A group of Muslim women got together to discuss My father's dream by Pres.Obama at a local book store. The interesting thing is that a few christian women joined in the discussion. I noticed that Pres.Obama has revived new life in women. They admire and respect the first family a lot, but especially how Obama treats Michell and their daughters. Despite coming from a broken family, he credits his mother for instilling family first values along with love and kindness towards humanity in general. The ladies had a unanimous agreement that Obama is the ultimate American; all Americans are immigrants and have shared the experiences in their new homeland which their future generations have forgotten but Obama is an American who has the wealth of immigrant experiences first hand. He saw that he was black yet not black, he was both Muslim and christian, an American yet an immigrant. These cultural, physical, and religious variations connects him to so many Americans who are tied up in two cultures and religions. Therefore, he is one of us.
Another interesting topic that come up in the discussion was the state of the union address. It seems that everybody is confused about the distribution of the stimulus package #2. Everyone understands that the President has to take some very bold measures to save the country from a complete break down, but the president in his address, it seems, touched bases on health care, green renewable energy, education plan, taxes and the creation of jobs and yet did not give a road map as to how is he going to achieve all that. I would like to know if there is blue print to all these plans, how will all this create new jobs immediately and will the people who have been laid off be qualified to take up these jobs? At what level would we be able to measure these projects as successful? Is there a deadline to achieve, say,20% success in any project? I believe I have the right to know, because this is my money the government is giving stimulus from?
This administration should be transparent in its decision, and the nation should be taken into confidence. We should get out of the mind frame of the Bush administration where the Americans were to believe every misinformation of the Newspeak.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Dr. S. M. Koreshi Speaks out on Talibans and Islam.
Prophet Mohammad was meditating when Angel Gabriel came to him and said, "Iqra" meaning READ.
Surah Al-Alaq
IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE DISPENSER OF GRACE
READ in the name of thy Sustainer, who has created –
created man out of a germ-cell!
Read - for thy Sustainer is the Most Bountiful One
who has taught [man] the use of the pen –
taught man what he did not know!
Nay, verily, man becomes grossly overweening
whenever he believes himself to be self-sufficient:
for, behold, unto thy Sustainer all must return.
HAST THOU ever considered him who tries to prevent
a servant [of God] from praying?
Hast thou considered whether he is on the right way,
or is concerned with God-consciousness?
Hast thou considered whether he may [not] be giving the lie to the truth and turning his back [upon it]?
Does he, then, not know that God sees [all]?
Nay, if he desist not, We shall most surely drag him down upon his forehead –
the lying, rebellious forehead! –
and then let him summon [to his aid] the counsels of his own [spurious] wisdom,
[the while] We shall summon the forces of heavenly chastisement!
Nay, pay thou no heed to him, but prostrate thyself [before God] and draw close [unto Him]!
Al-Quran.
Dr.S.M.Koreshi is former diplomat of Pakistan, who is a columnist in an English Newspaper daily, Pakistan Observer. Below is his article "Please this is not Islam." which was published in the Pakistan Observer on 28th Jan, 2009.
Please this is not Islam.
When we the generation which made Pakistan, the students in their teens who formed the spear head of the Pakistan Movement, chanting on the roads, ley ke rahingey Pakistan, Bat ke rahey ga Hindustan, - take we will our Pakistan, make we will our Pakistan- we had unshakable confidence in ourselves, sure of the place we wanted to give to our dreamland in the world comity of nations, proud, strong, self reliant, hoping that Pakistan will write a new history of glory of Muslims. As Iqbal said when the soul of falcon is awaken in the youth, they see their destiny as high as sky. We did wonders in making a new state out of almost zero, the towns of Karachi, Lahore, Pindi were small, no roads, no industry, no electricity worth the name, only one university in Lahore, no schools, etc, no this, no that thing- go on counting of no this thing and no that thing. We made it a country, we wanted to be competitive with the Hindus, the West, the advanced countries of the world. We did well initially. We were then united. Now there are very few common values among all sections of society. There are no common leaders. Common man is leaderless, at national level. .
Now it seems we are a lost people, no pride in our selves, do not know where we are going, no goals, dithering away, not sure of our tomorrow subservient living on IMF and foreign charity . There is utter confusion. Nation is divided. There are two classes, the extremists and the pliant puppets of foreign powers. Disunited on the goals, what we are what we want to be. Look at the killing spree the destruction of our Northern areas, the devastation of Swat- Swat is burning, northern areas are burning, lost people burning the cradles of learning, all in the name of Islam. Is it Islam? Every teaching of Islam is being disrespected. Islam says if you kill one innocent it is like killing the whole humanity. I will only take the most important matter of national concern today ; the move to deny education, modern education as well as Pakistani studies - education, schools education of boys and girls which is at the alter of sacrifice, and strangely in the name of Islam. I hang my head in pain and in shame. I might explain that I have studied both Arabic language and Quran and Hadith from third class primary to undergraduate classes. I have some knowledge of the subject I am writing on and not a foreign oriented person in culture or knowledge It happens that I was educated in Islamic schools and institutions, learned Arabic language from third elementary class, it was compulsory with teaching of the Holy Quran and Hadith right from the third elementary in Jamia Millia Islamia . I went to Aligarh University, that citadel of Islamic modernism and custodian of Muslim values and culture. There teaching of Islamic fiqh , the book of Quduri, was compulsory and passing examination in Islamic subjects was essential for promotion to the next class. . They judged us leniently in fiqh because they merely wanted us to know what Islamic values and traditions were and not to let these subjects stand in our way for higher learning of science and arts, literature and medicine, etc. So when I say what is happening in Swat and Northern areas it is not Islam I have some idea of Islamic injunctions and ahadith sharif and the Holy Quran, and Islamic history, culture and traditions. In our part of the world female education was not unknown. My mother, who was a daughter of an orthodox father, a Sufi, went to St John’s Girls Student in Agra in the early twentieth century like my father went to Oxford and Lincoln’s Inn but knew Arabic and Persian like he knew English . Girls of my family were well educated, to be a B A in those days was nothing strange. My sister who died at 80 or so two years ago was an M A Economics and a student of Raana Liaquat Ali Khan who was professor of economics at Inder Prastha Girls College Delhi before marrying Liaquat- the first Prime minister. Girls of my family observed Islamic injunctions despite all this modern education.
Imagine, in Aligarh University the Ahadis, sayings of the Holy Prophet exhorting Muslims to seek knowledge were engraved on prominent places in the university “ Seek knowledge even if it be in China”, “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave” and “Acquiring knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim man and Muslim Woman” ( muslimin and Muslimatin) . Imagine what these ahadiths sharif told the Muslims. First acquiring knowledge was compulsory for both, man and woman, not optional, not that it is useful if Muslims men and women acquire knowledge but “farizatun” or no way you could ignore it. It need be reminded that the first Ayat of Quran, Al Alaq the very first word of the ayat revealed on the Holy Prophet SAWS begins with Divine Order “ Read” Iqra, In the name of Allah who created you from a blood clot, taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know. The Holy Quran says “ Nun, and by the pen, and what they writ” Learning is enjoined by the Holy Quran on all Muslims.
Go to China if necessary to seek knowledge or for learning. It meant wide scope on acquiring wisdom from where ever it could be gathered, no prohibition since you would reject your self if it is un-Islamic and accept if it is not in conflict with Islam. Obviously China in the days of Holy Prophet SAWS would be from Saudi Arabia. May be to travel to China from Saudi Arabia must have been as difficult as today from Earth to moon. Seek knowledge , seek from childhood to old age , no closing the doors of learning and compulsory both for men and women. In the days of the Holy Prophet, SAWS, prisoners of war in battles with Muslims, could earn their liberty just by teaching ten Muslim elementary reading and writing. This was the value the Holy Prophet SAWS gave to education for Muslims.. It was his program of adult education for illiterate Muslims. Nor in early Islamic days education was denied to women. It is said that there were very learned women in early days of Islam in Arabia itself like Rabia Basri and quite a few others among whose pupils had been well known Muslim male scholars. In early Abbasid Caliphs Baghdad became a center of knowledge and under a Translation Bureau set up in that city the old Greek books were translated by experts knowing Greek and Siryani through whom the Greek wisdom was transferred to Europe. There are case in later history when the Roman Emperors sent envoys to Baghdad and Istanbul to get a copy of those books.
The Renaissance in Europe started through these books . In twelfth century it is said that in Paris and Padua universities Arabic was the medium of instruction. One need not go to Andalusia or Islamic Spain to talk of the various disciplines of knowledge, medicine, surgery, astronomy mathematics which were acquired by the west from there. The glory of a people is not just in conquests and use of sword but knowledge as well.
Now, if the Taleban are destroying the schools and destroying Girls schools and closing the doors of knowledge on female students are they obeying the Holy Prophet SAWS or defying his teachings.? Can a Muslim reject what the holy Prophet commanded the Muslims to do, not as optional but as compulsory duty? What reply they would be able to give to the Holy Prophet on the Day of Judgment. why they closed the doors of knowledge on Muslim women.? I read that about 40,000 students have been deprived of education in Swat as their schools have been destroyed by the Taleban . If someone destroys the schools or the center of teaching and learning how would the young Muslims both male and female learn knowledge. If the places from where education is imparted are destroyed it seems it would be an impediment in education. The injunction of the Holy prophet to acquire knowledge will be frustrated. A Muslim should create circumstances in which the injunctions of the Holy Prophet SAWS can be acted upon. Not make it impossible to comply with the Holy injunctions. To destroy the schools would be contrary to the Holy Prophet’s ( SAWS) instructions. In fact it would be disregarding the Holy Prophet’s (SAWS) instructions. Would it not be doing exactly opposite to what the Holy Prophet SAWS asked the Ummah to do. If they destroy the places of learning then how education can be impart3ed to the male and female students? The Muslims will become backward and by getting advanced the other peoples would make Muslims their slaves. Do we want to make us subservient?
I am inclined to think that these are not true Taleban or are they foreign elements who have infiltrated among the genuine Taleban.? It is surprising that no one in the responsible positions in the Governmnet has at all spoken on this subject drawing attention to these holy injunctions. In speaking of the Holy Prophet’s injunctions the leaders and the media should quote exactly the words of the Hadith in Arabic so they carry weight with the Taleban quoting the sorces of these Hadith and other religious injunctions. Much of our common man does not read news papers and much less English newspapers. Perhaps private TV channels should start a program on this subject which would take the message to the Taleban and the common man in Swat and Northern Areas. This program should be repeated to reach wide circle. It is surprising that Sherry Rahman whose elders founded Sindh Madrasatul Islam Karachi , as I understand, where my father was educated upto High School, has not quoted a single Hadith in support of educating female even those few I have mentioned above. .
There are many learned persons, scholars like Ghamdi, Dr Zaman, Mahmoud Ghazi who can help in putting across the message of the Holy Prophet SAWS in regard to female education. It is an elementary principle that one speaks the same language with a person whom one wants to convince which he understands. With Taleban quoting the Holy Quran and Hadith and Islamic authorities is necessary when convincing them about a certain view point. But the persons should carry conviction with them because of their standing in Islamic traditions.
Surah Al-Alaq
IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE DISPENSER OF GRACE
READ in the name of thy Sustainer, who has created –
created man out of a germ-cell!
Read - for thy Sustainer is the Most Bountiful One
who has taught [man] the use of the pen –
taught man what he did not know!
Nay, verily, man becomes grossly overweening
whenever he believes himself to be self-sufficient:
for, behold, unto thy Sustainer all must return.
HAST THOU ever considered him who tries to prevent
a servant [of God] from praying?
Hast thou considered whether he is on the right way,
or is concerned with God-consciousness?
Hast thou considered whether he may [not] be giving the lie to the truth and turning his back [upon it]?
Does he, then, not know that God sees [all]?
Nay, if he desist not, We shall most surely drag him down upon his forehead –
the lying, rebellious forehead! –
and then let him summon [to his aid] the counsels of his own [spurious] wisdom,
[the while] We shall summon the forces of heavenly chastisement!
Nay, pay thou no heed to him, but prostrate thyself [before God] and draw close [unto Him]!
Al-Quran.
Dr.S.M.Koreshi is former diplomat of Pakistan, who is a columnist in an English Newspaper daily, Pakistan Observer. Below is his article "Please this is not Islam." which was published in the Pakistan Observer on 28th Jan, 2009.
Please this is not Islam.
When we the generation which made Pakistan, the students in their teens who formed the spear head of the Pakistan Movement, chanting on the roads, ley ke rahingey Pakistan, Bat ke rahey ga Hindustan, - take we will our Pakistan, make we will our Pakistan- we had unshakable confidence in ourselves, sure of the place we wanted to give to our dreamland in the world comity of nations, proud, strong, self reliant, hoping that Pakistan will write a new history of glory of Muslims. As Iqbal said when the soul of falcon is awaken in the youth, they see their destiny as high as sky. We did wonders in making a new state out of almost zero, the towns of Karachi, Lahore, Pindi were small, no roads, no industry, no electricity worth the name, only one university in Lahore, no schools, etc, no this, no that thing- go on counting of no this thing and no that thing. We made it a country, we wanted to be competitive with the Hindus, the West, the advanced countries of the world. We did well initially. We were then united. Now there are very few common values among all sections of society. There are no common leaders. Common man is leaderless, at national level. .
Now it seems we are a lost people, no pride in our selves, do not know where we are going, no goals, dithering away, not sure of our tomorrow subservient living on IMF and foreign charity . There is utter confusion. Nation is divided. There are two classes, the extremists and the pliant puppets of foreign powers. Disunited on the goals, what we are what we want to be. Look at the killing spree the destruction of our Northern areas, the devastation of Swat- Swat is burning, northern areas are burning, lost people burning the cradles of learning, all in the name of Islam. Is it Islam? Every teaching of Islam is being disrespected. Islam says if you kill one innocent it is like killing the whole humanity. I will only take the most important matter of national concern today ; the move to deny education, modern education as well as Pakistani studies - education, schools education of boys and girls which is at the alter of sacrifice, and strangely in the name of Islam. I hang my head in pain and in shame. I might explain that I have studied both Arabic language and Quran and Hadith from third class primary to undergraduate classes. I have some knowledge of the subject I am writing on and not a foreign oriented person in culture or knowledge It happens that I was educated in Islamic schools and institutions, learned Arabic language from third elementary class, it was compulsory with teaching of the Holy Quran and Hadith right from the third elementary in Jamia Millia Islamia . I went to Aligarh University, that citadel of Islamic modernism and custodian of Muslim values and culture. There teaching of Islamic fiqh , the book of Quduri, was compulsory and passing examination in Islamic subjects was essential for promotion to the next class. . They judged us leniently in fiqh because they merely wanted us to know what Islamic values and traditions were and not to let these subjects stand in our way for higher learning of science and arts, literature and medicine, etc. So when I say what is happening in Swat and Northern areas it is not Islam I have some idea of Islamic injunctions and ahadith sharif and the Holy Quran, and Islamic history, culture and traditions. In our part of the world female education was not unknown. My mother, who was a daughter of an orthodox father, a Sufi, went to St John’s Girls Student in Agra in the early twentieth century like my father went to Oxford and Lincoln’s Inn but knew Arabic and Persian like he knew English . Girls of my family were well educated, to be a B A in those days was nothing strange. My sister who died at 80 or so two years ago was an M A Economics and a student of Raana Liaquat Ali Khan who was professor of economics at Inder Prastha Girls College Delhi before marrying Liaquat- the first Prime minister. Girls of my family observed Islamic injunctions despite all this modern education.
Imagine, in Aligarh University the Ahadis, sayings of the Holy Prophet exhorting Muslims to seek knowledge were engraved on prominent places in the university “ Seek knowledge even if it be in China”, “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave” and “Acquiring knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim man and Muslim Woman” ( muslimin and Muslimatin) . Imagine what these ahadiths sharif told the Muslims. First acquiring knowledge was compulsory for both, man and woman, not optional, not that it is useful if Muslims men and women acquire knowledge but “farizatun” or no way you could ignore it. It need be reminded that the first Ayat of Quran, Al Alaq the very first word of the ayat revealed on the Holy Prophet SAWS begins with Divine Order “ Read” Iqra, In the name of Allah who created you from a blood clot, taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know. The Holy Quran says “ Nun, and by the pen, and what they writ” Learning is enjoined by the Holy Quran on all Muslims.
Go to China if necessary to seek knowledge or for learning. It meant wide scope on acquiring wisdom from where ever it could be gathered, no prohibition since you would reject your self if it is un-Islamic and accept if it is not in conflict with Islam. Obviously China in the days of Holy Prophet SAWS would be from Saudi Arabia. May be to travel to China from Saudi Arabia must have been as difficult as today from Earth to moon. Seek knowledge , seek from childhood to old age , no closing the doors of learning and compulsory both for men and women. In the days of the Holy Prophet, SAWS, prisoners of war in battles with Muslims, could earn their liberty just by teaching ten Muslim elementary reading and writing. This was the value the Holy Prophet SAWS gave to education for Muslims.. It was his program of adult education for illiterate Muslims. Nor in early Islamic days education was denied to women. It is said that there were very learned women in early days of Islam in Arabia itself like Rabia Basri and quite a few others among whose pupils had been well known Muslim male scholars. In early Abbasid Caliphs Baghdad became a center of knowledge and under a Translation Bureau set up in that city the old Greek books were translated by experts knowing Greek and Siryani through whom the Greek wisdom was transferred to Europe. There are case in later history when the Roman Emperors sent envoys to Baghdad and Istanbul to get a copy of those books.
The Renaissance in Europe started through these books . In twelfth century it is said that in Paris and Padua universities Arabic was the medium of instruction. One need not go to Andalusia or Islamic Spain to talk of the various disciplines of knowledge, medicine, surgery, astronomy mathematics which were acquired by the west from there. The glory of a people is not just in conquests and use of sword but knowledge as well.
Now, if the Taleban are destroying the schools and destroying Girls schools and closing the doors of knowledge on female students are they obeying the Holy Prophet SAWS or defying his teachings.? Can a Muslim reject what the holy Prophet commanded the Muslims to do, not as optional but as compulsory duty? What reply they would be able to give to the Holy Prophet on the Day of Judgment. why they closed the doors of knowledge on Muslim women.? I read that about 40,000 students have been deprived of education in Swat as their schools have been destroyed by the Taleban . If someone destroys the schools or the center of teaching and learning how would the young Muslims both male and female learn knowledge. If the places from where education is imparted are destroyed it seems it would be an impediment in education. The injunction of the Holy prophet to acquire knowledge will be frustrated. A Muslim should create circumstances in which the injunctions of the Holy Prophet SAWS can be acted upon. Not make it impossible to comply with the Holy injunctions. To destroy the schools would be contrary to the Holy Prophet’s ( SAWS) instructions. In fact it would be disregarding the Holy Prophet’s (SAWS) instructions. Would it not be doing exactly opposite to what the Holy Prophet SAWS asked the Ummah to do. If they destroy the places of learning then how education can be impart3ed to the male and female students? The Muslims will become backward and by getting advanced the other peoples would make Muslims their slaves. Do we want to make us subservient?
I am inclined to think that these are not true Taleban or are they foreign elements who have infiltrated among the genuine Taleban.? It is surprising that no one in the responsible positions in the Governmnet has at all spoken on this subject drawing attention to these holy injunctions. In speaking of the Holy Prophet’s injunctions the leaders and the media should quote exactly the words of the Hadith in Arabic so they carry weight with the Taleban quoting the sorces of these Hadith and other religious injunctions. Much of our common man does not read news papers and much less English newspapers. Perhaps private TV channels should start a program on this subject which would take the message to the Taleban and the common man in Swat and Northern Areas. This program should be repeated to reach wide circle. It is surprising that Sherry Rahman whose elders founded Sindh Madrasatul Islam Karachi , as I understand, where my father was educated upto High School, has not quoted a single Hadith in support of educating female even those few I have mentioned above. .
There are many learned persons, scholars like Ghamdi, Dr Zaman, Mahmoud Ghazi who can help in putting across the message of the Holy Prophet SAWS in regard to female education. It is an elementary principle that one speaks the same language with a person whom one wants to convince which he understands. With Taleban quoting the Holy Quran and Hadith and Islamic authorities is necessary when convincing them about a certain view point. But the persons should carry conviction with them because of their standing in Islamic traditions.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Domestic Violence...something to ponder.
A well educated couple with four children, founder of an independent television station, Bridges TV, caught up in domestic violence resulting in murder. Rasullallah Mohammad (pbuh) said, Anger is forbidden in Islam. Forbidden, it is the same word used for the consumption of pork. Muslims around the world would make sure that pork will not contaminate their food, but some how when it comes to anger we put it in another catagory. Whenever a person lets anger take over their cognitive abilities they commit heinous crimes. Hazrat Ali said "strongest amongst you is the one who controls his anger". Muslims should follow the example of their beloved prohet Mohammad (pbuh)and keep a cool mind and maintain a happy home. We must also remember that in Islam it is the duty of both a man and a woman to make a happy home, but the duty falls heavily on the man's shoulder as he is given superiority over the woman, as a protector. Below is the open letter of the ISNA,Islamic Society of North America,to the muslim community...let us extend this responsibility of protection to our non-Muslim neighbors in our communities as well.
ISNA’s response to the murder of Aasiya (Zubair) Hassan & domestic violence
February 17, 2009 – 7:33 pm
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Aasiya Hassan, Bridges TV, domestic violence, ISNA
http://www.isna.net/articles/News/RESPONDING-TO-THE-KILLING-OF-AASIYA-HASSAN-AN-OPEN-LETTER-TO-THE-LEADERS-OF-AMERICAN-MUSLI.aspx
By Imam Mohamed Hagmagid Ali
Executive Director, ADAMS Center
Vice-President, The Islamic Society of North America
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is saddened and shocked by the news of the loss of one of our respected sisters, Aasiya Hassan whose life was taken violently. To God we belong and to Him we return (Qur’an 2:156). We pray that she find peace in God’s infinite Mercy, and our prayers and sympathies are with sister Aasiya’s family. Our prayers are also with the Muslim community of Buffalo who have been devastated by the loss of their beloved sister and the shocking nature of this incident.
This is a wake up call to all of us, that violence against women is real and can not be ignored. It must be addressed collectively by every member of our community. Several times each day in America, a woman is abused or assaulted. Domestic violence is a behavior that knows no boundaries of religion, race, ethnicity, or social status. Domestic violence occurs in every community. The Muslim community is not exempt from this issue. We, the Muslim community, need to take a strong stand against domestic violence. Unfortunately, some of us ignore such problems in our community, wanting to think that it does not occur among Muslims or we downgrade its seriousness.
I call upon my fellow imams and community leaders to never second-guess a woman who comes to us indicating that she feels her life to be in danger. We should provide support and help to protect the victims of domestic violence by providing for them a safe place and inform them of their rights as well as refer them to social service providers in our areas.
Marriage is a relationship that should be based on love, mutual respect and kindness. No one who experiences a marriage that is built on these principles would pretend that their life is in danger. We must respond to all complaints or reports of abuse as genuine and we must take appropriate and immediate action to ensure the victim’s safety, as well as the safety of any children that may be involved.
Women who seek divorce from their spouses because of physical abuse should get full support from the community and should not be viewed as someone who has brought shame to herself or her family. The shame is on the person who committed the act of violence or abuse. Our community needs to take a strong stand against abusive spouses. We should not make it easy for people who are known to abuse to remarry if they have already victimized someone. We should support people who work against domestic violence in our community, whether they are educators, social service providers, community leaders, or other professionals.
Our community needs to take strong stand against abusive spouses and we should not make it easy for them to remarry if they chose a path of abusive behavior. We should support people who work against domestic violence in our community, whether they are educators or social service providers. As Allah says in the Qur’an: “O ye who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do” (4:136).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never hit a women or child in his life. The purpose of marriage is to bring peace and tranquility between two people, not fear, intimidation, belittling, controlling, or demonizing. Allah the All-Mighty says in the Qur’an: “Among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are signs for those who reflect” (30:21),
We must make it a priority to teach our young men in the community what it means to be a good husband and what the role the husband has as a protector of his family. The husband is not one who terrorizes or does harm and jeopardizes the safety of his family. At the same time, we must teach our young women not to accept abuse in any way, and to come forward if abuse occurs in the marriage. They must feel that they are able to inform those who are in authority and feel comfortable confiding in the imams and social workers of our communities.
Community and family members should support a woman in her decision to leave a home where her life is threatened and provide shelter and safety for her. No imam, mosque leader or social worker should suggest that she return to such a relationship and to be patient if she feels the relationship is abusive. Rather they should help and empower her to stand up for her rights and to be able to make the decision of protecting herself against her abuser without feeling she has done something wrong, regardless of the status of the abuser in the community.
A man’s position in the community should not affect the imam’s decision to help a woman in need. Many disasters that take place in our community could have been prevented if those being abused were heard. Domestic violence is not a private matter. Any one who abuses their spouse should know that their business becomes the business of the community and it is our responsibility to do something about it. She needs to tell someone and seek advice and protection.
Community leaders should also be aware that those who isolate their spouses are more likely to also be physically abusive, as isolation is in its own way a form of abuse. Some of the abusers use the abuse itself to silence the women, by telling her “If you tell people I abused you, think how people will see you, a well-known person being abused. You should keep it private.”
Therefore, to our sisters, we say: your honor is to live a dignified life, not to put on the face that others want to see. The way that we measure the best people among us in the community is to see how they treat their families. It is not about how much money one makes, or how much involvement they have in the community, or the name they make for themselves. Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said, “The best among you are those who are best to their families.”
It was a comfort for me to see a group of imams in our local community, as well as in the MANA conference signing a declaration promising to eradicate domestic violence in our community. Healthy marriages should be part of a curriculum within our youth programs, MSA conferences, and seminars as well as part of our adult programs in our masajid and in our khutbahs.
The Islamic Society of North America has done many training workshops for imams on combating domestic violence, as has the Islamic Social Service Associate and Peaceful Families Project. Organizations, such as FAITH Social Services in Herndon, Virginia, serve survivors of domestic violence. All of these organizations can serve as resources for those who seek to know more about the issues of domestic violence.
Faith Trust Institute, one of the largest interfaith organizations, with Peaceful Families Project, has produced a DVD in which many scholars come together to address this issue. I call on my fellow imams and social workers to use this DVD for training others on the issues of domestic violence. (For information, go to the website: http://www.faithtrustinstitute.org/). For more information, or to access resources and materials about domestic violence, please visit www.peacefulfamilies.org.
In conclusion, Allah says in the Qur’an “O my son! Establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong; and bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs” (31:17). Let us pray that Allah will help us to stand for what is right and leave what is evil and to promote healthy marriages and peaceful family environments. Let us work together to prevent domestic violence and abuse and especially, violence against women.
A well educated couple with four children, founder of an independent television station, Bridges TV, caught up in domestic violence resulting in murder. Rasullallah Mohammad (pbuh) said, Anger is forbidden in Islam. Forbidden, it is the same word used for the consumption of pork. Muslims around the world would make sure that pork will not contaminate their food, but some how when it comes to anger we put it in another catagory. Whenever a person lets anger take over their cognitive abilities they commit heinous crimes. Hazrat Ali said "strongest amongst you is the one who controls his anger". Muslims should follow the example of their beloved prohet Mohammad (pbuh)and keep a cool mind and maintain a happy home. We must also remember that in Islam it is the duty of both a man and a woman to make a happy home, but the duty falls heavily on the man's shoulder as he is given superiority over the woman, as a protector. Below is the open letter of the ISNA,Islamic Society of North America,to the muslim community...let us extend this responsibility of protection to our non-Muslim neighbors in our communities as well.
ISNA’s response to the murder of Aasiya (Zubair) Hassan & domestic violence
February 17, 2009 – 7:33 pm
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Aasiya Hassan, Bridges TV, domestic violence, ISNA
http://www.isna.net/articles/News/RESPONDING-TO-THE-KILLING-OF-AASIYA-HASSAN-AN-OPEN-LETTER-TO-THE-LEADERS-OF-AMERICAN-MUSLI.aspx
By Imam Mohamed Hagmagid Ali
Executive Director, ADAMS Center
Vice-President, The Islamic Society of North America
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is saddened and shocked by the news of the loss of one of our respected sisters, Aasiya Hassan whose life was taken violently. To God we belong and to Him we return (Qur’an 2:156). We pray that she find peace in God’s infinite Mercy, and our prayers and sympathies are with sister Aasiya’s family. Our prayers are also with the Muslim community of Buffalo who have been devastated by the loss of their beloved sister and the shocking nature of this incident.
This is a wake up call to all of us, that violence against women is real and can not be ignored. It must be addressed collectively by every member of our community. Several times each day in America, a woman is abused or assaulted. Domestic violence is a behavior that knows no boundaries of religion, race, ethnicity, or social status. Domestic violence occurs in every community. The Muslim community is not exempt from this issue. We, the Muslim community, need to take a strong stand against domestic violence. Unfortunately, some of us ignore such problems in our community, wanting to think that it does not occur among Muslims or we downgrade its seriousness.
I call upon my fellow imams and community leaders to never second-guess a woman who comes to us indicating that she feels her life to be in danger. We should provide support and help to protect the victims of domestic violence by providing for them a safe place and inform them of their rights as well as refer them to social service providers in our areas.
Marriage is a relationship that should be based on love, mutual respect and kindness. No one who experiences a marriage that is built on these principles would pretend that their life is in danger. We must respond to all complaints or reports of abuse as genuine and we must take appropriate and immediate action to ensure the victim’s safety, as well as the safety of any children that may be involved.
Women who seek divorce from their spouses because of physical abuse should get full support from the community and should not be viewed as someone who has brought shame to herself or her family. The shame is on the person who committed the act of violence or abuse. Our community needs to take a strong stand against abusive spouses. We should not make it easy for people who are known to abuse to remarry if they have already victimized someone. We should support people who work against domestic violence in our community, whether they are educators, social service providers, community leaders, or other professionals.
Our community needs to take strong stand against abusive spouses and we should not make it easy for them to remarry if they chose a path of abusive behavior. We should support people who work against domestic violence in our community, whether they are educators or social service providers. As Allah says in the Qur’an: “O ye who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do” (4:136).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never hit a women or child in his life. The purpose of marriage is to bring peace and tranquility between two people, not fear, intimidation, belittling, controlling, or demonizing. Allah the All-Mighty says in the Qur’an: “Among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are signs for those who reflect” (30:21),
We must make it a priority to teach our young men in the community what it means to be a good husband and what the role the husband has as a protector of his family. The husband is not one who terrorizes or does harm and jeopardizes the safety of his family. At the same time, we must teach our young women not to accept abuse in any way, and to come forward if abuse occurs in the marriage. They must feel that they are able to inform those who are in authority and feel comfortable confiding in the imams and social workers of our communities.
Community and family members should support a woman in her decision to leave a home where her life is threatened and provide shelter and safety for her. No imam, mosque leader or social worker should suggest that she return to such a relationship and to be patient if she feels the relationship is abusive. Rather they should help and empower her to stand up for her rights and to be able to make the decision of protecting herself against her abuser without feeling she has done something wrong, regardless of the status of the abuser in the community.
A man’s position in the community should not affect the imam’s decision to help a woman in need. Many disasters that take place in our community could have been prevented if those being abused were heard. Domestic violence is not a private matter. Any one who abuses their spouse should know that their business becomes the business of the community and it is our responsibility to do something about it. She needs to tell someone and seek advice and protection.
Community leaders should also be aware that those who isolate their spouses are more likely to also be physically abusive, as isolation is in its own way a form of abuse. Some of the abusers use the abuse itself to silence the women, by telling her “If you tell people I abused you, think how people will see you, a well-known person being abused. You should keep it private.”
Therefore, to our sisters, we say: your honor is to live a dignified life, not to put on the face that others want to see. The way that we measure the best people among us in the community is to see how they treat their families. It is not about how much money one makes, or how much involvement they have in the community, or the name they make for themselves. Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said, “The best among you are those who are best to their families.”
It was a comfort for me to see a group of imams in our local community, as well as in the MANA conference signing a declaration promising to eradicate domestic violence in our community. Healthy marriages should be part of a curriculum within our youth programs, MSA conferences, and seminars as well as part of our adult programs in our masajid and in our khutbahs.
The Islamic Society of North America has done many training workshops for imams on combating domestic violence, as has the Islamic Social Service Associate and Peaceful Families Project. Organizations, such as FAITH Social Services in Herndon, Virginia, serve survivors of domestic violence. All of these organizations can serve as resources for those who seek to know more about the issues of domestic violence.
Faith Trust Institute, one of the largest interfaith organizations, with Peaceful Families Project, has produced a DVD in which many scholars come together to address this issue. I call on my fellow imams and social workers to use this DVD for training others on the issues of domestic violence. (For information, go to the website: http://www.faithtrustinstitute.org/). For more information, or to access resources and materials about domestic violence, please visit www.peacefulfamilies.org.
In conclusion, Allah says in the Qur’an “O my son! Establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong; and bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs” (31:17). Let us pray that Allah will help us to stand for what is right and leave what is evil and to promote healthy marriages and peaceful family environments. Let us work together to prevent domestic violence and abuse and especially, violence against women.
Monday, February 16, 2009
United we stand.
Muslims all over the world should listen to this address Pres. Obama gave on Lincoln's 200 Birthday. We are facing the same economic and security challenges that America faces today. We are seeing the financial institutions in the same meltdown as the American institutions; America is fighting two war, they are outside its borders but we share the enemies. All muslims countries are fighting two war. One at its borders while the other within its borders. But Obama stresses that it is the unity as a nation and the strive to achieve the common goals for our country while striving for individual dream, can only guide us to meet and overcome all challenges. Muslim history is full of heros and heroins who have proven themselves that we can emerge victorious out of these adverse times.
This speech is for the American people but it speaks to all of us. We should have courage and patience to identify our goal, organize our thoughts, pick ourselves up, dust the clouds of hopelessness off us and rethink a plan of action to unite our people, guide our governments, educate ourselves of the pros and cons of our strategy and go full speed to achieve our goal with full trust in Allah to help us succeed.
This speech is for the American people but it speaks to all of us. We should have courage and patience to identify our goal, organize our thoughts, pick ourselves up, dust the clouds of hopelessness off us and rethink a plan of action to unite our people, guide our governments, educate ourselves of the pros and cons of our strategy and go full speed to achieve our goal with full trust in Allah to help us succeed.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Stimulus package # 2
When companies try to save themselves by downsizing itself, they layoff employees, which sets into motion a chain reaction of misfortunes. The laid off employees eventually falls back on their bill payments resulting in the banks and mortgage lending companies into acquiring bad loans. Now these lending organizations then turn to the government for capital to keep themselves afloat. An example of which we have already seen in stimulus package#1.
Now the laid off employees are forced to tap into their saving accounts, like 401K, retirement accounts; forcing the brokerage firms to withdraw funds and once again they will turn to uncle Sam for help--stimulus package#2-- promising to downsize further in hopes of saving themselves from total collapse.
Increased unemployment burdens the social system for public support in the form of public housing, public health, public safety, welfare and transport etc. a cyclic problem leading one into another.
I read an article today suggesting a kind of sane solution to all this problem. The proposed solution is that companies should stop downsizing and laying off its employees, rather they should reduce the salaries and benefits of the employees to achieve savings. When every one in the company suffers it becomes a bigger motivation for all to save the company.
No simple answers but hope that everyone will try for the benefit of the company. This ship must not capsize; it should remain afloat and all should be done so that it will regain its thrust and course towards higher seas.
Now the laid off employees are forced to tap into their saving accounts, like 401K, retirement accounts; forcing the brokerage firms to withdraw funds and once again they will turn to uncle Sam for help--stimulus package#2-- promising to downsize further in hopes of saving themselves from total collapse.
Increased unemployment burdens the social system for public support in the form of public housing, public health, public safety, welfare and transport etc. a cyclic problem leading one into another.
I read an article today suggesting a kind of sane solution to all this problem. The proposed solution is that companies should stop downsizing and laying off its employees, rather they should reduce the salaries and benefits of the employees to achieve savings. When every one in the company suffers it becomes a bigger motivation for all to save the company.
No simple answers but hope that everyone will try for the benefit of the company. This ship must not capsize; it should remain afloat and all should be done so that it will regain its thrust and course towards higher seas.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Today Richard Holbrook met with the Pakistani administration to discuss the situation there. One thing very encouraging was duly noted.. the body language. Holbrook indicated that the world should understand the situation Pakistan is facing today. President Obama also spoke to the President of Pakistan and confirmed that his administration is willing to listen and review the policy of the previous eight years. The mutual trust and respect that President Obama had promised in his inaugural speech seems to be genuine.
I concur to the views of Pakistani foreign minister that there are two type of resistant force in the FATA region, the non-conciliatory and the conciliatory, and we should discriminate in our dealings with them. Not long ago in the times of Ayub Khan, Pakistan was an image of growth, prosperity and modernization. Today the face of Pakistan is completely distorted and smudged. However, 99% of Pakistani population is sincere and patriotic and it breaks their hearts to see an ailing Pakistan.
Talibanized, terrorized and backward Pakistan is not the dream of any Pakistani. They want to see their children compete and succeed on international level in academics, athletics, technology and innovation. Average Pakistani works hard to provide the best to their families, and they want to prosper and live a peaceful life today and in the future. A handful of people with their extremist ideologies and behaviors cannot and will not hijack Pakistan or hold it hostage to its crime. The people of Pakistan are not with them and announce jihad against such forces.
I concur to the views of Pakistani foreign minister that there are two type of resistant force in the FATA region, the non-conciliatory and the conciliatory, and we should discriminate in our dealings with them. Not long ago in the times of Ayub Khan, Pakistan was an image of growth, prosperity and modernization. Today the face of Pakistan is completely distorted and smudged. However, 99% of Pakistani population is sincere and patriotic and it breaks their hearts to see an ailing Pakistan.
Talibanized, terrorized and backward Pakistan is not the dream of any Pakistani. They want to see their children compete and succeed on international level in academics, athletics, technology and innovation. Average Pakistani works hard to provide the best to their families, and they want to prosper and live a peaceful life today and in the future. A handful of people with their extremist ideologies and behaviors cannot and will not hijack Pakistan or hold it hostage to its crime. The people of Pakistan are not with them and announce jihad against such forces.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Got an email from the president...
Tell me what do you propose we should do?
Swaliha
The economic crisis is growing more serious every day, and the time for action has come.Last week, the House of Representatives passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will jumpstart our economy and put more than 3 million people back to work.I hope to sign the recovery plan into law in the next few weeks. But I need your help to spread the word and build support.It's not enough for this bill to simply pass Congress. Americans need to know how it will affect their lives -- they need to know that help is on the way and that this administration is investing in economic growth and stability.Governor Tim Kaine has agreed to record a video outlining the recovery plan and answering questions about what it means for your community. You can submit your questions online and then invite your friends, family, and neighbors to watch the video with you at an Economic Recovery House Meeting.Join thousands of people across the country by hosting or attending an Economic Recovery House Meeting this weekend.The stakes are too high to allow partisan politics to get in the way.That's why I've consulted with Republicans as well as Democrats to put together a plan that will address the crisis we face.I've also taken steps to ensure an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Once it's passed, you will be able to see how every penny in this plan is being spent.You can help restore confidence in our economy by making sure your friends, family, and neighbors understand how the recovery plan will impact your community.Sign up to host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting and submit your question for the video now:http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryOur ability to come together as a nation in difficult times has never been more important.I know I can rely on your spirit and resolve as we lead our country to recovery.Thank you,President Barack ObamaP.S. -- If you can't host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting, you can still submit your questions for Governor Kaine and then share the video with your friends and family this weekend. Learn more here:http://my.barackobama.com/recovery
Tell me what do you propose we should do?
Swaliha
The economic crisis is growing more serious every day, and the time for action has come.Last week, the House of Representatives passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will jumpstart our economy and put more than 3 million people back to work.I hope to sign the recovery plan into law in the next few weeks. But I need your help to spread the word and build support.It's not enough for this bill to simply pass Congress. Americans need to know how it will affect their lives -- they need to know that help is on the way and that this administration is investing in economic growth and stability.Governor Tim Kaine has agreed to record a video outlining the recovery plan and answering questions about what it means for your community. You can submit your questions online and then invite your friends, family, and neighbors to watch the video with you at an Economic Recovery House Meeting.Join thousands of people across the country by hosting or attending an Economic Recovery House Meeting this weekend.The stakes are too high to allow partisan politics to get in the way.That's why I've consulted with Republicans as well as Democrats to put together a plan that will address the crisis we face.I've also taken steps to ensure an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Once it's passed, you will be able to see how every penny in this plan is being spent.You can help restore confidence in our economy by making sure your friends, family, and neighbors understand how the recovery plan will impact your community.Sign up to host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting and submit your question for the video now:http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryOur ability to come together as a nation in difficult times has never been more important.I know I can rely on your spirit and resolve as we lead our country to recovery.Thank you,President Barack ObamaP.S. -- If you can't host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting, you can still submit your questions for Governor Kaine and then share the video with your friends and family this weekend. Learn more here:http://my.barackobama.com/recovery
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