Muslim leaders gathered this week at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington to remember Holocaust victims from World War II.
Also joined the gathering, the opening ceremony of which took place in front of the Eternal Flame in the Hall of Remembrance at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington was Dr. Akbar Ahmad, an Islamic scholar from American University, who called the Holocaust “one of the low points in history,” condemning and calling on people to condemn anti-Semitism and to equally condemn widespread Islamophobia.
Dr. Ahmad likened anti-Semitism to Islamophobia, saying:
“To check one, we have to check the other.”
A recent conference in Iran attended by many who question whether the Holocaust, the genocide of Jews in World War II, ever took place, prompted U.S. Muslim leaders to meet at the Holocaust Museum in an effort to encourage people to draw lessons from the Holocaust incident to reaffirm a commitment to preserving human dignity for humanity at large.
Among other Muslim American leaders who attended the museum was Imam Mohamed Magid, of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) who spoke of the common ground he finds with followers of the Judaism, representatives from the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Arab-American Institute, and MPAC board member Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, who called for remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust and commemorated the pains endured by its victims.
MPAC is a public service agency working for the civil rights of U.S. Muslims, seeking the integration of Islam into American pluralism.
“I speak on behalf of American Muslims, all of us who believe that we have to learn from the lessons of history and to commit ourselves: ‘Never again,’” said Magid, who postponed a trip to Saudi Arabia for the annual Muslims' pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, in order to visit the museum.
“The lessons that should be learned are that many people have lost their lives because of hatred and bigotry and that we have to stand together committed to work for love, mercy and humanity as one family.”
"There's a verse in the Torah, Old Testament, as well as in the Holy Koran, where God Almighty says, ‘Whoever takes one life, [it is] as if [he/she has] taken life [from] all humanity. And whoever saves one life, [it is] as if [he/she has] saved life [for] all humanity.’"
Sarah Bloomfield, director of the museum, described the Muslims’ gathering at the Museum last Wednesday as an unprecedented “act of solidarity” from Muslims on the issue of Holocaust denial.
She stressed however that Muslims made several visits to the Museum in the past.
Also speaking at the event was Johanna Neumann, a Holocaust survivor, who described how Muslims in Albania, which was 85 percent Muslim at that time, saved her and her family from the Nazis.
“Everybody knew who we were, and nobody would have thought of denouncing us,” Neumann said.
Imam Magid asked for a moment of silence honoring those who suffered and those who died.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
New ad campaign to dispel Muslim stereotypes
The Virginia Interfaith Center launched a new ad campaign aimed at dispelling negative views about the Muslim community.
The ads, designed by The Martin Agency as small beige posters bearing black Arabic script, were placed in all 170 Greater Richmond Transit Company buses on Nov. 27.
The signs are also displayed at the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University.
The posters include one that is literally translated as “Paper or plastic?”. Another one is the Arabic version of the "I'm a little tea pot" rhyme, and a third could be translated to the English equivalent of "rock, paper, scissors."
All the Arabic words are translated into English at the bottom of the posters, along with remarks like: "Misunderstanding can make anything scary," and "What did you think it said?"
The organizers of the ad campaign hope to eventually expand the program all over the United States.
They say the ads could help people overcome their unjustified fears about the Muslim community because many non-Muslims wrongfully associate Islam and Arabic to violence or terrorism.
"As soon as people see Arabic, they immediately make an association with terrorism," said the Rev. C. Douglas Smith, executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center. "That's probably because since 9/11, not only is fear overwhelming us, but that's how we're being trained to think."
Another official involved with the ad campaign, Gretchen Schoel, said that the bus company received several calls from concerned riders who complained about the Arabic signs.
One woman, described by Schoel as a well-educated university employee, called the bus company's manager, suggesting that the FBI be called in to investigate.
Even after she understood the English meaning of the Arabic signs, she remained concerned that they might contain secret messages to terrorists, said Schoel, the executive director of A More Perfect Union, a project of the Virginia Interfaith Center that is spearheading the ads.
"It's so great that we're getting feedback, even if it is negative, because it shows that people are looking, they're thinking," he said. "And it really proves the point that this script right here conjures up certain ideas in our heads that we have to work with."
Challenge
Anti-Muslim bias is a continuing problem across the United States, according to Imad Damaj, president of the Virginia Muslim Coalition for Public Affairs.
"There are so many lazy, unexamined assumptions about all of us and how we react to people," Damaj said. "We need to challenge ourselves."
The ad campaign is the latest in a series of programs carried out by U.S. Muslims to dispel negative stereotypes about Muslims and Arabic speakers.
In 2004, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the U.S.’s largest Muslim rights group, launched a nationwide TV and radio campaign, featuring Muslims from different backgrounds, each ending with the slogan: "I am an American Muslim."
Despite the hard work, high-profile misunderstandings continue. In late November, six Muslim clerics were removed from a flight to Phoenix after some airline passengers expressed concern because the imams performed their evening prayer in the terminal.
It was the latest incident in which passengers who were Muslims or, in some cases, look like Muslims, were questioned, or even removed, before or after boarding flights.
CAIR said in its 11th annual report that discrimination against Muslims in the United States reached a record high in 2005.
The advocacy group said it processed a total of 1,927 civil rights and workplace discrimination complaints last year alone, almost 30% higher than the figures of 2005.
According to Schoel, history proves that Americans can learn to let go of irrational fears toward other cultures.
"After World War II, when people saw Japanese script it was scary," she said. "But now we see it and it's fun, it's hip, it signifies a cool culture."
"That's a huge turnaround."
I am really happy of this effort at dispelling negative views about the Muslim community more and more of this kind of ads must be lunged to put forward the real ISLAM.
The ads, designed by The Martin Agency as small beige posters bearing black Arabic script, were placed in all 170 Greater Richmond Transit Company buses on Nov. 27.
The signs are also displayed at the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University.
The posters include one that is literally translated as “Paper or plastic?”. Another one is the Arabic version of the "I'm a little tea pot" rhyme, and a third could be translated to the English equivalent of "rock, paper, scissors."
All the Arabic words are translated into English at the bottom of the posters, along with remarks like: "Misunderstanding can make anything scary," and "What did you think it said?"
The organizers of the ad campaign hope to eventually expand the program all over the United States.
They say the ads could help people overcome their unjustified fears about the Muslim community because many non-Muslims wrongfully associate Islam and Arabic to violence or terrorism.
"As soon as people see Arabic, they immediately make an association with terrorism," said the Rev. C. Douglas Smith, executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center. "That's probably because since 9/11, not only is fear overwhelming us, but that's how we're being trained to think."
Another official involved with the ad campaign, Gretchen Schoel, said that the bus company received several calls from concerned riders who complained about the Arabic signs.
One woman, described by Schoel as a well-educated university employee, called the bus company's manager, suggesting that the FBI be called in to investigate.
Even after she understood the English meaning of the Arabic signs, she remained concerned that they might contain secret messages to terrorists, said Schoel, the executive director of A More Perfect Union, a project of the Virginia Interfaith Center that is spearheading the ads.
"It's so great that we're getting feedback, even if it is negative, because it shows that people are looking, they're thinking," he said. "And it really proves the point that this script right here conjures up certain ideas in our heads that we have to work with."
Challenge
Anti-Muslim bias is a continuing problem across the United States, according to Imad Damaj, president of the Virginia Muslim Coalition for Public Affairs.
"There are so many lazy, unexamined assumptions about all of us and how we react to people," Damaj said. "We need to challenge ourselves."
The ad campaign is the latest in a series of programs carried out by U.S. Muslims to dispel negative stereotypes about Muslims and Arabic speakers.
In 2004, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the U.S.’s largest Muslim rights group, launched a nationwide TV and radio campaign, featuring Muslims from different backgrounds, each ending with the slogan: "I am an American Muslim."
Despite the hard work, high-profile misunderstandings continue. In late November, six Muslim clerics were removed from a flight to Phoenix after some airline passengers expressed concern because the imams performed their evening prayer in the terminal.
It was the latest incident in which passengers who were Muslims or, in some cases, look like Muslims, were questioned, or even removed, before or after boarding flights.
CAIR said in its 11th annual report that discrimination against Muslims in the United States reached a record high in 2005.
The advocacy group said it processed a total of 1,927 civil rights and workplace discrimination complaints last year alone, almost 30% higher than the figures of 2005.
According to Schoel, history proves that Americans can learn to let go of irrational fears toward other cultures.
"After World War II, when people saw Japanese script it was scary," she said. "But now we see it and it's fun, it's hip, it signifies a cool culture."
"That's a huge turnaround."
I am really happy of this effort at dispelling negative views about the Muslim community more and more of this kind of ads must be lunged to put forward the real ISLAM.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Muslim prayers have great health benefits – Study
The postures used during the Islamic prayer, or salat, have significant health benefits, according to a new study by a top Malaysian university.
Preliminary findings of a research project carried out by Universiti Malaya's biomedical engineering departmenU show that the positions Muslims take during their prayers benefit the heart and spine.
The study also showed that the postures boost the capacity for memory and increase attention.
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the research reaffirmed the power of prayer in every Muslim’s life.
"The study investigates the physiological interactions and effects of the salat postures on the human body," said Abdullah, who likened salat postures to those practiced now in yoga.
"Since the majority of our population are Muslims, it is both of interest and importance that we not only understand the spiritual benefits of salat, but also ... its biological and medical effects," he added.
Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day; at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset and evening. Each prayer consists of several simple positions during which Muslims recite verses from the Holy Qur’an.
Worshippers usually begin their prayers with a standing posture, followed by a deep bow and then a sitting position on the knees. The praying person then touches his/hers forehead to the ground, stands up and repeats the whole process until he/she finishes the prayer.
Previous studies found that Muslim prayers, often directed in the direction (qibla) of the Ka'ba shrine in Mecca, can be therapeutic for the mind and the body.
According to an article on ww.islamicvoice.com, the postures of the prayers stretch various muscles and nerves, giving a constant physical therapy to all the joints of our bodies. This protects arthritis, and reduces back pains and disc problems.
Since praying provides Muslims with mental satisfaction, it can also reduce anxiety, depression, stress and tension which are also considered to be contributing factors to various diseases.
Moreover, performing ablution, which involves washing the face, mouth, nostrils, ears, and arms before praying, has great health advantages, like preventing tooth decay, and reducing bacterial infections.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Treating Christmas with Respect
Christmas is an annual Christian religious holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him. For many Muslims who do not even celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, it becomes an issue of what stand they should take.
There have been a number of legitimate criticisms of the holiday from Muslims and non-Muslims based on theological and cultural considerations. However, this cannot be used to disregard the holiday as merely an exercise in ancient pagan practices, for instance, or excessive consumerism. Muslims have to remember that for practicing Christians, Christmas really is about Jesus.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was so accommodating of Christians that according to the two earliest Islamic historians, Ibn e Saad and Ibn Hisham, the Prophet even allowed a delegation of 60 Byzantine Christians from Najran in Yemen to worship in his own mosque in Madinah. Lead by their bishop (Usquf), they had come to discuss a number of issues with him. When time of their prayer came, they asked the Prophet's permission to perform this in the mosque. He answered, "conduct your service here in the mosque. It is a place consecrated to God."
God expects us to stay away from mocking the religious beliefs of others, no matter how much we disagree with them. He says in the Quran: "And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides God, lest they insult God wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do" (Quran, 6:108).
We also have to remember that even if for many nominal Christians, the celebration is not really about participating in religious traditions, Christmas is a time for families to get together. In a number of cases it is the only time of year families get together, either because family members are scattered in different parts of the country or the world, because of communication and relationship problems, or because in America today, the family unit is becoming weaker and weaker.
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is located five and half miles from Jerusalem.
Christmas is a great time to relate to our neighbors. We should not forget though, that "relating" does not mean "preaching". Dawa cannot be made in a rude manner. Allah says in the Quran: "Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful advice, and reason with them by ways that are the best and most gracious: because your Lord knows best, (those) who have strayed from His Path, and those who receive guidance " (Quran, 16:125).
In particular, when dealing with Jews and Christians, Allah says: "Do not argue with the People of the Book unless it is in the politest manner, except for those of them who do wrong. Say: 'We believe in what has been sent down to us and what has been sent down to you. Our God and your God is [the same] One, and we are Muslims before Him'" (Quran, 29:46).
This may not be an occasion to emphasis the differences as much as the commonality of our beliefs, unless someone is really asking you about them.
A starting point for a discussion about Christmas could be the Islamic belief in all Books revealed by Allah and all Prophets sent by Him. In this discussion, special emphasis could be made on Prophet Jesus. Non-Muslims are often surprised to discover that Muslims also believe in this noble Prophet and his great mother Mary (peace be upon her).
Remember that respect does not mean compromise. This article is not asking you to compromise anything. You have freedom of religion given by God to believe in what you believe in. But in a world where conflict is increasing, a Muslim should be a bridge- builder and a peacemaker. It was due to the Muslim practice of Islamic ideals of respect and tolerance that the key of the holiest Christian Shrine in Jerusalem, the church of the Holy Sepulcher, remains entrusted with a Muslim family, as it has been for over 1400 years.
These are the lessons which need to be learned by those extremists who attack Christians during their worship in Nigeria and those extremists who burn Masjids in the USA.
There have been a number of legitimate criticisms of the holiday from Muslims and non-Muslims based on theological and cultural considerations. However, this cannot be used to disregard the holiday as merely an exercise in ancient pagan practices, for instance, or excessive consumerism. Muslims have to remember that for practicing Christians, Christmas really is about Jesus.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was so accommodating of Christians that according to the two earliest Islamic historians, Ibn e Saad and Ibn Hisham, the Prophet even allowed a delegation of 60 Byzantine Christians from Najran in Yemen to worship in his own mosque in Madinah. Lead by their bishop (Usquf), they had come to discuss a number of issues with him. When time of their prayer came, they asked the Prophet's permission to perform this in the mosque. He answered, "conduct your service here in the mosque. It is a place consecrated to God."
God expects us to stay away from mocking the religious beliefs of others, no matter how much we disagree with them. He says in the Quran: "And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides God, lest they insult God wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do" (Quran, 6:108).
We also have to remember that even if for many nominal Christians, the celebration is not really about participating in religious traditions, Christmas is a time for families to get together. In a number of cases it is the only time of year families get together, either because family members are scattered in different parts of the country or the world, because of communication and relationship problems, or because in America today, the family unit is becoming weaker and weaker.
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is located five and half miles from Jerusalem.
Christmas is a great time to relate to our neighbors. We should not forget though, that "relating" does not mean "preaching". Dawa cannot be made in a rude manner. Allah says in the Quran: "Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful advice, and reason with them by ways that are the best and most gracious: because your Lord knows best, (those) who have strayed from His Path, and those who receive guidance " (Quran, 16:125).
In particular, when dealing with Jews and Christians, Allah says: "Do not argue with the People of the Book unless it is in the politest manner, except for those of them who do wrong. Say: 'We believe in what has been sent down to us and what has been sent down to you. Our God and your God is [the same] One, and we are Muslims before Him'" (Quran, 29:46).
This may not be an occasion to emphasis the differences as much as the commonality of our beliefs, unless someone is really asking you about them.
A starting point for a discussion about Christmas could be the Islamic belief in all Books revealed by Allah and all Prophets sent by Him. In this discussion, special emphasis could be made on Prophet Jesus. Non-Muslims are often surprised to discover that Muslims also believe in this noble Prophet and his great mother Mary (peace be upon her).
Remember that respect does not mean compromise. This article is not asking you to compromise anything. You have freedom of religion given by God to believe in what you believe in. But in a world where conflict is increasing, a Muslim should be a bridge- builder and a peacemaker. It was due to the Muslim practice of Islamic ideals of respect and tolerance that the key of the holiest Christian Shrine in Jerusalem, the church of the Holy Sepulcher, remains entrusted with a Muslim family, as it has been for over 1400 years.
These are the lessons which need to be learned by those extremists who attack Christians during their worship in Nigeria and those extremists who burn Masjids in the USA.
Love for the sake of Allah
To love someone for the sake of Allah is a grand act for which much merit and many rewards have been promised.
"To love for the sake of Allah" means loving someone, not for worldly gain, but because he/she is more religious and pious or busy in serving Muslims and Islam, or because loving him or her is commanded by Allah; like loving parents.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
"Allah shall ask on the Day of Judgment; ' Where are those who loved for the sake of my greatness? Today when there is no shade, I shall have them in my shade.'" [Sahih Muslim]
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
"The Believers are but a single brotherhood."[49:10]
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“There are three things, that whoever attains, will find the sweetness of faith: If Allah and his messenger are dearer to him than anyone else; if he loves a person solely for the sake of Allah; and if he would hate to return to disbelief (kufr) after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate to be thrown into fire."[Agreed upon]
Having love for Allah's pious and good bondsmen is actually an outcome of one's love for Allah, so it earns the same rewards and merits as the latter.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked:
"When shall come the Day of Judgment?" Our Prophet (pbuh) asked him : “What preparation have you made for the Day?" The man said, "Nothing, but I have love for Allah and for his messenger." The Prophet (pbuh) said: "You shall be (on that Day) with whom you love."
The above saying (hadith) has been quoted by Anas. He said that these words of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) pleased us as nothing had ever done. He added: "I have great love for the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) - may he be eternally blessed - and with Abu Bakr and Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, and because of this love, I shall be in their company, even though my deeds are not equal to theirs." [Sahih Bukhari]
Allah has commanded Muslims to love one another, to take one another as friends and brothers and care and help each other, Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
(And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited, and remember the favor of Allah on you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts so by His favor you became brethren; and you were on the brink of a pit of fire, then He saved you from it, thus does Allah make clear to you His communications that you may follow the right way.)[3:103]
Our love for each other for the sake of Allah implies a willingness to sacrifice our needs for the sake of our fellow Muslims’ needs in a manner that far outweighs normal sacrifice for the sake of friendship. This pure love is crucial to maintaining Muslims’ faith, if Muslims don’t have strong relations with each other, their faith will automatically decrease.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“The relationship between believers is like a wall, parts of which support other parts.”[Muslim]
The concept of love for the sake of Allah doesn’t recognize nor permit “friendship" between men and women that is outside of marriage and familial bonds. However, Muslims wives and husbands shouldl love each other for the sake of Allah, their children will love them and love each other for the sake of Allah. This will sure result in strong family relations and a healthy Muslim community.
A Muslim should not forsake or abandon his brother, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“There should be no breaking off of ties, no turning away from one another, no hating one another. Be brothers, as Allah has commanded you.”[Muslim]
Also Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised Muslims to show their love for one another, he said:
“If a man loves his brother in faith, he should tell him that he loves him.”[Abu Dawud]
There are so many sayings of our Prophet (pbuh) showing that having love for someone for the sake of Allah is an act of great merit, which grants one the opportunity of doing good in this world and being in exalted company in the Hereafter.
Hence, one should love good people for the sake of Allah and with the intent of becoming good oneself and earning Allah's pleasure.
"To love for the sake of Allah" means loving someone, not for worldly gain, but because he/she is more religious and pious or busy in serving Muslims and Islam, or because loving him or her is commanded by Allah; like loving parents.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
"Allah shall ask on the Day of Judgment; ' Where are those who loved for the sake of my greatness? Today when there is no shade, I shall have them in my shade.'" [Sahih Muslim]
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
"The Believers are but a single brotherhood."[49:10]
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“There are three things, that whoever attains, will find the sweetness of faith: If Allah and his messenger are dearer to him than anyone else; if he loves a person solely for the sake of Allah; and if he would hate to return to disbelief (kufr) after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate to be thrown into fire."[Agreed upon]
Having love for Allah's pious and good bondsmen is actually an outcome of one's love for Allah, so it earns the same rewards and merits as the latter.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked:
"When shall come the Day of Judgment?" Our Prophet (pbuh) asked him : “What preparation have you made for the Day?" The man said, "Nothing, but I have love for Allah and for his messenger." The Prophet (pbuh) said: "You shall be (on that Day) with whom you love."
The above saying (hadith) has been quoted by Anas. He said that these words of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) pleased us as nothing had ever done. He added: "I have great love for the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) - may he be eternally blessed - and with Abu Bakr and Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, and because of this love, I shall be in their company, even though my deeds are not equal to theirs." [Sahih Bukhari]
Allah has commanded Muslims to love one another, to take one another as friends and brothers and care and help each other, Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
(And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited, and remember the favor of Allah on you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts so by His favor you became brethren; and you were on the brink of a pit of fire, then He saved you from it, thus does Allah make clear to you His communications that you may follow the right way.)[3:103]
Our love for each other for the sake of Allah implies a willingness to sacrifice our needs for the sake of our fellow Muslims’ needs in a manner that far outweighs normal sacrifice for the sake of friendship. This pure love is crucial to maintaining Muslims’ faith, if Muslims don’t have strong relations with each other, their faith will automatically decrease.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“The relationship between believers is like a wall, parts of which support other parts.”[Muslim]
The concept of love for the sake of Allah doesn’t recognize nor permit “friendship" between men and women that is outside of marriage and familial bonds. However, Muslims wives and husbands shouldl love each other for the sake of Allah, their children will love them and love each other for the sake of Allah. This will sure result in strong family relations and a healthy Muslim community.
A Muslim should not forsake or abandon his brother, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“There should be no breaking off of ties, no turning away from one another, no hating one another. Be brothers, as Allah has commanded you.”[Muslim]
Also Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised Muslims to show their love for one another, he said:
“If a man loves his brother in faith, he should tell him that he loves him.”[Abu Dawud]
There are so many sayings of our Prophet (pbuh) showing that having love for someone for the sake of Allah is an act of great merit, which grants one the opportunity of doing good in this world and being in exalted company in the Hereafter.
Hence, one should love good people for the sake of Allah and with the intent of becoming good oneself and earning Allah's pleasure.
Indian Muslims still await justice for mosque demolition
Indian Muslims are still calling for the reconstruction of the 16th century Babri Mosque, which was damaged by Hindu extremists 14 years ago.
On December 6, 1992, Hindu extremists destroyed the Babri Mosque in the Uttar Pradesh town of Ayodha in order to build a temple on its ruins.
At least 3,000 people were killed in the riots that followed the demolition of the mosque and the dispute over its site has resulted in Hindu-Muslim tensions ever since.
While Hindus observe December 6 as a day of "victory”, Muslims mark it as a 'Black Day' and hold sit-in protests condemning the incident.
"We see it as an atrocity on us. We observe it as a day of mourning. We want that what is ours should be given to us. The court should pronounce its verdict as soon as possible," said Haji Abdul Ahat, a Muslim who took part in Wednesday’s protests marking the mosque demolition anniversary.
Saeed Noorie of the Raza Academy, a city-based religious body, also said: "We prayed for the mosque's reconstruction and peace in the country.”
Members of several Muslim groups submitted a memorandum to governor S M Krishna, expressing their feelings and stating their demands.
"Muslims have not forgotten December 6, 1992 and the communal riots in its aftermath. Apart from reconstruction of the mosque, we have demanded implementation of the Srikrishna Commission report," said Farid Khan of Majlis-e-Shoora.
"We have told the governor that even the Sachar Committee (a government-backed panel examining the situation of Indian Muslims) has deplored Muslims' social, educational and economic backwardness and the community needs to be uplifted. The country can't progress if a section of its people is left behind."
The Supreme Court, working on the issue, has restrained any construction on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque until a lower court resolves the dispute.
However, a makeshift temple had been built on the ruins before the courts were moved to retain status quo.
Hindu hardliners claim that a temple existed at the site in Ayodhya centuries ago before Mughal rulers damaged it and built a mosque instead.
On the other hand, Muslims, who comprise about 12 percent of India’s population, want the mosque to be reconstructed.
My questation to Hindu brother's is why does this Hindu extremists still exits, when u say's india is a secular state.
And did your GOD said to demolish the mosque to build temple, is ur GOD so cruel ???
I dont think hinduism preaches peace.
On December 6, 1992, Hindu extremists destroyed the Babri Mosque in the Uttar Pradesh town of Ayodha in order to build a temple on its ruins.
At least 3,000 people were killed in the riots that followed the demolition of the mosque and the dispute over its site has resulted in Hindu-Muslim tensions ever since.
While Hindus observe December 6 as a day of "victory”, Muslims mark it as a 'Black Day' and hold sit-in protests condemning the incident.
"We see it as an atrocity on us. We observe it as a day of mourning. We want that what is ours should be given to us. The court should pronounce its verdict as soon as possible," said Haji Abdul Ahat, a Muslim who took part in Wednesday’s protests marking the mosque demolition anniversary.
Saeed Noorie of the Raza Academy, a city-based religious body, also said: "We prayed for the mosque's reconstruction and peace in the country.”
Members of several Muslim groups submitted a memorandum to governor S M Krishna, expressing their feelings and stating their demands.
"Muslims have not forgotten December 6, 1992 and the communal riots in its aftermath. Apart from reconstruction of the mosque, we have demanded implementation of the Srikrishna Commission report," said Farid Khan of Majlis-e-Shoora.
"We have told the governor that even the Sachar Committee (a government-backed panel examining the situation of Indian Muslims) has deplored Muslims' social, educational and economic backwardness and the community needs to be uplifted. The country can't progress if a section of its people is left behind."
The Supreme Court, working on the issue, has restrained any construction on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque until a lower court resolves the dispute.
However, a makeshift temple had been built on the ruins before the courts were moved to retain status quo.
Hindu hardliners claim that a temple existed at the site in Ayodhya centuries ago before Mughal rulers damaged it and built a mosque instead.
On the other hand, Muslims, who comprise about 12 percent of India’s population, want the mosque to be reconstructed.
My questation to Hindu brother's is why does this Hindu extremists still exits, when u say's india is a secular state.
And did your GOD said to demolish the mosque to build temple, is ur GOD so cruel ???
I dont think hinduism preaches peace.
The Imam and the Bus Driver
Several years ago an Imam moved to London, United Kingdom. He often took the
bus from his home to the downtown area. Some weeks after he arrived, he had
occasion to ride the same bus. When he sat down, he discovered that the
driver had accidentally given him a twenty pence ('tuppence') too much
change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, you better give the
twenty pence back. It would be wrong to keep it. Then he thought, "Oh,forget
it, it's only a tuppence. Who would worry about this little amount?Anyway
the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept
it as a gift from Almighty Allah (swt) and keep quiet." When his stop came,
the Imam paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the twenty pence
back to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change". The driver
with a smile, replied,"Aren't you the new Imam in this area? I have been
thinking lately about going to worship at your Mosque. I just wanted to see
what you would do, if I gave you too much change."
When the Imam stepped off the bus, his knees became weak and soft, he had to
grab the nearest light pole and held on for support, and looked up to the
heavens and cried: "Oh Allah, I almost sold Islam for twenty pence!"
Brothers and Sisters: We may never see the impact our actions have on
people. Sometimes we are the only knowledge of Qu'ran someone will read, or
the only Islam someone will see. We can't settle for our sins and think that
since we have been defiled by our sins, we cannot be a model for Islamic
life.Quite the contrary. We are all on the same level in one aspect, as
human beings. We are ALL sinners and need forgiveness.
However, the big difference is that one is saved by belief, that belief of
the UNSEEN; that belief that Almighty Allah is watching one. This code of
conduct which teaches one morals, etiquettes and values so that we as Human
Beings may respect and honour one another.
Be careful and be honest everyday, because you never know who is watching.
But, Remember Allah Ta'ala is watching.
MAY ALLAH ALMIGHTY HELP US IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE, Ameen.
bus from his home to the downtown area. Some weeks after he arrived, he had
occasion to ride the same bus. When he sat down, he discovered that the
driver had accidentally given him a twenty pence ('tuppence') too much
change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, you better give the
twenty pence back. It would be wrong to keep it. Then he thought, "Oh,forget
it, it's only a tuppence. Who would worry about this little amount?Anyway
the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept
it as a gift from Almighty Allah (swt) and keep quiet." When his stop came,
the Imam paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the twenty pence
back to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change". The driver
with a smile, replied,"Aren't you the new Imam in this area? I have been
thinking lately about going to worship at your Mosque. I just wanted to see
what you would do, if I gave you too much change."
When the Imam stepped off the bus, his knees became weak and soft, he had to
grab the nearest light pole and held on for support, and looked up to the
heavens and cried: "Oh Allah, I almost sold Islam for twenty pence!"
Brothers and Sisters: We may never see the impact our actions have on
people. Sometimes we are the only knowledge of Qu'ran someone will read, or
the only Islam someone will see. We can't settle for our sins and think that
since we have been defiled by our sins, we cannot be a model for Islamic
life.Quite the contrary. We are all on the same level in one aspect, as
human beings. We are ALL sinners and need forgiveness.
However, the big difference is that one is saved by belief, that belief of
the UNSEEN; that belief that Almighty Allah is watching one. This code of
conduct which teaches one morals, etiquettes and values so that we as Human
Beings may respect and honour one another.
Be careful and be honest everyday, because you never know who is watching.
But, Remember Allah Ta'ala is watching.
MAY ALLAH ALMIGHTY HELP US IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE, Ameen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)