Is African Islam changing? The courts were set up several years ago, funded by businessmen who preferred any semblance of law and order to complete anarchy. They want to set up Sharia law to end the years of lawlessness. Nigeria, where there are about 60m Muslims, has already seen a strict Islamic law adopted across its northern states, leading to tension and violence. What is Islam like in your country? As a Muslim, have you noticed a change? Is militant Islam on the rise in Africa? If so, why is this happening? Do you think that Sharia law could end the lawlessness in Somalia? Warlords in Mogadishu have killed and maimed thousands of people they have opposed every opportunity presented to Somalis to find a solution and restore order. The Islamic Courts were initially set up by group of business men to protect their trade. They also run schools and settle local feuds and disagreements by way of Sharia law and the public trust them. The warlords do not want to lose their grip and they have formed a coalition to fight the courts. But the public has backed the courts and now the warlords are driven out of the city. It is a way out for thousands of people. Rashid Karshe, London, England African Islam is not changing or is not different. All the Muslims of the world believe in only one God 'Allah ' and follow His Prophet Muhammad. Islam is peaceful. Ahmad khan, Monrovia, Liberia Sharia is there to uphold the laws that govern the way of life of the Muslims. Laws govern all aspects of life. Unfortunately, commentators always draw their conclusions from criminal aspects of Sharia, which constitute only a small proportion. Aspects of Sharia that deals with trade, for example, is not discussed. An ideal Islamic state that has an ideal Sharia implementation doesn't exist in today's world. Dr. Falalu Dahiru Danwata, Preston, UK What do you mean African Islam? Why is it that the West, and the media especially has to categorise Muslims from Africa differently from Pakistani or Arab or Chechen. There is no such thing as African Islam just as there is no such thing as African Christianity or African Judaism. Mohammed, Leicester The Sharia law is a fair law. If it was something negative then surely people wouldn't so readily accept it. Islam is a religion of peace and that is enforced into the law. It takes away the dictatorship that rules so many African countries. I truly believe that it is for the best. Ilwad, London Islam is all about "PEACE". A Muslim should always remember it. Anyone taking the law into their hands by killing innocents are not Muslim. YUSUF YEBBI, Abuja, Nigeria Islam in my home country is very peaceful compared to Nigeria and Somalia. Most of them attend Christian schools, attend church services and even learn Christian prayers which I doubt happens in Nigeria or Somalia. Sierra Leonean Muslims are really showing the others that Christians and Muslims can live together peacefully. Victor Chambers (S/Leonean), Accra, Ghana I think Islam is on the rise in Africa because people are looking for better alterative to dictatorship, Islam will improve the lawless Somalia because that's what the people want. Ali, London The word `ISLAM` means complete submission to the will of ALLAH. People who are involved in wars should not use the word as far as i am concerned. I known when they die hell fire is the only place for them. Moreover, the introduction of Sharia will not end the lawlessness in Somalia considering the culture and the different tribes in the country. MOHAMED KEN SESAY, FREETOWN , SIERRALEONE The evolution of the nation-state over time has generated the notion that the state is the guarantor of peace and security. The inability of the state to ensure the safety of its citizens, is the main cause of the anarchical nature of Somali politics. Anarchy breeds discontent to such levels that any society would seek alternatives to restore what it considers as norms and values. Pauline Agumba, USA The western nations have not paid attention to the drastically changing Islam in Africa. Even in Ethiopia where the Christians and Muslims lived peacefully for centuries, now signs are featuring that the Muslims do not want to associate with their Christian neighbours. Chalew, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Muslims form the Majority in the Gambia, but the cordial relationship is just exemplary. I do believe that militant Islam is rising . Kemo Cham, Serekunda, The Gambia Because of the changed international geopolitical situation, the role of Islam has changed too. The west sees the Islamic world as the main threat where it used to be the Soviet-Union. Because of this, Muslims see themselves as opponents of the west. I think we have to go through this islamisation of politics for years to see that it won't work, just like communism didn't work. Moussa Aynan, Nador, Morocco As a Muslim i have noticed a change for the better in my country with the re introduction of Sharia. Whatever the West say about it Sharia, it has come to stay for life. Period! Hamisu Salihu, Hadejia, Nigeria It seems where ever Sharia law is 'Imposed' there is tension and violence. It also nearly always signals a reduction in women's rights, and the rights of other religious groups. Chris, Slough, England 20 years ago Muslims in Africa were at peace with others. They inter-married and protected their neighbours irrespective of their religion. Now, they ostracize themselves and attack others who don't share their views. There has to be a foreign influence and we have to stop this influence. Nike, Nigeria Islam is not a religion, it is a way of life. So when Muslims become disenchanted with their so called "leader", they turn to what they know best, ISLAM. Perfect example is Palestine electing Hamas. In fact, if you let any Muslim nation choose who they really want, they will always choose the Islamists over the so called "democrats". Sharmarke Said Issa, Ottawa, Canada bbc.co.uk

Say they believe voters would look beyond religion Guled Kassimis - a Democratic candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates for District 19 (Montgomery County, Maryland, USA). Montgomery County, Maryland, USA, May 24, 2006 – Political rumors are nothing new, but one about a Muslim candidate’s chances among Jewish voters in District 19 is drawing fire from all sides. “There are a lot of subterranean prejudices rolling through this campaign,†Del. Henry B. ‘‘Hank†Heller (D-Dist. 19) of Leisure World said. ‘‘That bothers me.†The anonymous rumor, or whisper campaign, as some describe it, speculates that Guled Kassim, a candidate for one of three District 19 delegate seats in the Democratic primary, will turn off Jewish vote because he is Muslim. District candidates are lining up in opposition to what they describe as an offensive rumor that smacks of intolerance and fails to give voters credit. ‘‘I’m a member of a minority and I hate to hear that about anybody,†said retiring Sen. Leonard H. Teitelbaum (D-Dist. 19), who is Jewish. ‘‘It smacks of bigotry.†Kassim, 30, came to the United States from Somalia with his family in 1985. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps after becoming a naturalized United States citizen. The rumor surfaced early on, Kassim said, when he was considering his candidacy. ‘‘Instead of the whispers, I would love to get direct questions,†he said. ‘‘I would love to answer them directly.†The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, an umbrella group for regional Jewish communities and organizations, has denounced the rumor. ‘‘I think the rumor is without any credibility whatsoever,†executive director Ron Halber said. ‘‘It’s preposterous saying the Jewish community would not consider voting for a man simply because of his faith. The Jewish community has been at the forefront of strengthening relationships between groups, largely stemming from our own historical persecution.†Candidates say they do not know where the rumor started. Wherever the rumor came from, it is an issue Kassim will have to deal with, said Del. Carol S. Petzold (D-Dist. 19) of Aspen Hill, who is running for Teitelbaum’s vacated Senate seat. ‘‘It is something the people will look at, but I hope they can overcome it and base their judgment on his real qualifications,†she said. ‘‘I would expect folks in District 19 to be above that. Montgomery County rejoices in its diversity.†Accusations of another form of prejudice, ageism, surfaced last year in the District 19 race. John P. Mahoney, 37, while running against Teitelbaum before the incumbent senator announced his retirement, drew sharp reactions from district incumbents when he offered himself as an energetic, fresh alternative to the senator, who is twice his age. ‘‘He’s been a sleeping senator, only to be awakened, after all these years, by a serious challenger,†Mahoney had said. The statement drew accusations of ageism from delegates Adrienne A. Mandel (D-Dist. 19) of Layhill and Heller. Mahoney later switched to the House race and then withdrew his candidacy altogether, citing new business opportunities requiring his attention. In Kassim’s case, whispers concerning the impact his faith may have on voters really questions his ‘‘Americanism,†he said. ‘‘I think in the 21st century, as country, we have reached a point where we should look at a candidate on his or her merits,†Kassim said. Source: GazettNet, May 24, 2006

BY LINZI WATSON May 18, 2006 – A FORMER Euro MP from Tongland, Kirkcudbright, had a narrow escape from war-torn Somalia last week. John Corrie, who is involved in international development, was working in the African country, in which 130 people have recently been killed, to help them set up a new democratic parliament. He and his colleagues left Somalia at the height of the latest spate of violence after a few close encounters with the local militia. For fear of being shot at or kidnapped he was forced to befriend and pay gun-wielding insurgents for “protectionâ€. Mr. Corrie said: “You have to get friendly with these people or you are in trouble. There are thousands of them and they are trigger happy. “The chartered plane we were using to get out of Somalia was surrounded by militia who aimed a large machine gun at it from their truck and demanded money from us.†He added: “We also had to pay them to protect the plane from other militia groups.†The capital city Mogadishu has become the hub of a civil war which was further inflamed last week and is still in a height of violence. The majority of the 130 dead are said to be civilians caught in the crossfire. The fighting is between Islamic fundamentalists and secularists who believe that religion and state should be separate. The Islamic warlords are fighting for the introduction of Sharia law, which permits stoning women to death and cutting the hands off of thieves, among other punishments. Mr. Corrie said that he was told by various people in Somalia that the rivals of the Islamic warlords are being given weapons and money by the American government. As a white western male in a country where around 20 kidnappings take place each day for ransom, Mr. Corrie feels he would have been seen as a target and he added: “I have worked in Africa before so I am familiar with hostile situations but it is still very unsettling.†Mr. Corrie added that he was shot at in 2000 while visiting the Solomon Islands as his chartered plane tried to taxi down a runway. Somalia is divided in half with the north-western part seeking independence as Somaliland. This was originally under British control and is the more peaceful of the two areas. The southern part of the country is still known as Somalia and is home to capital Mogadishu, the scene of the recent violence. Mr. Corrie first visited the city of Hargeysa in the Somaliland region. He said: “The poverty is not too bad in Hargeysa and we stayed there until we were advised by the United Nations that it was safe to go into southern Somalia.†Mr. Corrie stayed in Baidoa, closer to the fighting in Mogadishu, for the maximum allowed stay - two days. He slept in a UN camp with minimal facilities and no water. Mr. Corrie said: “The parliamentary headquarters in Baidoa are part of an old warehouse with cattle wandering about the grounds.†He explained however that these lodgings were a significant improvement on those endured by the majority of the population. Mr. Corrie continued: “It is heartbreaking. People are living in very poor conditions. There is no sanitation and disease is spreading, it is very sad.†He added: “This is a beautiful country with sunshine and rivers but no one would even try and plant anything because it would be stolen.†Mr. Corrie admitted that his hope of instilling democracy under such a corrupt regime seems impossible. He said there are too many people who want control and added: “I can not see a settlement. “Most people don't want a war but the warlords are doing very nicely and making plenty of money from bribes and violence.†The eastern coast of Somalia is under constant supervision by armed militia who, Mr. Corrie said, approach all ships who get close to the country and demand £100,000 dollars. He said that there is £260 million of aid which has been frozen because it unsafe to build anywhere. Now retired as a member of the European Parliament after 11 years, Mr. Corrie is continuing his work in international development, which has seen him visit over 130 countries. He is now honorary president of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific/European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly after presiding on the development committee for many years. Source: icDumfries

Youngest Muslim Reverts in The World. Children in England Turn To Islam. Some of the World's youngest Muslim reverts. Two sisters, aged 9 and 12 show a keen interest in Islam. It all started when they went to the Local Mosque after hearing the melodious Adthaan (call to prayer). Soon after they decided to go to classes at the mosque after school, and have bought and studied many books on Islam, and have even managed to learn and read the Quran in the Arabic language. Unlike other children, the girls spend their evenings reading books and memorising Quran as well as praying in their rooms. All of which is very new and strange to their mother. Video

Islam in Latin America

^^^ Don't you know this is about dawah? So why bring Brad Pitt and spouse into the equation? Very interesting. But check out Islam in Brazil. Islam reached the shores of south America way before the so-called elite travellers of Europe. Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. Although there are no official statistics, the Muslim population in Brazil is estimated to be approximately 1 million people, with a total population of more than 170 million. This number includes converts to Islam, Arab immigrants and their descendants. Brazilian converts make up for no more than 1% of this number, about 10,000 people. Therefore, within a population of over 170 million, the small number that make up Brazilian converts to Islam have very little power. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. However, in Latin America, and specifically in Brazil, this is not the case. Why? One could argue that this is due to the strong influence of the Catholic Church. Brazil is considered to be the largest Catholic country in the world. However, a closer look proves that this is not true. Despite its strong presence, Catholicism has been losing followers in Brazil to other religions. The argument has also been made that it is due to the Latin culture, which encourages Brazilians to always be playing, dancing and engaging in activities that are not lawful in Islam. As such, it is assumed that Brazilians simply aren't fit to be Muslims. This is generally the excuse used by those responsible for Dawah work in Brazil for their failure. It is, of course, not true. Brazilians are, by nature, very religious and have in the past been an easy prey to all sorts of innovative religious movements. So, what is really happening? Through the statement of sheikh Khalil Saifi, coordinator of the Center of Divulgation of Islam to Latin America, we can easily identify the real problem. The Center is located in Sao Bernardo do Campo, in the most important state of Brazil: Sao Paulo. Its president is Mr. Mohammed Saifi, a Lebanese immigrant who came to Brazil several years ago. Mainly his relatives and close friends compose the Center's staff. In an interview with "Istoé" magazine, one of the most important magazines in the country, sheikh Khalil Saifi said: "Our main concern is to attend to the Muslims who descended from Arabs to help them preserve their link to their language and culture." And, continuing in his statement: "The Brazilians who come to us come through the contact with Muslims out there." Based on such statements, we are lead to conclude that a group of persons, who are supposed to make "Dawah," have decided who has the right to be Muslim or not. When a Brazilian decides to go against their "plans," he or she is treated as an intruder in the Arab-Muslim community. All his/her misbehaviors concerning religious teachings are highlighted and pointed out, even if the same mistake is occurring among the Arab-Muslims. Normal mistakes due to lack of experience in the religion are presented as "proof" of an "incapacity" to practice and understand the religion. Little attention is given to the fact that the right teachings are not easily available to converts. The new converts then have to fight alone against the criticism of his/her family, friends, the Brazilian society and worst: fight against the criticism of their own fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. The feeling of isolation leads some to abandon Islam after a while. Others keep insisting and all these difficulties just increase their faith and search for knowledge. For those who persevere, they face another problem - the lack of good books about Islam available in the Portuguese language. The other Latin people are Spanish speakers and can depend on good works translated to Spanish. However, Brazilians are the only Portuguese speakers among Latinos and this fact increases their difficulties. The Center of Divulgation of Islam to Latin America provides the few books available. The books that have been chosen for translation are often of poor content quality. When a good book choice is made, a bad translation often destroys the work of its author. And even these few and badly translated books are difficult to find. The lack of interest in spreading Islam is quite clear when one observes that the institution which is responsible for "Dawah" not only in Brazil but in all Latin America, doesn't maintain a website about Islam. When such a resource is available nearly for free to everyone and day-by-day more and more Muslim individuals and institutions are using the Internet to inform about the Islamic teachings, this attitude is undoubtedly proof that the Center fails to fulfill its most vital function. Brazil: A Muslim History? Next April, Brazil will celebrate 500 years of its discovery, and a major controversy is surrounding the event. In traditional Brazilian history, the discovery of the country is attributed to a Portuguese navigator named Pedro Alvarez Cabral. New historical sources however, seem to offer another fact: that the discoverer might have been a Spanish navigator. More and more historians, both Muslim and non-Muslim, are becoming aware of the strong Muslim presence in the early Americas. Many evidences of the Muslim presence in Brazil, including inscriptions with the name of Allah, have being found. In the language of the Native Americans, words of Arabic origin have been identified, and even the names of some Brazilian cities which were supposed to be related with the native American language, seems to have Arabic origins. If all this information is confirmed and introduced officially as part of Brazilian history, it means that faithful Muslims were the first ones to discover Brazil more than 500 years ago. Also, through the Muslim slaves brought from Africa, we can easily identify the influence of the Islamic culture, although greatly distorted nowadays. This is especially evident in the northeast region of the country. All of this proves that Islam is not an alien to the Brazilian culture. It's indeed an important part of it. Presenting Islam to the Brazilian people in a comprehensive manner is important not just to preach one religion; it is also to help them to restore their original culture, carefully erased due to political and religious interests in the past. Unfortunately, political and personal interests in the present coming this time from Muslims themselves seem to be preventing or at least delaying such tasks. Let us hope and pray to Allah that faithful Muslims of the present could "rediscover" Brazil and give to its people the chance to know the beauty and wisdom of Islam Maria Moreira is a Brazilian convert now living in Egypt. She has worked with the Muslim Beneficent Society of Rio de Janeiro, giving speeches about Islamic teachings, women and family. She also taught an extension course entitled "The Changing Situation of Women in Arabic Society Through the Quran," at the State University of Rio de Janeiro. You can visit her website at http://www.geocities.com/islamicchat. Here

^^but the Chechs are not a 'surprise' team. I hope the argies fall flat on their face again along with the Germans. Lookout for Zakora of Ivory Coast

^^you havnt named your 'surprise' team 189

Libralism people, libralism. Give it 15 years,,,,

While they represent one of the largest ethnicities, the only significant research has been localised case studies. These tend to show that Somalis children are widely regarded to be underperforming at school. Thats where it all boils down to - Education. I believe that 75% of parents just do not realise how important getting an education is for their kids to progress in life. Moral education is severly lacking amongst us. Most of the article is irrelevant - we are past the immigration/war scars stage. We have 'acclimatised' and should be persuing our individual and collective interests. The differences in Somalia (political/cultural) should not have been exported to the shores of western countries as it has led to communal disintegration.

Well if the Elephants progress they may go as far as the 4trs. The Argies or the Dutch will be going home early. I think the Serbs or the Elephants will be the other team. I saw the Dutch the other night vs Cameroun, they look very ordinary to me.

How did i make such a gaff. I will stick with the Serbs going far,,,, Italia will finish 2nd in their group and then lose to Brazil in the 2nd round,,, Or will they?,,,,

if so how many are you lot many in some particular cities arent you loooool

I worked as a Cashier for a few months in a bank and I remember overpaying a lady by £900 and the bank had to investigate as was policy. Thankfully the Arab lady came back a week later saying I overpaid her by £900 and she couldn't come in any earlier. Phew. If you worked at HSBC i would say typical :rolleyes:

Yet another earthquake hits Indonesia Already savaged and rendered homeless by the first quake, panic once again returned to the survivors of Saturday's Indonesian earthquake after a temblor, which measured around 6.0 on the Richter scale rocked the easternmost province of Papua at 0328 GMT today. An official at the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency in Jayapura said the quake was felt strongly in the town of Wamena in the mountainous Jayawijaya district, 78 kilometers (48 miles) west of the epicenter. So far there have been no reports of damage or injuries, but people ran out of their offices and houses said a police officer in Wamena. The quake was also felt in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, which is about 3,300 kilometers (2,050 miles) from Bantul, the area worst hit by Saturday's powerful magnitude-6.3 earthquake that killed more than 5,400 people. Earlier today Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer said that they would be stepping up their aid effort by sending more than 80 disaster experts and medical personnel to the worst hit areas around Yogyakarta. Indonesia is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the so-called Pacific 'Ring of Fire', which has 76 volcanoes, the largest number in the world. GN

Many 'new' homes in Somaliland have a 'rig' reaching some 200m below with an endless suplly of water. Some homes use this to irrigate their surroundings and grow whatever they can. I'm conducting some research into irrigation systems being used in the middle east in the hope of purchasing and sending one back home. Any advice would be much appreciated,,

Once had to climb a 6 storey scaffolding in wind and rain to measure stucco render on a victorian building in west london. It was nearly gale force wind

A Somali TV station relevant to kids in the west? I can see a late afternoon slot - barnaamajki dalinyaraha loo talagalay,,,

Yes a minority get mistreated but why dont we focus on the bigger picture. We all know bad news is whats always spread but the majority of maids are treated well and many of them become muslims as a result. But hey this is not reported,,,

^^I dont think you are allowed to watch soaps in Sharjah NG Our problems as Somalis will never be absolutely eradicated but understanding as a community is whats severly lacking. We have an 'everyman for himself' attitude within our communities which needs to be tackled. We are all in the hope of our brothers and sisters not being involved in any of the above problems but that hope can easily be shattered. The older generation of Somali ‘Ex-pats’ grew up/spent some time back home or in places like the middle east. This short period of time was enough to engrain some sort of value - religious, family and responsibility into our minds. Where we seem to have failed is the expectation that these same core values would automatically rub-off onto the younger ‘western grown’ generation. With MTV, Tim Westwood and Garage Music taking over. I think the surroundings in which these kids grow up in also plays a prominent role in their mental make-up. I know that the kids in the north of England are not exposed to as much street ‘hype’ as the kids in London. This ‘hype’ becomes the norm in the school/college corridors aswell as on the streets. Before they know it they become obsessed with defending their ‘ends’ while the kids up north are busy playing football. Replacing your culture with that of others has become almost ‘accepted’ wherein kids feel the need to be ‘hard’ or part of a gang is the only way to be accepted. Yes we have major problems, but we are not communicating and this (not communicating/sharing info) is leading us further down the road to perdition.

Where there is war there is an industry worth billions per annum. Scaremongering your people into believing in threats from 'rogue' states justifies your hike in defense spending next year. But you forget to mention your shares/ownership/commision rate in the potential benefactors.

Soma, you read too many Sunday papers mate, come on now, News of the World?

1) Cote De'Viore (Quarter Final) 2) Serbia and Montenegro (Semi Final) 3) Iran (Qtr final)

Ok people question: What is the semi circle in the key? The one under the rim? Is this a new thing?