October 18 2004

Gesegneten Ramadan!

Ramadan Mubarak – Gesegneten Ramadan!
Ob Winter oder Sommerzeit weltweit Milliarden von Muslimen
Die es gemeinsam durchziehen ich bin einer von ihnen
Die Teufel sind in Ketten und der Segen ist nah
Ich freue mich auf dieses Ereignis jedes Jahr
Der Lohn wird verdoppelt die Moschee voller Leben
Ich will mein Bestes geben nach meinem Besten streben
Ich mache es für Allah und hoffe er nimmt es an
Mein Fasten im gesegneten Monat Ramadan
Quelle: Ammar114.de

October 15 2004

Ramadan Reflection

Behind all, is a constant One
His radiance pales the shinning sun
But we do not see Him through our veils
Our lower self’s winds fill our sails
We spend our days chasing the shadow show
From hence life came we do not know
But soon death will knock at our door
And we will have to look some more
At where we have come and where are we going
And what our actions in this life are sowing
Is what we are doing leading to know Him?
Or are we following every passing whim?
To witness His names and attain true being
Requires awareness, the true art of seeing
It takes remembrance of the reality
For knowledge, light and solemnity
To lift the veils of the shadow show
To see things as they are and come to know
So take the mantle of doing without
And restrict the self and have no doubt
That from denial comes relief
To see the truth behind every leaf
For hidden within us is the universe
The Qur`an unveils it verse after verse
So rejoice it is Ramadan take to the fast!
For this month of barakat will not last
Soon the month of fasting will fly away
And all the habits that we have kept at bay
Will come forward to have their appetites display
Without restriction of the Ramadan day
But for all those of subtle light
Those whom have attained inner delight
Will make their fast last all the year
Making their lives so precious and dear
For they are the true ones that have found the treasure
That all life comes in a clear balance and measure
So seek His knowledge and turn away from the plight
To rejoice in the splendor of His eternal Light.
-By Hajj Mustafa Ali-

Ramadan Kareem to all of you 🙂

October 13 2004

Proud Of You Cennet

I’m sure many of you have already heard the news of the 15 year old French Muslim girl: Cennet Doganay who shaved her head after being banned from classes with her headscarf on.
Respecting both the law and her religion, Cennet tried out everything to cover her hair without “violating” the new law of France that banned any religious symbols in schools. She tried berets and bandanas but still she was not allowed to attend classes. So shaving her head was the only solution she could think of.
Now whether shaving her head left a positive or negative impression by others, that’s not the issue, simply because no one would feel the paradox of loving her country and her religion at the same time, but the ones who are like her, the ones suffering from the same ban in their own country, the country which raised them on the courage of making a choice, the country which taught them to think and act freely…
Personally, I believe that since Cennet didn’t harm anyone, didn’t violate any law, didn’t cause any trouble by shaving her head, then her act should be respected. She stood up for her beliefs and tried to prove to the world that all she seeks is practicing her religion peacefully. She wanted the whole world to see that her will was never to show disrespect to her country, she never wanted to look different than her fellow colleagues, all she wanted is to lead a normal life, a balanced life that combines respect and love of religion and state. In return, she should be given freedom and respect, not humiliation and bans.
I respect her courage and admire her determination to follow both her religion’s instructions and her country’s law. Although, deep inside me I’m sure she’ll still feel the absence of democracy and freedom every single time she looks in the mirror, everyday she sits in the classroom being taught the meaning of democracy, the value of freedom, and the importance of respect. I know that shaving her head may not move the feelings of anyone, I know it may not result in any improvement she’s wishing for, I know she might be thought of as a careless teenagers, or even a silly girl, I know she might be even laughed at. But she knows she made her point, she sure knows the ones who really care about freedom, democracy and principles will respect her. She must know, that Muslim women from all around the world are proud of her, because she, in these difficult circumstances and in this young age did something that older women, in other less complicated and difficult circumstances wouldn’t even think of doing.

One last thing I feel obliged to say is: if a Muslim does not wear a headscarf, if a Christian does not wear a crucifix, if a Jew does not wear a skullcap, that wont change the fact that they are still Muslims, Christians and Jews. And governments should know, that not wearing a religious symbol wont hide the fact, a simple question like: “what’s your religion?”, will unveil the fact. Unless of course, you’re also considering than ban of religion-related questions. But even if you do, be sure that you can’t stop people from belonging to a religion they love, because religion, whether you like it or not, is a part of us, without it we’re lost. So instead of banning religious symbols, why not focus on teaching tolerance, love, peace and respect to other religions, because after all, this is what religion is all about.

I also encourage you to read Le Hidjab de Strasbourg , it’s in English.

September 23 2004

“Islam Connecting People”

Ammar Kebede, a very talented young man born in Ethiopia and grown up in Germany. Ammar used to write lyrics for rap songs, and used to rap since 1995. He was a part of a small group of talented people. They wanted to be famous and reach the world, but they wanted it in the right way. They didn’t want to sing about drugs or sex, they didn’t want video clips with women surrounding them, they wanted to show all stars that there are other ways of becoming famous, while keeping self-respect.
In the same year, Ammar got to know Islam and read in the Quran. In 1999 he converted to Islam, ever since then he started writing lyrics about things he believed were meaningful and worth discussing. He started writing about life, the truth of things, God, poverty, egoism, and anything that could give a wakeup call to people to improve their lives and help each other.
His topics are well selected, his texts are Islamic and his songs simply rock. The reactions to his new style music and Islamic rap songs were so positive. People loved Ammar and his meaningful music.
His latest CD is called “Mehr als Musik” (more than music) and could be purchased from Ammar’s website: Ammar114.de
You can also hear his songs and download a lot of remixes and singles for free. With his songs, Ammar tries to get people to thinking and reconsidering their lives. He tries to encourage people to make their lives more useful and more meaningful.
Unfortunately his website and songs are in German only.

Tomorrow September 23rd, Ammar will be having a live concert in Mainz- Germany. And on Sunday, September 26th, Ammar will be having another Live concert in Berlin-Germany, for FREE. It will be called “Islam Connecting People” and will include interviews with people from around the world, who’d like to share their experience with Islam.
For details about the concerts, the time, place and tickets you can check his site or call: 0177-3448727, or simply send an email on the following address: icp[AT]gmx.de.
You’re all invited 🙂

August 10 2004

Islamic Relief

“Whoever saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind” Qur’an 5:32
Islamic Relief is an international relief and development charity dedicated to alleviating the poverty and suffering of the world’s poorest people. It is an independent Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) founded in the UK in 1984 by Dr Hany El Banna.
As well as responding to disasters and emergencies, Islamic Relief promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities – regardless of race, religion or gender.
For more information about Islamic Relief, more details about their programs, donations and vacancies Click Here.
Take a look at their site, and try to help in any possible way. No matter how little you think your role might be, be sure it will make a very big positive difference in the life of many people in need all around the world.

August 3 2004

Teaching Islam In German Schools

With the legally embodied freedom of religion in Germany, Muslims have the right to get Islam lessons. But although 3,2 Million Muslims live in Germany, there are still no proper approved Islam lessons in the German schools. Teaching Islam in German schools failed in the past because of lack of the suitable teaching staff. This will now change.
The “Centre for Religious Studies” in Münster University in Germany begins now with the education and training of Islam teachers.
The learning will be through Professor Muhammad Sven Kalisch, an Islam scientist from Hamburg.
According to Kalisch, the first step to teaching religion is the language course. “It is so important for us that the instructions are given in German” Kalisch says. He isn’t against teaching in mother tongues, but he believes that if Islam is wanted to be a part of the German society then Muslims should learn their religion in German to know how to express themselves and to be able to fit in society. On the other hand, Kalisch and his colleagues want to train religion teachers who have both a scientific and an Islamic background, in order to avoid any extremist tendencies. It’s not yet clear how many Islam teachers will be trained, but the need for such approved teachers is highly requested. Around 800,000 students in German schools are Muslims.
The courses for Islam teachers will begin next winter semester 2005/2006. To get the permission for these courses, the applicants should be Muslims, and should qualify as teachers, or at least have the goal of teaching in their course of studies.
After having the qualified and approved Islam teachers, schools will be offering Islamic education for the Muslim students. The Ministry of Culture and the Muslim associations will be organizing with each other to know how to offer this kind of education.

Personally I believe this is a great step forward that will help Muslims in Germany learn Islam the right way and in German.
Source: DeutscheWelle

June 30 2004

Professor Dr. Z. El-Naggar: A True Inspiration

Our generation is a lost one. I find young men and ladies living just because they’re alive, in other words, just passing time while they’re breathing, and mostly trying to have as much fun as possible while they’re living.
I find young people not knowing what to do, either because they see no point of repeating what others have already done, or because they’re bored and want something new.
I see people not bothering to look for a job, giving no damn if their parents need help or not, if something they’re doing is hurting others or not. They don’t believe in morals any longer, they think it limits their mind and their freedom. They don’t believe in religion anymore, they believe it’s useless. They don’t believe in God no more, they believe he doesn’t exist, he doesn’t deserve to exist. So if there’s no God, then who created us? They start looking, and re-searching, some get to answers they like because it gives them relief from any responsibility, and some get to answers they hate, because the answers proved them wrong, and some get nowhere.
I’m one of the people who don’t take this life as facts I should simply believe in. I think over and over and over. I was born a Muslim. My parents are, and so were almost all who surrounded me in my childhood. But I learned that Islam urges us to think and look for the truth. Islam does not believe in forcing religious facts into our minds, otherwise we wont have brains. When I became a teenager, I was somehow rebellious, I sat with dad for hours asking him about everything, honestly, I must admit that I gave him really hard times. I asked him things like where does God come from? Why are there 3 religions? Why do we pray? Why do we fast……etc. After I’m done with dad I’d go to mom: What are we created for? Why shouldn’t we steal? Why should we be good to others?…. At school, also my religion teacher had a share of suffering too: why this, what’s that, what for do we do that…
Everyone gave me a convincing answer, but inside me I wanted to prove them all wrong, just because I was one of those troublesome stubborn girls. So one day I decided to look for answers myself, I searched the net, most of it had nothing to do with Islam’s teachings, and so many information didn’t relate to God. That was so exciting yet confusing to me. I rented books of religion, philosophy, science and history. Figures were almost all the same, but ideas were totally different. I went back home and thought: I’ve rented books, read articles and killed myself looking for something to help me, but I never bothered reading The Quran, so why not take a look at it and see what it’s got! I spent months reading Quran, looking into several interpretations, and listing questions about everything spiritual, religious, historical, social, scientific, and medical I’d love to know about. Only then, I knew that I’ve wasted so much time, when all the answers I was looking for were just right there in front of me. I never knew that Quran was that practical, that relieving and that logical. It showed me the truth of things. And I never questioned neither the presence of God nor my religion ever again.
The problem is when friends ask me about God and religion and I seem so excited and so strong talking about Quran and the facts it has predicted ahead of our time and the facts it told us about ancient civilizations, they believe I’m just overreacting and trying to have them convert into Islam. And no matter how hard I try to explain, they only believe what they want to believe. I was wishing that someone would explain science, politics, law, relationships, sexual affairs, and the universe through the eyes of Quran so that they will understand I wanted nothing but give them the answers to the questions they were asking me, and to let them know what I knew apart of anything else. And yesterday I was watching Khaleek Bil Bait , a program of Future TV, presented by Zahi Wehbi. To be honest I’ve watched this program on some occasions, but wasn’t that fond of it until yesterday. Yesterday’s host was Professor Dr.Zaghloul El-Naggar . An Egyptian Professor of Geology. He is a member of many scientific Societies and associations. He has published so many wonderful books about geology, and the miracles of Quran, and writes articles in Al-Ahram Newspaper.
Now what I loved about him is that he is so well educated, open-minded and can discuss with you everything so easily and without having to end up with a fight. He never loses his peaceful smile nor his control on his temper no matter what. As usual, such people are likely to be offended and criticized. He got calls during the program asking the most complicated questions, yet he always had an answer. Researchers and scientists gave some really powerful arguments to prove him wrong, but again he had the answer. And the beauty in his discussion is that he knows what he’s saying, with a very strong scientific and religious background. He was asked to give examples of research and studies from non-Muslim scientists, to prove what Quran says is right. With no problem at all, Professor Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar gave the most stunning examples from Nasa, as well as American, Russian, Hollandaise and Greek Scientists. All proved what Quran has mentioned thousands of years ago.
He gave people the reason to believe in God, he proved Darwin’s Theory of Evolution to be wrong, not only with Quran interpretations but even from what other non-Muslim scientists explained. He mentioned a wide range of books for others that are with Darwin’s theory and other books against it, books supporting believing in God and others against it. He was so great, I was so happy to listen to every single word he said. And I’m planning to post about his studies and proofs every once in a while for those who may be interested.
Dr. El-Naggar was asked about those who become Muslims, why do they become Muslims, whether scientists, or the American soldiers he met in Gulf War, or simply students of science. His answer was: Islam could not be proposed to someone and be rejected, unless of course this someone is not willing to listen with an open heart and mind. I’m sure whoever accepted Islam did only because they followed what their minds found most logical, and what gave them the most answers to their many questions. They saw that it takes human beings years and years of research to find a fact Quran has mentioned. And they saw that humanity has still not reached the key to many other facts Quran has talked about already.
There is a website for Dr. El- Naggar, currently it has only some of his work, but it will be open with more information very soon. TheLink
And last but not least, I must say that Zahi Wehbi did a great job yesterday 🙂

June 23 2004

Only My Faith…

I meet so many people who do not believe in God. It’s not my duty to judge them, but I give myself the right to help them think of what maybe circumstances, people around them or their minds prevent them from thinking of.
All I can say is the relationship between a person and God needs no outer interference. It’s not built on interests (or at least from God’s side), neither does it need consultation. It’s all about the belief in one fact: even if the whole world gave up on you, there is only one power stronger than all other powers that will stand by your side and help you survive, for nothing in return but your faith.
Don’t switch religions or create new ones or decide to follow the idea that nature has created itself just because it’s a cool thing to do, or because the ones you love did it, or simply because you find it easier that way. Take only few minutes of meditation, alone, by yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask yourself whatever question, and don’t be scared of knowing the truth.
Look at the universe with all what it has, look at everything around you, start with yourself, look at your hair, eyes, hands, feet, stomach, skin, veins, think of the thousands of processes that take place inside your body, think of the great link between the senses and the existence, look at the plants, animals, and other human beings. Think of weather, think of coincidence, think of luck, think of health, think of life and death. You will find that only one of the things above is enough for you to sense the presence of God.
I have just read this beautiful post at Azlan Adnan called On Faith, I thought it was worth reading. Enjoy 🙂

An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem science has with God, The Almighty. He asks one of his Muslim students to stand and…
Professor: You are a Muslim, aren’t you, son?
Student: Yes, sir.
Professor: So you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.
Professor: Is God good?
Student: Sure.
Professor: Is God all-powerful?
Student: Yes.
Professor: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn’t. How is this God good then? Hmm?
(Student is silent.)
Professor: You can’t answer, can you? Let’s start again, young fella. Is God good?
Student: Yes.
Professor: Is Satan good?
Student: No.
Professor: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From… God…
Professor: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.
Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.
Professor: So who created evil? (Student does not answer.)
Professor: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?
Student: Yes, sir.
Professor: So, who created them?
(Student has no answer.)
Professor: Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son… Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.
Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student: No , sir.
Professor: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student: No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.
Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.
Professor: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.
Professor: Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has.
Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Professor: Yes.
Student: And is there such a thing as cold?
Professor: Yes.
Student: No sir. There isn’t.
Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?
Student: You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light… But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and it’s called darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?
Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Professor: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.
Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going.)
Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavour, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?
Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?
Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?
Professor: I guess you’ll have to take them on faith, son.
Student: That is it sir. The link between man & god is FAITH. That is all that keeps things moving and alive.

April 5 2004

Islamic Veil Prohibited While Working In Germany, We’re Finally Civilized Inside Out!

So once again among all critical problems in the world, the Islamic veil (Hijab) seems to be the most dangerous, most uncivilized and most unwelcome “problem” to the European countries. So instead of solving environmental problems, or try find a way to rescue the hundreds of people killed on daily basis all over the world, and instead of putting all those efforts in finding cures for illnesses, Some find it the easiest and fastest to interfere with people’s wills and decisions. They find it more effective to steal their rights of choice in the name of “civilization”.
So France took the first step towards “democracy”, “freedom”, “justice”, “civilization” and “human rights protection” and prohibited wearing Hijab. And to follow its “successful” and “impressive” steps, Germany has finally prohibited “only” teachers from wearing Hijab in Baden-Württemberg for a start. BUT this prohibition did not include wearing neither Christian nor Jewish religious symbols, why? For very simple silly reasons: 1. “Hijab is a very obvious symbol!!” Well I guess a golden 1 meter long cross necklace isn’t that obvious, nor is the star of David printed on school bags and sweaters. And well, I think that’s right, a nun should have the right to teach, but a Muslim woman wearing Hijab shouldn’t, because Hijab is always THE MOST OBVIOUS!
2. “Hijab points out that women aren’t equal to men in Islam!!” And this is according to a protestant priest!! I guess this priest has no idea about Islam nor its rules. Because Islam is the religion that freed women from slavery and gave them back their rights. Islam is the religion that shows all people are equal and important.
And this very same priest along with a catholic one have raised a claim to “warn” the German government from editing the prohibition into: “not allowing Christian or Jewish symbols to be worn”. They want to stress the importance of spreading out this decision concerning Islam only without touching other religions.

Actually hearing news like this will make all Muslims even more proud for being Muslims, because it seems that Islam is the only religion that believes in the rights of other religions and gives them the freedom to practice their religious rights. And it has just occurred to me that there is a misunderstanding regarding Hijab. Non-Muslims think that Hijab is a sign of being conservative, or extremist or very strict, which isn’t true. Being a general religion that applies to all people of all kinds and level and regardless of their sex, Islam has nothing as sacrificing a part of society to offer servants for God. Because Muslims believe that there should be no one between the person and God, each have their rights to be the closest to God and to be able to pray for God and ask for his help without the interference of any one. And if the ones banning Hijab care to waste their precious time and spend few minutes on learning about Hijab, its reasons and its benefits, then they wont be doing this to Muslim women. They’ll know that Hijab is so far from being a conservative act. And just because Christians don’t all wear the nun clothes, that doesn’t mean that similar veils mean the ones wearing them are nothing but religiously-strict women.
Therefore it’s the most uncivilized, unfair and intolerant act ever to prohibit women from practicing their rights, because this -and not Hijab- is the symbol of discrimination and stealing the equality of women to men.

A very interesting post I’ve read concerning the issue of Hijab and the difficulties Muslim women face because of it is Crying Wolf/ Jalan-Jalan there is also this German website women in Germany have created to discuss their opinion and defend their right of wearing Hijab. The site is mein Kopftuch

March 24 2004

Researchers Discuss The Miracle Of Qur’an In Dubai

Around 170 researchers and scientists, Muslim and non-Muslim from so many Arab and non-Arab countries are participating in the 7th Arab Conference for the Scientific Miracle of Qur’an and the Sunnah (The way of life prescribed as normative in Islam, based on the teachings and practices of Muhammad and on exegesis of the Qur’an), which takes place in Dubai. The opening was on the 22nd of this month and will continue till the 25th.

Qur’an is considered a miracle because it mentioned so many scientific facts which apply to all fields of life in all times. Yes, that’s true, besides the linguistic miracle that Qur’an is known for, as it has a unique style, so many synonyms, opposites, punctuation marks and a one of kind language application and use that no human could ever be able to come up with no matter how great and advanced they were. So besides the language, Qur’an explains biology, geology, anatomy, astronomy, archeology, the secrets of oceans and water life, psychology, law, governing systems, medicine, trade, and contracts. It also gives interpretations, mentions predictions, discusses the different forms of life, the reasons for being created, human relationships, ethics, morals, family planning, the environment, human rights, women’s importance and rights, equality, freedom, other religions, spending, work, sexual relationships, marriage, sexual preferences, adopting, hygiene, looks, prayers, war, peace, sports, emotions, and so many other issues.

Islam is known as a religion that encourages research and supports thinking. But unfortunately, the main focus of researchers was only on language and life systems for the last few years, without giving much importance to applied sciences and related fields. So this time, the conference urged researchers to study the references of applied sciences that were mentioned in Qur’an as well as in Sunnah. And as a result for this emphasis on the importance of applied sciences, this year’s conference discussed researches from Egypt, England, USA, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and other countries. The researches were mainly about geology, astrology, human anatomy and biology, contradicting with the Darwin Theory of Evolution. Some researches also discussed cloning and stated that it can never be an equal to the normal creation of God, because it only reproduces some organisms of identical cells, yet fails to transfer feelings and emotions.

What really gets the attention of scientists in studying Qur’an and Sunnah is the fact that they give explanations and descriptions of anything a person could think of, which I find truly fascinating.
Anyway, I guess such a conference helps in clearing the verses of Qur’an to a wide range of people from different social and educational levels to provide humanity with answers to so many questions and clear up a lot of the universe’s mysteries. And most important of all, it helps apply many useful methods in order to preserve a healthy life and cure a lot of mental and physical illnesses.
And well, it’s always thrilling to hear of Arabs offering such researches of great importance, and even greater is to know that non-Arabs are sharing them this very important event.
Unfortunately details about the conference are only available in Arabic