Castro brother, I totally agree with u. The situation of our ppl is not one of clan, and most of us in the west don't give damn about clan. All somalis are brethren. There is huge issue of trust though. Our culture amazes me, say I want to donate just for the intention to help ppl, and I ask others to donate in a region in somalia any region, the question will be why there? And not this region which is another qabil, and I agree okay with them, someone else will jump in with the same claims. I really think we should be careful with western aid organizations and giving our money to them to help our brethren or giving money and not knowing wheres its going. We all know about the corruptions. There must be a concrete response. Donating money to feed the ppl will not help, since they will always be dependent on a hand out. Is better to find a way which the people can be independent, build infrastructure donate money to buy cattle, land ect, find ways to better the agriculture since that is the main source of food. To every problem there is solution, there is no reason why are people are starving and we sit on our comfortable lazy asses and don’t do nothing. With collective efforts we can do something and achieve goals inshaAllah, I think SOL should start something, count me in also and let me know in any way I can help. And if anyone is in the states, I would like to know about organizations which work in Somalia. I heard good things about this Somali organization, they are not here in the states but in Europe: http://www.hirda.org/

Personally - I don't want Michael Jackson and Islam to be associated in any way whatsoever. He is the definition of a POS. Is there no possiblity that this could actually be real? Who are we to judge, its better to say may Allah guide him to the straight path. And what is POS? And didn't anyone tell MJ that he can't be a Muslim unless he gives away all of his 'haraam' assets, abandons playing with children and attempts to return to his original skin color? Just what we need, another 'Muslim' a la Mike Tyson. Haraam yes and the life style he led yes, but the skin color, come on brother. We don't know, if will be like Tyson, he went to Arabia built masjids, I pray for the man instead of denouncing him prematurely. The picture of mike in abaya is to discredit the man's character which is wrong. The article (Mr. Pipes) wants us to believe ppl convert cause they are lost, hopeless and the like, and this is not hard well thought out decision.

And for us males, blood flows in only direction. Southward. Nothing wrong with that. If it didn't then you have a problem on your hands. Grandpa, didn't u say u were 65, there is still blood flow in that direction? Just playing man. But on the reel, it seems the mentality some of the fellas display here, is equal to that of little boys. Its how I thought back in junior high/high school, she must be hot period. Truly this is not what you seek in a companion, your wife, the bearer of your children, your partner and comrade in this battle of life? Attractiveness hooks us in, but doesn’t keep us there. A relationship needs more depth, something called character, morals, personality, kindness, and other qualities. And many men, like myself do desire intelligent woman who have ambitions, goals, dreams, thoughts and who is not superficial and selfish. Intelligent woman are highly desirable, everyday is a learning experience. No real man wants slave for a wife, who can't think for herself and has no opinions.

Spell my name correctly folks or you'll force me to change it again. And I was just getting attached to it. I am also attached to your name, Yaa Kooleey. I have heathen thoughts & fantasies, does that count? Hmmmmmm? Say what?

Asslaamu Alaykum, I'd rather wearing mini skirt and high heels than being covered up head to toe and living in Saudi Bloody Arabia. Since you are so free and bad sister, wear your “mini skirt and high heels after dark, by yourself in American/UK streets. You and those who share your views talk about the Muslim women particularly the ones in the Saudi, but have you ever been to Arabia, lived among the people, or walked in the shoes of a Saudi woman? No, what you say you have gotten from the western media. And no I am not denying the problems facing our Muslimah’s and their struggles, but we have to realize before there are “woman rights†there must be first human rights. Some of you bring up marginal issues like woman’s ability to drive, what is worse that or the absolute power of a man and the fabricated laws he makes which in turn yields oppression. If there was a Kalifah in the Shade of the Qu’ran, would woman no humankind be oppressed? No! I am sick and tired, every-time the liberation of woman is discussed-Islam is mentioned, where is there support from the Qur’an or the Sunnah that even in a small degree implies the oppression of women? There is none, so mans deeds is used as an example instead. And why is it that whenever “liberation†of women is mentioned the amount of clothing or lack thereof she wears is brought up? Does wearing mini skirt=freedom, where as covering yourself=oppression? I know what you will say, it’s the choice that matters, so I guess the woman who chooses to wear mini-skirt and display her body is freer then the Muslimah who chooses to cover herself. And when you mock at the sisters who cover themselves from “head to toeâ€, who adhere to the commandments of Allah, and follow the way of righteous woman sahabah, I suppose the “mini-skirt†look is better than their way. Peace to you.

Asslaamu Alaykum, man, some of you guys should write books. Deep! Like I said I have never been to Somalia, and I am not grateful to the “West†for the blessed life I have here in America, I am only grateful to Allah The Most Merciful. And even though I been here in US for most of my life, as I get older I love my people and the land of my forefathers more. I can’t explain, is it racism? I don’t know, but its good feeling to have something to call your own. My Pakistani friends, Arab friends each summer go back to their homeland and visit, but my homeland is unsafe I am told. We all agree on one thing that Somalia is and I quote “HORSE SHITâ€, we know the problems facing our people, and our native land, yet we talk sh*t and don’t do sh*t. Judging from the forum on SOL, we are diverse group of people with various opinions, young, old, male, female, intellectuals and not so, the trend I have noticed is that we recognized and diagnosed the problems facing our community, whether it is the state of Somalia or the relationship between Farahs and Xalimos, but where is the action people, and the solutions?

Asslaamu Alaykum, I have to say great points on both sides, this is a difficult topic and I think it is important to discuss. It’s really not just a woman’s issue, as brothers we need the education also. It seems to me though that some paint the picture of us men never finding satisfaction in one woman, that either we will cheat on her and commit haraam, or take a second wife which is halal. What’s up with that? --------------------------------- “I testify that there is no god but Allah, Alone, Who has no partner and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger! O Allah, make me of those who return to You often in repentance and make me of those who remain clean and pure.’"

Ah! The ubiquituous Western lasciviousness and moral decadence moan. I have a deal for you. Find me a land that provides what the morally, spiritually inferior West provides me -- personal freedoms, social mobility, peace, free health care etc -- minus of course drugs, alcohol, hookers and I'll move there in a heartbeat and sing its praises. Do we have a deal? Jannah, so start preparing and ask for death. -------------------- “I testify that there is no god but Allah, Alone, Who has no partner and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger! O Allah, make me of those who return to You often in repentance and make me of those who remain clean and pure.’"

Ayaan Hirsi Ali - A trashy woman who looks like a mildly rehabilitated crack-whore, she spent much of the 1990's shacked up with the euro-trash film-maker Theo Van Gough who made porno flicks depicting naked women with Quranic verses tattooed on their bodies. Ms Ali and Mr Van Gough insisted on merely making reasoned criticism of Islam despite denoting all Salman Rushdie - Dickhead. Ha ha ha, you had me cracking up so hard. Anyway, you get the gist of what I'm trying to say - the enemies of Islam are poised, ready and well funded and will stop at nothing to ridicule, distort and bad-mouth our faith and convince our youngsters of being ashamed of their Muslim heritage. This is not new, since the call of Islam the enemies of the believers have tried everything in their power to put out this light. They have employed every sceme, used every weapon but Islam is still here, will always be here that is promise of Allah and Allah will never fail the believers. So let those who believe in Allah put their trust in Him and fear only Him. It’s not Islam I am worried about, it’s the Muslims. We have left the fold of Allah, and that has resulted in the fitnah we see. It is only under the shade of Allah and The Qu’ran we will be successful, leave it and what is happening to the ummah will be the result. If we don’t, the lose is ours only. The revival starts with you. -------------------- “I testify that there is no god but Allah, Alone, Who has no partner and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger! O Allah, make me of those who return to You often in repentance and make me of those who remain clean and pure.’"

Asslaamu Alaykum, “Again, it doesn't matter on hoot what you believe, when all is said and done you will always be judged by what you do not for what you say or belief.†My brother you have no knowledge of Islam or the teachings of Qur’an. Belief and deeds are never separated in the Qu’ran. Belief without deeds is meaningless, as is deeds without belief. In the Qu’ran deeds and belief are side by side. That’s why All the Messengers of Allah from Adam and Muhammad blessings be with them, called the people to Iman and righteous good deeds. You will be judged on what you believed and your actions, by implying we will only be judged on what we do you are referring to the judgments of man, which is pointless. You can be the best of man, do the best of deeds but without the belief in Allah and His revelation your work is fruitless. "By Time! Verily man is in loss. Except those who believe and do righteous deeds and help one another to the truth and help one another to patience." al-Qur'aan, al-`Asr (103):1-3 You have proudly proclaimed you reject the sunnah, thus you reject our Noble Prophet Muhammad and his teachings. And he who rejects Rasolullah sallahu alhi wasallam is not a believer in Allah. It is the shahadah that distinguishes believers from kafirs, second part of shahadah is belief in Muhammad. You are free to your beliefs and viewpoints, as Allah subhanahu wa tallah tells us: There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Tâghût and believes in Allâh, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Allâh is the Walî (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliyâ (supporters and helpers) are Tâghût [false deities and false leaders, etc.], they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever. (Al-Baqrah verses 256-7) My brother I suggest you become aware of the importance sunnah in this deen, here is link: Sunnah And as for the topic at hand, everyone will have their own view on what’s the purpose of life, and everyone has proclaimed their purpose. What is left, are we trying to find out the unseen and the secrets of life? It is Allah’s will that this domain is beyond human comprehension, and this is not required for our purpose here anyway. Greater man than us have tried, failed, and will always continue to fail until Allah raises the curtain, our desire to grasp the secret of life will remain unsolved. And those who live in defiance to Allah’s authority will forever be in vain and their efforts will produce nothing. -------------------- “I testify that there is no god but Allah, Alone, Who has no partner and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger! O Allah, make me of those who return to You often in repentance and make me of those who remain clean and pure.’"

Asslaamu Alaykum, Brothers, the sister was just informing of us about her trip and sharing her views, the least we can do is wish her a happy and safe trip instead of argue about the morality of west and east. Ill pattern, I see. Best to you abayo. -------------------- “I testify that there is no god but Allah, Alone, Who has no partner and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger! O Allah, make me of those who return to You often in repentance and make me of those who remain clean and pure.’"

Asslaamu Alaykum Brothers and Sisters, I read this article, and wanted to share it w/ yall since some nomads live in Australia. ________________________________________________ Australia's intolerance of Islam and Muslims was seen again last week when a senior government minister said that Muslims who wanted to live under Islamic law had no place in Australia and insisted all immigrants must embrace Australian values. Treasurer Peter Costello who is tipped to be the next Prime Minister, in a speech to the conservative think-tank. The Sydney Institute said, before entering a mosque visitors are asked to take off their shoes. This is a sign of respect. If you have a strong objection to walking in your socks, don't enter the mosque. Before becoming an Australian you will be asked to subscribe to certain values. If you have strong objections to those values, don't come to Australia. Muslims in Australia have been facing increasing pressure to compromise their noble Islamic values during the past year. After draconian Anti-Terrorism legislation was passed back in November, riots hit Cronulla beach where thousands of Australians practised their Australian values of intolerance and racism attacking anyone who looked Muslim. Many of the rioters wore T-Shirts with ebs out and Ethnic cleansing Unit. Ironically Australia was established by immigration when Britain colonised Eastern Australia in 1770, establishing it as a Penal Colony. The English Immigrants who arrived on Australia's shores brought with them their intolerant secular values, and did not subscribe to the Australian values of the Aborigines as Costello is demanding of the Muslim immigrants. In fact the combination of European diseases, loss of land and direct violence reduced the indigenous Aboriginal population by an estimated 90% between 1788 and 1900. Just like the Muslims, Aborigines continue to experience racism and abuse in Australia. Costello's equating of subscribing to Australian values with taking off shoes in a mosque is a distortion to say the least. Muslims in Australia are overwhelmingly law abiding. This is what their Islamic values of respect and shunning criminal acts teaches them. However, obedience to the law that the overwhelming majority of Muslims perform is completely different to them converting to secularism and rejecting Islamic values. Although secularism is trumpeted as the best system to establish harmony between different religions, in reality secularism is becoming as bad if not worse than those medieval monarchies in Europe that burnt at the stake those who did not subscribe to their Christian beliefs. The price all religions are paying in secular societies is the erosion of their religious values and forced conversions to secularism. The recent legal ruling in America against Christians that Intelligent Design could not be taught alongside Evolution Theory in schools is a stark example of this. Muslims do not want their religion to become how Christianity has become, where no aspect of their belief is sacred and their religion is open to constant abuse and ridicule. The recent episode with the publishing of insulting cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), was testing the water on how far the secular states can go in trying to convert Muslims to their belief. The Muslims in Europe and throughout the world unanimously showed their opposition to these cartoons and drew a line in the sand that must not be crossed. However, this intellectual battle must continue as secularism will continue to try and redraw the line until nothing is left of Islam and it becomes just like Christianity. The growing calls for reforming Islam and the holy Quran by the West clearly show this. Those Muslims, who resist this secular conversion in Australia and elsewhere in the West, will face the prospect of deportation, loss of citizenship and imprisonment under Anti-Terrorism legislation. Even so, Muslims must resist calls to abandon their Islamic values in favour of secular values, and moreover engage in an intellectual debate with the wider society on whether secular values are worthy of adoption by non-Muslims let alone Muslims. The Islamic Caliphate is always attacked as spreading Islam by the sword forcing non-Muslims to convert to Islam and its values. However, unlike secularism the Islamic system deals with different religions in a unique way creating harmony amongst them, enabling them to live in peace with each other as existed in the Caliphate before. Non-Muslims have a citizenship contract with the Caliphate called dhimma. This contract does not require them to give up their religious values. We will not say to non-Muslims in the Caliphate you must adopt Islamic values or leave. Rather the only requirement for non-Muslims is to obey the law of the land outside of their personal lives and worship. Imam Qarafi (Classical Islamic Scholar) summed up the responsibility of the Caliphate to the dhimmi when he said: It is the responsibility of the Muslims to the People of the Dhimma to care for their weak, fulfil the needs of the poor, feed the hungry, provide clothes, address them politely, and even tolerate their harm even if it was from a neighbour, even though the Muslim would have an upper hand. The Muslims must also advise them sincerely on their affairs and protect them against anyone who tries to hurt them or their family, steal their wealth, or violates their rights. Source: KC Journal As muslims in the states, sure there are problems but America is very diverse and we practice Islam without much problem. Europe/Aust I assume is very different since it is a homogenous continent, I am curious about the nomads who live in EU/Aust, how is the muslim community there and your experiences. Is what we here just hype, or true.

Great Video, mashaAllah. Truth will prevail, falsehood diminshed. May the Most High guide us, and keep us in the right path, ameen. Truely the promise of Allah will come to pass no matter how much the disbelievers hate it. Brother Nur, Ameen to that. ----------------------------------- “I testify that there is no god but Allah, Alone, Who has no partner and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger! O Allah, make me of those who return to You often in repentance and make me of those who remain clean and pure."

Asslaamu Alaykum, With due respect brother Nur, I think you live in fantasy world and you ignore the position of the sister involved. I am net familiar with e-nuri, but your suggestion for the sister whose husband takes a second wife is unrealistic. By no means am I arguing against the system of polygamy in Islam, it has its time and place, however we must realize the enormous amount of emotions and feelings involved in this difficult situation. My aunt was married for 20 years, gave him five children, and he married another in kenya, never told her. She found out from others. The tremendous amount of sorrow and hurt I saw in her face, I could never explain nor could I ever understand how someone can do that to someone they love and been with for over 20 yrs. The peachy picture you paint my brother is not realistic. Maybe e-nuri should focus on educating the brothers on how to be better to their wife and be considerate of her feelings. I feel this issue is driving our sisters away, believe me I know I have three sisters. We need to be better to our woman.

Asslaamu Alaykum sister, Modesty May Allah give you a save and peaceful trip. I have never been to Somalia; it has always been a goal of my mine to visit, and insha-Allah I plan to go after graduating college. And I can’t help but agree with your comments about muslim countries. Two years ago I accompanied my father to Jordan, and mashaAllah how the people are different. You feel different, peaceful. Every corner there is masjid, athan is called out throughout the day, and the Muslims stop all business and flock to the masjid, families are together, kind smile is on the people’s faces. Life is so much simpler there. Best to you sister on your trip.

Asslaamu Alaykum, Quote "Leave the youngesters alone .. i think they have every right to marry young ... xaliimoz age is vital trust me ... 20 at your prime .. anything above tat u start losing points .." Come on brother, our woman are much more then points on a scale. Will the one you marry at her “prime†lose points from you at 30? Lets not discourage our sisters, and instill in their minds they lose “points†after their early twenties, you wouldn’t want your sister treated like that, don’t treat the sisters of others like that. And for the question, I think its Australian thing, here in the states its not like that. Its unfortunate really, but its not a new phenomenon, children rebel against parents and these girls feel like they have no choice but to marry since they find no support at home. Is this happening often? And if so, what is the Somali community at Australia doing to help these girls find a better solution.

Asslaamu Alaykum, I agree, may Allah Most High bless you Abraar for your post, indeed well put. By asking us what is the purpose of life, as Muslims we will turn to the guidance of our Lord and his messenger (pbuh) to answer that question, since we are baseless like the animal without this guidance. Our reasoning, answers are based on what we believe, to say to us discuss without Quranic/Islamic view is irrelevant, since our outlook on how we live, our code of life is influenced by our faith. As every individual’s answers will be influenced on what he believes. I think you misunderstand the meaning of worship, it doesn’t mean to only bow down or pray, worship influences every aspect of our lives, provides us laws of conduct, gives us meaning, defines our purpose. Thus worship of Allah influences our manners, our careers/education, how we spend our time, how we think, how we live, ect. For those who reject the Sunnah of Muhammad (pbuh), and naively think Qu’ran is your only guide, if you are sincere Muslim repent to Allah for your ignorance. If you ever read the Qu’ran, such a statement would never be expressed, since the Quâ€ran commands us to obey the messenger. By uttering that statement, did you not know the sunnah is the collections of the deeds, sayings, ways of the Prophet (pbuh)? And indeed the scholars of Islam are inheritors of the Prophet pbuh, it doesn’t mean they are related to him by blood, inherit means knowledge here. Its one thing to like debate/drama but don't compromise your faith in the process by making hideous claims.

Asslaamu Alaykum Quote from Kooleey: "I believe that the friday prayer benefits everyone, men & women because one learns and gains alot from the kutbah. However its only obligatory on the men to attend and volantary on the woman's part." Yeah, what she said. Voluntary, because this deen puts no hardship on the muslim woman. We live in Kufir land, where we are not surrounded by Islam and other Muslims everyday, I would encourage the sisters to attend Friday prayers, there is much benefit in seeing and socializing with other muslims for you. Do not disconnect yourself from the community, its not like in Muslim lands, where you are surrounded by Muslims, here is different. PS: I think the person was just trying to be helpful no need in calling them not intelligent, or have to prove them wrong. If you feel staying home is good, then pray at the home. And its disaggreement, don't jump the gun by saying two different deens.

Asslaamu Alaykum, As some of have said, the purpose of life is to worship Allah, and follow the commandments of the Qu’ran. Life is short, look how time passes these days, everyday we get closer to our deaths. Sh*t is scary, but its reality, most bani Adam try to ignore it, until its too late. This Hadith, always has scared me and made me question things: Narrated by Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him); Allah’s Messenger (saw), the true and truly inspired said: “(as regards to creation), every one of you is collected in the womb of his mother for the first forty days, and then he becomes a clot for another forty days, and then a piece of flesh for another forty days. Then Allah sends an angel to write four words: He writes his deeds, time of his death, means of his livelihood, and whether he will be wretched or blessed (in the Hereafter). Then the soul is breathed into his body. So a man may do deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell) Fire, so much that there is only the distance of a cubit between him and it, and then what has been written (by the angel) surpasses, and so he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise and enters Paradise. Similarly, a person may do deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise, so much so that there is only the distance of a cubit between him and it, and then what has been written (by the angel) surpasses, and he starts doing deeds of the people of the (Hell) Fire and enters the (Hell) Fire.†(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4 Hadith No. 549). Allah knows best, may we be the sahabah of Jannah. I had long talk with imam at my masjid, asked him if everything is predestined, what’s the point, heck I might be doing all these good deeds, and was written as the ppl of the Fire ( I seek in Allah’s refuge), his answer can fill volumes, but the bottom line was he said Abdul, a person finds easy to do the deeds that will led him to his destined place.

Asslamu Alaykum, Dear Brothers/Sisters, There is nothing wrong with getting alim from knowledgeable people, but I fear that many of us these days solely relay on books written by scholars, tapes, lectures, internet ect to gain the knowledge of this deen, while the Noble Qu’ran sits on the bookshelf. Lets learn our deen the way the companions did, from Kitab ul Allah, memorize the Quran and then act upon it that is the best way to success. And as for the sects, interpretations, if my memory serves me right there is Only One Arabic Quran. May Allah Guide the Seekers.

Wrong posting. We should be able to delete too.

We are digging our own graves at the rate we are going. As though droughts, bad economy, poverty, lack of education/ institutions, ect weren’t enough, we are killing each other for nonsense. Our male population will deteriorate, and we will become part of greater Ethiopia. Call me fatalist.

Asslaamu Alaykum, He would scream haram, haram, haram, to shake the hands of african woman, look how happy he is towards this white woman. Shame! Yet we still wonder about our current predicament as somalis....

Assalamu Alaykum Ladies, ladies I sense lots of animosity towards the male species. Let’s remember, no one has power except Allah we are all His slaves. Ladies don’t divide us, we need you just like you need us, one without the other is useless. And say you were to hypothetically “overpower†men, then what would u do, enslave us? Is this your solution? Your feminist dreams are flawed. Each sex is good at something, putting them together will be better.

Funny stuff man, I am glad u posted the source because it’s hard to believe. I mean in this society (US) by the age someone is 20, they been with many partners no big deal, to them that is. But we are talking about marriage, which is completely another level, and I think by reading this article this guy treats the institution of marriage like that of boy/girlfriend. But Allah knows best, we don’t know all the details. Quote: "The man shouldn't be proud of his many divorces however no one should call him a pedophile for using the marriage rules in which Allah the almighty has allowed him, making it halal." With due respect sister ALexus., I strongly disagree. As said before Allah knows best, but reading the article this guy is antagonist to the rules of marriage in islam. I am not scholar, but in the article: • “As soon as Al-Saieri gets the itch to marry again, he draws lots between the current four wives to choose which one will be divorced†• “I started my marriage campaign immediately after the second marriage,†• “I will stop when I reach wife number 60,†he concluded.†In what way is he using the rules of marriage in Islam Alexus? The Prophet (peace pbuh) said: "Among lawful things, divorce is most hated by Allah." (Reported by Abu Dawud). Marriage is huge commitment, there are many hurdles in Islam that are used as mechanisms to avoid divorce, thus there must be a strong reason to get a divorce in Islam, and I don’t think having an “itch†counts as one of them to separate from your wife and therefore breakup your families.