Both of you are right, Malika and Lily. Races have been created to know each other. You can be part of the Ummah and still keep your cultural identity. And as a Muslim you have a right to choose who you would like to marry and keep ties with. In the end it boils down to personal decision and Islam by definition is a CHOICE- the middle path. So if you hold to the Islamic guidelines you can live peacefully with yourself, family and community.

Originally posted by guerilla: quote:Originally posted by GDwonder: Honestly, it was too long for me to read, but I believe the responsibilities can be summarized into one point as just be a man! It's gravely important that he squirts at the right moment. Lol!! Even a boy can do that. That doesn't mean he is a Man. On a serious note, thanks for sharing Crystal Clear. It sure is a timely reminder summer is creeping on us and soon alot of aroos are being planned. Another good resource to read The ideal Muslim.

Originally posted by Adam.: 2010 is a good year for Supernaturalism/Sword &Sorcery etc Solomon Kane Prince of Persia Percy Jackson & the Lightning thief Wolfman Legion Clash of the Titans Avatar the last Airbender The Sorceror's Apprentice Narnia Voyager of the Dawn Treader Harry Potter; Deathly Hollows Conan Mortal Kombat; Devastation Tekken What a cool year I have a wide range of interest when it comes to movies but I wouldn't miss this surge in imagination for nothing!! I have been waiting for the Avatar-last air bender!! On the other hand, I abhor the lovey dovey non-comedical romances.

lol!!

A Wonderful Motivational Poem by Brian Tracy "You cannot change the world, But you can present the world with one improved person - Yourself. You can go to work on yourself to make yourself Into the kind of person you admire and respect. You can become a role model and set a standard for others. You can control and discipline yourself to resist acting Or speaking in a negative way Toward anyone for any reason. You can insist upon always doing things the loving way, Rather than the hurtful way. By doing these things each day, You can continue on your journey Toward becoming an exceptional human being.

I really dont understand why people are asking for the Imam to step down. He is entitled to his own opinion and a discussion is part of religion. Niqaab/Burqa is not a prerequisite for a Muslimah's Hijaab it is her personal choice and could be a sign of her Taqwa(Remember not everyone wears it for religion some do for cultural/family reasons). The commandment we were given was to cover our hair, bossom and lower our gaze. I know some people took it to the extreme but there is no proof that our Mothers in Islam had Niqaabs instead we have proof they covered their hair, chest and what could be seen (hands and feet).

^^^

Lool!! That's wicked,Najma!! Back to the topic... Ive seen and delivered alot of babies... All of them have potential "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". I havent seen an ugly baby as of yet. Though I found Somali babies more cuter. Anyway as long the baby is healthy and kicking, he/she is the cutiest thing Ive ever seen. Mashallah, may they grow to be strong and wise. Though going through the article, deformed babies are bound to have a tough life if not accepted. Some mothers stand up for their child and love them unconditionally while others abuse their child with taunts and verbal abuse. May Allah protect us from having deformed babies and if tested may we love them unconditionally.Amin.

Great tale. Jazakhallah kheir.

Jazakhallah kheir.

Mashallah, that is great news!!

Bint Hamid, I am sadden by your rhetoric and I second those who say you need to read more about Dawa and our Wonderful deen. Our Prophet Mouhammad Salallahu Alaihi wasalaam was very Merciful and forgiving And in his lifetime He pushed us beleivers to have Mercy on our fellow brother and even animals. Sinners were/are forgiven by Allah,so it is not our duty to judge... Allah is the most forgiving and Merciful. With the problems which are happening/ happened(earthquake/starvation/chaos) in Hiati whatever the cause we as Muslims and members of the community are expected to help the fallen. Excerpt from the Ideal Muslim/Muslimah and their Community: The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) extended the feeling of mercy in the hearts of Muslim men and women to cover animals as well as humans. This is reflected in a number of sahih ahadith, such as that reported by Bukhari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah, in which the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A man was walking along the road when he felt very thirsty. He saw a well, so he went down into it, drank his fill, then came out. He saw a dog panting and biting the dust with thirst, and said, ‘This dog’s thirst is as severe as mine was.’ So he went back down into the well, filled his shoes with water, held them in his mouth (while he climbed out), and gave the dog water. Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) thanked him and forgave him.” They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, will we be rewarded for kindness towards animals?” He said, “In every living creature there is reward.”96 Bukhari and Muslim also narrate from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A woman was punished because of a cat which she locked up until it died of starvation. She was thrown into Hell. It was said - and Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) knows best - ‘You did not feed her or give her water when you locked her up, neither did you let her roam free so that she could eat of the vermin of the earth.’” 97 The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) reached such heights of mercy that once, when he and his Companions stopped in some place, a bird appeared above his head, as if she were seeking his help and complaining to him of the wrongdoing of a man who had taken her egg. He said, “Which of you has distressed her by taking her egg?” A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, I have taken it.” The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Put it back, out of mercy to her.”98 The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) wanted, in this instance, to instill a sense of all-encompassing mercy in the conscience of the Muslims, men and women alike, so that they would become compassionate by nature, even to animals, because whoever has the heart to be kind to animals will not be harsh towards his human brother. The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was full of compassion towards humans and animals alike. He never stopped encouraging compassion among people, and sought to instill it deeply in the hearts of Muslim men and women, stating that it was the key to Allah’s (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) mercy, forgiveness and reward. Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) would forgive those who were compassionate, even if they were sinners. In Sahih Muslim, Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu anhu) said: “ Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘A dog was walking around a well, almost dying of thirst, when a Jewish prostitute saw him. She took off her shoe, brought water to him and gave him to drink. She was forgiven because of this deed.” How great is the blessing of compassion and mercy for mankind! What beautiful attributes they are! It is sufficient honor and status to know that the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of Glory and Majesty derived His own name from rahmah (mercy, compassion), and is called al-Rahim, al-Rahman. Another thing to take into consideration. This is an acute/immediate disaster we cannot compare the suffering in Hiati with the suffering in other places like Somalia and Gaza. All of the people are suffering and Alhamdullilah people are helping there, too. Through compassion and wisdom more people are becaming Muslims an increasing trend in US and western countries.Why is that? Because they see what REAL Muslim's do... have humility, are compassionate are friendly etc. With such qualities who wouldnt like to follow your religion? And who wouldnt like to be affiliated with you? That is another reason Muslim's should help in Hiati.. so they can show their real IDEAL's that they care for fellow mankind. May Allah guide you. Amin. Fii amanillah WOL

Are you out of your mind, peacenow? Where did I spread hatred and extremism? You sure dont know me nor my thought process. It is always better to ask someone for an explanation or clarification than jumping to conclusions. And if my question of asking for SOL members to recommend a mosque or restaurant is what made you " try to analyze me".I have an explanation for that Whenever I visit any new city apart from visiting the historical sites or attractions ,I like visiting atleast 1 mosque which has an English service and eat at restaurants which have halal food. Atlanta has 44 mosques, I would not like ending up at a mosque were I dont understand what is being preached. And what is wrong with that?

I live in America, peacenow. And why should I visit those countries?

My All time favorites :Channel No.5 and Coco Mademoiselle. Cant get enough of these scents!! And they are not overpowering for work. Depending on my mood or occasion: vera wang Princess good old' Guerlain's Samsara Givenchi's Irresistible and Hot couture. Elizabeth Arden's Splendor. Elizabeth Taylor's White diamond.

Originally posted by hodman: Thank you my dear. Am always looking for neat things like that. Some of the nicer websites that are based in Turkey and the Arab world don't ship here which is a shame. Very true dear.. and the stuff which gets brought over here doesn't have alot variety either. I wanted to share these Islamic clothing lists: http://www.islamic-stores.com/islamic_clothing.html http://www.hijabtrendz.com/hijab-directory

Raula, thanks for the response.I was pretty sure Mila na Utamaduni club was Ikhwan Safa.

Asalaam aleikum, I will be visiting A-town soon Inshallah for a few days. I would appreciate advice on what mosques or restaurants that I should visit from the zabihah list.Must see places apart from Madina Restaurant, please Kaka Stoic, bado hujatoka Jela? JZK.

Looooooool!!!!!!!!! You made my day, Cara Curly, I usually do set the ayeyo's and the unforgiving edo's straight but in a diplomatic way. They are very hard to educate and please.They end up giving you the "you are all educated/airs look"! But we still have to do it!!! Reminds me of the another lady taking OCP's and you inform her that if ends up taking Antibiotics or any other medicines which affect the OCP bioavailability she needs to use a second form of protection for atleast a week. She doesnt beleive it!!! What will happen, bal!! Wait for a month or TWO... she is back telling you Im pregnant!!!

Had to dig this up...

^^^They are entrepreneurs...I always thought that was every Somali woman's hidden ace- she sees the opportunity and goes for it!! Viva la femme Somalie or was it Somalienne!! Ps. My french has rusted

Notes diligently stored in the motherhood notebook. ...Tangawizi, yes... another reason to use it, I love tangawizi

Hodman I wish I could get away too. I sometimes close my eyes and bring back memories of my last trip. Looking at the Sun setting over the ocean, listening to the tide hitting the beach, sound of the coconut trees rustling...few kids laughter or cries.. Raula Nice to have you back, Im your accomplice in crime ...with th disappearing acts I was just wondering are you talking about Ikhwan Safa group? As they were the original taarab company and they still perform. Norfsky Spring break is the best time to go as it is low season and most of the services are discounted.

So my little So'ton is in the news, Great!! Mashallah, nice to see a brave man in our midst!!God bless him. Amin.

Congratulations, Sophist and wife!!!