- Islam, A Humanitarian Faith, redefining Islam in a Turbulent Times. - Why Knowledge may not get us far enough, What we need is IMAGINATION, which is how things can be instead of how they are if we use only knowledge. -Dhiker Coverage Area Salaam

it's very sad to see that the supposedly "evil" West treats some Muslims better than Islamic countries. Juba these so called islamic countries, are aided, endorsed, and kept in power by the West. You should know that. Whenever there is community of muslims that want to uphold islam-they are presecuted by these governments. And for the muslims in the west-we are easily disposable, we are not threat. THe real threat is the muslims in the muslim lands they must be kept in check for as long as possible.

Agree, timely indeed. JZK brother very beneficial article. If few wish to show arrogance and debate about issues which they have no knowledge, there are many of us who want to learn and will listen. I am interested in knowing about the four imams and the differences of opinion among them on figh, fatwas, i know their differences is not divisive as some say, and that islam is indeed flexable. JZK Salaam

^^^yeah man. I didn't catch the game since i work on the weekends, but i saw the highlights on espn last night. LSU killed it, h*ll yeh. Big baby and freshmen Thomas unstopable in the paint. Thomas is only freshman too, now he got the respect he deserved after last 2 games. But they couldve swept that game more then 10pts, they got the athletics but the inexperience like hitting freethrows or holding on to the ball down the strech showed. Final Four: LSU, UCLA, Uconn, Florida(will be close game today tho). Final 2: LSU and Uconn. LSU-title. thats my pics. Seeker-no problem walalshiis keep up the good work.

^^^LOL sister Jamilah, it was general invitation to anyone in that area. Abraar excellent points walalshiis, especially your last statement, that we must become active participants in the communities we live in. When we look at the earlier muslims, they traveled throughout the world and came in contact with different cultures, religions, ideals, however they never compromised islam and held to their traditions strongly, while at the same time becoming active members of those societies and change those societies for the better. We have to follow that example, the question I struggle with is why we don't, we have the Qu'ran and the Sunnah. As for living in non-muslims lands or any land for that matter most scholars agree its not problem, granted you are not persecuted for Islam, if that is the case then hijra to land where u can practice islam freely, that is what the muslims did when they went from mecca to Abyssinia a christian country. InshaAllah Abraar do share your notes in the future. Salaam

There are sisters I know who are great muslims, who act alot better than hijabed sisters. I agree with u sister, and as the brothers have said hijab is requirment and part of the deen and character is seperate. There a sisters at my uni who are mashaAllah at character but don't observe hijab, citing the many common reasons-that inshaAllah they will one day wear it. People are at different stages in iman-with alim the heart becomes stronger. What I think is important (i see this happen a lot in MSA, campus) is for the hijab sisters not to isolate the sisters who don't wear hijab-but become friends with them, and not look down upon them. Its important for those visiable muslims to be ambassaders of Islam-thats huge a duty.

Its really walahi dishonorable how some of you are talking about Hijab, and those woman who uphold the commandment of Allah not for you, but for Allah Tallah.

Seeker, most somaliz here are crazy soccer fans booo. The Gonz/UCLA game was one the best games-c how he cried . My pick for the title-LSU. PS: Dig your blog sis.

Sheh, I am glad I inspired you And i agree, read twice before u respond mind plays tricks on u Salaam

^^^^LOL sister sheh. Its funny how being at school since 8am in the morning, and 10hr shift infront of computer with empty stomach can make one think, see and write . I reread it today, and i was like what the....? Felt right at the time tho I think i made myself dizzy. Salaam sis and have good day.

“I would like to be a doctor and help my people when they are sick,†she says simply. MashaAllah. Education is the best way to led somali out of her darkness. May Allah help those people who sacfrice to help others-noble work indeed.

Where did I suggest we keep quiet? Further did I not suggest we engage Muslims thate we disagree with it? ------That is the conclusion I drew from your statements. Nothing special about me to lead the way; we all know how to behave and yet.. ----Sheh you are the one sister, who is talking about the condemning, belittling that goes in these forums, but yet you do or say nothing. But whoa hold up, when brother says something about the lack of xishood in the woman you get your knife out. I am not condoning his post, but how come you don’t show the same passion when indecent comments are made towards Islam and its culture? Just a thought. Lol where? Go back to the thread/s and see! People don't show- that's my point- they tell without explaining, u know a la lecture. Nobody wants to hear a lecture. Copying and pasting hadiths and Quranic verses do not make a good answer, they make an incomplete one. What about the meaning, the history, the reasons(practical and spiritual), the effect on societal and individual make-up? ----I don’t see what more explanation a Muslim needs then showing the verses of Qu’ran saying fornication is haram and forbidden, or verses in the Quran saying it is obligatory to follow the Sunnah-which has been done. But for other issues such as shariah, I do agree with your statement that it is important to show history, meaning, reasons ect. In my view I think that has been done to a point, but you are of a different opinion and that’s cool. Brother have u read what I have written or did u feel compelled to make a point? Goodness. I said 'frothing', what visuals and associated demeanour, behaviour does that bring to mind? Take it from there.. -----No I didn’t feel like I needed to make a point my sister-Goodness. Maybe it’s the fact English is my second language and I didn’t understand what u meant by frothing at the mouth. I responded to what I thought you were implying and that was it is unnecessary to respond to un-Islamic behavior, do correct me if that is not the case instead of questioning my motives. Nope, u are obviously not reading what I am writing. I said, 'in the name of'. I was not referring to Islam but to its use as a way of demeaning or subjugating. Wondering about somebody's love for Islam and questioning it are two different things. I put that thought out there so some may consider what exactly motivates them to speak/or not on Islam. Human beings are complex creatures, do u honestly beleive there is 100% purity in our discussions? Do ego, pride, anger etc not play a part? ------That is not for us to judge sister or to question someone’s sincerity; he who has hypocrisy in his heart is between him and His Lord. And finally, it is extremely dull and frustrating to have to respond to comments one has not made. Please do not fall into the trap of sharing what's on your mind as a response to something another has said just to get if off of your chest or to lead it to a conclusion that validates what's really on your mind! It doesn't work and it gets in the way of the flow of a discussion. -----Sister, first please do not try to state my motives you neither know what was on my mind or in my chest. To respond just to get something off my chest is ridiculous there are better ways u know. I responded to your comments as how I comprehended it if you feel like my conclusions were false, then correct me instead of playing guessing games about my motives or reducing my response to a way to get something of my chest. Lond day at work and home. Should be doing something else entirely... ----Not that I need to explain myself, but my comment long day at work was writing that long response, since I been at the computer for hours. Anyway I sense there is lack of understanding here. Salaam

^^^Brother its american politics. When elections get close, all the hopeful candidates must sing that similar tune if they wish to get elected that is. Not by the people, but by the small powerful elite, lobbys that control washington. Just watch, they will all try to out do each other in their debates on who loves Isreal more.

Fartuun how about disney land, you have the loot shouldn't be a problem then.

^think about this for a moment: negative comments about Islam or its tradition will not ever take away from Islam and its traditions. You, I and the rest can refute very comment made about Islam in the media or in politics but it will still not touch Islam. It touches the Muslims. --Nacaam, nothing can touch islam or its noble traditions, we all know that, but when these sort of comments are made about the deen what do u recommend sheh, keep quite, and not try to clear up these misconceptions? Were we not ordered to forbid munkar and call to good? Where an individual has no regard for certain Islamic principles, there is perhaps a beneficial purpose to engaging with them(a Muslim remember) who will however not benefit from intense responses belittling, condemning and poo-pooing. And that is pretty much what that individual would and does get on these forums. ---We are all adults, and more importantly Muslims. Respect is what is between us in these forums, we are here to have discussions and learn from one another-no matter how much we disagree. If this is what you see is happening, belittling, condemning and nothing beneficial in these forums maybe you can call for change or be that change. I know what sparked this and yet I don't remember anyone doing anything other than ignoring, condemning and dismissing a couple of individuals. So what right is there to complain when u haven't done anything constructive?? And what right to sensationalise? ----I am not sure if this is addressed to me or the poster, but many people have responded in good way and showed that these comments were indeed un-Islamic and wrong. And what is the constructive way you are suggesting? Sure some have ignored, others condemned, some dismissed, but many also gave good answers don’t put everyone in the same pool. Frothing at the mouth for Islam and morals is still frothing at the mouth. We, women do not like to froth unecessarily most especially when there's a lot of xumbo floating around already. ----I don’t see how responding to un-Islamic comments is unnecessary. Maybe you don’t see the need but some people do feel insulted when something wrong is said about their deen, and they think it is necessary to respond as best they can. Also, the ladies are generally intense when demeaning and unIslamic suggestions are made in the name of their diin. A very definite line is drawn there. And it is at this line that I find men(fewer than the women) using the softly-softly approach and I am left wondering just where that gung-ho love for Islam lurks- the heart, the mind or the ego. -----Not just the sisters, but all muslims feel angered when something demeaning is said about islam-thus it is necessary to respond. I don’t really know the softy-softy approach you are referring to my sister or those men you feel employ that, or why you feel the right to question where someone’s love for islam is coming from. But weather u are in these forums or your day to day life, your manners should not be harsh, disprespectful, or unkind to others-that is not what Islam teaches us. Those who call to islam and are muslims-should deal with others in a kind and just manner that is what Allah has commanded us. Salaam. Long day at work Peace

^^^^So you are among those girls blessed? I wouldn't include u in that category or any of the other sisters that have responded. That was generalization on his part, but how come u wonderful sisters don't respond with the same intensity when untasteful comments are made about Islam, or the islamic tradition?

SB: All your arguments of shariah are based on what the "muslim countries" of today are doing. As many have said these countries are not islamic or practice sharia, they give lip service. But u know that, but instead you choose to ignore it, no country in the world is islamic, there is no islamic country now-period. Islam forbids these forms of government-again i bet u know that but u choose to ignore it. THere is plenty to answer. For one, produce the verse in the Quran that enjoins lapidation for adultery. Second, will you have any compunctions about stoning to death your own immediate family members IF they were convicted (beyond reasonable doubt) of adultery? Reply: Words from Allah Most High: "O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you; and if you differ in anything among yourselves, then refer it to God and the Messenger if you do believe in God and the Last Day. That is best and most suitable for final determination." (Surah Al-Nisa' 4:59) "The answer of the believers, when summoned to God and His Messenger in order that he may judge between them, is no other than this: they say, 'We hear and we obey'. It is such as these who will attain success." (Surah Al-Nur 24:51) "But no, by your Lord! (O Muhammad) They cannot be believers until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest submission." (Surah Al-Nisa' 4:65) "So take whatever the Messenger gives you and keep away from what he forbids you." (Surah Al-Hashr 59:7) That answers your questions, but I am sure u will ignore it too. Peace

^^^Agree generalization of race is not fair or accurate-lets say majority . Doesn't matter what anyone thinks tho, we are Muslims the best community thats not racist is it? I usually believe in the good of people and humanity, but as black man damn, sht hits u in the face sometimes. me and my friends took a rode trip last year, we stop at this redneck rural town to get gas and make salat, 10 minutes later there was police car behind us detained us he stopped us, his gun raised-terrified look in his face. Detained us for 30 mins, no reason. I bet u if we made any move bullets would be flying. there are many examples. Racism is in the blood of white ppl. I must tell ya bro. I discovered that I was a bit naïve. Didn't know a lot of white people felt this way about us. We had a good life back in Africa. Hungry? Throw an elephant on the barbecue. Smelly? Go to that amazing waterfall and take a refreshing shower. Exercise? Pull a lion's tail and let the marathon begin! lol

^^^^What do u mean its "out there now"? Brother, independent minded people are very view these days due to the lack of different opinions that rarely if ever get any air time in major news stations, so most people are influenced by these people who have the interests of Israel rather then America. You ever ask yourself why all the major news channels, news papers, radios are owned by Jews? And those corrupt politicans (except very few) are paid by these lobby groups (most of them jewish) to help their agendas. And they say we live in free country.

^^^^^I agree with you brother, to an extent. We should learn from one another. Know that many people do read these threads, including non-muslims if one person learns something then a great deed as been done. SB, you are still rambling man. You have not answered the question- What is Shariah?

^^^^Exactly sister Jamilah. Secular law and Islamic law are not the same, infact are in battle. I was discussing this issue with friends at campus, how do we as muslims in 21st century live according to the way of Shariah, and is that possible, and if so how do we bring it to a reality. I read somewhere by shiek I will try to find source inshaAllah-he said muslims must make hijra to islamic land, and can't live in non-muslim nation, agree to their ways, adopt to their way ect-he said it was form of sheirk (Allah knows best). PS: At the University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, the MSA is hosting a topic similar to this-about applying the shariah in contemporary times. Its March 31-April 2nd. For more info: MSA please do join us, if u are in that area JZK.

^^^^^Salaam,walaalshey good advice. But there are many sisters who hold her views they look at the muslim world culture and say that is what this great religion teaches. Our enemies have lots of misinformation out the there via internet, books, movies, news, u name it. they work to destroy islam (while we sleep)-that will never happen so their best bet is to misinform the public. We have to engage them, and present this deen that is duty upon every muslim. Makala abaayo inshaAllah visit your local masjid, connect with your fellow muslims, and read the Qu'ran-you can't help anyone baayo if you yourself is lost. Salaam

Salaamu Lah, ^^^^^^Sister instead of worrying about saving the muslim women across the world (They have Allah Most High), first help & save yourself-learn your deen. Welcome Brother, and follow the advice of sister Rahima.

Salaamu Lah, ^^^^^Islam is not just a religion is complete system, a body so when u proclaim the shadah you proclaim allegiance to this body, thus if u turn back on that allegiance u have become one who opposes that system and is an enemy, a traitor to that system who will actively work to undermine that system, thus the person must be delt with in proper manner. But for real, they want us to believe that someone who understood the meaning of lah illah illah wa ana Muhammad rasulullah, and who knows who Jesus (as) is in Qu’ran, and who read the story of Mary (as) in the Qu’ran, and had fruit of iman in his heart, chose Christianity, religion that teaches your lord and savior is mere a human being who with his blood u will have eternal life and peace without work and deeds. Bull! Where is the rest of the story, money or chance to live in America to this poor afghan. Give me a break. As for shariah, this is an important issue. Let’s not be argue for the sake of argument, but instead discuss and learn something. This is to SB, MJ and those who hold similar views (I am not calling u out just want to know where u are coming from): What is shariah first of all? Please do clearly present your case, your views so we can have discussion. Salaam

Brother I think its unfair for them to compair with the Cancer below.... , No need to scream at me people, but people can change never know she may have change of heart. I pray that Allah guides her before its too late, okay there I said it.