‘Forbidden couple’ escape

By SIRA HABIBU

PETALING JAYA: Despite being under siege, the infamous “forbidden couple” of Kelantan managed to dash out of their house before the arrival of religious enforcement officers. The couple have now gone into hiding.

A group of 20 people had been camping overnight outside the house of former Kelantan PAS Youth information chief Dr Rosli Allani Abd Kadir, 35, in Telipot near Kota Baru but they failed to prevent him from fleeing with his 30-year-old second wife Ilyani Mohd Noor at about 10.30am yesterday.

Dr Rosli had been ordered by the Kota Baru Syariah High Court to stay separately from Illyani pending a decision on the validity of their marriage.

On the lam: Dr Rosli and Ilyani getting into a car to make their escape in Kota Baru Tuesday. — Bernama

They had defied the order and continued staying together.

The group, which was led by llyani’s father Mohd Noor Che Man, had gathered around Dr Rosli’s house since 3pm on Monday.

Mohd Noor had earlier yesterday gone to the court to get a copy of the interim mufarakah (separation) order.

The order, which was signed by Kelantan Syariah High Court judge Mohamed Yusoff Awang, was then given to an enforcement officer.

“When I returned, my daughter had fled with Dr Rosli,” Mohd Noor said.

He said the group could not physically restrain the couple because they were not enforcement officers.

“If the enforcement officers had come earlier, they would have been nabbed,” he said.

Mohd Noor had initiated legal action after learning that his daughter’s marriage certificate dated Dec 26, 2008 could be a fake.

He said he was not aware of the “wedding” until about eight months later, adding that he had advised his daughter not to wed a married man.

“I am doing all this because I do not want my daughter to live in sin. We leave it to the court to decide on the validity of the marriage,” he said.

Mohd Noor said his daughter claimed that they had solemnised their wedding again in southern Thailand.

“But she could not show me the marriage certificate,” he said.

Transgenders, from Islam's perspective

Mohammad Hashim Kamali

ISLAMIC jurisprudence provides only some detail on the treatment of persons who combine the characteristics of both sexes: transgenders and hermaphrodites (khuntha), and men with innate effeminate tendencies (mukhannath). Issues of concern over their inheritance rights, qualification as witnesses, and rules of female privacy (satr) are discussed. I shall review some of these, but then also pose the larger question of fairness over the stigma and prejudice that such persons face in our midst. Some of these were highlighted in a New Straits Times editorial (Dec 20), and several interviews and responses given by religious leaders and others on the subject.

Both khuntha and mukhannath are qualified to be witnesses if they are upright ('adl) and do not actively exhibit or exaggerate their masculine or feminine tendencies, but not so if they do, as that would undermine their rectitude.

Yet the leading schools of Islamic law have differed due to a renowned hadith proclaiming that "Muslims are upright in relationship to one another", which means that people are presumed to be upright unless proven otherwise.

Innate tendencies beyond a person's control do not disqualify a witness -- as is understood from the Quranic verse that "every soul is accountable for its own (deliberate) deeds" (52:21, also 14:21 and 74:38).

Hadith also indicate that the mukhannath and herma-phrodite are treated like other men with regard to rules of privacy (satr), especially of women in the household. The Prophet Muhammad discouraged the entry of mukhannnath with no known desire for women into his household. This restriction may, however, be relaxed in cases of evident need and circumstances such as age and reliability of the person involved.

The Islamic inheritance laws only address the position of khuntha or hermaphrodite. This is a person who has both male and female organs, or one who may have neither. Khuntha are of two types: intractable (khuntha mushkil) and discernible (khuntha ghayr mushkil). The latter is one whose gender can be determined through investigation, but the former presents a dilemma as to entitlement to a share, whether of a male or female, in inheritance. It is suggested that two distributions of the estate should be attempted, one assuming the beneficiary as male and the other as female.

If the share turns out to be equal in both cases, there is no issue, but if they differ, the schools of law provide different answers: khuntha is to be given the lesser of the two shares (Hanafi school); one half of the male and one half of the female shares combined is to be given (Maliki); the khuntha and all existing heirs should receive the lesser of the two distributions with the remainder to be held in reserve until his or her condition becomes known and then distributed accordingly (Shafi'i and Hanbali schools).

Yet the issue before us is not as much legal as cultural. Many Malaysians have spoken compassionately on the issue to say that "transgenders face stigma and discrimination from a very young age"; that "most transsexuals never get past the job interview"; that "those who wish to practise their faith are ostracised from most churches and mosques"; and that "most are unable to change their sex assignment in their birth certificates, identity cards, driving licences and passports".

In the absence of specific responses to such questions in Islamic jurisprudence, I refer to some of the general guidelines of the Quran and hadith -- an approach in line with the Islamic methodology of juristic reasoning (ijtihad).

Islam identifies itself as din al-fitrah, a religion that manifests harmony with human nature (Quran, 30:30), which implies that it seeks to respond positively to the legitimate needs of people. Our natural need and reason, informed by the available guidelines of Islam, should thus lead us in our quest for answers.

God's affirmation in the Quran that "we have bestowed dignity on the children of Adam" (17:70) is unqualified and absolute in that human dignity is divinely ordained and inheres in all individuals by virtue of their humanity.

It is also a governing principle of Islam that should duly be reflected in all human relations, laws and governance, social and cultural affairs. Even criminals are not excepted. Although some jurists have argued that crime compromises the dignity of its perpetrator, the general position remains that Islam does not permit undignified and inhumane treatment of criminals and prisoners, apart from what the due course of justice may determine for them.

The Prophet is reported to have said in a hadith that "people are God's children and those most beloved to God are the ones who treat His children kindly". Each and every one of us partakes in a sparkle of the Divine (38:72), and deserves to be treated with fairness (ihsan) and justice, such that it is becoming of the grace and dignity that human beings, too, must practise in relationship to one another.

The Quran further provides: "there shall be no hostility except against the oppressors" (2:193). Everyone's life, property and honour is immune against aggression, humiliation and ridicule, except for those who commit acts of injustice. Issues of accountability, reward and punishment in Islam, as in other major traditions, are inextricably linked with moral autonomy and intent.

No one must be made to suffer without guilt and due process that necessitates proof of intentional behaviour.

Finally, fraternity (ukhuwwah; 49:10) and cooperation in good works (ta'awun; 5:20) are among the leading, yet often neglected, guidelines of Islam that must duly be reflected, especially at a time when all of us are called upon to strengthen the spirit of unity under 1Malaysia.

Most of this will remain empty preaching unless measures are taken by the authorities, religious leaders -- indeed all Malaysians -- to translate them into appropriate action.

Horizon Hills Islamic notes ratings affirmed

THE Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC) has affirmed its rating on Horizon Hills Development Sdn Bhd's Islamic Bank Guaranteed Medium-Term Notes (IMTN) Programme of up to RM200 million at AAA-ID(bg).

The rating house also affirmed the rating on Horizon Hills' Islamic Commercial Papers (ICP) Programme of up to RM70 million at MARC-1 ID(s).

Both ratings carry a stable outlook, it said in a statement today.

The IMTN benefits from an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee by Public Bank Bhd which carries MARC's public information rating of AAA. It is premised on the bank's well established domestic market position with about 13 per cent of commercial banking sector assets.

The affirmed short-term rating of MARC-1 for the ICP programme reflects MARC's public information corporate credit ratings on Gamuda Bhd and corporate credit rating of UEM Land Bhd, both of which jointly own Horizon Hills.

Gamuda and UEM Land have provided unconditional and irrevocable undertakings in proportion to the size of their shareholdings to meet any financial obligation under the rated debt of up to RM280 million.

Additionally, both shareholders have committed to provide equity contributions of up to RM30 million collectively to fund any cash flow deficit of the Horizon Hills project and/or to meet financial covenants under the rated facilities.

The stable rating outlook incorporates that for UEM Land, Gamuda and Public Bank, MARC said.

Horizon Hills is a 1,228-acre residential project in the 23,875-acre Nusajaya, located within the Iskandar economic zone. It was launched in 2007 with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM3.42 billion.

Consisting of 12 gated-and-guarded precincts, strong security features, an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, Horizon Hills targets the middle to high end market segment.

It has achieved an average take-up rate of 77 per cent for its launched phases as of July 31 with future expected billings from contracted sales (unbilled sales) standing at RM117.9 million.

The sales is supported by fairly strong expatriate demand.

For financial year ended Dec 31, 2008, Horizon Hills reported a sharp increase in revenue to RM126.2 million from RM26.1 million in the previous year with pre-tax profit rising to RM13.9 million from RM5.1 million previously.

MARC undertook a review of UEM Land and Gamuda's public information corporate credit ratings in conjunction with its review of its MARC-1 ID(s) rating on the ICP programme.

MARC is of the view that both entities continue to maintain credit profiles consistent with a MARC-1 ID(s) short-term rating.

UEM Land's government ownership and support through Khazanah Nasional Bhd, the government's investment holding arm, continues to be a major driver of its credit strength. -- BERNAMA

PAS denies association with Selangor ‘group’

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS dismissed on Sunday claims that its members were in a group of people that had called on the party to withdraw from the Pakatan Rakyat pact in Selangor.

PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub said there was no such group in the party and that it was set up to belittle the party.

"I do not know them. The group does not come under us (PAS), and this is all slanderous," he said when contacted by Bernama.

Salahuddin, who is the member of parliament for Kubang Kerian, was asked tocomment on the claim by a group of so-called supporters of PAS in Selangor urging the party to withdraw from the Pakatan Rakyat pact in the state, allegedly over disappointment with the Selangor government leadership on the matter of championing Islam and the Malays.

Asked whether PAS planned to take legal action against the group, he said PAS was scrutinising the matter for the moment.

"We will look into that (legal action) later. Let things be for now," he said.

Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hassan Ali could not be contacted for his comment on the matter.

The group had said it would hand a memorandum to Hassan at his office on Monday. - Bernama

Asia marks tsunami's fifth anniversary with prayers

Acehnese women weep during a mass prayer for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, in Lampuuk mosque, in Indonesia's Aceh province. - Reuters pic

PATONG, Thailand, Dec 26 — Thousands of saffron-robed Thai monks chanted and prayed for victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Saturday as Asia marked the fifth anniversary of one of history's worst natural disasters.

The gathering of monks in Ban Nam Khem, a small fishing village on Thailand's Andaman Sea coast that lost nearly half its 5,000 people, was one of hundreds of solemn events across Asia in memory of the towering waves that crashed ashore with little warning on Dec 26, 2004, killing 226,000 people in 13 countries.

"All souls from all nationalities, wherever you are now, please receive the prayers the monks are saying for you," said Kularb Pliamyai, who lost 10 family members in Ban Nam Khem.

In Indonesia's Banda Aceh, about 100 people dressed took part in a prayer ceremony close to a fishing boat that landed on the rooftop of a two-storey house after being swept miles inland.

Indonesia was the worst hit with the number of dead and missing over 166,000. Massive reconstruction aid in Banda Aceh has rebuilt a new city on top of the ruins, and many survivors are only now putting memories of the waves behind them.

Some villagers shed tears as they remembered the day their homes and lives were destroyed by the wall of water that rose as high as 30 metres, triggered by an undersea earthquake off the island of Sumatra.

"I will never forget it in all my life. After the earthquake, we ran out of the house and within minutes people screamed on seeing the towering water," said Ambasiah, 40, owner of the house with the fishing boat where about 50 people took refuge.

"When the water got higher, suddenly a boat landed on top of the house. We climbed and stayed there until afternoon. We saw the waves from atop."

Indonesian Vice President Boediono attended another ceremony in Ulee Lheu, a port about 5 km from Banda Aceh which was worst-hit by the tsunami.

"After five years, the government of Aceh and Aceh people, with the help of the central government and the international society, have resurrected Aceh to start a new life and rebuild Aceh," he told a gathering of about 1,000 people.

Some locals such as Taufik Rahmat say they have moved on, helped along by new homes in the Banda Aceh region following one of the largest foreign fund-raising exercises. But still pockets of people in his village remain homeless.

"Not all elements have been fulfilled, I think about 80 percent to 90 percent of the people still don't have proper housing," he said.

Thailand's Ban Nam Khem village is a shadow of its former self. Its once-thriving centre of dense waterfront stores, restaurants and wooden homes is gone, replaced with souvenir shops, a wave-shaped monument and a small building filled with photographs of the tsunami recovery effort.

Many former residents are now too frightened of the sea to rebuild close to the water.

"I still feel bad about what happened. People from all over the world were killed here. It's their misfortune," Kularb said.

In Thailand, 5,398 people were killed, including several thousand foreign tourists, when the waves swamped six coastal provinces, turning some of the world's most beautiful beaches into mass graves. Many are still missing.

In Patong, a Thai beach resort village bustling with tourists, local artists performed traditional Thai songs and Buddhist monks chanted as tourists and locals gathered in a pavilion to look at photographs of the tsunami's damage. A candlelight vigil was planned for evening.

"We come and stay here because we are alive," said Ruschitschka Adolf, a 73-year-old German who survived the tsunami, as his wife Katherina waded into Patong's turquoise waters to lay white roses in the waves in memory of the dead.

Almost all of those killed were vacationing on or around the southern island of Phuket, a region that had contributed as much as 40 percent of Thailand's annual tourism income.

Tsunami aid efforts have mostly finished, said Patrick Fuller, Tsunami Communications Coordinator at the Red Cross.

"A lot of the physical reconstruction has ended. There are some major infrastructure projects that are still going on. There are some road projects, longer term projects. But all the housing projects are pretty much wrapped up," he said.

The Red Cross built 51,000 houses over the past five years, mostly in the Maldives and Indonesia.

But locals say they need more than new buildings, clean-water plants and other infrastructure.

"The economy has not recovered," said Rotjana Phraesrithong, who is in charge of the Baan Tharn Namchai Orphanage, opened in 2006 for 35 children who lost parents in the tsunami.

Dozens of small hotels and resorts are up for sale in Thailand's Phang Nga province north of Phuket whose forested coastline includes Ban Nam Khem and the serene 19-km (12-mile) Khao Lak beach, two of Thailand's worst tsunami-hit areas.

"More than 100 of these small hotels and retail tour operators are looking to sell their operations because they can't obtain loans from banks to keep going," said Krit Srifa, president of the Phang Nga Tourism Association.

A symbol of the catastrophe, the Sofitel Magic Lagoon where more than 300 guests and staff died, re-opened last month as the 298-room JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa.

In Patong, tourism is down but few blame the tsunami.

"The only time people seem to talk about the tsunami is in December during the anniversary," said Pattahanant Ketkaew, a 27-year-old manager at Phuket2Go tours near Patong beach. "Tourism is off but that's because of the global economy." — Reuters

The need for Halal Act in Malaysia

By MOHAMAD SOFEE RAZAK

MALAYSIA is far ahead compared with other Islamic countries when it intend to formulate a special act on halal status for all products which are marketed to Muslims in the country and abroad.

The provisions on such a law will be contained in the Halal Act which will be formulated next year and to be used as the main reference by players in the halal industry in the country and globally.

The long awaited act, among others, is hoped, will further stimulate development of the domestic halal industry, as well as , overcome the problem of falsifying of halal certificates which has been going on in the food product markets, services and others.

Sometimes, this halal issue creates uneasiness and dilemma among Muslims in choosing products or services which are “pure” and meet the syariah requirements.

It is also hoped that the Act will provide guidelines on the form of action and move to be taken against those using fake halal certificates and the negligence of quarters concerned in complying with halal regulations. This includes copying of certificate and those who obtain the halal certificates, but do not fully abide by the syariah requirements.

Therefore, it requires a systematic and effective enforcement to address the problem.

Hence, the Halal Act, which will be formulated, is hoped to be able to ensure all food products and the process of preparing them , as well as the inspection on their halal status be made according to Islamic laws.

Currently, the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim), together with the Islamic Religious Department in the states, as well as the Attorney-General's Office, are drafting the law which is expected to be ready soon.

The Act is also seen as able to ensure smooth enforcement of the halal status by Jakim at business premises nationwide.

At the moment, there are several legal provisions relating to the procedure on halal certification, like the Trade Descriptions Act 1972; Trade Descriptions (Use of Expression Halal) Order 1975; Trade Description ( Food Labelling )Order 1975; Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985.

The Trade Descriptions (Use of Expression Halal) Order 1975, for example, defines the use of “Halal”, “Ditanggung Halal” (Guaranteed Halal), “Makanan Islam” (Muslim Food) or similar statements shall means halal as provided by the Syariah law, while Section 2 explains the meaning of syariah laws, which is Islamic laws and the Shafie Mazhab or sect or laws in the Maliki, Hanbali or Hanafi sects which have been consented by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong for enforcement in the federation or the Malay rulers in their respective states.

Section 3 of the order explains the use of “Halal”, “Ditanggung Halal”, “Makanan Islam” which means all food do not contain any parts from animals considered haram or prohibited for consumption in Islamic Law or are not slaughtered in accordance with Islamic practice, does not contain any ingredients which are deemed unclean (najis) according to Islamic law, are not prepared or processes using any utensils, machinery or tools which are contaminated with items considered unclean according to Islamic law, and during preparation, processing or storage, did not touch or place near any items considered unclean and prohibited within the Islamic law.

As such, if any parties who violate the regulations will be penalised.

For example, the Syariah Criminal Offence Act )Federal Territories) 1997 (Act 559), Section 42, Chapter V (Crime Offences), provides that any parties convicted in court can be fined not exceeding RM5,000 or jailed for not more than three years or both.

On this grounds, based on the existing provisions in the law and the soon to be formulated Halal Act, will produce a comprehensive legal mechanism and capable of giving a positive impact to the halal industry in the country, as well as in the world.

This innovation will ensure the rights of the Muslims to enjoy halal products without any doubts. The law will also further enhance Malaysia's integrity and image as the leader and main player in the world halal industry.

---------------

The writer is a lawyer and PhD. student

What Do Muslims Think About Jesus (I'sa)?

Muslims respect and venerate Jesus Christ. They consider him to be one of God's greatest messengers to humankind. The Qur'an re-affirms his miraculous birth and his miraculous abilities. Furthermore, his mother Mary is regarded as one of the most pure and exalted women of all creation. As the Qur'an says:

"Behold! the angel said: 'God has chosen you and purified you and has chosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary! God gives you the good news of a word from Him, whose name shall be Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the hereafter, and one of those brought near to God" (3:42).

Islam regards its teachings to be a re-affirmation and culmination of the teachings of previous monotheistic religions like Judaism and Christianity. Hence, all Muslims believe in Moses and Jesus as Prophets of God. Prophet Muhammad was commanded to recite in the Qur'an:

"Say, we believe in God and that which was revealed unto us, and that which was revealed unto Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob, and the tribes and that which was entrusted unto Moses and Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord We make no distinction between any of them and unto Him we have submitted" (3:84).

A Muslim never refers to him simply as "Jesus", but always adds the phrase "upon him be peace." The Qur'an confirms his virgin birth, and an entire surah (chapter) of the Qur'an is entitled "Mary." The Qur'an describes the Annunciation as follows:

"She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?' He said: 'Even so; God creates what He wills. When He decrees a thing, He says to it, "Be!" and it is.'" (Qur'an 3:42-7)

Jesus was born miraculously through the same power that had brought Adam into being without a father: "Truly the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust and then said to him, 'Be!' and he was." (Qur'an 3:59)

During his prophetic mission, Jesus performed many miracles. The Qur'an tells us that he said: "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for you out of clay, as it were, a figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by God's leave. And I heal the blind, and the lepers, and I raise the dead by God's leave." (Qur'an 3:49)

Neither Muhammad nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in One God, brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it. In the Qur'an, Jesus is reported as saying that he came: "To attest the law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear God and obey me." (Qur'an 3:50)

Forgive Nik Aziz...

06/12/2009

There is a Malay adage that goes: "Biarlah si luncai terjun dengan labunya" (literally translated, let the fat guy sinks himself in the deep end). That is what Awang can summarise from the issue on Pas spiritual leader, Nik Aziz Nik Mat's ill-intended prayer for another Muslim.

When confronted with arguments based on Islamic teaching, he is bound to react with illogical answer. Sometimes, Awang sympathizes with Nik Aziz because he is no longer rational and too difficult to apologize, even if he has done a grave mistake.

The action by the Kelantan Menteri Besar in defending his ill-intended prayer against another Muslim, shows that he is not an ulama, but a politician who uses religion for his political interests. Many see him as becoming too arrogant, which Awang agrees.

Actually, it is not the first time that Nik Aziz does so. But this time it is more desperate as a strategy to cover the many flaws and issues involving integrity and cronyism in the Pas administration of Kelantan.

The issue of haj sponsorship by a company for Nik Aziz (who then cancelled his trip after it was exposed by the media), the MACC investigations on his son-in-law, Abdul Ariffahmi Ab. Rahman, and split in the state Pas, only depicts his failure.

Pas President, Hadi Awang, opines that Nik Aziz has been given the wrong advice on the appointment of his son-in-law as the Chief Executive Officer of the Kelantan Menteri Besar Incorporated.

What does it mean? That does not take into account the minimal change in Kelantan under his leadership of almost 20 years. He depends too much on advice and is not innovative. Such is the criticism from some Pas members.

It is not surprising why Nik Aziz faces such criticism from his party, a situation which has never happened before.

There are some Pas leaders, who in silence, see the Tok Guru as a liability to the party because of the many mistakes made, which affect Pas image at the national level.

Awang wants to ask, how many Pas leaders have come forward to defend Nik Aziz in the latest issues, especially on the haj sponsorship and the issue surrounding his son-in-law? Why are they quiet? This posed a question. There are also those who openly doubt him.

Nik Aziz should look at it as a sign of rejection. But he continues to sink in the denial syndrome. As usual, he "threatens" by not forgiving those whom he said give him problems, when in fact, he is the source of the problems.

Once again, Awang wonders whether he is "maksum" (infallible). Is his action in making use of religion on certain issues not a sin, besides confusing the non-Muslims? Likewise, his political game curbs the unity of Muslims even at a time when Muslims are in an unstable situation. Is his failure in bringing progress to Kelantan good for the people, while the essence of Islamic management is excellence?

Awang has no intention to elaborate on the question of "pahala" (heavenly reward) and "dosa" (sin). Awang is not an ulama, but Awang wants to call on all Muslims in the country to forgive Nik Aziz for his sins and mistakes.

In the name of Islam, we should pray for him although he has ill-intended prayer for others. Actually, the challenges for Islamic survival also come from people who claim to be ulama. But they can also sabotage religion.

4. What are the Timings of Hajj (Pilgrimage)

There are specific months for performing the Hajj and are called “Months of Pilgrimage.” These three Islamic months are Shawwal, Ze-Qa’d and Dul-Hajj. During these three “Months of Hajj”, one prepares for the pilgrimage, attains good morals, and completes other physical conditions for the pilgrimage. All the essential duties of the pilgrimage have to be completed between 8th and the 13th day of Dul-Hajj. Additional tawaaf (circling around the Ka’ba), however, may be performed until the end of the month of Dul-Hajj.

3. Upon Whom Is It Obligatory To Perform Hajj

An adult Muslim of a sane mind, an able body and having means to bear the expenses must perform this act of worship once in his/her lifetime. There should be peace on the way to Mecca and there should be no hindrance or restriction in traveling to Mecca. Hajj is not obligatory for children, the sick, and those who are unable to bear the expenses for Hajj.

2. Significance & Philosophy of hajj

Every nation and society has a center of unity where they get together to worship God. They see prosperity and culture as relics of unity. People of the society get to know each other and understand each other’s difficulties. They form a unified front to remove these difficulties and achieve their goals. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “And to every people We appointed rites of sacrifice, that they might mention the name of Allah…” (22:34)

With this idea, Hajj has been made a pinnacle of worship in order that Muslims who gather to perform Hajj can praise their Lord and Master, be thankful for His blessings, and humbly pray to Him for the removal of their difficulties. Muslims living in various parts of the world get to know each other, lay the foundation of social culture, give advice to each other, and provide opportunity for collective struggle.

1. Introduction

Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj was made obligatory in the 9th year of Hijra. The Holy Prophet sent off 300 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abubakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) to Mecca so that they could perform Hajj. That was the year when it was banned for the Mushrikeen (those who associate partners with Allah) to enter Ka’ba. It was also made unlawful to perform Tawaaf (circling of Ka’ba) with naked body. The following year, 10th Hijra, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) announced a head of time he himself would perform Hajj that year. He led tens of thousands of Muslims to Hajj that year and demonstrated to Muslims how to perform all the rites and rituals of the Hajj. This Hajj is known in history as Hajjatul Wida’ or Farewell Pilgrimage because this proved to be the last Hajj the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) performed. At the end of this farewell pilgrimage, the divine revelation that had started some 22 years ago came to an end with the following verse of Surah Al-Maidah: “This day have I completed My commandments for you, and have brought to its fullness the favor that I have bestowed upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion” .Hajj is an act of worship just like Salat (five daily prayers) and Sawm (fasting in the month of Ramadan). Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca in the last month of Muslim calendar and worship Allah. Hajj is a special worship that lasts for several days. This is an occasion that brings Muslims of all countries, colors, and races to one place – the Ka’ba. This is a unique opportunity of worshipping Allah collectively in a large gathering at one place.c

Lima resolusi martabatkan perundangan syariah

KUANTAN, Okt 26 – Isu bantahan yang dibuat SIS dan JAG terhadap hukuman sebatan ke atas Kartika Dewi Shukarno kerana kesalahan meminum arak di khalayak ramai telah berjaya menyatukan 14 buah NGO Islam di Negeri Pahang. Kejayaan pertama kumpulan ini ialah dengan berlangsungnya sidang media pada Oktober 2 yang lalu.

Semalam, kumpulan yang menamakan diri mereka sebagai Sekretariat Gabungan Badan Bukan Kerajaan (NGO) Negeri Pahang ini sekali lagi mengambil langkah terkedepan bila menganjurkan Seminar Perlaksanaan Perundangan Syariah: Isu dan Cabaran, di Dewan Jabatan Agama Islam Pahang (JAIP) di sini.

Dalam sidang media selepas usai seminar tersebut, jurucakap sekretariat, Amidi Abdul Manan, Timbalan Presiden Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) melahirkan rasa gembira kerana seminar telah berjaya meluluskan lima resolusi penting.

Lima resolusi tersebut adalah pertamanya memberi kuasa dan kebebasan sepenuhnya kepada penguatkuasa Agama Islam dan mahkamah syariah dalam menjalankan tanggungjawab mereka sebagaimana diperuntukkan oleh Enakmen Syariah Negeri tanpa dipengaruhi dan ditekan oleh mana-mana pihak.

Kedua, menyeru kepada ahli politik beragama Islam supaya bertindak secara proaktif dalam memperjuangkan kedaulatan Agama Islam dan institusi mahkamah syariah, juga memperjuangkan perluasan bidang kuasa mahkamah syariah.

Seminar, melalui resolusi ketiga menurut Amidi mendesak supaya pihak berkuasa negeri dan kerajaan memberi tekanan kepada media supaya menyokong dan menghulur kerjasama sepenuhnya kepada NGO Islam dalam mendidik dan memahamkan masyarakat tentang segala isu yang menyentuh kepentingan umat Islam.

Keempat, kerajaan diminta supaya berusaha menaikkan taraf institusi kehakiman syariah supaya setanding dan seiring dengan institusi kehakiman sivil, sesuai dengan semangat pemisahan perlembagaan persekutuan, supaya nanti ia tidak lagi dipandang sebagai institusi kehakiman kelas dua sama ada dari segi kepakaran dan bidang pendakwaan, perjawatan atau jumlah kakitangannya.

Resolusi terakhir pula, jelas Amidi, mencadangkan kepada kerajaan agar mewujudkan satu badan pemantau yang berkuasa mengawasi organisasi-organisasi yang menggunakan nama Islam supaya objektif dan matlamat organisasi-organisasi tersebut selari dengan prinsip Islam serta bukan bertujuan mengelirukan umat Islam dengan ideologi-ideologi dan pendekatan yang nyata terpesong.

Amidi dalam kenyataannya memberitahu bahawa naskhah resolusi yang dinamakan sebagai “Memartabatkan Perundangan Syariah Pahang” ini akan dipersembahkan kepada Tuanku Sultan Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, selaku Ketua Agama Islam Negeri, yang mewakili seluruh umat Islam di Negeri Pahang.

Sekretariat, tambah Amidi kini hanya menunggu perkenan Tuanku Sultan untuk menghadap. Ini juga ujar beliau adalah tanda sokongan 14 NGO Islam Pahang kepada Enakmen Pentadbiran Agama Islam dan Adat Resam Melayu Pahang 1982 (Pindaan 1987).

Seminar Perlaksanaan Perundangan Syariah ini berlangsung sehari dan dirasmikan penutupannya oleh Timbalan Yang DiPertua Majlis Ugama Islam dan Adat Resam Melayu Pahang (MUIP), Dato’ Seri Wan Abdul Wahid Wan Hassan dengan kehadiran kira-kira seramai 300 orang peserta.

Sementara itu, dalam perkembangan berkaitan, Amidi dalam sidang media yang sama mengumumkan yang seminar serupa akan terus dianjurkan di seluruh negara bagi membolehkan orang ramai, terutamanya bukan Islam mendapat kefahaman tentang perbezaan perlaksanaan hukuman di antara mahkamah syariah dan mahkamah sivil.

Pada minggu hadapan sahaja, seminar serupa ini dijadualkan berlangsung di negeri-negeri seperti Selangor, Kelantan dan Perak, atas usaha NGO-NGO Islam negeri-negeri tersebut.

Islam and Domestic Violence

“The most perfect of believers in belief is the best of them in character.; The best of you are those who are the best to their women.”

Domestic violence against women remains a major concern in today’s society. The problem is so severe that it affects people from all ways of life regardless of socio-ecomomic status, ethnicity, age and religion. The statistics on this issue are alarming.

The Extent of the Problem

Murder - Every day four women die in this country as a result of domestic violence, the euphemism for murders and assaults by husbands and boyfriends. That's approximately 1,400 women a year, according to the FBI. The number of women who have been murdered by their intimate partners is greater than the number of soldiers killed in the Vietnam War.

Battering - Although only 572,000 reports of assault by intimates are officially reported to federal officials each year, the most conservative estimates indicate two to four million women of all races and classes are battered each year. At least 170,000 of those violent incidents are serious enough to require hospitalization, emergency room care or a doctor's attention.

Sexual Assault - Every year approximately 132,000 women report that they have been victims of rape or attempted rape, and more than half of them knew their attackers. It's estimated that two to six times that many women are raped, but do not report it. Every year 1.2 million women are forcibly raped by their current or former male partners, some more than once.

The Targets - Women are 10 times more likely than men to be victimized by an intimate.

Impact on Children - Violent juvenile offenders are four times more likely to have grown up in homes where they saw violence. Children who have witnessed violence at home are also five times more likely to commit or suffer violence when they become adults.

Impact on Health and Social Services - Women who are battered have more than twice the health care needs and costs than those who are never battered. Approximately 17 percent of pregnant women report having been battered, and the results include miscarriages, stillbirths and a two to four times greater likelihood of bearing a low birth weight baby. Abused women are disproportionately represented among the homeless and suicide victims. Victims of domestic violence are being denied insurance in some states because they are considered to have a "pre-existing condition."

The Islamic Solution - Kind treatment towards others is a sign of piety

While domestic violence exists in both Muslim and non-Muslim societies, the position of Islam on the kind treatment of women is very clear as mentioned in the Quran and exemplified through the life and character of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

"The nobler among you in the sight of God is the more righteous among you." (Quran, 49:13)

It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “The most perfect of believers in belief is the best of them in character.; The best of you are those who are the best to their women. ;And in another tradition, "The best among you are those who are kindest to their wives".

The Prophet (pbuh) also taught that a husband’s treatment of his wife reflects a Muslim’s good character, which in turn is a reflection of his faith.; The character of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) exemplified how one should be good to his wife. ;He should smile, not hurt her emotionally or physically, remove anything that will harm her, treat her gently, and be patient with her. He should communicate effectively with her, involve her in decision making and support her in times of difficultly. God instructs men to be nice to their wives and to treat them well to the best of their ability. A devout Muslim should always remember that pleasing his wife is part of faith and earns the pleasure of God, whilst dealing with her unjustly will earn God’s anger.

“Live with them in kindness; even if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike something in which Allah has placed much good" (Quran, 4:19).

Realistically, human beings are imperfect and, in this regard, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “A believing man should not hate a believing woman. If he dislikes something in her character, he should be pleased with some other trait of hers.”

Marriage experts recommend that one should focus on character traits, just as the Prophet (pbuh) recommended. For example, a husband may appreciate the way his wife arranges his clean laundry, but the underlying character trait may be that she is thoughtful.;Following this advice should help the husband focus and be more aware of his wife’s good attributes rather than on the negatives.

A companion asked the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) what is the right of a wife over her husband?’ ;He said, “That you feed her when you eat and clothe her when you clothe yourself and do not strike her face.; Do not malign her and do not keep apart from her, except in the house.” (Hadith, Abu Dawood).

Conflict in marriage is virtually inevitable and, unless one is conscious of the presence of God, it can lead to a lot of anger.; Although anger is one of the most difficult emotions to manage, the first step toward controlling it can be learning how to forgive those who hurt us.; In case of conflict, a husband should not stop talking to his wife and emotionally hurt her, but he may stop sleeping in the same bed if it will improve the situation.; Under no circumstance, even when he is angry or somehow feels justified, is a husband allowed to humiliate her by using hurtful words or cause her any injury.

Common Misunderstandings

Of all the Qur'anic passages about men and women perhaps the one most often misunderstood or misused, by both Muslims and non-Muslims, is verse 34 of Surah an-Nisa. An English translation of this verse reads as follows:;

Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means.; Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard.; As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next) do not share their beds, (and last) beat (tap) them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance): for Allah is Most High, Great (above you all). (4:34)

First and foremost, this verse needs two clarifications. One, that it doesn’t apply to any women, but to ONLY those women who are “rebellious” to their husbands in acts of immorality, such as lewdness, adultery, and fornication. Second, the issue of hitting is a mere symbolic tapping of the hand as a serious gesture of disgruntlement from the husband towards the wife, for her disobediences in the morality of the household, because its an issue of integrity of the family, which the husband is responsible to maintain the honor and respect of it.

Therefore, it is not a permission for the husband to “abuse” this verse of the Quran to his advantage and use force against his wife for every kind of refractions and rejections from his wife. Rather it’s for specific actions such as disloyalty to the husband by having an affair with another man, or committing acts of vulgarity that brings shame to the family. Even then, this symbolic tapping of the hand of the wife should be as a last resort, whence all other avenues have been exhausted in making sense of shame to the wife for her rebellious strife. Otherwise the family might disintegrate into a divorce, which is also disliked by God, and His Messenger.

There are numerous narrations of the Prophet (pbuh) which clearly discourage and even prohibit beating, hitting, and use of any brutal force against wives, such that would cause bodily harm or injuries. He, being the role model for all husbands, himself never resorted to such a measure with any of his wives, speaks volumes of his character as a husband which all men should emulate. In addition, in the following verse of the Qur'an, God warns men that if they retain their wives in marriage it should not be to take advantage of them.

"Retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. But do not retain them to their hurt so that you transgress (the limits). If anyone does that he wrongs his own soul. Do not take God's instructions as a jest" (Qur'an 2:231).

Conclusions

The statistics on domestic violence in the United States are alarming. The problem exists in both Muslim and non-Muslim societies. ;The worship of God, which Muslims believe is the sole reason for their existence, is an all-encompassing concept that applies equally to one’s relationship with God as well as with His creation. In Islam, one cannot perfect their Worship to God, unless they perfect their relationship with others. The kind treatment of others, including one’s spouse, can therefore not be ignored as an obligatory act of Worship and a sign of piety to God. Islam teaches the individual to constantly consider which deeds and behaviors will be pleasing to Allah and to interact with others in way that will be pleasing to Him. As the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) related, “The best amongst you in the sight of God are those who are the best to their wives.” It is through attaining a higher level of God-consciousness that Islamic principles can contribute to the elevation of society. As a believer sincerely contemplates on how his deeds will be viewed by God, he learns to improve his conduct with others, including his spouse.

PAS revives non-Muslim wing plans

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 — PAS is reviving plans to make its non-Muslim supporters’ club a wing with its own constitution, amid reports of a new Indian party drawing away its supporters.

PAS Supporters' Club (PSC) president Hu Pang Chow said many of its members are believed to have joined the Makkal Sakti party, which is widely believed to be backed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The PSC was set up in 2004 with 100 non-Muslim members, but claimed membership of almost 50,000 soon after the opposition made big gains in last year's general election.

However, the slow process of turning the club into a full wing and Najib's earnest promises to help the Indian community have led to many members leaving.

The fight for Indian support also reflects how members of the minority community, once solid supporters of the MIC, are now open to backing other parties after judging that the MIC had failed to protect their interests.

Makkal Sakti president R.S. Thanenthirran declined to reveal how many PSC members had defected to his party since it was formed in May.

But he said the 60,000-strong party will “continue to champion the marginalised and this will naturally become an attraction to many”.

“I will not be surprised if more people throw their support behind those that can deliver,” he told The Straits Times.

The idea of turning the PSC into an official wing of PAS was mooted last year, but some within the club feel that the process is taking too long, said Hu.

“They will turn to parties that they feel can do something for them,” Hu said.

The plan to absorb the club fully into PAS was given fresh impetus after many Indian voters turned away from voting for PAS in the recent Bagan Pinang by-election, awarding the Umno candidate a big victory, party insiders say.

Members of the PSC, unlike ordinary members of the Islamist party, do not have voting rights in the party elections held every two years.

PAS currently has three wings — the ulama, women and youth wings, and a committee has been set up by the Islamist party to decide on formalising the PSC.

Hu said one way to make it more attractive to non-Muslims would be for its members to be allowed to run in general elections or by-elections.

But when asked if these members would be given the right to vote during PAS elections, he said that remains unclear.

PAS National Unity Committee chief Mujahid Rawa, who is in charge of the club and its absorption into the party, said however that he is confident the PSC will be turned into a wing by the end of the year.

“I would not say it will be a fully fledged wing but it will stand on its own, have a clear structure and its own constitution,” he told The Straits Times.

One sticking point is the constitutional constraint that only Muslims are allowed to be members of PAS.

But Mujahid said: “It's quite complicated but the committee has come up with something.”

He declined to elaborate.

Political analyst James Chin, of Monash University Malaysia Campus, said of the plan to turn the club into a new PAS wing: “It will happen. PAS has every incentive to do it, otherwise it will lose support.” — The Straits Times

Indonesia

On her recent visit to Indonesia in February, 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remarked, “If you want to know if Islam, democracy, modernity and women’s rights can coexist, go to Indonesia.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini expressed similar sentiments during a conference hosted by the Italian Foreign Ministry and the Rome-based Sant' Egidio Community on March 4, 2009. Highlighting the culture of coexistence in Indonesia, he termed the country “a good example and experiment” of a pluralist society, where people of different ethnicities and religions shared a room to live, and a place where respect for diversity could find abundant opportunities to prosper.

“Indonesia embodies the added value of cultural diversity and can become the bridge between the West and Islam on the road to world peace,” Frattini, who plans to visit Indonesia next year, told the conference. “Indonesia ensures respect for all religions, and this has led to a strengthening democracy.”

In fact, this harmonious relationship reflects the peaceful manner in which Islam was originally introduced to Indonesia, a country which has grown to represent the largest Muslim population in the entire world.

Islam and Indonesia
Some scholars have perpetuated the idea that Islam’s expansion through the world was due to camel-riding, sword-wielding barbarians, essentially leading to the widely-held view that Islam was spread by the sword. Nothing could be farther from the truth. While Islam did expand into other regions through conquest, the conversion of the people of the lands was a much slower development. The well known British historian, De Lacy O’Leary, wrote in his book, Islam at the Crossroads, “History makes it clear … that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.”

In other parts of the world, Islam simply spread via trade, and again the acceptance of Islam by the people was a gradual and complex process. Local people became attracted to the religion because of the simplicity of its doctrine. Islam calls for believing that there is only One God worthy of worship and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the last prophet. It also repeatedly instructs its faithful to use their powers of intelligence and observation.

Indonesia is a case in point. Islam is thought to have first been adopted by peoples of the Indonesian archipelago sometime during the 11th century, although Muslims had visited the archipelago early in the Muslim era. According to Wikipedia, the spread of Islam was driven by increasing trade links outside of the archipelago; in general, traders and the royalty of major kingdoms were the first to adopt the new religion. Although it is known that the spread of Islam began in the west of the archipelago, the fragmentary evidence does not suggest a rolling wave of conversion through adjacent areas; rather, it suggests the process was complicated and slow.

Even before Islam was established amongst Indonesian communities, Muslim traders had been present for several centuries. M.C. Ricklefs, author of A History of Modern Indonesia c. 1300, identifies two overlapping processes by which Islam came to Indonesia: Indonesians either came into contact with Islam and converted out of conviction for the faith per se, and/or, foreign Muslim traders who interacted with Indonesia settled in the archipelago, intermarried with the local communities, and brought Islam to those with whom they intermarried; the Muslim progeny of these initial unions then continuing the process by assimilating others into the faith through successive intermarriages over generations, as reported by Wikipedia.

Therefore, it has been universally established that Islam spread through the Indonesian society in a largely peaceful way, and from the 14th century to the end of the 19th century the archipelago saw almost no organized Muslim missionary activity – and yet Islam flourished. Today, Muslims make up 88 percent of the total population, along with minorities of Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists. The national motto is “unity in diversity” and religious tolerance is seen as the cornerstone of relations between different faiths.

The Constitution provides for the freedom of religion, and the Government generally respects this right in practice. The Constitution accords “all persons the right to worship according to their own religion or belief” and states that “the nation is based upon belief in one supreme God.” The government also recognizes a variety of Muslim, Christian, and Hindu holy days as national holidays.

The local governments follow suit in efforts to maintain interfaith harmony. For instance, the Government of North Sumatra continues to sponsor Forkala, an organization which unites representatives of all recognized religious groups and promotes interfaith dialogue as a way of avoiding religious conflict. Although instances of religious violence do take place, community leaders of all faiths work together to rebuild harmonious relations, at times facilitated by government officials.

An All-Encompassing Religion
Indonesia’s religious tolerance is representative of Islam’s all-encompassing nature. Historically, Muslims have respected the presence of other religions and drafted treaties to ensure peaceful coexistence. When this was not done, it was in clear violation of God’s injunctions.

Indeed, God unequivocally states in the holy book of Qur’an, “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error.” (Chapter 2, Verse 256) Further, God instructs, “Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.” (Chapter 16, Verse 125)

The Qur’an, together with the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life, provide Muslims with a guide to day-to-day life, from marriage and family life to lawful food and drink, from modesty in dress and excellence in social manners to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths. In other words, Islam encompasses all aspects of our existence, presenting its adherents with a blueprint to a prosperous life, leading to success in the Hereafter. When non-Muslims experience this essence of the religion, they are attracted to Islam, often leading to their willing acceptance of Islam.

Indeed, Indonesia is a prime example of the peaceful manner in which Islam spread to that part of the world. The native population opened its hearts and minds to Islam and accepted it as their religion and over time, it became embedded in generations upon generations of Indonesian Muslims – eventually leading to its status as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.

Penghinaan terhadap Rasulullah S.A.W. dan Islam

PERHATIAN:

Nota ini adalah terjemahan dari sekeping artikel dalam bahasa Tamil yang telah diedarkan semasa perayaan Thaipusam di Batu Caves baru-baru ini. Sepanjang menaip saya beristighfar kerana saya menolak sepenuhnya penghinaan terhadap Rasulullah s.a.w. dan agama Islam dalam artikel tersebut.

Namun untuk memaklumkan kepada masyarakat Islam seluruhnya dan menyedarkan kita semua tentang tindak tanduk buruk yang penuh dakyah dan berbentuk menghasut yang dilakukan oleh sesetengah pihak, saya terpaksa menaipkannya juga terjemahan yang diberikan oelh seorang saudara baru kita. Semoga Allah mengampuni dosa-dosa kita dan menerima ini sebagai usaha memelihara kesucian Deen al Islam.

Imej artikel asal

Aman tu bilLah.

Sepertimana yang difikir oleh orang ramai perkara-perkara ini bukan pertama kali yang berlaku di Malaysia.

Banyak lagi perkara-perkara seperti perbuatan gali mayat selepas beberapa hari atau minggu dan dikebumikan semula di perkuburan Islam telah berlaku sebelum ini.

Hanya satu agama sahaja yang tidak memberi kebebasan dan ketenangan ke atas mayat selepas mati iaitu agama Islam.

Selepas kematian Moorthy, baru ramai orang sedar berhubung perkara ini.

Masuk agama Islam sahaja dibenarkan tetapi keluar (murtad) Islam tidak dibenarkan. Sepatutnya pegawai agama yang mengislamkan mesti memberitahu keluarganya.

Dalam kes Moorthy, terdapat 2 orang Melayu secara muslihat, menipu mendapatkan tandatangan daripada Moorthy ketika sakit. Mereka ini menunggu sehingga Moorthy meninggal (pengkhianat agama). Agama Hindu sahaja yang mengatakan semua agama adalah sama.

Dalam dunia ini, setiap agama mempunyai kebebasan dimana kebebasan itu diberi oleh Tuhan kecuali agama Islam. Agama Islam bukan dari Tuhan. Oleh sebab itu tanggunug jawab kita orang Hindu untuk memberitahu pada penganut agama Hindu.

Latar belakang pengasas agama Islam ialah Muhammad yang mengahwini seorang janda yang 15 tahun lebih tua daripadanya. Beliau hidup bersama dengannya selama 25 tahun. Selepas kematian isteri pertama, beliau mengahwini ramai wanita dan mempunyai ramai perempuan simpanan.

Dalam perkara ini, 2 wanita yang penting:
1. seorang wanita ialah anak menantuya sendiri (isteri anak angkatnya)

2. seorang Aisyah 6 tahun umurnya dan berkahwin ketika umurnya 10 tahun. Tidur bersama dan bersetubuh dengan Muhammad yang berusia 53 tahun. Muhammad ialah orang hina dan tak berguna serta kaki perempuan.

Dengan nama Allah dipergunakan untuk membunuh ramai orang dan merampas harta benda dan merampas isteri merekadan bersetubuh dengan wanita-wanita cantik yang bakinya diberikan kepada askar-askarnya untuk bersetubuh.

Semua perbuatan ini atas nama seruan Allah. Penipuan atas nama Allah, dia pembunuh dan pengganas agama.

Pengganas seks, gila seks dan mengahwini budak 10 tahun. Kita tidak boleh mengiktiraf dia sebagai nabi kerana dia pun manusia biasa. Sifatnya seperti hantu, manusia tidak berguna. Mereka ialah barbarian menyembah batu yang ditutupi dengan kain hitam.

Pada orang lain beliau tidak benarkan kahwin lebih dari 4 tetapi dia sendiri mengahwini lebih dari 16 orang wanita. Kalau menganut agama ini tidak boleh keluar kerana ini bukan agama Tuhan.

Oleh kerana itu, wahai penganut Hindu, berwaspadalah dan berhati-hati mencegah penganut Hindu dari agama yang menipu ini.

Jika seseorang menukar agama ini harta dia tidak akan diperolehi oleh keluarga asal. Semua harta akan dirampas atas nama agama. Ini ialah agama perompak.

Sesiapa membaca surat ini tolong copy 10 naskah dan edarkan pada kawan-kawan dan sebarkan.

Ini tanggungjawab semua orang Hindu. Jangan kena tipu dengan penipu-penipu agama.

Related Articles * Bagan Pinang: Persimpangan kritikal buat semua? — Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad * Najib, ‘kelucahan ringan’ dan rasuah Umno — H Fans

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali today admitted that new Indian party Makkal Sakthi's alliance with the Barisan Nasional had resulted in the party losing the support of the non-Malays in Bagan Pinang.

In its first by-election defeat in the peninsula since Election 2008, PAS’s Zulkefly Omar lost the Negri Sembilan state seat by 5,435 votes. Last year, Umno only won Bagan Pinang by 2,333 votes.

The Islamist party also lost all 19 polling streams. It won five in Election 2008, four of which are dominated by non-Malays.

“In a way Makkal Sakthi affected our share of non-Malay votes and the announcement that the party was endorsing BN,” said Mustafa in an interview.

The Makkal Sakthi Party led by former Hindraf leader RS Thanenthiran was launched during the Bagan Pinang campaign and officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in his attempt to look for new Indian ally, after MIC lost the support of the community.

“We cannot just dismiss them, they have decreased the support to Pakatan Rakyat (PR), not just PAS,” said Mustafa when presenting his findings from the campaign.

He is also aware of claims that many members of the Makkal Sakthi Party are from the PAS supporters’ club.

When asked whether the party will hasten the move to formalise the role of non-Muslim supporters in PAS, Mustafa said the matter has to be carefully assessed.

“PAS’s core supporters is still the Malays, the discussion whether we should have full membership for supporters has to consider this factor, whether it will affect this core group,” said Mustafa adding that the plan to form the non-Muslim wing in PAS is in the pipeline.

Mustafa however dismissed the suggestion that various controversies involving the Selangor PAS chief Datuk Hasan Ali had affected the party’s campaign in Indian areas.

Hasan, who is also a Selangor executive councillor, had tried to ban the sale of beer in convenience stores in Malay majority areas, empowered mosque officials to act as moral police and also criticised the state legislative special committee, Selcat’s investigations against senior civil servants.

“In Permatang Pasir, Selangor issues were also brought up but it didn’t affect our campaign,” said Mustafa pointing out DAP’s strong presence during Bagan Pinang.

He admitted that the party did not expect to be badly defeated at the recent Bagan Pinang by-election but was quick to add it cannot be used as indicator for both Barisan Nasional (BN) and PR.

“I didn’t expect that big majority, I thought we could maintain or reduce the majority,” said Mustafa, who used to head the party’s election department.

But the PAS veteran strategist warned that the by-election where Umno fielded local strongman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad cannot be used as a benchmark.

“Similarly, Pakatan Rakyat cannot be complacent by making excuses that we can afford to lose this one,” said Mustafa.

Attributes of Allah

Allah is the proper name of God, however, we know Him generally through His attributes. These attributes describe how Allah manifests Himself to us. God's attributes are innumerable since human intellect cannot possibly comprehend every aspect of the Supreme Being. A Hadith of the Holy Prophet (peace be on him) makes mention of Ninety Nine names of Allah commonly known as al- Asmaul Husna, the Most Names. In the Holy Quran we read: "And to Allah alone belong all perfect attributes. So call Him by these. And leave alone those who deviate from the right way with respect to His Attributes." (7:181).

"Allah - there is no God but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining. Slumber seizes Him not, nor sleep. To Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that will intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them; and they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He pleases. His knowledge extends over the heavens and the earth; and the care of them burdens Him not;and He is the High, the Great." (2:256)

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is a lustrous niche, wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a glittering star. It is lit from blessed tree - an olive - neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would well-nigh glow forth even though fire touched it not.Light upon light! Allah guides to His light whomsoever He will. And Allah sets forth parables to men, and Allah know all things full well.This light is now lit in houses with regard to which Allah has ordained that they be exalted and that His name be remembered in them, Therein is He glorified in the mornings and the evenings (24:36-37)

"He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is Gracious, the Merciful.He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Bestower of Security, the Protector, the Mighty, the Subduer, the Exalted. Holy is Allah far above that which they associate with Him.He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner. His are the most Beautiful Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Mighty the Wise.(59: 23-25)

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Allah has ninety nine Names, one hundred less one; and who memorized them all by heart will enter Paradise." (Bukhari, The Book of Tauhid.

Waktu gempa sama dgn ayat & surah dlm Quran...masyaAllah

Bismillah
Allahummasolli'alamuhammad wa'alaalimuhammad
Salamun 'alaikum


“Gempa di Padang jam 17.16, gempa susulan 17.58, esoknya gempa di Jambi jam 8.52. Coba lihat Al-Qur’an!” demikian bunyi pesan singkat yang beredar. Siapa pun yang membuka Al-Qur’an dengan tuntunan pesan singkat tersebut akan merasa kecil di hadapan Allah Swt. Demikian ayatayat Allah Swt tersebut:

17.16 (QS. Al Israa’ ayat 16): “Dan jika Kami hendak membinasakan suatu negeri, maka Kami perintahkan kepada orang-orang yang hidup mewah di negeri itu (supaya mentaati Allah) tetapi mereka melakukan kedurhakaan dalam negeri itu, maka sudah sepantasnya berlaku terhadapnya perkataan (ketentuan Kami), kemudian Kami hancurkan negeri itu sehancur-hancurnya.”

17.58 (QS. Al Israa’ ayat 58): “ Tak ada suatu negeri pun (yang durhaka penduduknya), melainkan Kami membinasakannya sebelum hari kiamat atau Kami azab (penduduknya) dengan azab yang sangat keras. Yang demikian itu telah tertulis di dalam kitab (Lauh Mahfuz).”

8.52 (QS. Al Anfaal: 52): (Keadaan mereka) serupa dengan keadaan Fir’aun dan pengikut-pengikutnya serta orang-orang sebelumnya. Mereka mengingkari ayat-ayat Allah, maka Allah menyiksa mereka disebabkan disebabkan dosa-dosanya. Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Kuat lagi Amat Keras siksaan-Nya.”
Tiga ayat Allah Swt di atas, yang ditunjukkan tepat dalam waktu kejadian tiga gempa kemarin di Sumatera, berbicara mengenai azab Allah berupa kehancuran dan kematian, dan kaitannya dengan hidup bermewah-mewah dan kedurhakaan, dan juga dengan keadaan Fir’aun dan pengikut-pengikutnya. Ini tentu sangat menarik.

Indonesia

On her recent visit to Indonesia in February, 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remarked, “If you want to know if Islam, democracy, modernity and women’s rights can coexist, go to Indonesia.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini expressed similar sentiments during a conference hosted by the Italian Foreign Ministry and the Rome-based Sant' Egidio Community on March 4, 2009. Highlighting the culture of coexistence in Indonesia, he termed the country “a good example and experiment” of a pluralist society, where people of different ethnicities and religions shared a room to live, and a place where respect for diversity could find abundant opportunities to prosper.

“Indonesia embodies the added value of cultural diversity and can become the bridge between the West and Islam on the road to world peace,” Frattini, who plans to visit Indonesia next year, told the conference. “Indonesia ensures respect for all religions, and this has led to a strengthening democracy.”

In fact, this harmonious relationship reflects the peaceful manner in which Islam was originally introduced to Indonesia, a country which has grown to represent the largest Muslim population in the entire world.

Islam and Indonesia
Some scholars have perpetuated the idea that Islam’s expansion through the world was due to camel-riding, sword-wielding barbarians, essentially leading to the widely-held view that Islam was spread by the sword. Nothing could be farther from the truth. While Islam did expand into other regions through conquest, the conversion of the people of the lands was a much slower development. The well known British historian, De Lacy O’Leary, wrote in his book, Islam at the Crossroads, “History makes it clear … that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.”

In other parts of the world, Islam simply spread via trade, and again the acceptance of Islam by the people was a gradual and complex process. Local people became attracted to the religion because of the simplicity of its doctrine. Islam calls for believing that there is only One God worthy of worship and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the last prophet. It also repeatedly instructs its faithful to use their powers of intelligence and observation.

Indonesia is a case in point. Islam is thought to have first been adopted by peoples of the Indonesian archipelago sometime during the 11th century, although Muslims had visited the archipelago early in the Muslim era. According to Wikipedia, the spread of Islam was driven by increasing trade links outside of the archipelago; in general, traders and the royalty of major kingdoms were the first to adopt the new religion. Although it is known that the spread of Islam began in the west of the archipelago, the fragmentary evidence does not suggest a rolling wave of conversion through adjacent areas; rather, it suggests the process was complicated and slow.

Even before Islam was established amongst Indonesian communities, Muslim traders had been present for several centuries. M.C. Ricklefs, author of A History of Modern Indonesia c. 1300, identifies two overlapping processes by which Islam came to Indonesia: Indonesians either came into contact with Islam and converted out of conviction for the faith per se, and/or, foreign Muslim traders who interacted with Indonesia settled in the archipelago, intermarried with the local communities, and brought Islam to those with whom they intermarried; the Muslim progeny of these initial unions then continuing the process by assimilating others into the faith through successive intermarriages over generations, as reported by Wikipedia.

Therefore, it has been universally established that Islam spread through the Indonesian society in a largely peaceful way, and from the 14th century to the end of the 19th century the archipelago saw almost no organized Muslim missionary activity – and yet Islam flourished. Today, Muslims make up 88 percent of the total population, along with minorities of Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists. The national motto is “unity in diversity” and religious tolerance is seen as the cornerstone of relations between different faiths.

The Constitution provides for the freedom of religion, and the Government generally respects this right in practice. The Constitution accords “all persons the right to worship according to their own religion or belief” and states that “the nation is based upon belief in one supreme God.” The government also recognizes a variety of Muslim, Christian, and Hindu holy days as national holidays.

The local governments follow suit in efforts to maintain interfaith harmony. For instance, the Government of North Sumatra continues to sponsor Forkala, an organization which unites representatives of all recognized religious groups and promotes interfaith dialogue as a way of avoiding religious conflict. Although instances of religious violence do take place, community leaders of all faiths work together to rebuild harmonious relations, at times facilitated by government officials.

An All-Encompassing Religion
Indonesia’s religious tolerance is representative of Islam’s all-encompassing nature. Historically, Muslims have respected the presence of other religions and drafted treaties to ensure peaceful coexistence. When this was not done, it was in clear violation of God’s injunctions.

Indeed, God unequivocally states in the holy book of Qur’an, “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error.” (Chapter 2, Verse 256) Further, God instructs, “Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.” (Chapter 16, Verse 125)

The Qur’an, together with the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life, provide Muslims with a guide to day-to-day life, from marriage and family life to lawful food and drink, from modesty in dress and excellence in social manners to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths. In other words, Islam encompasses all aspects of our existence, presenting its adherents with a blueprint to a prosperous life, leading to success in the Hereafter. When non-Muslims experience this essence of the religion, they are attracted to Islam, often leading to their willing acceptance of Islam.

Indeed, Indonesia is a prime example of the peaceful manner in which Islam spread to that part of the world. The native population opened its hearts and minds to Islam and accepted it as their religion and over time, it became embedded in generations upon generations of Indonesian Muslims – eventually leading to its status as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.

The New York Subway Ad Campaign – What’s the Big Deal?

One of the most basic of human rights is that of religious liberty, for religion is perhaps the most comprehensive of all human activities.

Leonard Swidler, in “Human Rights and Religious Liberty: From the Past to the Future”

Muslims worldwide constitute one of the world’s largest religious communities and roughly 18% of the world’s population. The global diversity of Muslims is clearly evident in the American Muslim community, arguably the most diverse group of Muslims anywhere in the world, comprising virtually every race and ethnicity.

In the wake of September 11, 2001 this community of over 7 million American Muslims has been under the glare of media publicity, often accompanied by less than accurate portrayals of their religion. A growing number of Muslims in America is convinced that misinformation about Islam lies at the root of religious hostility and unfounded fears of a clash of civilizations. With media campaigns and grassroots based outreach programs, the community appears determined to challenge popular stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam. Not only are American Muslims among the most educated and successful Muslim communities in the world, they are also increasingly aware of their manifest destiny as the bridge between Islam and the West.

In this context, the New York Chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) and its 877-WHY-ISLAM project have launched an information campaign comprising of one thousand posters displayed in New York City’s subway from September 15th to October 15th, 2008 - timed to coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, when over a billion Muslims observe fasting worldwide, many questions arise about Islam. The information campaign is a response to the ever-growing desire from the general public for correct and uncensored information about Islam and Muslims. As one local resident put it “I want these guys to tell me what their religion is and what they stand for. I want to make my informed decision after knowing every possible aspect.” The campaign hopes to promote much needed dialogue between peoples of different faiths.

Response from NY residents has been mixed. Many welcome the ads and see them as an opportunity to explore and obtain information, whereas others find them audacious and running counter to American culture.

Unfortunately, the events of September 11, 2001 have taken a heavy toll on the great American values of tolerance and mutual respect. In the minds of many, the juxtaposition of any symbol of Islam, with the events of 9/11 is common. Christine Lacombe, 32, said: "Having lived in New York though 9/11, to see anything Islamic, I mean I wouldn't be human if it didn't scare me." The objective of the ad campaign is to address precisely such sentiments through information and dialogue.

Naeem Baig, Secretary General of ICNA said "If someone has strong sentiments about Islam then they must have questions about the faith as well, and its all the more reason for them to obtain more information." It is hoped the ads will counter negative stereotypes about Islam by calling on people to ask questions about the religion and provide access to a toll free hotline and website to obtain answers to those questions

Republican politician Pete King has been one of the most high-profile critics of the campaign and his criticism was leveled mainly at Imam Siraj Wahaj, rather than the campaign itself. Imam Siraj is a New York Imam and respected community leader, particularly well known for his dedication to social service programs such as anti-drug patrols. Imam Siraj was also the first person invited to give an Islamic invocation in the United States Congress. Pete King’s call for having the adverts banned reflects the extent to which narrow politics has adversely affected religious freedom and interfaith understanding. “New Yorkers will be commemorating the 7th anniversary of the Sept 11 bombings. It is offensive to their families and it is offensive to the members that were killed that day”, King said. The fact that the ads would actually contribute to greater public awareness of a religion that claims one-fifth of humanity among its adherents is, for some reason, lost on King.

Responding to Mr. King’s rant, Azeem Khan, spokesperson for the Islamic circle of North America, reminded viewers in a CNN interview, that Muslims were amongst those killed during the attacks. “Even if they did overlap with Sept 11th, that is no excuse to spread hatred, fear and suspicion towards American Muslims. It is ironic that one of the founders of the WHY ISLAM project died in the terror attacks on that day. Mr King’s comments are an insult to him, his family and the intelligence of all New Yorkers who can decide for themselves.”

Fortunately, not all New Yorkers agree with Mr. King’s niggardly approach. One person observed that people have a right to know, “Please stop this censorship Mr. King, we proud Americans deserve to know uncensored information. Do not take this opportunity away from us.” Another person commented, “What’s the big deal, how else are we going to learn about each other and grow as a country. That’s what the US is all about.”

While Islam is often seen as a rather exotic or strange way of life, it has, in fact remarkable similarities in line with the best of American and western ethos.

Karen Armstrong, a best-selling religion writer and former nun, further explains the importance of peace in Islam:

“…Islam is a religion of peace. Like all the great world traditions, it recoils in horror from the violence of the world and struggles through to a position of peace. You can see that in the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The word "Islam" is related etymologically to the word "Salaam " -- peace.”

Mr Khan explained, "The reality is Muslims are a part of the American fabric. New Yorkers should realize we're in the fight against terrorism together."

A California resident explained her thoughts on the campaign. “Form what I think, we really don’t know what true Islam, or its preachings, are. We and the media always judge Islam by some of its followers. Well, if the world would start judging Christianity on the basis of some rogue Christians, that would not be right…would it? Thus, we should give a chance to all Americans to know what really Islam preaches and what its core principles are. I think that the subway adverts are really a good idea. We should give the Muslims a chance to clear misconceptions about Islam.”

Siapakah Yang Mengabulkan Doa Orang Yang Terdesak ?

Ibnu Asakir berkisah tentang Abu Bakar Muhammad bin Daud Ad Dinury. Abu Bakar me-nyampaikan bahwa saat itu ia sedang menunggang bighal miliknya dari Damaskus ke daerah Az Zaidani. Di tengah jalan ada seorang pria yang hendak menumpang. Lalu aku pun me-ngarungi perjalanan bersamanya. Tiba pada persimpangan jalan yang tidak pernah aku lewati, pria itu mengatakan, "Pilihlah jalan ini, sebab ia lebih dekat!" Aku sempat menolak dengan mengatakan bahwa aku tidak pernah melewatinya. Namun ia meyakinkanku bahwa jalan ini adalah lebih dekat. Hingga kami ber-dua pun menempuhnya.

Akhirnya langkah kami berdua terhenti di tepi sebuah jurang yang dalam dan terlihat banyak sekali korban yang jatuh di dalamnya. Pria itu mengatakan, "Peganglah tali bighal ini dan izinkan aku turun sejenak untuk melihat-lihat!" Maka sejurus kemudian pria itu menuruni bibir jurang.

Tidak lama ia turun, sejenak ia muncul lagi dengan pisau terhunus di tangan dan langsung berlari mengejarku. Melihat hal itu, akupun melarikan diri darinya. Ia terus mengejarku. Sambil berlari aku bermunajat kepada Allah Swt dan aku berkata kepadanya, "Ambil saja bighal itu dan segala bekal yang ada padanya!" Ia pun berkata, "Aku sudah dapatkan bighal itu!" Aku pun bertanya lagi, "Lalu apa yang kau mau?" Ia pun berkata, "Aku mau membunuhmu!" Sempat aku takut-takuti dia dengan siksa Allah, namun masih saja ia terus mengejarku.

Hingga akhirnya aku letih dan menyerah. Aku pun berkata kepa-danya, "Jika kau sungguh ingin membunuhku, mohon izinkan aku untuk melakukan shalat dua rakaat saja!" Rupanya ia mengizinkan dan berkata, "Lakukanlah dengan segera!"...

Inilah yang dilakukan oleh orang yang shaleh. Dalam kondisi terdesak, ia masih teringat kepada Allah Swt. Sungguh langkah yang ditempuh oleh Abu Bakar adalah langkah yang tepat. Bila ia terbunuh usai menjalani shalat, maka itu merupakan sebuah akhir yang indah. Namun bila ia ditakdirkan selamat, sungguh shalat yang ia lakukan telah menjadi senjata ampuh baginya.

"Cepatlah sedikit!" perampok itu berkata kepada Abu Bakar. Abu Bakar pun berdiri untuk melakukan shalat dengan badan bergetar. Saking gemetarnya, ia lupa sama sekali dengan bacaan shalat yang harus dibaca. Perampok itu terus mengatakan, "Cepatlah...!" Hal itu terus dikatakan oleh perampok kepada Abu Bakar sebelum ia melakukan takbiratul ihram, saat ia bertakbir, dan setelah takbir dikumandangkan. Hal itu membuat Abu Bakar semakin panik hingga surat Al Fatihah pun terlupa dari ingatannya.

Abu Bakar menuturkan, "Aku hanya berdiri dalam bingung dan panik. Tidak ada satu ayat pun yang terbaca. Saat itu tiba-tiba Allah Swt menuntunku untuk membaca ayat berikut:

"Atau siapakah yang memperkenankan (do'a) orang yang dalam kesulitan apabila ia berdo'a kepada-Nya, dan yang menghilangkan kesusahan?" (QS. 27:62)

Sejurus kemudian aku melihat dari mulut jurang muncul seorang ksatria dengan tombak di tangan. Tombak itu ia lesakkan dan mengenai pencuri. Sungguh lemparannya tidak meleset dan terarah ke daerah jantung. Perampok itu pun roboh dan tewas. Lalu aku mendekat ke arah ksatria itu dan bertanya, 'Demi Allah, siapakah engkau?' Ksatria itu menjawab, 'Aku adalah utusan Tuhan Yang memperkenankan doa orang dalam kesulitan apabila ia berdoa kepada-Nya serta menghilangkan kesusahan!'

Akhirnya Abu Bakar mengambil bighal dan perbekalannya, dan ia pun kembali ke rumah dengan selamat.

Itulah kisah orang yang berdoa dalam kondisi terdesak yang termaktub dalam kitab Ba'da Ad Dhiiq Ya'ti Al Farj karya Khalid Abu Shalih. Kisah ini pun termaktub dalam tafsir Ibnu Katsir jilid 3. Ibrah yang dapat dipetik dalam kisah itu adalah bahwa dalam kondisi terdesak sekalipun, sempatkanlah untuk berhubungan dan bermunajat kepada Allah Swt. Sungguh dalam kondisi seperti itu, doa yang tersampaikan tak akan ditolak. Hal ini serupa dengan doa orang yang hendak melakukan ifthar. (Oleh : Ustad Bobby Herwibowo)

salam

Here it is 8 years later and as it was then it is still now. 9/11 is a day of reflection for me for several reasons. On 9/11 I found out that:

1: I really was a Marine
2: I was willing to die for my country
3: Islam is in fact not only a religion of peace, but the truth

Most people have no problem with 1 and 2 when I ordinarily re-tell this story, but number 3 is always met with hostility. Without going into the story again as I have a thousand times, I just want to cover the main points

1: When I joined the Marine Corps in 1998 it was a different world per se. Most of my peers joined the military as an alternative to staying home or not going to college. Many like me joined the Marine Corps simply to be part of the best military organization on the planet (sorry Army). However, that was it in a nutshell. There were no dreams of war and combat no matter how much warrior training I had. It was good stuff to know, it felt good to know I could if I wanted to, but I was content behind my desk and flying with President Clinton to the Harley David factory in Pennsylvania or to South Beach, Miami. That was the extent of my career until 9/11. That day, I found out that I truly was a Marine, that day the warrior in me came alive and I wanted nothing more than to fight the scum that dared attack the USA the greatest nation on Earth!. That day I found out that even a bunch of spoiled, Presidential, airwingers, were still Marines and we were ready to go and do what Marines do. That day that Eagle, Globe, and Anchor took over and the true warrior that I didn’t even know existed came alive. That day more than any other day, I was a Marine!
2: Given the gravity of the day, I knew something had to be done. I didn’t know what, but I knew it had to be something. I began to think of all the ‘medal of honor’ winners who gave their lives in the service of others. I never truly understood that, but on 9/11 something came over me. I knew that if fanatical killers were willing to do this, than I had to be equally willing to do whatever it took to defeat them. I didn’t know what to think, but I knew one thing, if I had to die, I wanted it to be in the service of my country. I never felt that way before, on 9/10 I wore a uniform, but it was just a “job” to a degree, but on 9/11 I swore by that uniform and what Marines have lived and died for and was ready to join their ranks if need be. I remember around 10 am before the base phones shut down calling my mother and she answered crying, the most I could muster was “Mom I love you, tell everyone I love them, but now I have to do what I get paid to do” right there out of no where in one line I told my mother that our conversation may have been the last, and in that moment of clarity there was peace. I knew what had to be done and I truly didn’t care about the costs, as long as America won.

3. This has always been the most difficult thing to explain and it still is. On 9/11 we were on “standby” for more than 14hrs. We didn’t see any “action” and we just hurried up and waited, and waited, and waited, and then it was 9/12. As things started to develop and get sorted out after that horrible day, I began to reflect. Mostly about 1 and 2 but then I began to ask myself questions: Who were these people that did this? Why would they do this? Are their beliefs that crazy that they are willing to kill themselves and many others for it? I asked myself these questions over and over. My only solution was research. I wanted to know my enemy so that I may be better prepared to kill them. As a devout Christian, lay leader, bible study leader, etc. I wanted to see this murderous book for myself so that I may be able to inform my friends, group, and congregation. I never met a Muslim in my life all I knew was the church, so I decided to go straight to the horse’s mouth…the Quran.

As things were eased on the base in the following days, I decided to go to the bookstore and I bought it a Koran. My first one it was in complete English no Arabic in sight. So with a scornful look and disdain in my heart I began to read…The very first thing I read was:

“The Opening
1:1 In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful:
Bismillāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīm

1:2 Praise be to God, the Lord of the Universe.
Al ḥamdu lillāhi rabbi l-’ālamīn

1:3 The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Ar raḥmāni r-raḥīm

1:4 King of the Day of Judgment.
Māliki yawmi d-dīn

1:5 You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help
Iyyāka na’budu wa iyyāka nasta’īn

1:6 Guide us to the straight way;
Ihdinā ṣ-ṣirāṭ al mustaqīm

1:7 The way of those whom you have blessed, not of those who have deserved anger, nor of those who stray.
Ṣirāṭ al-laḏīna an’amta ‘alayhim ġayril maġḍūbi ‘alayhim walāḍ ḍāllīn “

In the name of God, the Most Gracious and Merciful! What in the world! I thought I’m supposed to be reading about killing Christians in the name of some other god or something. Where’s all the violence, and advocation of such, against America? This opening, sounded much like my prayers, so I began to read on…

As I read on I learned many things like God is One, fighting is only ordained in self-defense against oppression, respect for others religions and places of worship, Muslims believed in the Prophets of the Bible and in Jesus albeit a little differently, but then there were Christians that believed the same things about Jesus too! In other words I found none of what I expected, I found no smoking gun, what little so-called violence I did find was nothing more than historical happenings, that didn’t shape the larger context of the books call for patience, prayer, and balance. It didn’t read purely as a historical book although there was history in it, it didn’t read purely as a book of dogma, although there was dogma in it, to me the most remarkable thing to me was that the author seemed to be speaking directly to me and not through 3rd and 4th parties. For every question I asked there was an answer, for every answer given, the text itself asked me a question. The book forced me to think, challenged me, and reasoned with me. This was a book of reason, this was a book of discussion, this book made me stronger in my desire for God. Any book that could do that in of itself, without the aid of a person reading it to me had to have divine Origins!
Of course, this began to baffle me. Emotions began to be confounded at times, I didn’t know what to think, but I knew one think, I believed in this text and I wanted to be part of those who did. Obviously those murders couldn’t have read the same book! We must be reading two different things.
I began to care less and less about the murderers and what they got out of the text and more and more about what I got out of the text. Somehow they got murder and intolerance; I got love for God, man, and peace. No more did I have to believe that those who didn’t believe as I did were bound to hell, now I could believe in the unity of faith, I could believe that all of mankind was destined to God and God loved everyone not just an elect group!

Naturally, all of this shook me at my foundation my core, so the best I could do was share these thoughts with my mentor and pastor, my grandfather. I expected him to chastise me and tell me satan was confusing me, but instead, he said he believes Islam to be on the same path as Judaism and Christianity, he believed that they all have a central Origin and a central destination. He believed that while the family of Abraham (pbuh) didn’t always agree on many points, they are still family nonetheless. At that point, slack jawed, I realized that my new ways weren’t a hindrance, or some kind of satanic confusion, but another path and journey God had put me on, He knows what he is up to.

This all happened within weeks of 9/11. Imagine the surprise to all those I knew when I told them I was converting to Islam. Imagine the surprise when I had my dog tags and records changed from “Christian” to “Muslim”. Many didn’t take it well, and many don’t today. But faith is like that. We don’t often have as much control as we would like to believe. If we truly believe then we will be able to carry our cross no matter what.
And talk about a cross to carry! I have been called it all: Naive, Traitor, fake, etc. I have been told that I never was a Christian or good Christian to begin with and that’s how I left so “easily” as if they know! I have been asked how I could change to the enemies religion while my country was under attack, my service has been questioned, my loyalty, etc. etc.

The problem is many can’t or won’t seperate the religion from the people, unless of course the religion is Christianity or Judaism!

Never mind that I served another 3 years honorably in the Marine Corps as a Muslim. Never mind that I have worked for this nations highest office as a Muslim, never mind that since the Marine Corps I have worked and served in agencies many other Americans only dream about, can only see on the outside, and in many instances don’t even know where they exist! All this as a Muslim.

But I digress…Here it is 6 years later and not much has changed. Many still hate Islam and Muslims, many Muslims still defend their faith and themselves, and many Muslims still commit the actions that help fuel the flames of this hate. I just pray on this day of reflection, that we as Americans, that we as humanity, begin to reflect more on our similarities then our differences. I pray that we overcome our prejudices and ignorance and learn to work together. I pray that we come together to destroy radicalism and extremism in all it’s forms. I pray that we realize that it is our differences that not only make God Great, but gives us a reason and drive to want to get to know one another.
49:13 O men! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware.