Any 80s fans in the house?

I used to be a book burner But when I think about Salman Rushdie now, I believe the freedom to offend is a necessary freedom. Not surprisingly, the awarding of a knighthood to Salman Rushdie has reignited the controversy over the 1988 publication of his book, The Satanic Verses. Pakistan and Iran have already witnessed angry condemnations of the author and popular protests. With memories of last year's Danish cartoon row still fresh, there are understandable concerns that the situation could dramatically escalate around the world. When The Satanic Verses was first published, I was a second year student at Queen Mary College in London. I had started becoming a more observant Muslim just over a year earlier and had begun attending Islamic talks across London. For many young Muslim students at the time the situation was fairly straightforward. The Thatcher government had banned Peter Wright's Spycatcher and had gone to court to prevent its distribution. Surely, Rushdie's novel, which had caused such offence to hundreds of millions of believers, deserved a similar fate? I remember being rather puzzled as to why Rushdie's defenders were so vigorous in arguing for the right to offend Muslims. Muslims were not writing books making fun of Christ and other revered religious figures. It seemed to be a deliberate attempt to mock deeply held beliefs. We were a tiny minority and in the mainstream British newspapers had no voice whatsoever, while our detractors had column after column of newsprint to disparage us and our "backward" ways. We were utterly powerless. So on February 14 1989, when the Iranian Islamic leader, Imam Khomeini delivered his fatwa calling for Salman Rushdie's death, I was truly elated. It was a very welcome reminder that British Muslims did not have to regard themselves just as a small, vulnerable minority; they were part of a truly global and powerful movement. If we were not treated with respect then we were capable of forcing others to respect us. I remember taking part in the large demonstration in Hyde Park that summer. It was an amazing day. There was an increasing realisation that by giving greater importance to our Islamic identity we could transcend and overcome the narrow sectarian and tribal divides that were widespread among us. We may have Pakistani, Bengali, Gujarati, Arab, Turkish backgrounds, but this was less important than what brought us together: we were British Muslims. And so Rushdie's novel became, unwittingly no doubt, the catalyst for the forging of a more confident Islamic identity among many British Muslims. Looking back now on those events I will readily acknowledge that we were wrong to have called for the book to be banned. Today I can certainly better appreciate the concerns and fear generated by the images of book-burning in Bradford and the calls for the author to be killed. It seems crazy now, but I really did believe that some committee of learned elders should vet all books before they could be sold to the public. In the intervening years I have managed to travel to Egypt, Sudan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey and elsewhere and it is always with a sense of warmth that I return to the UK. Our detractors had been right. The freedom to offend is a necessary freedom. Moreover, Islam has flourished wherever there has been a free atmosphere. I continue to strongly disagree with the way Rushdie caricatured early Islamic heroes of mine, but banning the book was not the answer. And from reading various British Muslim message boards on the internet there appears to be a strong desire among many younger Muslims not to get distracted by the Rushdie knighthood. It is a hopeful sign. For the record, Rushdie's support for Bush's invasion of Iraq only helped underline why I think he is pompous, heartless and self-regarding. Still, I will always remember with gratitude taking part in those protests all those years ago and how it drew me closer to my faith. Thanks, Sir Salman. CiF

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JZAK A good read My Daughter Is a Muslim By Eva Vergaelen Freelance Writer Nele Godts grew up with her two brothers in a typical Belgian family. Her parents gave their children all the possibilities to develop their personalities. At the age of 17, Nele converted to Islam and changed her name to Nawal. Now, nine years later, Nawal is married to an Egyptian and teaches Qur'an to her neighbors. This is an interview with Tine and her daughter Nele, or Nawal, to others. Mother Tine "My daughter has two names: Nele, the name chosen by me and her father, and Nawal, the name chosen by herself when she entered Islam. Her husband and friends call her Nawal, which means 'gift.' For me she is and remains my Nele. And yes, she is a true gift. When Nele was 17, she converted to Islam. For me, it all happened all of a sudden. I did not realize that she was interested in Islam, so it came a bit as a shock. It would have been easier for me if I would have been more involved, so as to share with her in her new way of life. The first time we went out together while she was wearing a veil, I did not feel at ease. People were staring at her. Actually, the problems that we faced in our relation were mainly stirred by external factors. I often play the role of mediator when friends or family criticizes my daughter's religious choice. Although I don't entirely understand her choice, I respect it and defend her rights. I don't see her in the first place as a Muslim, but as a young woman with a beautiful heart. What bothers me is that sometimes there are certain Islamic practices, like gender division and wearing a veil. My generation had to fight for independence against the suppressing influence of the church. We symbolized our struggle through 'liberal' clothes and gender-mixed activities. Christian traditions such as fasting, praying, or meditating belonged to the past. Now, I am confronted again with such religious rules, which is not easy. However, I admire the way Nele lives her religion. It really is a way of living, not just some practices. In our hectic lifestyle, we should reconsider the beauty of meditation - be it religiously inspired or otherwise. Communicating in respect is the key for people of different cultures or religions to living together. Nele does not want to be near people who drink alcohol; however, alcohol in our culture is widely used. No one questions the fact that a birthday dinner goes with a bottle of wine. Nele does not visit her relatives during festivities, because she knows that alcohol will be served. This is sometimes difficult for others to understand. I respect this, but many others don't. They start focusing on the things that differentiate us instead of on those that bring us together. As such, social isolation is developed and communication fades away. I was worried that Nele would be isolated from our society, especially because she wears 'non-Western' clothes and a veil, which are associated with foreigners. When she got married to an Egyptian and moved to Cairo, it felt in a way that she was going 'home,' to a place where she is considered to be part of. It is amazing the way their life is centered around religion. Our Western lifestyle is centered around time; we live according to our watch. Nele was an emancipated and critical girl. Entering Islam seemed for me a contradicting choice. However, if I look beneath her veil and long clothes, she still is my strong girl and I am proud of her. Yes, my Nele is called Nawal, and yes, she is Muslim, but she will always remain my daughter whose personal development I support." Daughter Nele "I was merely 17 when I woke up one morning and asked myself whether I believed in God and whether Muhammad was His Prophet and Messenger. I answered 'yes,' got up out of bed, and went to the mosque in Brussels. After a long process of seeking the true message of God, I read the story of Prophet Salih. Prophet Salih was sent by God to the people of Thamud [1]. They asked him to prove the existence of God. God sent a pregnant camel, made of rocks, and brought it to life. While reading this story, I wondered to myself what proof I needed to believe in God. Was I really just seeking excuses not to believe in Him? I opened my heart and was blessed with His love. I did not have to change my name, but I felt that I was in need of a new identity. My new name was a symbol of a new start. I changed as a person, not in my way of dealing with others, but of looking at life. I have different identities, such as daughter, wife, friend, and sister. I feel home within all these identities. I am home among Muslims who try to live according to Islam. I am home with my parents and brothers, who love me and whom I love despite our religious differences. Although my family does not understand my religious choice, they give me all the opportunities to develop myself in an Islamic way of life. It has been nine years since I converted to Islam and, al-hamdu lillah, every day I am more convinced of the choice I made. I try to learn as much as possible about my religion and apply it to my daily life, in order to become a good person and a good Muslim. I share my knowledge with other girls who are interested in Islam and together we grow in our belief. I find it important to be critical towards myself and my belief. The Qur'an is the word of God, but we are merely people with our own interpretation. We can only try to study Allah's message and come as close as possible to Him. In the Western context, it is not easy to be a critical Muslim, since Islam is being blamed as the source of all evil. As a Muslim, you tend to defend your religion by isolating yourself as a community. However, as true Muslims, we should always be open for a dialogue. When I started my life as a Muslim, I was still a teenager. As all teenagers, I was not very open towards my parents. Actually, they suddenly discovered that I converted just when I started wearing the veil. For me, this was a normal step in my religious development; for my parents, it came as a shock. My communication skills grew over the years. Now, I find it important to involve my parents in seeking solutions when my perception on something clashes with theirs. Although we don't always understand each other's choices, we respect each other. As Nawal, I am proud to be a Muslim; and as Nele, I hope that my mother is proud of me being a good person." [1] [And to Thamud (We sent) their brother Salih. He said, O my people! Serve Allah, you have no god other than Him; clear proof indeed has come to you from your Lord; this is (as) Allah's she-camel for you - a sign, therefore leave her alone to pasture on Allah's earth, and do not touch her with any harm; otherwise, painful chastisement will overtake you.] (Al-A`raf 7:73) Link

^^cos its blighty

How did you correct their prayer Xan?

^^lol, no but a bunch of afghanis on a boat were found drifting into the beach one night. They were heading for UAE lol

^^Again? Cambarro A certain man's 24 room Palace on the beach (incl Gymnasium, Mosque, home theatre, swimming pool, gazeebos etc) in Oman Even met the guy ps this top secret i'm not even supposed to tell anyone. Ever been searched at gun point (M16) to get into work evey morning?

Originally posted by NGONGE: ^^^ Still, if you say there aren't that many, does that mean all the ICU mullahs and their supporters were fakes? Why are so many kids here watching whats her name (the Egyptian one who sings) than the numerous Islamic/decent channels and kids in UK are watching Islam Channel?

NG, observations saxib, observations. But your right a divisive argument.

^^so whats the difference?

^^Nothing can be proven akhi. But by observations only. Maybe Islam is not 'In the West' (mosques/scholars etc) but is there an argument in the practice of Islam being better practiced in western countries than in Muslim countries?

^^Jazaka Allahu Khayra. It should come in handy soon IA

Sorry to say but he will probably get approx 3 months then a deportation if that.

^^No saxib. The projects are already complete. One does involve a Royal Family though,,,

Husband stabs wife 15 times for seeking divorce Dubai: A trial court heard yesterday that a husband stabbed his wife 15 times because she asked for a divorce. "Killing you is better than divorcing you," the husband reportedly shouted, who was drinking heavily at that time, the court heard. "How dare you call the police. I am your husband. You are an impolite woman," the 20-year-old Somali wife, F.A., quoted her husband in her statement to the Dubai Public Prosecution. The court charged the 23-year-old Somali husband, A.H., with consuming liquor and attempting to murder his wife in a hotel room. F.A. who was saved after she was rushed to hospital said: "My husband asked me to come to the hotel and meet his uncle. We quarrelled over a juice bottle which I suspected contained liquor. Besides, his uncle was not there." She said her husband was outraged when she asked him for divorce "because of his drinking. He locked the door from inside ... then repeatedly stabbed me until I passed out," alleged the wife who was treated for injuries in her thigh, wrist, belly, chest and face. gulfnews.com

^^Because they are kids. Arabs, Europeans, Chinese it doesnt matter. Cant we be concerned for Somalis AND others or do we have an 'exclusivity' contract with Somalis?

I also remember the old rivalry between Al Shacb and Al Wasl football clubs, Northy, how are they both doing now? Not that i follow these weaklings they footballers but Al Wasl this year who won both the League and Cup! Faarax Brown, hip hop junkie? I bet you thought Mase was hip hop soomaaha?

A Look at the Generation Gap By Selma Cook Even though there is so much overwhelming evidence that the world is in this great mess simply because mankind, on a massive scale, is striving to follow its collective desires, each successive generation is bound and declares that it is right. Mankind has such a limited perception of things; we only see things according to the angle where we stand, and it is impossible to see things comprehensively—hence we disagree most of the time. Any disagreement or conflict requires an effort to overcome it and this includes the problems associated with the generation gap. In the midst of all the confusion and conflict amid feelings of self-righteousness, a lot of generalizations are made and injustice is done. Older people usually say they know everything and younger people usually say that older people don’t know anything at all and don’t understand anything. Perhaps one of the parties is right and perhaps both of them are wrong! Only Allah knows. But it is true to say that not all teenagers are troublemakers and rebellious, and it is also true to say that not all parents neglect their kids; certainly not all parents are abusive. The media plays an important role in confusing the young and the old about their roles in life and how they should see each other. It is trendy for young people to buck authority and disobey their parents, and likewise many older people sit together and complain about the younger generation without acknowledging their positive points. Both sides of the gap need to be objective, kind, and openhearted. Both sides need to learn to appreciate each other and learn from each other’s special perspectives. Believing in and practicing Islam bridges all gaps, even the generation gap. In the days of the Prophet (peace be upon him) we had examples like Usamah ibn Zaid, who led the Muslim army when he was only 17 years old after the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Many of the older and renowned Companions fought under his command. Also, `Ali ibn Abi Talib was loved and respected from a young and tender age. He was only 10 years old when he accepted Islam and accompanied the Prophet (peace be upon him) everywhere. When we look at such examples, we notice that when it comes to respect, either from the old to the young, or the young to the old, it is based on decent and moral behavior. The people who were worthy of respect were respected because morality was valued. Some people are easy to love and respect because of their characteristics and behavior; while with others you have to dig a little deeper to find the goodness that may lie hidden under mounds of shyness, aggression, defensiveness, hostility, aloofness, or fear. But if you care to be patient and spend some time, you’ll surely find that buried treasure that will enrich your lives. Read more,,,,,

^^bal kamrada muu soo-eego?

I do miss Hovis Hi-Bran and Allinson Wholemeal. Here we have bread you eat and you still think you havnt eaten anything.

^^no saxib. The blame lies with those who left them like that. May they all fully recover inshAllah

'Islam is in the west'. Any truth in this? There is some truth in that and it depends on how you look at things. Would your kids become better Muslims in say Dubai or London? Allahu aclam but some of the things I see here in a Muslim country/region I simply do not like. Not to say it doesnt happen in London but,,,, First take a trip back home Ngonge: oops I forgot, you are scared to go! In agreement with Cambarro and Xan here ya NG. The difficulties in maintaing in the west makes one that bit more determined (if he/she is determined). Just the bad manners gets to me more than anything,,,,,,

People who have never lived in an Arab state will never understand Arabs. I would argue that most Arabs treat Somalis well. Other non-Arab Africans are not treated so well in places like the KSA as many are beggers (not an excuse). Morroco is a bad place for a black African so in that sense I agree with Peacenow but its a racism issue rather than an 'enemy' we need to counter.

There is one project I have under my belt which will beat any other SOLer's project. Actually make that two