in the right direction.
“We welcome this change in language as another step towards respectful and effective outreach to Muslims at home and abroad,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. He recommended that media professionals and commentators adopt similarly neutral and objective language and avoid “loaded” terminology.
In 2008, the US National Counter-Terrorism Centre produced a document, called “Words that Work and Words that Don't: A Guide for Counter-Terrorism Communication,” which encouraged government agencies and officials to avoid characterizing Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups as “Islamic” or “Muslim,” as that could “unintentionally legitimise” their tactics.
US Counterterrorism officials said the move to rewrite the security strategy is part of an effort to assure the Muslims that the United States does not link them with terrorism. Since taking office, President Obama has attempted o seek reconciliation with the Muslim world. During his landmark speech at Cairo University in Egypt in June 2009, Mr. Obama said that the US did not have any enmity with the Muslim world.
The document that the Obama administration is consulting for drafting the new strategy — “A Guide for Counter-Terrorism Communication” — urges US officials to “avoid labelling everything 'Muslim.' It reinforces the 'US vs. Islam' framework that Al Qaeda promotes.” It reminds US officials that “a large percentage of the world's population subscribes to this religion” and “unintentionally alienating them is not a judicious move.”
Urging officials not to use the word Islam in conjunction with terrorism, the guide notes that, “Although the Al Qaeda network exploits religious sentiments and tries to use religion to justify its actions, we should treat it as an illegitimate political organisation, both terrorist and criminal.”
Instead of calling terror groups Muslim or Islamic, the guide suggests using words like totalitarian, terrorist or violent extremist — “widely understood terms that define our enemies appropriately and simultaneously deny them any level of legitimacy.”
By employing the language the extremists use about themselves, the guide warns, officials can inadvertently help legitimise them in the eyes of Muslims. “Never use the terms 'jihadist' or 'mujahideen' … to describe the terrorists,” instructs the guide. “A mujahid, a holy warrior, is a positive characterisation in the context of a just war. In Arabic, jihad means 'striving in the path of God' and is used in many contexts beyond warfare. Calling our enemies Jihadis and their movement a global Jihad unintentionally legitimises their actions.” The guide also bans the use of the word caliphate to describe Al Qaeda's goal. The term “has positive connotations for Muslims,” says the guide, adding, “The best description of what (Al Qaeda) really want to create is a 'global totalitarian state.'”
A longer document — “Terminology to Define the Terrorists: Recommendations from American Muslims” — says officials should use “terms such as 'death cult,' 'cult-like,' 'sectarian cult,' and 'violent cultists' to describe the ideology and methodology of Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups.” It recommends eschewing the terms Islamist or Islamism — the advocacy of a political system based on Islam – while referring to terrorist groups.
The document urges officials to consider describing Al Qaeda's ideology as “Takfirism” — the practice of declaring Muslims who disagree with extremism apostates who can be killed.
Reference by: http://islamicvoice.com
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
Monday, April 13, 2009
Islam
The religion of Muslims is called Islam.Islam means no harm or pain.Islam is the symbol of peace, ease, love and prosperity.In Islam adversity and hatred are forbidden.Islam gives the education of patience, respect, honesty and dignity.
Hadith:
Some one asked to Holy Prophet, Whose Islam is best.Hazrat Muhammad Replied: "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands."
Hadith:
Some one asked to Holy Prophet, Whose Islam is best.Hazrat Muhammad Replied: "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands."
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