Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Roman who claimed to be a Christian.
There is nothing new in it . There are just too many people in our world who claim to belong to the religion, their deeds do not testify to be true.
Such occasions do surface from time to time in our daily life as it surfaced when the news came not long ago, of a heated and ferocious argument, that a small hotel owner in Britain, initiated with his client. What did his client, a European woman do, to merit the discomfort of entering and ensuing such a heated argument with an ungrateful person to whom she had brought her clientele which means that she was paying his wages?
The rule book of many a trade and business is “Customer is always right”.
By initiating a heated and ferocious argument on utterly mind boggling ground, this man was seen to be throwing out of the window, the edicts of Christianity and the rule book of business.
So what was the reason of such a heated argument that this man calling himself a Christian initiated?
He objected to the way this woman had dressed up. Was she scantily or improperly dressed that would arouse the morals of a Christian to be offended? No. This woman had dressed up very modestly and gracefully. She had dressed up very much in the likeness of the holy mother of Jesus (pbot). Many nuns, more so in Eastern Europe are seen to be dressed up likewise covering themselves gracefully, from head to toe. The Palestinian women continue to keep alive the tradition of adorning themselves with such a graceful attire of their holy ancestors i.e. the holy Muryum(pboh) and other holy female mothers and wives of holy men.
In Britain only over 100 years ago every woman would dress herself like this.
So what went wrong with this man claiming to be a Christian. What depressed him, what possessed him? One can only speculate that the Roman arrogance took control of this man. His arrogance and utter contempt for a woman, who had dressed up very modestly and gracefully very much like the mother of Jesus (pbot), confirmed most certainly, of his declaration through his attitude and deeds, that he indeed was a Roman claiming to be a Christian. One is expected to come across such people in our everyday life whereas on the other hand one is more likely to come across people showing the beauty of their religion, belief and conviction in their totally compassionate, kind, heart warming and heart winning behaviour.
This incidence proves the point that there are just too many people in our world who go round claiming to belong to the religion, their deeds do not testify to be true.
S Wasty
Such occasions do surface from time to time in our daily life as it surfaced when the news came not long ago, of a heated and ferocious argument, that a small hotel owner in Britain, initiated with his client. What did his client, a European woman do, to merit the discomfort of entering and ensuing such a heated argument with an ungrateful person to whom she had brought her clientele which means that she was paying his wages?
The rule book of many a trade and business is “Customer is always right”.
By initiating a heated and ferocious argument on utterly mind boggling ground, this man was seen to be throwing out of the window, the edicts of Christianity and the rule book of business.
So what was the reason of such a heated argument that this man calling himself a Christian initiated?
He objected to the way this woman had dressed up. Was she scantily or improperly dressed that would arouse the morals of a Christian to be offended? No. This woman had dressed up very modestly and gracefully. She had dressed up very much in the likeness of the holy mother of Jesus (pbot). Many nuns, more so in Eastern Europe are seen to be dressed up likewise covering themselves gracefully, from head to toe. The Palestinian women continue to keep alive the tradition of adorning themselves with such a graceful attire of their holy ancestors i.e. the holy Muryum(pboh) and other holy female mothers and wives of holy men.
In Britain only over 100 years ago every woman would dress herself like this.
So what went wrong with this man claiming to be a Christian. What depressed him, what possessed him? One can only speculate that the Roman arrogance took control of this man. His arrogance and utter contempt for a woman, who had dressed up very modestly and gracefully very much like the mother of Jesus (pbot), confirmed most certainly, of his declaration through his attitude and deeds, that he indeed was a Roman claiming to be a Christian. One is expected to come across such people in our everyday life whereas on the other hand one is more likely to come across people showing the beauty of their religion, belief and conviction in their totally compassionate, kind, heart warming and heart winning behaviour.
This incidence proves the point that there are just too many people in our world who go round claiming to belong to the religion, their deeds do not testify to be true.
S Wasty
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Millions of women and children can be saved from death
Dear friends, Millions of women and children can be saved from death in pregnancy or childbirth, if world leaders, who are about to meet in New York, meet their promises and step up their aid commitments for maternal health. Let's call on them to act now! Millions of pregnant women and children die every year because of malnutrition or inadequate health services. It's shocking, but if our governments meet aid promises to women and children at the poverty summit later this month, it is avoidable. Ten years ago world leaders committed to drastically reduce the disgraceful number of maternal deaths by 2015, but in fact aid levels remain shamefully low. Now, some governments could be prepared to boost aid for mothers and babies, but they need massive public support to get all governments to step up. In days our leaders meet in New York. Let's build a global outcry against needless deaths. Sign the petition below to double aid for maternal and child health -- it will be delivered to key government leaders at the New York meeting. https://secure.avaaz.org/en/save_children_and_mothers/?vl In the last 10 years, since the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) were set, significant advances have been made to tackle poverty -- one-third fewer mothers have died during childbirth due to increased aid and investment in maternal health care. But millions of pregnant mothers are still dying needlessly and every year 9 million children die before their 5th birthday. There is already a specific mechanism to deliver aid for HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, but no similar system exists to support health for mothers and children. Experts feel one of the best ways to have an immediate impact is to ensure that aid is doubled and coordinated to effectively bring health care to the mothers and children who need it the most. But with only 5 years left to meet MDG targets, there’s a danger that our leaders use the recession to shirk responsibilities to help the world’s poorest. It has always been the world's citizens that have led the fight against poverty and pushed our leaders to take critical action, and now it is up to us again. Sign the petition to save mothers and children:
Thursday, September 9, 2010
EID-UL-FITR – DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS
Written by hassancdz on
Sep-7-10 8:56am
From: quranreading.com
Anas (RA), a companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reported that when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the Ansaar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it.
They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them: ‘Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.’ (Hadith)
END OF RAMADAN – EID-UL-FITR
Ramadan the very special month from all the other months is the ninth month and to the very end of its blessings and mercy the next very first day of the Islamic month is Shawwal and this is precisely where you are to know that this is the day of EID, EID-UL-FITR. This is the day of joy and success and peace and happiness which Muslims are awarded on the very day.
Thus this is the true Thanksgiving Day in all sense where Muslims celebrate the joy and thanks ALLAH (SWT) to make it worth the month in their life time and bless them with the opportunity to take advantage of such a divine holy month.
SUNNAH OF EID
Wake up early in the morning
Prepare your clothes and other aspects related to cleanliness
Have a shower before wearing new clothes.
Take special measures for the cleanliness such as brushing your teeth.
Put on those clothes which are the best you have, new are not necessary (should be clean)
Use perfume (used by men only).
Have breakfast before leaving for EID-UL-FITR.
On Eid-al-Adha, eat breakfast after Salaat or after sacrifice (if you are doing a sacrifice).
Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaat-al-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).
Try to reach the prayer ground early.
Offer Salaat-al-Eid in congregation in an open place except when whether is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.
Recite the following Takbir on the way to Salaat and until the beginning of Salaat-al-Eid: Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. Wa-lilahill hamd.
Meaning in English: (Allah is great, Allah is great. There is no god but Allah. Allah is great, Allah is great. And all praises are for Allah).
OFFERING EID PRAYER
Ibn Abbass (RA) reported: “I participated in the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer with the Messenger of Allah (saw), Abu Bakr (RA), Umar (RA) and Uthman (RA), and all of them held Eid prayer before Khutbah, and then the Prophet Muhammad (saw) delivered the Khutbah (sermon).” (Muslim)
WHO IS WITH AN OBLIGATION TO PRAY
Umm Atiyah (RA) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) commanded us to bring out on Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha, young women, hijab-observing adult women and the menstruating women. The menstruating women stayed out of actual Salaat but participated in good deeds and Duaa (supplication). I (Umm Atiyah) said to the Holy Prophet (saw): Oh! Messenger of Allah, one does not have an outer garment. He replied: Let her sister cover her with her garment.”( Muslim )
Sep-7-10 8:56am
From: quranreading.com
Anas (RA), a companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reported that when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the Ansaar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it.
They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them: ‘Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.’ (Hadith)
END OF RAMADAN – EID-UL-FITR
Ramadan the very special month from all the other months is the ninth month and to the very end of its blessings and mercy the next very first day of the Islamic month is Shawwal and this is precisely where you are to know that this is the day of EID, EID-UL-FITR. This is the day of joy and success and peace and happiness which Muslims are awarded on the very day.
Thus this is the true Thanksgiving Day in all sense where Muslims celebrate the joy and thanks ALLAH (SWT) to make it worth the month in their life time and bless them with the opportunity to take advantage of such a divine holy month.
SUNNAH OF EID
Wake up early in the morning
Prepare your clothes and other aspects related to cleanliness
Have a shower before wearing new clothes.
Take special measures for the cleanliness such as brushing your teeth.
Put on those clothes which are the best you have, new are not necessary (should be clean)
Use perfume (used by men only).
Have breakfast before leaving for EID-UL-FITR.
On Eid-al-Adha, eat breakfast after Salaat or after sacrifice (if you are doing a sacrifice).
Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaat-al-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).
Try to reach the prayer ground early.
Offer Salaat-al-Eid in congregation in an open place except when whether is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.
Recite the following Takbir on the way to Salaat and until the beginning of Salaat-al-Eid: Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. Wa-lilahill hamd.
Meaning in English: (Allah is great, Allah is great. There is no god but Allah. Allah is great, Allah is great. And all praises are for Allah).
OFFERING EID PRAYER
Ibn Abbass (RA) reported: “I participated in the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer with the Messenger of Allah (saw), Abu Bakr (RA), Umar (RA) and Uthman (RA), and all of them held Eid prayer before Khutbah, and then the Prophet Muhammad (saw) delivered the Khutbah (sermon).” (Muslim)
WHO IS WITH AN OBLIGATION TO PRAY
Umm Atiyah (RA) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) commanded us to bring out on Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha, young women, hijab-observing adult women and the menstruating women. The menstruating women stayed out of actual Salaat but participated in good deeds and Duaa (supplication). I (Umm Atiyah) said to the Holy Prophet (saw): Oh! Messenger of Allah, one does not have an outer garment. He replied: Let her sister cover her with her garment.”( Muslim )
Monday, July 19, 2010
Muslim Sisters of Eire
Muslim Sisters of Eire would like to invite you the following event:
Open Day
(Women Only)
Monday 19 July, 2010
12-2pm
Venue: 17 Synge Street, Dublin 8
This will be a great opportunity for you to meet Muslim women, have a chat and enjoy some great food.
For further information, please feel free to contact
Khadija - 0879468862
Open Day
(Women Only)
Monday 19 July, 2010
12-2pm
Venue: 17 Synge Street, Dublin 8
This will be a great opportunity for you to meet Muslim women, have a chat and enjoy some great food.
For further information, please feel free to contact
Khadija - 0879468862
Friday, June 25, 2010
Interview with Ida Lichter By Ulara Nakagawa
Today is a continuation of my recent interview with Ida Lichter, Australian author of Muslim Women Reformers: Inspiring Voices Against Oppression, a ground-breaking book about female (and male) Muslim reformers from around the world who are prepared to challenge institutionalized persecution against women.
We know that women need to be given higher social status in struggling nations in order to build liveable societies for all citizens. But do you find it frustrating to deal with those who can’t or refuse to try to accept this?
Ida Lichter: I do find it frustrating, but I try to understand the mindset of others in an alien culture, something I find natural from my training and work as a psychiatrist. However, I can’t excuse those who want to subjugate women in the name of religion, the tribe the umma or whatever.
I also have difficulty accepting the view that culture should not and cannot be changed. As Afghan reformer, Sima Samar asserts, ‘We must respect the traditions and culture and religion…. But we do not have to respect traditions that oppress women and violate human rights.’
In regard to Western feminists, they’ve allied themselves with radical Muslims (who stone women, hang homosexuals and deny free speech) at the expense of Muslim women’s human rights. I find this sad and troubling.
So where does your hope then lie?
IL: Muslim women reformers are very determined because they have everything to gain if they succeed and everything to lose if the extremists take over.
More women in Muslim societies are becoming educated, forming NGOs, working as journalists with access to world media and developing a more sophisticated understanding of politics….more men in their societies are supporting women’s rights.
Also, individual women and their NGOs are developing the scholarship to reinterpret the holy texts in favour of gender equality. Some are demanding changes to discriminatory Sharia-based laws whilst others campaign for political and educational reforms.
Are there any specific examples you can share?
IL: There are many examples of their achievements. In Iran, the women’s movement is focused on changing discriminatory Sharia law, whilst avoiding religious debate or political upheaval. There has been rapid growth of various women’s groups at universities and colleges, and despite ideological differences, new national networks of feminists based on common objectives. Women are mastering the Internet to build communication within and outside the country.
In Kuwait and Afghanistan, much progress has been made in women’s political participation. Saudi Arabian King Abdullah appointed the first woman minister as deputy minister for girls' education and removed the hardliner chief of the mutaween (religious police). These reforms came after years of campaigning by Wajeha Al-Huwaider and other women activists.
Muslim women reformers are living in a historic period, defining themselves outside the dominant male paradigm and hoping to unlock the potential of half their populations.
Do you plan to write more books in the future?
IL: I would like to update my book, using new information about the reformers and their achievements. Other goals include more research about women reformers in South East Asia, and the psychological impacts of Sharia law and cultural practice on women. I am also working on various other projects.
We know that women need to be given higher social status in struggling nations in order to build liveable societies for all citizens. But do you find it frustrating to deal with those who can’t or refuse to try to accept this?
Ida Lichter: I do find it frustrating, but I try to understand the mindset of others in an alien culture, something I find natural from my training and work as a psychiatrist. However, I can’t excuse those who want to subjugate women in the name of religion, the tribe the umma or whatever.
I also have difficulty accepting the view that culture should not and cannot be changed. As Afghan reformer, Sima Samar asserts, ‘We must respect the traditions and culture and religion…. But we do not have to respect traditions that oppress women and violate human rights.’
In regard to Western feminists, they’ve allied themselves with radical Muslims (who stone women, hang homosexuals and deny free speech) at the expense of Muslim women’s human rights. I find this sad and troubling.
So where does your hope then lie?
IL: Muslim women reformers are very determined because they have everything to gain if they succeed and everything to lose if the extremists take over.
More women in Muslim societies are becoming educated, forming NGOs, working as journalists with access to world media and developing a more sophisticated understanding of politics….more men in their societies are supporting women’s rights.
Also, individual women and their NGOs are developing the scholarship to reinterpret the holy texts in favour of gender equality. Some are demanding changes to discriminatory Sharia-based laws whilst others campaign for political and educational reforms.
Are there any specific examples you can share?
IL: There are many examples of their achievements. In Iran, the women’s movement is focused on changing discriminatory Sharia law, whilst avoiding religious debate or political upheaval. There has been rapid growth of various women’s groups at universities and colleges, and despite ideological differences, new national networks of feminists based on common objectives. Women are mastering the Internet to build communication within and outside the country.
In Kuwait and Afghanistan, much progress has been made in women’s political participation. Saudi Arabian King Abdullah appointed the first woman minister as deputy minister for girls' education and removed the hardliner chief of the mutaween (religious police). These reforms came after years of campaigning by Wajeha Al-Huwaider and other women activists.
Muslim women reformers are living in a historic period, defining themselves outside the dominant male paradigm and hoping to unlock the potential of half their populations.
Do you plan to write more books in the future?
IL: I would like to update my book, using new information about the reformers and their achievements. Other goals include more research about women reformers in South East Asia, and the psychological impacts of Sharia law and cultural practice on women. I am also working on various other projects.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
She was just 18!
This story may not be true nowadays, but Muslim lobby would like to know if any girl is forced to marry so we will stand by her.
I caught the pretty girl talking to her friend for the third time in my English class today.I forgave her as it was the last hour of the day and i knew my students were often distracted and tired by then. But then as I gave back their assignments, after allotting the marks for their Internal assessment, i realized that she was the only one who hadn't submitted hers.This time I lost my cool.
"Whats wrong with you Farhana? You knew you would be losing ten marks in your final examination if you didn't submit your assignment today, didn't you? and why the hell were you distracted in my class ?
All she did was give me a feeble smile and then someone from behind said " Ma'am she will be married by this December.This week will be the last week that she will be attending college".
I for once was tongue tied. I mean its not uncommon for us to have some of our final year students giving us their wedding invitations during the last semester, and it sometimes saddens us that they may never ever work or pursue their higher studies in their life ever again. But this girl was just 18 and in her first year of graduation.
I just wished her luck and resumed my class. But curiosity got the better of me and since i was their class teacher, i called her aside after my classes were done for the day,to find out why she was in such a hurry to get married.
What she told me made me realize that in spite of us Indians boasting of having moved forward in every field, the plight of a girl is always decided by her parents and the community to which she belongs. As suspected it was an "arranged" marriage. Her parents had met this "wonderful" Guy( read filthy rich and loaded with a lot and lot of money) in one of ther family functions and decided that they may never get a " good guy" like this for their daughter so before she knew it she was engaged to this guy. Now within a month she was to be married to this boy and she obviously had to discontinue her studies as the boy didn't want a wife who was academically " more " qualified than him. ( read probably has'nt completed his high school)
In the community that she belonged to she was'nt allowed to go against the wishes of her parents and she had to agree to this proposal. I asked her if she liked the boy and she told me that she had never spoken to him as both their families very very traditional ( read no going out, no talking to members of the opposite sex, and no getting to know the man you are going to spend the rest of your life with)
I told her to atleast to give it some time and try to get permission from her home to complete her studies.She responded that tomorrow would be her last day in college as she already had to start with her wedding shopping and I knew there was nothing I could do to help her.
Though the scenario is changing for the better today and more and more women are allowed to complete their education, there are still those who are unfortunate enough to be stuck within the traditional rules and norms of the communities they belong to. And sometimes they are the students whom I will always cherish as the ones who were the smartest and the brightest during their college days, but then dissolve into nobody's once they get into the portals of marriage.
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