Blog Archives
Islam’s Call to Reflect
Source: onislam.net
By: Hassan Youssef
Islam takes great interest in knowledge.
It commands people to meditate upon the phenomena of the universe in which we live and contemplate over the creation of God in order to discover the mysteries of nature and the universe.
Islam also urges us to travel about in the earth to explore its secrets. There are many verses in the Quran that instruct the Muslims to meditate and observe the universe since observation is the first step of the scientific method.
TO DEFEND OUR BELOVED PROPHET, LET US EXEMPLIFY HIS TRUE IDEALS SAY IMAMS
Source: muslimmatters.org
Following the shocking murders in Paris, condemned by Muslims all over the world, and subsequent moves to depict the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once again,Imams from around the world have come together to issue the following advice to those concerned about the depiction.
1. For Muslims, love of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is a NECESSARY part of our FAITH. He is dearer to us than our parents and children. We prefer him to our own self.
2. Accordingly we regret and are naturally hurt by the depiction of our Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace), a great personality held in high esteem by 1.8 billion Muslims and millions more, in such a manner.
3. Muslims do believe in freedom of speech. And they do respect the right for people to say what they believe to be correct. However, freedom of speech should not be translated in to a duty to offend. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that absolute freedom of speech does not exist. There are laws to protect the dignity and properties of people. We urge governments, civil society and our media to foster a culture of mutual respect and unity, not one of division and disdain.
4. Most Muslims will inevitably be hurt, offended and upset by the republication of the cartoons. But our reaction must be a reflection of the teachings of the gentle and merciful character of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Enduring patience, tolerance, gentleness and mercy as was the character of our beloved Prophet (peace and Blessings be upon him) is the best and immediate way to respond. With dignified nobility we must be restrained, as the Qur’an says “And when the ignorant speak to them, they say words of Peace.”
Our aim is to not, inadvertently, give the cartoons more prominence through our attention. Muslims must remain calm and peaceful in their speech and actions. Repel harm with goodness is the Qur’anic imperative and by which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived. If we feel strongly, the only course of action to us is with reasoned debate, civil activism and other legal avenues, God willing.
THE BREAKING NEWS CONSUMER’S HANDBOOK
Source: onthemedia.org
By: Alex Goldman
This week’s shooting at the DC Navy Yard was the latest in a long string of breaking news reporting to get many of the essential facts wrong.
In fact, the rampant misreporting that follows shootings like this is so predictable that OTM has unintentionally developed a formula for covering them. We look at how all the bad information came out. We suggest ways that the news media could better report breaking news. This time, we’re doing something different.
This is our Breaking News Consumer’s Handbook. Rather than counting on news outlets to get it right, we’re looking at the other end. Below are some tips for how, in the wake of a big, tragic story, you can sort good information from bad. We’ve even made a handy, printable PDF that you can tape to your wall the next time you encounter a big news event.
Qaroon and Musa PBUH – Wealth and Corruption
Kaan Ya Makaan, Fee Qadeem Al-Zamaan…
There was a Place, in Times of Old…
Source: knightsofarabia.com
Called Egypt where lived an Israelite man, named Qaroon, who was the proud owner of a fortune so vast and plentiful that he had to dedicate special rooms in his palace to housing said wealth. Qaroon had rooms that contained nothing but cases full of gold, other rooms housed trunks brimming with silver, and in yet more rooms were bags stuffed full of gems and precious stones. All these treasure rooms he kept locked tight with a myriad of keys that, when placed together, defied even the strongest of men to carry away.
Israel bombed 161 mosques in Gaza
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
Israel has so far destroyed 161 mosques in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Awqaf Minister Yousef Dois said yesterday.
He said 41 mosques were completely destroyed and 120 were partially destroyed during the war adding that a number of religious institutions have also been attacked.
Dois continued by saying Israel is taking advantage of the fact that the world’s attention is on Gaza and using this to stop Muslim worshippers from gaining access to Al-Aqsa Mosque. He said rabbis are delivering provocative speeches.
THE HYPOCRISY OF FEMINIST OUTRAGE
Source: muslimmatters.org
By: Daniel Haqiqatjou
The viral NYC Catcall video has caused a stir in social media and online forums. It records a woman receiving over 100 catcalls from men as she walks the streets of New York City for 10 hours.
Just consider the 100,000+ youtube comments alone. While most commenters found the behavior of the catcalling men disgusting, some took issue with how the woman in the video was dressed. These commenters were daring enough to suggest that perhaps she would have attracted less negative attention had she dressed more “modestly.”
This suggestion, in turn, was met with backlash. How dare anyone “blame the victim” by suggesting that a woman change the way she dresses because men cannot or will not act with common decency!
What do we make of all this?
Is it completely outlandish to suggest that the way a woman (or man) dresses has an impact on how others treat her (or him)?
25 of The Cutest Parenting Moments In The Animal Kingdom
Source: http://themindunleashed.org/2014/07/25-cutest-parenting-moments-animal-kingdom.html
The animal kingdom harbors many parenting secrets. Compared with humans, animals have both unique and similar ways of parenting their offspring. For instance, elephants rely on young females to act as babysitters for their young calves–sound familiar?
Not everything animal parents do is identical to human parents. For instance, the Panda bear commonly gives birth to two babies but she only raises one. Before you go thinking Panda moms are callous and cruel, it’s not that at all. Instead, out in the rough and tough wild mothering one baby requires all of the resources a Panda has to offer. Her decision boils down to one healthy baby or two weak babies.
Not everything is bleak out in the wild, in fact few things are. It appears animals enjoy raising their young just as much as us furless humans! Check out these photos of the cutest parenting moments in the animal kingdom to see just how much fun animal families have living life on the wild side.
_________________________________________________________________________
This Polar Bear cuddles her baby close, her thick claws and foreboding paws keeping a tight grip on her sweet little cub.
_________________________________________________________________________
David Lazar shot this stunning image of two lionesses living in the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya. The two adoringly gaze at their baby sibling, with pride often reserved to parents.
_________________________________________________________________________
How cute are they?!?!
_________________________________________________________________________
This mama helps her baby to stay afloat as they go for a swim in the waters they call home.
_________________________________________________________________________
How about a nap now?
_________________________________________________________________________
Baby squirrels are so small and hairless you can hardly tell what they are–but this mama knows her baby when she sees him.
_________________________________________________________________________
What is under this mommy’s colorful wings–2 sleepy chicks!
_________________________________________________________________________
This is one strong possum carting around 6 babies on her back, while simultaneously scaling a fence–you go mom!
_________________________________________________________________________
“Wait up Ma!” This Fox hollers, clinging tight to his mommy’s bushy fox tail.
_________________________________________________________________________
Elephants are the only other species (besides us humans) that visits the graves of their deceased loved ones. You can only imagine how much love elephants have for their offspring. This adorable pair link trunks as they travel onward.
_________________________________________________________________________
How Bear-y cute are these two?!
_________________________________________________________________________
Parents always know best–this loving mother swan tucks her babies under her wings where they will stay warm and dry while traveling across the pond.
_________________________________________________________________________
Crocodiles are not often considered “cute” but despite their scaly skin and forbidding sharp teeth, turns out they are family-orienated! Udayan Rao Pawar, was voted Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2013 after he snapped the photo below of a croc family. He camped out on the banks of the Chambal River in India in order to see 2 gharial crocodile colonies. While the animal sightings at the Chambal River are incredible, the area is threatened by illegal sand-mining and fishing.
_________________________________________________________________________
Play Time! This big mama finds her baby cub’s ticklish spots!
_________________________________________________________________________
Penguins use a buddy system to help watch over their young, adults take turns forming groups around baby penguins in order to keep them safe and warm.
_________________________________________________________________________
No butts about it, these two are definitely related.
_________________________________________________________________________
As mom and dad share a passionate embrace, the little one begs for some attention around here.
_________________________________________________________________________
Peek-a-Boo–Did someone say FISH?!?! These two grizzly bears play in deep water, baby isn’t afraid, she knows she has her mom there to protect her.
_________________________________________________________________________
“But I’m already clean!”
_________________________________________________________________________
Papa bear teaches his cub some things
_________________________________________________________________________
Has anyone seen my baby chick?
_________________________________________________________________________
While mama hunts for some food, baby decides now is a nice time to take a nap.
_________________________________________________________________________
When you become a parent (human or animal) you realize that the one thing greater than enjoying a good meal is feeding a good meal to your children.
_________________________________________________________________________
You might think this bird has one too many legs, but think again….
_________________________________________________________________________
Photo Credits: Anton Belovodchenko, DailymailUK, Jan Pelcman, Chuck Babbitt, hqwide,Pensivesquirrel.wordpress.com , Ric Seet, Jeanette DiAnda, Igor Shpilenok, Laurie Rubin, Tin Man, DailyMail, Udayan Rao Pawar, Daniel Munger, Frederuque Olivier/John Downer Productions, UKDailyMail, Wolfgang von Vietinghoff, Marco Mattiussi, Michael Nichols, Edwin Kats, Jim Ridley, Imgur, Andre Pretorius, Michael Milicia
Donate to our Brothers and Sisters in Gaza
Assalamualaykum waRahmatullahi waBarakatuhu
Virgin Money Giving is supporting Human Aid by sending 10 Medical Delegates to assist the Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza (where Dr Mads Gilbert worked) with emergency medical equipment.
Imagine all the thousands of people who were injured severely and still awaiting medical attention, plus injuries dont just go away. Our brothers need us more than ever now as winter approaches.
May Allah bless you!
Human Aid runs a 100% donation policy which means their staff wont be paid with your money or their hotel/flights.
Donate here
Give your children proper love & attention and teach them about Islam & self-esteem
By: Dr. Bilal Philips
The main solution for parents in dealing with boyfriend-girlfriend relationships is to give their young children the proper love and attention they need. Teach them how to feel good about themselves and Islam, and acknowledge the good things they do by praising them for their achievements.
PASS THE KNOWLEDGE (LIGHT & LIFE) 