Islam

RAMALLAH, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Israel plans to demolish 900 Palestinian houses in Jerusalem, a Palestinian official warned on Wednesday. "The plan was given to a private firm to demolish the houses and building housing units and settlements in the Old ...  

Settler attacks on Palestinians escalate while Israel does nothing to apprehend the culprits, writes Khaled Amayreh in Ramallah. Paramilitary Jewish terrorists have stepped up their attacks on Palestinians and their property throughout the West Bank, with the Israeli occupation army doing next to nothing to stop them. The settlers, who act on religious rulings issued by local rabbis, have long adopted a policy whereby they attack...  

No point blaming Israeli occupation — the contest faced its strongest opposition inside the West Bank by Catrina Stewart, GlobalPost RAMALLAH, West Bank — It was never going to be an easy sell. But when the Ramallah authorities ordered the indefinite postponement of the West Bank's first-ever Miss Palestine contest just days before the final, there was a sense of inevitability about it...  

The worst part of this is not even the flagrant attempt to claim victim status for this vile killer, although that is spectacularly bad enough. The worst part is that the Qur'an is what drove him to commit these crimes in the first place -- as he himself bore witness...  

All the swimsuits and suicide belts might have been interesting to see, but it ain't happening. There is, after all, no fun in Islam (the Ayatollah Khomeini said that). Sharia Alert: "Mideast: West Bank; Miss Palestine Pageant Cancelled," from ANSAmed, December 21 (thanks to C. Cantoni): (ANSAmed) - RAMALLAH, DECEMBER...  

Muslim Arabs hunted, enslaved, tortured and killed ethnic Africans for a millennium. Middle Eastern Muslim Arabs have a history of over 1400 years of human slavery, which even continues today in the Middle East. Arab Muslims controlled, maintained, initiated slavery of ethnic Africans. Islams Arab prophet Muhammad himself brought, kept and sold African slaves.A blog with relevant information for the world.  

“Democracy promotion” in Palestine. CIA working with Palestinian security agents. 12.17.2009 | The Guardian. Palestinian security agents who have been detaining and allegedly torturing supporters of the Islamist organisation Hamas in ...  

The Worldnutdaily has its typically hysterical overreaction to the fact that a Muslim mosque has opened just a few blocks from where the World Trade Center was before 9/11. Never mind that the head of the mosque is a guy who works with the FBI teaching Islamic culture to their agents and has helped the United States in reaching out to the Muslim world to repair the damage done by Abu Ghraib and other atrocities. He's a Muslim and Muslims are...  

Claude Cartaginese" Allah most merciful, for whose forgiveness there is not a sin too large."The above words are those of Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf.The Imam—and an unidentified Muslim group, which he represents—has paid $4.85 million dollars in cash to purchase the site of the old Burlington Coat Factory, located right around the corner from Ground Zero. An historic five-story building at 45 Park Place, it was damaged by wreckage from the landing...  

I'm sure you will all be as disappointed as Hillary Clinton was to hear that the 'Miss Palestine' contest has been canceled. Clinton was a leading candidate for the title. The Palestinian Authority on Sunday cancelled the first Miss Palestine beauty contest that was supposed to take place in Ramallah later this week under the pretext that it coincides with the first anniversary of Operation Cast  

Ground Zero is just down the road, a global symbol of Islamist violence. But in a half-destroyed building in Lower Manhattan, a new Muslim place of worship has opened. The founders hope it can help heal the wound opened by Sept. 11 -- around the corner from where the attacks took place.  

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' mandate has been extended indefinitely until elections can be held. The decision was made at a meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organisation in Ramallah in the West Bank.    

Jihad Watch"has become a role model for any Palestinian girl who harbors the spirit of self-sacrifice, national sentiment, and love of death for the sake of Allah and in defense of the homeland""Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain..." -- Qur'an 9:111But deep down, they really, really want peace! "Sheik Tells...  

From today's Post: More than ever before, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank represent opposite poles of a future state of Palestine, each increasingly distinct, adding fresh obstacles to the quest for a two-state solution that envisions Israel and Palestine existing side by side. Gaza has become imbued with a narrow Islamist culture that considers Israel's elimination the ultimate goal; the West Bank, in contrast, has become relatively open...  

← Previous revision Revision as of 20:54, 16 December 2009 Line 40: Line 40: [[Abd-Allah ibn Ubayy]] was a chief of the [[Arab]] tribe [[Banu Khazraj]] and an unfaithful companion of the prophet Muhammad. [[Abd-Allah ibn Ubayy]] was a chief of the [[Arab]] tribe [[Banu Khazraj]] and an unfaithful companion of the prophet Muhammad. - Upon the arrival of [[Muhammad]], Ibn Ubayy...  

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have turned out in the Gaza Strip to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the founding of the Islamist group Hamas. Supporters filled the streets, waving banners and portraits of assassinated Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. The event comes almost a year after a deadly three-week conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Islamist group has controlled Gaza since routing the rival Palestinian Fatah faction from...  

Guardian, UK - Palestinian security agents who have been detaining and allegedly torturing supporters of the Islamist organization Hamas in the West Bank have been working closely with the CIA, the Guardian has learned.Less than a year after Barack Obama signed an executive order that prohibited torture and provided for the lawful interrogation of detainees in US custody, evidence is emerging the CIA is co-operating with security agents whose...  

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on Wednesday extended until further notice the tenure of Mahmoud Abbas as president of the Palestinian Authority, PLO officials told Reuters.  

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) decided on Wednesday that Mahmoud Abbas will stay on as Palestinian president after his term expires next month, PLO officials told Reuters.  

Obamanation.A major Islamic center is planned for Ground Zero. Click here for the sickening story.The prime mover behind the outrageous scheme is an Islamist apologist and sympathizer.If the Obama administration holds a civilian court trial for the 9/11 war criminals in lower Manhattan, as announced, pro-Islamist protesters might be able to pray at the new mosque. How convenient--for those who aim to destroy America, Israel, democracy...  

ENMAC a Hong Kong based Muslim company; manufacturers of world best Digital Quran players have developed the fully functional Islamic eBook ever built in Digital Quran Series. The eAlim EL1000 is a complete Islamic Encyclopedia that includes Tafaseer Books, Ahadeeth Books, Translation of Holy Quran in 24 famous languages around the world, History Books, other Islamic books etc. not only Islamic features, eAlim EL1000 also comes with big 7 inch...  

The Green Lane Mosque in Birmingham today sent out a press release in response to the Quilliam Foundation's briefing yesterday. Green Lane Masjid refutes the allegation that it has invited speakers that are ‘fellow-travellers’ of Al-Qaeda, which could not be further from the truth. These speakers are academics who have specialised in Islamic sciences and are well respected in scholarly circles. It is grossly unjust to suggest that they...  

This is a cross post by Ishtiaq Hussain of Quilliam, from Religion Compass Exchanges Background Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is an Abrahamic faith and a Monotheistic religion. Its followers are called Muslims. Islam was founded in Arabia in the 7th century by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) fought against oppression, injustice and corruption. [...]  

RAMALLAH, West Bank, (Reuters) - The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) on Wednesday extended until further notice the tenure of Mahmoud Abbas as president of the Palestinian Authority, PLO officials  

Jonathan Pollak | Huffington Post 18 December 2009 On a pitch black early December night, seven armored Israeli military jeeps pulled into the driveway of a home in the West Bank town of Ramallah. Dozens of soldiers, armed and possibly very scared, came to arrest someone they were probably told was a dangerous, wanted man – [...]  

"Jesus, or Isa, as he is known in Arabic, is deemed by Islam to be a Muslim prophet rather than the Son of God, or God incarnate. He is referred to by name in as many as 25 different verses of the Quran and six times with the title of 'Messiah'." Crucially, Jesus is referred to "as the 'Word' and the 'Spirit' of God. No other prophet in the Quran, not even Muhammad, is given this particular honour."...  

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf: the guy who is running the Mosque near the old World Trade Center Building. He is the one that seems to be at the heart of the recent news about a large Mosque being built near the site of the old Twin Towers. I think it is fair to ask who he is and what he believes. After some digging, I found the following: Belief Net Interveiw: Question: Some Islamic charities are being investigated for terrorist ties. Have you seen...  

Ramallah, Dec 11 (DPA) Tensions in the West Bank rose Friday as settlers torched a Palestinian village mosque in anger at a government decision to partially suspend Israeli construction in the occupied territory. Hundreds of Palestinians, in return, rioted after Friday’s prayers, burning tires and throwing rocks in at least two locations in the West Bank. Unidentified [...]  

Gordon Brown yesterday lashed out at Pakistan for putting British lives at risk by harbouring Osama bin Laden. The Prime Minister said the al-Qaeda leader and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri are living in the Islamic state and its security services must hunt them down. Mr Brown said it was outrageous that eight years after September 11 attacks bin Laden was still head of a terror network plotting atrocities in the UK. He said: "We want to see...  

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) is expected to extend Mahmoud Abbas's term as president this week and back his call for a halt to Israeli settlement building before more peace talks.  

Palestinian supporters of the Hizb ut Tahrir, an international pan-Islamist party seeking to re-establish an international Islamic state, take part in a rally in Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Monday, July 20, 2009. The Hizb ut Tahrir rally held in Gaza Monday was a rare public event as the group does not recognize the authority of the Palestinian Authority or Hamas.A great deal of Muslims believe that Sharia law should be imposed in...  

Via Xinhua: Influenza A/H1N1 cases found in Gaza: officials. Excerpt:Influenza A/H1N1 cases have been found in Gaza Strip, the Palestinian territories, and hit at least five people amid blackout by the coastal enclave's Islamist rulers, Palestinian health officials said Sunday....  

It was Islamic jihadists yet again. Still looking for evidence of the rampant attacks by Christians that will justify the fashionable equivalence. (I know, I know: Tim McVeigh! Lord's Resistance Army! IRA! None of those, of course, were motivated by the texts and teachings of Christianity the way Islamic jihadists,...  

Malaysia StarPLO extends Abbas' presidential termThe Associated PressRAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestine Liberation Organization indefinitely extended Mahmoud Abbas' term as Palestinian president on Wednesday and endorsed his refusal to negotiate with Israel unless it freezes all settlement construction. ...Palestinian Council Extends Term for President AbbasVoice of AmericaSaudi FM: Due to US support, Israel continues to exist in ME...  

The Prime Minister of Pakistan today slapped down a suggestion from Gordon Brown that his country should do more to hunt down Osama bin Laden, insisting on a visit to Downing Street that the al-Qaeda head was not even on Pakistani territory. Mr Brown ruffled feathers in Islamabad when he used a weekend interview to complain that both bin Laden or his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri were still at large eight years after the attacks of 9/11 and urged...  

(Note to family and friends: The most recent update on Mr. AOW is here, updated December 12. Also see this post).From this post at Feed Your ADHD, a little Christmas humor and satire on Islam. SPEW ALERT!It was the night before Christmas and Muhammad was confused.Should Muslims have fun holidays like the Christians and Jews?8 days of Hanukkah or a fat Jinn in a red suit,Who used reindeers not camels to carry his loot?And what kind of...  

"A lot of people are having a 'Muhammad problem' these days."These opening words from a new book by a UNC-Chapel Hill professor are about the least controversial words about Muhammad or Islam that have been written recently. Although we might agree that many people have a Muhammad problem, it will not be as easy to find consensus about what that problem is.read more  

The reported capturing of a Muslim women in Reus (Tarragona) and the issuing of a stoning sentence for adultery by religious fanatics are a gauge of a phenomenon that has already appeared in Holland and France, and which is now taking root in Catalonia: the creation of Islamic "moral brigades" by fundamentalists, who claim the role of judges and police officers imposing a strict observance of Sharia, or Islamic law. The theatre of the...  

In November 2009, Shin Bet issued a Report describing how Hamas has begun instituting Islamic law and thought in all areas of Gaza life since its violent takeover of the area in June 2007. In December, 2008, according to the London-based Arab daily Al Hayat, the Hamas parliament in Gaza voted in favor of a law allowing courts [...]  

For many Palestinians, the norm is tight-quartered living with barely a garden in sight, no defined sidewalks and a poor water system. But this is about to change with an ambitious plan for a new way of living. Just six miles north of Ramallah, Palestinians have begun planting thousands of evergreen tree saplings as part of...  

"To borrow a computer term, if Ayatollah Khomeini, Osama bin Laden, and Nidal Hasan represent Islamism 1.0, Recep Tayyip Erdogan (the prime minister of Turkey), Tariq Ramadan (a Swiss intellectual), and Keith Ellison (a US congressman) represent Islamism 2.0. The former kill more people but the latter pose a greater threat to Western civilization." Daniel Pipes in the Jerusalem Post, 24 November 2009 See also LoonWatch, who comment: "Ellison...  

The Islamist Hamas movement ruling the Gaza Strip released 150 prisoners on Thursday, including what it calls security detainees, in honour of the Muslim feast Eid al-Adha.Those released include at least 25 "security detainees" and 77 people held on criminal charges, prison official Nasser Suleiman told reporters.He added that 53 of the detainees were near the end of their sentence.  

One Palestinian militant was killed and three were wounded Monday night in a mysterious explosion in a car that drove west of Gaza city, eyewitnesses and medics said. The witnesses said that four militants were riding in a minibus in Shatti refugee camp west of Gaza City when the explosion wrecked the bus. Sources said that the dead militant was a member of Islamic Jihad (Holy War) and that the minibus was full of explosives which detonated...  

WASHINGTON — When violence is committed in the name of Islam, the perpetrators often say that Muslims were never meant to enjoy good relations with followers of other religions, specifically Jews and Christians — and point to Quranic verses to prove this. Not surprisingly, some non-Muslims often point to these quotes as evidence that Muslims are a threat to their way of life, justifying their own hostility toward Islam.  

Youssef M. IbrahimAn identified group with unknown sponsors has purchased a building steps away from where the WorldTrade Center once stood -- to turn it into potentially one of the largest New York City mosques. At the moment the building, the old Burlington Coat Factory, already serves as a mini-mosque: an iron grill lifts every Friday afternoon for a little known Imam leading prayers a few yards away from where Osama Bin Laden’s...  

In the sixth ayah of Surah Hud, Allah states that Allah gives the “sustenance” of all living things, that is, all the provisions that provide for their subsistence: There is no creature on the earth which is not dependent upon Allah for its provision. He knows where it lives and where it dies. They are [...]  

RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has terming the attack on mosque located in West Bank as Jewish terrorism, has said that it is a bid to cease chances of reopening of dialogue between Palestine-Israel. Jewish settlers attacked on a West Bank mosque where fire was set to a library and hate messages were sprayed [...]  

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) -- A leader of the most persistent Palestinian protest movement against Israel's West Bank separation barrier was asleep in his home when troops broke down his door and arrested him. Supporters of Abdullah Abu Rahmeh, a 38 ...  

Mahdi Bray makes known his support for Hamas and Hizballah But this comes from Islam Online, and they're serious. CAIR is going to start a website, says Nihad Awad, to fight against the jihadist interpretation of the Qur'an. Mahdi Bray is going to organize a youth summit. It all...  

Reuters - RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - In the occupied West Bank, a bedouin community whose school is made out of car tires and mud faces the same problem as a developer planning a whole new Palestinian town: building controls imposed by Israel.  

Islamabad - If Osama bin Laden is still alive, he must be laughing over US officials' confusion about his location and the way media reports have speculated on his possible whereabouts over the years. Since the United States lost the world's most ...  

BBC NewsIslamic Jihad, PFLP against holding fireJerusalem PostHamas won't remain idle "in the face of a Zionist escalation" in the Gaza Strip. Gaza terrorists prepare to fire Kassam rockets [file]. Photo: AP "We will defend, with our utmost force, any new Zionist aggression against the Gaza ...Palestinian president arrives in Argentina on Mideast peaceXinhuaIsraeli soldier Gilad Shalit's release 'moves closer'BBC NewsAbbas begins official...  

Israeli extremists have attacked a mosque in the occupied West Bank, vandalizing the property and desecrating the holy book of Islam, the Qur'an. Suspected hardline Israeli settlers stormed the holy site in the northern West Bank village of Yasuf at night, set fire to the mosque's library and sprayed hate messages on the building. Israeli security authorities said they had failed to arrest the attackers, adding that a probe had been launched...  

This Middle East Online article tries at least discreetly to deal the religious rights disparity between the Muslim and Christian/secular Europe. Though it seems a painful process - more weight is given to - how to continue to position - Muslims as the victims - while they continue to give discriminating against all others the highest priority. Not a single church bell will ring in the Saudi territory!Place of no other religion than Islam...  

TranslationAn "Islamic court", he sat in Valls, Catalonian town near Tarragona, and sentenced to death a woman accused of adultery under Sharia law? The Mossos (Catalan autonomous police) are in any case, giving credit to the story of a young woman claiming to have been abducted in March while she was shopping, held for two days in an abandoned building, then judged by a tribunal of "twenty men in turbans" and sentenced to death.Aged 30 years...  

RAMALLAH, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) - A delegation from Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas' Fatah movement ended a one-week visit to China to boost cooperation, a member of the delegation said Saturday. The delegation included six members from the newly ...  

Christians and freedom on trail!! Saying that Muhammad was a 'warlord' might mean that you end up with a criminal record in the UK.Genghis Khan also went on similar raids and he too brought his people together under one religious philosophy - imagine being dragged off to court for calling him a 'warlord'.According to Ibn Ishaq, Muhammad’s first authentic biographer, Muhammad took part personally in 27 (twenty seven) raids. (Tabari counts it as...  

"Sheikh Abdirahman Hassan Hussein, an Al-Shabaab official in Lower Shabelle confirmed the attack at the mosque, claiming that the people were 'apostates' who gathered to do un-Islamic ritual." That makes it ok, you see. Obviously Sheikh Abdirahman Hassan Hussein is yet another Misunderstander of Islam. "Somalia: Al-Shabaab Kills People Inside...  

Bukhari:V1B10N510 "Allah's Apostle said, 'If it is very hot, the severity of the heat is from the raging of the Hell Fire.'" Bukhari:V4B55N546 "Allah's Apostle said, 'Gabriel has just now told me of the answer. If a man has sexual intercourse with his wife and gets discharge first, the child will resemble him, and if the woman gets discharge first, the child will resemble her.'" Bukhari:V4B54N482 "Allah's Apostle said, 'The Hell Fire...  

Israeli army soldiers have arrested and taken as many as fifteen Palestinians into custody following pre-dawn raids in a number of occupied West Bank towns. According to the Palestinian Information Center, those detained in Thursday's overnight operations were from the cities of Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, as well as Tubas. A large number of Israeli troops cordoned off and ransacked the residents' houses in the towns, in pursuit of 'key...  

Ramallah. Palestinian officials are concerned that Israeli pressures may succeed in making crucial changes on a European proposal to divide Jerusalem for the Jewish state and the future Palestinian statehood, Xinhua News Agency informed. Sweden ...  

RIYADH, April 11 — Two years ago, Adil Kalbani dreamed that he became an imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest city. Waking up, he dismissed the dream as a temptation to vanity. Although he is known for his fine voice, Kalbani is black ...  

Islam forbids Muslims to kill other Muslims intentionally (cf. Koran 4:92), but the attackers here no doubt saw their victims as apostates or hypocrites, because of their connection with the U.S.-supported Pakistani army. "35 killed in mosque suicide attack," from Dublin's Independent, December 4 (thanks to Twostellas): Suicide attackers have...  

Harrow Mosque London site of Stop the Islamisation of Europe (SIOE) protest against Sharia and the possibility that the mosque's expansion would include a Sharia court - which they cancelled - the counter protesters seen here - with the flag of Islamic Jihad were a part of the United Against Fascism a left-wing government sponsored group.Newspaper poll may not be scientific*Londoners support the Swiss government’s decision to ban minarets and...  

JAKARTA -- Thousands of hardine Muslim protesters staged rallies in Indonesia on Sunday urging the government to apply Islamic law as the only way to tackle widespread corruption. Members of Hizbut Tahrir demonstrated in several cities including the  

JAKARTA (AFP) - Thousands of hardine Muslim protesters staged rallies in Indonesia on Sunday urging the government to apply Islamic law as the only way to tackle widespread corruption. Members of Hizbut Tahrir demonstrated in several cities including the  

"Islam is a religion of faith and the adherence of the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), which comprises the entire Muslim Ummah worldwide. We in Brunei are a part of this Ummah that have been given comfort by Allah the Almighty by ...  

Switzerland has long been known as a land of tolerance and neutrality.  But on Sunday, the majority of Swiss citizens voted in favor of an outrageous law to ban all future construction of mosque minarets.  Mosque minarets?! The minaret, a benign feature of traditional Islamic mosque architecture, has been drawn into a right-wing, fear-mongering campaign.  According to supporters of this new law, the minaret of a mosque is essentially a...  

Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on minarets on Sunday, barring construction of the iconic mosque towers in a surprise vote that put Switzerland at the forefront of a European backlash against a growing Muslim population. Muslim groups in Switzerland and abroad condemned the vote as biased and anti-Islamic.  

NAME AND BIRTH: His name was Abul-Hussain Muslim-bin-Habaj al Nishapuri. He was born in a distinguished family of Arab Muslims in Khorasan which. was a famous town of Russia. Imaam Muslim was born in 817 A.D. corresponding to the Islamic year 204 A.H. His forefathers occupied prominent positions during the time of the four Caliphs. He [...] Related posts:Imam BukhariImam al-NawawiBibi Karimah bint Ahmad Maruzi  

NIYYAH 1. The person who intends to perform Hajj must do so with the express niyyah of attaining Allah’s Pleasure, and to fulfil one’s fardh, and also to diligently carry out the Commands of Allah and His Rasool sallallahu alayhi wasallam. The rewards for deeds depend greatly on the niyyah that is formed. Sincerity is [...] Related posts:The Internal Dimensions of HajjBeginners guide to Surviving University  

IMAM TIRMIZI (R.A) 209 A.H. – 279 A.H. Imaam Tirmizi (R.A.) was born during the reign of the Abbasid Khalifa Mamoon al Rasheed. The Abbasid Caliphate, despite its brilliant contributions to Islaam, brought along with it many thorny problems. Greek Philosophy had a free flow into the Islamic world. This was fully sanctioned by the government [...] Related posts:Imam MuslimImam BukhariImam Ahmad ibn Hanbal  

Official Hajj activities begin on Wednesday, the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah.  On this day, the millions of pilgrims who have gathered in the city of Makkah (Mecca) travel to the nearby village of Mina for a day of prayer and preparation. What's Coming Next: Thursday: Hajj Day 2 (Day of Arafat) Friday: Hajj Day 3 (Eid Al-Adha) Hajj Day 1: Wednesday originally appeared on About.com Islam on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 16:17:37...  

May the blessings of Eid be with you and your families, all across the world.  May Allah accept the pilgrimage of those who made the journey.  Kul 'am wa entum bi-khair! Send Eid greetings to your loved ones, with free online Eid cards.Eid Mubarak! originally appeared on About.com Islam on Friday, November 27th, 2009 at 05:15:13.Permalink | Comment | Email this  

The lunar Islamic calendar does not align with the Gregorian calendar. Next week, the Islamic calendar will turn from year 1430 to year 1431 H. Muslims measure the passage of time using the Islamic (Hijrah) calendar. This calendar has twelve lunar months, the beginnings and endings of which are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. Years are counted since the Hijrah, which is when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Madinah...  

In the debate over the theory of evolution and creationism, Muslims generally fall in the middle.  According to the Qur'an, the universe was created in six stages (eons), beginning with a "big bang."  Muslims also accept that life first developed in water, and later in stages, over a period of time.  Muslims naturally attribute this natural order to a plan put in place by the Creator.  Most find this belief to be compatible with scientific...  

Last fall, journalist, literary critic and proud atheist Christopher Hitchens went on a debating tour with Pastor Douglas Wilson. The topic: "Is religion good for the world?" They filmed their debates and edited them for a new documentary, Collision, which opens next week in selected cities.  

Switzerland holds a referendum on Sunday to decide whether to amend the country's constitution to ban the construction of minarets. Those are the slender towers attached to most mosques that are traditionally used to make or broadcast the Muslim call to prayer. The far right Swiss People's Party claims the minarets symbolize a politicized Islam. Opponents say the measure is a thinly veiled attack against the country's law-abiding Muslim...  

Host Michel Martin talks with Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, director of outreach at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia, where Nidal Hassan sometimes attended prayer services. Abdul-Malik is joined by Asra Nomani, who recently talked to Muslim congregants at a Muslim Center in Silver Spring, Md., oanother center where Hassan often frequented.  

The Indonesian-language Bibles, which are still with customs, use the word "Allah" to refer to God, a banned translation in Christian texts in the Muslim-majority country. Church officials say the word "Allah" has been used for centuries to refer generally to God. They are challenging the ban in court.  

As the days go by, investigators are forming a clearer picture of Army Maj. Nidal M. Hasan, the 39-year-old psychiatrist stationed at Ft. Hood in Texas, who allegedly went on shooting spree last Thursday, killing 12 and injury dozens. Reports so far tell of an alienated man who, according to at least one source, was mocked by some associates for his religious devotion to Islam. James Yee, a former Army captain and former Muslim chaplain at...  

A new division opened in the State Department this year: the office of the Special Representative to Muslim Communities. Farah Pandith's mission is to reach out to the world's 1.2 billion Muslims. She tells Steve Inskeep the office will influence how Muslims perceive the United States.  

Telegraph.co.ukOur enemy is not Islam -- it's extremistsLos Angeles TimesSo now we must be clear: The United States is not at war with Muslims or Islam. We are at war, whether we like it or not, with Islamic heretics who argue ...Wichita Islamic Society Condemns Ft. Hood ShootingKansas CWObama, Liberals Blame Everything But Islam for the Ft. Hood ShootingRushLimbaugh.com (subscription)Islamic Group Raises Money for Fort Hood VictimsTonicDavid...  

by Shaykhul Hadeeth Muhammad Zakariyya Abu Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” When [...] Related posts:Virtues of IftariAccepting an InvitationIhram  

Shah Wali-u Allah was born on 4th Shawwaal, 1114 / 21 February 1703 1703 at Phulat in Delhi. His ancestors had migrated from Arabia to Iran for reasons not known. Later on when the invasion of the Tatars caused widely spread terror and destruction in Iraq and Iran, the forefathers of the Shah are said [...] Related posts:Shaykh Shah JalalImam TirmiziImam Muslim  

Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall remain from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.’   Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that [...] Related posts:Virtues of HajjCharacteristics of a Pious WifeCharacteristics of a...  

Shaykh Maulana Saleem Dhorat The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are full of virtues and great blessings. According to a large group of mufassireen (commentators of the Qur’aan), the ten nights mentioned in Soorah Al Fajr are the nights of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Allah says: By the Dawn; By the ten Nights; [...] Related posts:Last Night of RamadhaanHazrat Aisha (R.A)Virtues of Iftari  

“If you take pride in your physical strength, remember that the mule, the donkey, and the bull are stronger than you and better suited to carrying heavy loads. If you feel vain about the lightness of your running style, remember that the dog and the hare surpass you in this field. It is extremely curious that rational [...] Related posts:On the Way to Attending Study SessionsCure for Cancer of PrideRemembering Allah  

MiamiHerald.comIRAN: Is Obama administration dissing the 'green' opposition movement?Los Angeles TimesAs the United States attempts to grapple with Iran over its nuclear program, some worry that it will sacrifice the Islamic Republic's grass-roots opposition ...'Obama must choose - Israel or Iran'Jerusalem PostAhmadinejad: US must choose between Israel, IranJewish Telegraphic AgencyNo retreat in nuclear talks: JaliliTehran TimesThe Associated...  

guardian.co.ukDFA laud MILF role in Sinnott's releaseInquirer.netMANILA, Philippines--The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday lauded the participation of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the efforts to release ...Kidnapped Irish priest freed and in good health: militaryAFPIrish priest freed in Philippines after a monthThe Associated PressElderly priest exposed to the elements during his 32-day ordealIrish TimesReuters -Bloomberg -ABS...  

This coming Sunday marks the Muslim observance of the "Day of 'Ashura."  The word 'ashura literally means "tenth" in Arabic, and is named for the day of the month on which it falls (the tenth day of Muharram, this first month of the Islamic year).  'Ashura is an ancient observance that is now recognized for different reasons and in different ways among Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. Among Sunni Muslims, the month of Muharram and the Day of 'Ashura...  

The Lebanese host of a popular TV show who gave callers advice and sometimes predicted the future was sentenced to death by a court in Saudi Arabia in November for sorcery. Human rights groups say these cases are on the rise in the strictly religious country and birthplace of Islam.  

BBC NewsUS man sues FBI agents over detention in Somalia, EthiopiaAFPMeshal claims he traveled to Mogadishu in 2006, when relative calm had descended on the Somali capital, hoping to study Islam, but soon found himself caught ...FBI sued over Ethiopian jailingBBC NewsNJ man sues FBI over his detention in EthiopiaThe Associated PressAmerican Sues FBI, Saying He Was Detained in AfricaNew York TimesInter Press Service -United Press International...  

Telegraph.co.uk'The Motive Remains Murky'Wall Street JournalFor one, although Muhammad and Fort Hood suspect Nidal Hasan were both Muslims, Muhammad was a convert who had joined the Nation of Islam, an eccentric ...Death Penalty And John Allen MuhammadExaminer.comall 3,881 news articles »  

A friend of mine was in a discussion recently about Islamic marriage customs.  One well-meaning but ignorant question was asked:  "How much did your husband pay for you?"  She set the record straight: a bride is not someone who can be bought and sold.  The required mahr is a gift that the husband gives to his new bride, not to her family, in order for her to have financial independence and stability in the marriage. Read More: Islamic...  

A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group has condemned Thursday's attack on Fort Hood military base in Texas that left at least 13 people dead.  The suspect in the shooting is an Army psychiatrist who treated soldiers at Fort Hood for post-traumatic stress disorder. In a statement, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said: "We condemn this cowardly attack in the strongest terms possible and...  

The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) is one of the five "pillars" of the Islamic faith. All those who are physically and financially able are required to make this journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The 2009 pilgrimage season approaches amidst some confusion about swine flu vaccination requirements, travel bans, and other concerns. Nevertheless, nearly 3 million pilgrims are expected to arrive in Mecca during the coming weeks. More...  

As far back as 2800 B.C., the Assyrians warned that the end of the world was near. Mayans predicted the apocalypse for 2012. Jerry Walls of the Center for Philosophy of Religion at the University of Notre Dame talks about our ongoing fascination with the end of days.  

Vast crowds of pilgrims cast stones at walls representing the devil on the third day of the annual hajj on Friday as Muslims around the world began celebrating Eid al-Adha, the most important holiday of the Islamic calendar.  

BBC NewsGuard 'plied Islamic plot papers'BBC NewsA prison officer tried to sell a newspaper details of an alleged plot by Islamic extremists to behead a colleague, a court has heard. ...and more »  

Muslims say what the alleged shooter did at Fort Hood was a brutal, personal act that could not have been committed in the name of Islam.  

Muslim groups in Switzerland and abroad condemned the vote as biased and anti-Islamic.