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
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
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
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".
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Salat (Namaaz)
Salaat is the most important part of Islam that we know of in our lives. It is mentioned 68 times in the Holy Quran, which means that the significance of salaat cannot be underestimated.
Holy Prophet Says:
salaat is a pillar of Islam; if it’s accepted, then everything will be accepted, but if it’s rejected, then everything will be rejected.
Allah Has Said:
we, as Muslims, should establish prayer for his remembrance.
Holy Prophet Says:
salaat is a pillar of Islam; if it’s accepted, then everything will be accepted, but if it’s rejected, then everything will be rejected.
Allah Has Said:
we, as Muslims, should establish prayer for his remembrance.
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