ESTABLISHING A PEACEFUL PALESTINIAN STATE NEXT TO ISRAEL LONG OVERDUE – BAN

ESTABLISHING A PEACEFUL PALESTINIAN STATE NEXT TO ISRAEL LONG OVERDUE – BAN
New York, Nov 29 2011 12:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today led a chorus of United Nations officials in stressing the need for a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine and achieving a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

"The establishment of a Palestinian State, living in peace next to a secure Israel, is long overdue," Mr. Ban said, in a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5715">message marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which is observed annually on 29 November.

"The need to resolve this conflict has taken on greater urgency with the historic transformations taking place across the region," he added. "I call on the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to show courage and determination to seek an agreement for a two-State solution that can open up a brighter future for Palestinian and Israeli children."

Two months ago Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas submitted Palestine's application for UN membership. Mr. Ban noted that while this is a matter for Member States to decide, it is vital to not lose sight of the ultimate goal of reaching a negotiated peace agreement on all final status issues, including borders, security, Jerusalem and refugees.

Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro called for translating solidarity into positive action as she addressed UN Headquarters' observance of the Day, which also featured remarks by a number of senior UN officials.

"The international community must help steer the situation towards a historic peace agreement," she told the meeting. "Failing to overcome mistrust will only condemn further generations of Palestinians and Israelis to conflict and suffering."

General Assembly President Nasser Abdulaziz Al-Nasser told the gathering that everything must be done to alleviate the daily suffering of the Palestinian people.

"The situation on the ground is a source of great concern," he said.

Israeli construction of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory has continued, especially in and around East Jerusalem and in Area C of the West Bank, he noted. Area C refers to the over 60 per cent of the West Bank where Israel retains control over security, planning and building.

"Properties continue to be demolished, land continues to be confiscated and Palestinians continue to be evicted from their homes, in violation of international law and in defiance of international efforts to revive negotiations between the two sides," said Mr. Al-Nasser, stressing the need to work collectively to attain a just and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East.

The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, Richard Falk, used the occasion of the Day to call urgent attention to the plight of the Palestinian Bedouin people of the West Bank.

"The recent unprecedented pressure by Israeli authorities and settlers to expel Palestinian Bedouin communities from Area C is deplorable, illegal and must cease," Mr. Falk said in a <"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11658&LangID=E">news release.

In recent months, approximately 2,300 Bedouins who reside in 20 impoverished communities in the hills east of Jerusalem have been informed by the Israeli authorities that they must leave the area, as part of a plan to expel Bedouin communities living in Area C.

"The proposed transfer of Bedouin communities raises a number of concerns under human rights law, especially with respect to forced eviction and forced displacement," noted the rapporteur.

In connection with the Day, a photo exhibit entitled "Palestinian Vista" will be open today at UN Headquarters in New York, featuring paintings by Ibrahim Shalaby, a Canadian-Palestinian architect and artist born in Jordan.

The exhibit will also feature ceramics and textiles presented by Farah and Hanan Munayyer, the co-founders of the Palestinian Heritage Foundation – a cultural and educational organization aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of Arab and Palestinian culture and traditions.

YEMENIS FACING DEEPENING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS, UN RELIEF OFFICIAL WARNS

YEMENIS FACING DEEPENING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS, UN RELIEF OFFICIAL WARNS

Millions of people in Yemen are facing a severe humanitarian crisis, a senior United Nations relief official said today, warning that the situation is likely to deteriorate over the next year despite the recent accord to restore peace and stability.

"I remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in Yemen," Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Catherine Bragg said after a four-day visit.

"We are seeing chronic deprivation made worse by continuing violence, with some of the world's highest malnutrition rates, a breakdown of essential services and a looming health crisis," she added.

Ms. Bragg, who is also Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, undertook the visit to assess the intensifying humanitarian crisis in some parts of the country and to discuss ways of boosting the response to the growing needs with the UN's partners.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the fighting in Abyan governorate and most have found refuge with host families or are living in schools in Aden and neighbouring governorates.

Ms. Bragg said that she impressed on the local authorities the need to find durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in schools and to ensure that humanitarian workers have access to all areas where civilians are being displaced.

She also travelled to northern Yemen, where some 300,000 people remain displaced by the conflict in Sa'ada. There she met families living in Al-Mazrak camp and visited a supplementary feeding centre in the area.

Many people are unable to return to their homes because of insecurity, fears of retaliation and loss of livelihoods and assets. "Despite the best efforts of aid agencies, I noticed a deterioration of the situation compared to what I saw a year ago," noted Ms. Bragg.

Her visit comes just days after an agreement was reached paving the way for a credible political transition and providing a detailed roadmap for change through the broad participation of Yemen's citizens, who have been engaged in pro-democracy protests since earlier this year.

However, despite the signing of the transition agreement, humanitarian needs in Yemen are projected to deteriorate over the next year, according to OCHA.

Ms. Bragg called on the Yemeni authorities and others involved in the conflict to protect civilians and ensure their access to basic services. "We cannot risk the situation becoming a catastrophe," she stressed.

SYRIAN FORCES HAVE COMMITTED CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY – UN RIGHTS PANEL

SYRIAN FORCES HAVE COMMITTED CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY – UN RIGHTS PANEL
New York, Nov 28 2011 11:10AM
Syria's military and security forces have committed crimes against humanity during their crackdown on protesters, a United Nations-appointed probe <"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11654&LangID=E">said today, urging the Government to immediately end "gross" human rights violations and bring perpetrators to justice.

In August the UN Human Rights Council established the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law in the country since March, when the pro-democracy protests began.

Syria is "responsible for wrongful acts, including crimes against humanity, committed by members of its military and security forces as documented in the present report," states the <"http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/specialsession/17/docs/A-HRC-S-17-2-Add1.pdf">report, which was presented at a news conference in Geneva by the three-member commission.

The 39-page report documents patterns of summary execution, arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, torture, including sexual violence, as well as violations of children's rights.

"The substantial body of evidence gathered by the commission indicates that these gross violations of human rights have been committed by Syrian military and security forces since the beginning of the protests in March," states the report.

According to international law, when certain crimes are committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians and the perpetrators know that their conduct is part of this attack, such offences constitute crimes against humanity, the report points out.

"The commission is thus gravely concerned that crimes against humanity of murder, torture,  rape or other forms of sexual violence of comparable gravity, imprisonment or other severe deprivation of liberty, enforced disappearances of persons and other inhumane acts of a similar character have occurred in different locations in the country since March," it adds.

The commission called on the Syrian Government to put an immediate end to the ongoing gross human rights violations, to initiate independent and impartial investigations of these violations and to bring perpetrators to justice.

It also reiterated its call for immediate and unhindered access to Syria, noting that the Government, despite many requests, failed to engage in dialogue and to grant the commission access to the country.

The report – authored by chairperson Paulo Pinheiro, Yakin Ertürk and Karen Koning AbuZayd – is based on interviews with 223 victims and witnesses of alleged human rights violations, including civilians and defectors from the military and the security forces.

>From the end of September until mid-November, the commission held meetings with Member States from all regional groups, regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), human rights defenders, journalists and experts.

More than 3,500 Syrians have been killed since the start of the protests, which are part of a broader uprising across North Africa and the Middle East that has led to the toppling of long-standing regimes in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

"Governments have an obligation to maintain public order. They bear the ultimate responsibility for protecting individuals under their jurisdiction, including those participating in public assemblies and exercising their right to freedom of expression," states the report.

"In the Syrian Arab Republic, the high toll of dead and injured is the result of the excessive use of force by State forces in many regions," it adds.

Among its recommendations, the commission suggested that the Human Rights Council establish the mandate of a special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Syria, and that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) establish a field presence in the country with a protection and promotion mandate.

Hadith with Commentary Religion is nasihah...

Hadith  with Commentary

Narrated: Tamim Al-Dari
that the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, said: "Religion is nasihah (view commentary for meaning)." We said: "To whom?" The Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, said: "To Allah and His Book, and His messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk." [Muslim]

Commentary:

Background
The word "nasihah" cannot be accurately translated to English because it is a broad concept which cannot be traced in the English language. Some use the term "sincerity" but this is only part of the concept - to negate deception/cheating. According to Imam Ibnu al-Salah, nasihah is "truly seeking the best, in terms of intention and action, for the one whom he is making nasihah to".
This hadith is a profound statement as Sheikh Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo says that in this one brief statement the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, described the essence of Islam. Nasihah hence forms the bulk and the most important pillar of Islam since it encompasses Islam, Iman and Ihsan.

Lessons
Nasihah to Allah

The nasihah should be to Allah first. This includes the fulfillment of the obligations in the best way possible (Ihsan).This should be the goal for every Muslim. This also includes striving to get as close to Allah as possible by doing not only the obligations but also the preferable good deeds, by forbidding the forbidden and avoiding the disliked acts.

Nasihah to Allah also involves:

- believing in Allah and denying any partners with Him.
- believing in His attributes.
- obeying Him.
- fulfilling His commands and abstaining from what He has forbidden.
- doing what is best to remember Him, under all circumstances.
- loving whatever He loves and hating whatever He hates, be it objects, persons, actions, sayings, etc.
- recognising the blessings He has bestowed upon us and properly thanking Him for these blessings.

To do nasihah to Allah one should have the correct intention in one's heart to fulfill the rights of Allah, even when one is excused and it is beyond one's ability to perform these obligations. Sometimes a person may not be able to perform an obligation but at least he has good intentions in his heart to fulfill it in the first place.
The actions of the heart (i.e. to have hope in Allah's mercy, to trust Him, to fear Him and to seek refuge in Him), and the actions of the limbs (prayers, Zakah, etc.) also fall under nasihah to Allah.
Honesty is also another aspect of this great concept. In whatever we do we should always be honest with Allah, similarly with ikhlas (sincerity). In fact ikhlas should be the first thing that a Muslim should attain when we talk about nasihah to Allah.

Nasihah to His Book This includes:

- Believing that the Qur'an is from Allah, that it is the Word of Allah and that it is not like the word of man.
- According to one's ability, to read and recite the Qur'an and to practice it.
- To study it's admonitions, lessons and parables.
- Calling others to believe in the Qur'an.
- To defend and protect it from any kind of distortion or misinterpretation.
- Defending the Qur'an against false claims made against it.
- Having proper respect and treating the Qur'an in a proper manner - e.g. to be careful not to throw away a piece of paper which has an ayat printed on it (magazine article, etc.) as it may be stepped on - we should also be aware if we see such a piece of paper on the ground to pick it up and keep it away safely or destroy it by burning it so that it is not subject to disrespect.

Nasihah to His Messenger

This includes:
- Believing the Prophet's, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, message.
- Believing in all that he brought as being divinely inspired.
- Loving him more than we love ourselves and our families - it is the second level of love after the love of Allah.
- Our love for him should lead to other obligations like obeying him.
- Helping him and defending him (for those who were alive during his time) - defending his honour and respecting his status.
- For the people who came after the Prophet's, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, life, we should respect and love his Sunnah which is an implication of loving him.
- To say "sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam" whenever his name is mentioned.
- To accept his Sunnah as a scale by which we judge things, actions and sayings.
- To accept him as the true leader and only human's final word with respect to the religion, he is the only true human authority and everyone else's statements/opinions come after his.
- To love those who love him and hate those who hate him.
- Reviving his Sunnah by learning, understanding, teaching and spreading it. However, when we call people to the Sunnah - as advised by Imam Ahmad - we should do it in a nice and proper way and not to end up fighting about it. One problem today is that many Muslims are unaware of the Sunnah and the status of the Sunnah - so one of the things we should do is to make these people love the Sunnah, and we should not do so in an aggressive or confrontational way as this might lead to the people being confused, offensive and rejecting the Sunnah.

There are so many bid'ah being practiced today and the way to remove bid'ah amongst the people is to revive the Sunnah (The Salaf said: "Bid'ah only arises when the Sunnan is not known or practiced."). To revive the Sunnah, we should not start with the condemnation of bid'ah but rather with the introduction/presentation of the Sunnah. We have to set good role models of those who love, and follow the Sunnah and we should teach others in a nice, proper way so that others too can understand, love and appreciate the Sunnah. Then they will use the Sunnah as a scale to judge things. Slowly, insha Allah, bid'ah will be reduced and minimized.

When we try to educate people about the Sunnah, we should be careful not to confuse them by focussing on minor issues. Sunnan can be broken into different levels and we should start from the highest level. We should not teach people about the lower levels (details) when they haven't been taught the higher levels (basic concepts). We should let the people understand and love the higher level Sunnan first before we go step by step into the lower levels, slowly covering more details. This, insha Allah, will lead to the revival of the Sunnah.

- To love both his family and his companions. Most Islamic sects love one or the other and not both. There are some deviated Islamic sects who are propagating their false beliefs by creating doubts about the Sahabahs (Companions) with the intention of making people hate them. This will lead to the rejection of the Sunnah. Some sects only believe the Sunnah that comes through their imams, e.g. the Shi'ah. We should be aware of the sources of narrations about the Sahabah as some of these narrations are false and may create doubts.
- To love those who follow, defend and strive to revive the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam.

Nasihah to the Muslim Leaders

The word 'leader' stands for both ulama and those in authority (at all levels). Nasihah should be given to all leaders, no matter how high or what the ranking is. No one is above the law in Islam and no one is above needing advice. Nasihah is for the benefit of anyone who is in authority. This means that a ruler, leader or scholar should be the first to accept sincere advice.

Making nasihah to Muslim leaders should include:

- Helping them in whatever is good or beneficial.
- Obeying them in what is right.
- Reminding them if they should err or forget.
- Being patient with them if they do things which we dislike - we try to do the nasihah and at the same time we tolerate the leader because otherwise it may lead to instability in the Muslim community.
- Making jihad with them and not revolting against their proper authority.
- One should pray for their guidance and piety.
- Choosing the right way, manner and channel in advising them. The Scholars say giving nasihah to leaders should be done according to certain rules:

i. One must have good intentions (ikhlas).
ii. It should be done mildly, calling on them with respect.
iii. Avoiding harshness and not to embarrass them - our aim is to advise and correct them and not to show off.
iv. Not to divulge or inform others about their wrong-doings as this may lead to more problems in the society.
v. Give the nasihah privately and not publicly.

- If one is asked by the leader to do a maksiah or something which contradicts with Shariah, one shouldn't obey. However, we should disobey in a nice/assertive manner and not in an aggressive way because our aim is to remind them that this is wrong so that they will change and not ask us to do themaksiah.
- For the Scholars, our nasihah is seeking knowledge from them.
- We obey them if their opinion is based on sound proof and evidence.
- Not to seek or point out their mistakes. There are some people who search for the mistakes of Scholars - we shouldn't do this because Scholars are pious people and this act may cause Allah to be displeased with us. It may also create chaos in the community.
- Not to follow them blindly.
- Not to hollow them.

Nasihah to the Common Folk of the Muslims

This includes:
- To observe the rights of other Muslims - fulfilling our obligations towards other Muslims. These obligations differ depending on the group of Muslims (e.g. our parents, children, relatives, neighbours, etc.) - e.g. greeting them, visiting them when they are sick, making du'a for them, giving advice if they ask for it, praying solat ul janazah for the one who dies, etc.
- To observe the concept of wala which means:
i. to love every Muslim.
ii. to care for all Muslims.
iii. to help other Muslims.
iv. to defend/protect other Muslims.

If you do not love, you will not care. If you do not care, you will not help. If you do not help, you will not protect. The reason why so many Muslims today do not care or help others is because there is something wrong with the wala' aspect of love. We should have love for other Muslims, especially those who are suffering, so we will care and help them. The Scholars say one way to help and the least we can do is to make dua (pray for them).

There is a counter concept to al-wala which is al-bara or disassociation with (for the purpose of leading others from doing evil). However we should not do it:
v. for our own interest.
vi. if it will not lead the other person to change his ways - we should not start with disassociation, we should start with giving advice and educating.

We should show love and concern and give nasihah in the proper way. If all else fails, then we can use the concept of disassociation (if it will lead to the person changing).

- The Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, said that "he is a real Muslim if he is the one who the other Muslims are saved from his tongue and his hand" - the true Muslim is one who will not harm others verbally or physically, in any way or by any means. - Having mercy for the young and showing respect to the elders - it is part of glorifying Allah that we respect the elder Muslims.
- Sacrificing one's time, effort, money, etc. for the betterment of the Muslim community. - If we are the ones in authority, then we should act sincerely towards the rest of the Muslims and do whatever is in their best interest. We should give nasihah to the people by, e.g. doing what is best for the ummah, defending the community, putting the right and qualified people in the right position and job. Any kind of leadership or authority, whatever the level or rank, is responsible for the people being lead - e.g. supervisors, managers, teachers, principles, etc.

Conclusion
From exploring all the obligations mentioned above, we can see that nasihah encompasses everything in Islam, Iman and Ihsan.

http://islaamdoon.blogspot.com/

SYRIA: UN RIGHTS PANEL VOICES ALARM AT REPORTED TORTURE OF CHILDREN

SYRIA: UN RIGHTS PANEL VOICES ALARM AT REPORTED TORTURE OF CHILDREN

A United Nations panel today voiced deep concern about massive human rights violations in Syria, including the reported torture of children, as the Government's violent crackdown against protesters continues.

The UN Committee against Torture, which is concluding its 47th session in Geneva, has reviewed "numerous, consistent and substantiated" reports and information about widespread rights violations in the country, it stated in a <"http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11646&LangID=E">news release.

The violations include cases of torture and ill-treatment of detainees; rife or systematic attacks against civilian population, including the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the use of excessive of force against them; and the persecutions of human rights defenders and activists.

"Of particular concern are reports referring to children who have suffered torture and mutilation while detained, as well as cases of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, arbitrary detention by police forces and the military, and enforced and involuntary disappearances," stressed Claudio Grossman, who currently heads the 10-member expert panel.

More than 3,500 people have died in Syria since an uprising, similar to the protests demanding reforms in other countries across North Africa and the Middle East, began early this year.

The Committee said it is alarmed by the fact that these reports of massive human rights violations are occurring amid "total and absolute impunity," as prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations have not been undertaken in such cases.

"These generalised abuses are allegedly conducted under direct orders from public authorities, at their instigation or with their consent or acquiescence," Mr. Grossman said.

The Committee is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which has been ratified by 149 States, including Syria.

It requested the Government to provide it with a special report by 9 March 2012 that indicates the measures it is taking to ensure effective implementation of the Convention, as well as information on the events occurring in the country the Committee has referred to.

The expert panel will review the special report during its next session in May 2012.

SOME 76, 000 PEOPLE FLEEING CONFLICT IN SUDAN ENTER ETHIOPIA, SOUTH SUDAN – UN

SOME 76,000 PEOPLE FLEEING CONFLICT IN SUDAN ENTER ETHIOPIA, SOUTH SUDAN – UN

The United Nations refugee agency voiced concern today over the movement of large numbers of people from Sudan into Ethiopia and South Sudan, saying that an estimated 76,000 people have moved since August, mainly as a result of conflicts.

Of the estimated 36,000 Sudanese refugees who moved towards Ethiopia, up to 17,000 have been transferred to camps, according to Raouf Mazou, the Deputy Director UN High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR) African Bureau in charge of Eastern, Horn of Africa, Chad and Sudan.

The challenge UNHCR is facing is that the refugees have gone to extremely remote locations which are difficult to reach, Mr. Mazou told reporters in Geneva. Assistance had been provided by helicopter, he said, adding that up to 100,000 Sudanese could enter Ethiopia and South Sudan in the coming few weeks if the current trend continues.

Meanwhile, efforts are under way to encourage people to relocate from the Yida refugee site in South Sudan's Unity State to safer area further south away from the border, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The refugees fled fighting in Sudan's Southern Kordofan state.

South Sudan has also been receiving refugees crossing from Sudan's Blue Nile state.

FIVE MILLION PAKISTANIS STILL NEED HELP IN WAKE OF FLOODS, UN AGENCIES SAY

FIVE MILLION PAKISTANIS STILL NEED HELP IN WAKE OF FLOODS, UN AGENCIES SAY
 
More than five million Pakistanis are now estimated to require humanitarian assistance as a result of this year's floods, and almost half of those in need are children, United Nations aid agencies reported today.

A just completed joint assessment by the UN and Government has found that the five million in need are mainly in Sindh and Balochistan provinces, with 25 per cent of them women and 50 per cent children.

Almost 800,000 homes were destroyed or badly damaged in the floods, which began in August, and nearly 750,000 people were still displaced at the end of October.

Gaëlle Sévenier, a spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme (WFP), told reporters in Geneva that the agency has so far distributed food rations to more than 2.9 million people and requires another $70 million out of the $133 million it originally requested to finance its operations.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that about one third of affected villages were still under water, and a large number of water sources were also contaminated.

UNICEF spokesperson Marixie Mercado said the most urgent risks to children are those related to safe water and malnutrition, with malnutrition rates in the affected areas already found to be high before the floods began.

Arab Spring 'anti-democratic' says Benjamin Netanyahu

Arab Spring 'anti-democratic' says Benjamin Netanyahu

The Arab Spring has become an "anti-democratic" and "anti-liberal" wave that threatens the security of Israel and the West, according to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister Photo: GETTY

By David Blair, Chief Foreign Correspondent

Western leaders who backed the uprisings against authoritarian regimes in Egypt and Tunisia were being "naive", he added.

The prime minister, addressing the Israeli parliament, gave a strikingly pessimistic survey of the tumultuous events in the Arab world. "In February, when millions of Egyptians thronged to the streets in Cairo, commentators and quite a few Israeli members of the opposition said that we're facing a new era of liberalism and progress," said Mr Netanyahu.

Instead, the popular movement which toppled the autocratic leaders of Tunisia and Egypt had become an "anti-Western, anti-liberal, anti-Israeli and anti-democratic wave," he said.

Radical Islam was taking advantage of the situation, he added, and the end result was unlikely to be a new era of democracy in the Middle East. "I ask today, who here didn't understand reality? Who here didn't understand history?" added Mr Netanyahu. "Israel is facing a period of instability and uncertainty in the region. This is certainly not the time to listen to those who say follow your heart."

The prime minister added that Israel's peace treaty with Egypt was a cornerstone of security in the Middle East. The new uncertainty meant that he would not offer hasty concessions to the Palestinians.

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"I will not establish Israel's policy on illusions," said Mr Netanyahu. "We insist on foundations of stability and security – all the more so now."

http://islaamdoon.blogspot.com/

France calls for humanitarian zone in Syria

France calls for humanitarian zone in Syria

By Khaled Yacoub Oweis and John Irish

AMMAN/PARIS | 

(Reuters) - France has called for a "secured zone to protect civilians" in Syria, the first time a major Western power has suggested international intervention on the ground in the eight-month uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.

Foreign Minister Alain Juppe also described Syria's exiled opposition National Council as "the legitimate partner with which we want to work," the biggest international endorsement yet for the nascent opposition body.

A spokesman for European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the EU was ready to engage with the Syrian National Council and other opposition groups, but stressed the need for them to maintain a peaceful, non-sectarian approach.

Asked at a news conference on Wednesday after meeting the SNC president if a humanitarian corridor was an option for Syria, Juppe ruled out military intervention to create a "buffer zone" in northern Syria but suggested a "secured zone" may be feasible to protect civilians and ferry in humanitarian aid.

"If it is possible to have a humanitarian dimension for a secured zone to protect civilians, that then is a question which has to be studied by the European Union on the one side and the Arab League on the other side," Juppe said.

Further details of the proposal were not immediately available. Until now, Western countries have imposed economic sanctions on Syria but have shown no appetite for intervention on the ground in the country, which sits on the fault lines of the ethnic and sectarian conflicts across the Middle East.

"The French have tried to position themselves in a position of leadership, first with Libya and now here," said Hayat Alvi, a lecturer in National Security studies, at the U.S. Naval War College. "Military intervention in Syria is a very different prospect of that in Libya, but we could well see an increase in covert action."

The Arab League has suspended Syria's membership over the conflict, one of the most important signs of Assad's isolation, but has shown little appetite for international intervention.

Britain said it welcomed the opportunity to discuss the French proposal and repeated its call for Syria to end human rights violations.

Ashton's spokesman said the EU foreign policy chief had met this week with leaders of the Syrian National Council. "The EU stands ready to engage with the Syrian National Council and other representative members of the opposition who adhere to non-violence and democratic values," he said.

Addressing the need for a humanitarian response, he said: "Protection of civilians in Syria is an increasingly urgent and important aspect of responding to the events in the country."

DARKNESS OF THE MIDDLE AGES

Syria's bloodshed could pitch the Muslim world into "the darkness of the Middle Ages," Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Wednesday.

A day earlier, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan criticised the "cowardice" of Assad, once a close ally, for turning guns on his own people. Erdogan spoke of the fate of defeated dictators from Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini to Muammar Gaddafi, and bluntly told Assad to quit.

In Brussels, an EU diplomat said European Union governments were considering a new range of sanctions against Syria that would bar investment in Syrian banks, trading its government bonds and selling insurance to state bodies.

Gul told a think-tank in London: "We exerted enormous efforts in public and behind closed doors in order to convince the Syrian leadership to lead the democratic transition."

"Violence breeds violence. Now, unfortunately, Syria has come to a point of no return," he said. "Defining this democratic struggle along sectarian, religious and ethnic lines would drag the whole region into turmoil and bloodshed."

The violence in Syria shows no sign of let-up.

Syrian forces killed two villagers on Wednesday in an agricultural area that has served as a supply line for defectors, activists and residents said.

An armoured column entered the town of Hayaleen and surrounding villages on the al-Ghab Plain. Troops fired machineguns from tanks and trucks and set fire to several houses after arresting around 100 people, they said.

The region, northwest of the city of Hama, 240 km (150 miles) north of Damascus, has been a transit route for defectors operating in the province of Idlib near Turkey, activists said.

Two youths were also killed in the central city of Homs, 140-kms (88 miles) north of Damascus, which has become a centre of resistance against Assad. Activists said evening demonstrations were held in several neighbourhoods of Homs.

A YouTube video showed a rally being led by a local soccer player. Protesters waved green and white Syrian flags from the era before Assad's Baath Party took power in a 1963 coup and a woman sang a lament to those who had been killed, while the crowd chanted after her.

In the south, two villagers were killed near the city of Deraa on the border with Jordan, where more tanks and armoured vehicles deployed in the last month after a slew of defections and attacks on loyalist forces, activists said.

It was not possible to confirm the events independently. The authorities, who blame the unrest on "armed terrorist groups," have barred most independent media from Syria.

Thousands of soldiers have deserted the regular army since it started cracking down on the eight-month protest movement. Some have formed rebel armed units loosely linked to an umbrella "Free Syrian Army" led by officers in Turkey.

SYRIA ARMY REINFORCES NEAR BORDER

Syrian defectors say they are hopeful that Turkish troops will create a safe haven within Syria. Defectors say they could use such a zone as a staging ground to mount a rebellion.

Turkey is reluctant to take military action across the border but Turkish officials say they could set up a sanctuary on Syrian territory if huge numbers of refugees head for the frontier or if massacres take place in Syrian cities.

Ground forces commander Hayri Kivrikoglu inspected troops near the border on Tuesday, Turkish state television reported.

Syrian deserters and civilians in refugee camps and villages in Turkey close to the frontier say the Syrian army has reinforced its positions in border areas.

"There are tanks in the valleys, hidden among the trees, and they've dug trenches," Syrian refugee Hamid Fayzo told Reuters in the Turkish village of Guvecci, overlooking the border.

The United Nations says 3,500 people have been killed in the uprising, triggered by Arab revolts which have toppled leaders in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

Assad, 46, seems prepared to fight it out, playing on fears of a sectarian war if Syria's complex ethno-sectarian mosaic shatters.

But many experts say Assad, who can depend mainly on the loyalty of two elite Alawite units, cannot maintain current military operations without cracks emerging in the armed forces.

(Additional reporting by Suleiman al-Khalidi in Hatay, Turkey, Jonathon Burch in Ankara, Adrian Croft in London and Justyna Pawlak in Brussels; Writing by Peter Graff; Editing by Myra MacDonald)

Violence flares near Tahrir after tentative ceasfire

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POLITICAL TRANSITION SETTLEMENT REACHED IN YEMEN – UN ENVOY

POLITICAL TRANSITION SETTLEMENT REACHED IN YEMEN – UN ENVOY
New York, Nov 23 2011  4:10PM
Yemen's warring forces have agreed to a political transition settlement, the top United Nations envoy to the country announced today, calling the deal "an important milestone towards restoring peace and stability, maintaining national unity and territorial integrity, and laying the foundation for economic recovery."

Jamal Benomar, the UN Special Adviser on Yemen, told reporters in Sana'a, the capital, that the negotiations on a settlement "have been successfully completed under my facilitation" and the pact was formally signed later in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

Under the agreement, President Ali Abdullah Saleh will hand over his powers to Vice-President Abed Rabbo Mansour al-Hadi and presidential elections will be staged within 90 days. Over the next two years, a government of national unity will establish a national dialogue to ensure that a broad section of society takes part in determining Yemen's future, with a constitutional review to follow.

Mr. Benomar said in a press statement that new political actors will be able to form political parties and compete in elections held at the end of the two-year transition process.

"These steps will, I hope, create a strong basis for a fully inclusive and participatory transition process, giving civil society, including the youth and women, a true stake in Yemen's future," he said.

"Towards this end, the parties have agreed to engage immediately with the youth movements in the squares to seek their support for and active participation in the transition process."

Commending Yemen's youth for generating "the momentum for change," the Special Adviser said "the door is now open for you to make a real difference in the transition."

Today's agreement follows months of deadly clashes between supporters and opponents of Mr. Saleh and his regime, part of the so-called Arab Spring movement that has swept the Middle East and North Africa this year.

Mr. Benomar stressed that the agreement's success depended on its full implementation, and he urged all sides to honour their commitments to immediately cease all violent acts and refrain from further provocations.

He noted that the agreement would not have been possible without the commitment of Mr. Saleh, the Vice-President, the General People's Congress and the National Council for the Peaceful Revolutionary Forces.

He also thanked the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the European Union and Security Council members for their efforts to bring about a peaceful transition.

<"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=2098">Speaking to reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was encouraged by the agreement and pledged the UN's assistance to ensure the pact is fully implemented.

"I will do my best to mobilize the necessary resources and support so that peace and stability and democratic order will be restored in Yemen," he said.
Nov 23 2011  4:10PM

LIBYA: UN CHIEF WELCOMES FORMATION OF NEW INTERIM GOVERNMENT

LIBYA: UN CHIEF WELCOMES FORMATION OF NEW INTERIM GOVERNMENT
New York, Nov 23 2011  2:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the formation of the new interim Government in Libya and congratulated Prime Minister Abdurrahim El-Keib and members of his cabinet.

"The Secretary-General wishes the new interim Government every success in addressing the numerous challenges facing Libya in this transitional period, including the crucial issues of national reconciliation, public security, human rights protection, and the resumption of basic services to the Libyan people," said a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5706">statement issued by his spokesperson.

Mr. Ban reiterated United Nations commitment to fully supporting the new Government and the Libyan people, in accordance with its mandate as stipulated in a Security Council resolution.

He said the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), under the leadership of the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Ian Martin, will continue to work closely with the interim Government and the National Transitional Council (NTC) as they move towards building "a modern, peaceful, democratic and prosperous Libya."

The NTC declared the full liberation of Libya on 23 October, more than eight months after the start of the popular uprising against the regime of long-time ruler Colonel Muammar al-Qadhafi.

Mr. Qadhafi, who had been on the run as his regime collapsed, was captured by then opposition fighters on 20 October and killed.

Syria's Assad vows to continue crackdown - paper

Syria's Assad vows to continue crackdown - paper

LONDON Nov 19 (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the crackdown on dissidents in his country would continue in the face of pressure from the Arab League for his government to take action to end the bloodshed, according to an interview published late on Saturday.

"The conflict will continue and the pressure to subjugate Syria will continue," he told Britain's Sunday Times newspaper. "Syria will not bow down."

He again repeated his assertion that any military action taken against Syria would create an "earthquake" across the Middle East.

"If they are logical, rational and realistic, they shouldn't do it because the repercussions are very dire. Military intervention will destabilise the region as a whole, and all countries will be affected," he said. (Reporting by Michael Holden)

"why media only project muslims as terrorist"? Questin posed

BAN LAUDS BANGLADESH’S PROGRESS IN ADVANCING HEALTH OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

BAN LAUDS BANGLADESH'S PROGRESS IN ADVANCING HEALTH OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today spotlighted the progress made by Bangladesh in advancing women's and children's health, lauding the South Asian nation for its efforts to end the tragedy of millions of needless deaths.

Last year Mr. Ban launched the Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health, which has received the support of many developing countries, including Bangladesh. The strategy is supported by Every Woman Every Child, a global effort to mobilize and intensify global action to save the lives of 16 million women and children and improve the lives of millions more.

"Bangladesh showed its vision early on," Mr. Ban noted at a dinner held in the capital, Dhaka, in support of the initiative, adding that the Government met the challenge with ambitious plans.

These included bolstering the health workforce, doubling the number of babies who are born with the supervision of a skilled health worker, and making sure that all health centres in all sub-districts have a midwife available at all times, day or night.

This dedication paid off, said Mr. Ban, noting that Bangladesh is one of only 16 countries on track to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to cut the deaths of mothers and children.

"Bangladesh is proof that governments have to set the stage for effective health care," he stated. "But the private sector and civil society have to help deliver it."

Earlier in the day, the Secretary-General travelled by helicopter from Dhaka to the north-east region of Moulvibazar, where he visited a community health clinic to spotlight the importance of ensuring access to women's health care in rural areas.

He also met with officials from BRAC, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works on health and development.

Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=2084">told reporters that through these visits he was able to see that the Government has been investing in people – investing in smart ways to save lives and give people hope.

"It is no secret that, in doing this, Bangladesh has become a model to the world," he added. "Bangladesh is not only on the front line of development challenges. It is on the front line of development solutions."

Bangladesh has "risen from great hardship to build a thriving economy, a vibrant civil society and a dynamic future," said Mr. Ban, hailing the country as a tremendous global partner, the top contributor of UN peacekeepers and a leading voice for least developing countries (LDCs).

The Secretary-General also highlighted the progress made by Bangladesh in an address at Dhaka University, where he was given an honorary doctorate. He told the hundreds of people gathered that if Bangladesh is to create the prosperous future that it deserves, it will only do so through national unity and common cause.

Bangladesh, he also pointed out, is a nation in democratic transition. Commending the country on the peaceful conduct of the 2008 elections, he stressed that it is essential that future ballots be carried out in a free, fair and credible manner and that all political leaders look beyond party lines and work together for the country's future.

As part of his last day in Bangladesh, the Secretary-General also spoke to the Board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI Alliance). He also held a bilateral <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=2085">meeting with the Finance Minister, Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, following his meetings yesterday with Prime Minister <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=2083">Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=2082">Dipu Moni and the leader of the opposition, <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=2081">Begum Khaleda Zia.

The discussions focused on a range of issues, including Bangladesh's role in advancing women's and children's health, disaster risk reduction, sustainable development and peacekeeping.

The next stop on the Secretary-General's three-nation tour will be Thailand, followed by Indonesia.

Israel Urges Action Against Iran’s Nuclear Program

Israel Urges Action Against Iran's Nuclear Program
VOA

Israel has demanded tougher international action against Iran's nuclear program, after a recent U.N. nuclear agency report found "credible" evidence of Iranian efforts to design a nuclear weapon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet Sunday the report proves Iran is "systematically developing nuclear weapons" and that every responsible government must draw the "obvious conclusions."

Mr. Netanyahu called for the international community to stop Iran's race for nuclear weapons, which he said endangers the peace of the entire world. He said there are two ways to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons — crippling sanctions and a credible military option.

Israel sees a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat, and has been alarmed by statements by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to wipe the Jewish state "off the map."

Israel has threatened to take military action against Iran on its own if the international community fails to act. But Iran has warned that if Israel or the United States launch an attack on its nuclear facilities, Tehran will retaliate with "an iron fist."

U.S. President Barack Obama urged Russian and Chinese leaders to support his efforts to pressure Iran to stop its quest for nuclear weapons. He made the call during meetings on the sidelines of a regional summit Saturday in Honolulu, Hawaii.

U.S. deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said all three leaders were united in their opposition to Iran becoming a nuclear-armed nation. However, Russia and China have said additional U.N. sanctions on Iran will not resolve the nuclear dispute.

Western powers have warned that Iran faces more sanctions if it fails to address their concerns raised in the U.N. report. Iran rejected the report and insisted its nuclear program is peaceful.

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib-Full Length Documentary

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Syria’s continuing slaughter pushes the U.S. to act

Editorial Board Opinion
Washington Post
Syria's continuing slaughter pushes the U.S. to act

THE ARAB LEAGUE has become the latest international actor to be humiliated by Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. On Nov. 2 the organization of 22 states announced that it had obtained Mr. Assad's commitment to a series of steps to end the violence in his country, including withdrawing tanks and troops from cities, releasing political prisoners, admitting Arab observers and foreign journalists, and opening a dialogue with the opposition. As we, among others,predicted, none of this has happened.

In fact Mr. Assad has once again escalated attacks on the civilian population. On Thursday, 30 people were reported killed across the country, including an infant and five other children. On Friday. 20 more people died, according to news reports. Human Rights Watchreported Friday that since the Arab League deal, at least 104 people had been killed in the city of Homs alone, including a dozen who were tortured to death. No tanks or troops have been withdrawn; no journalists have been admitted to Syria; no prisoners have been released.

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At an emergency meeting Saturday in Cairo, the Arab League will consider its response. Human rights groups and Western governments are pushing it to take steps, such as suspending Syria's membership or referring Damascus to the United Nations Security Council for sanctions. But even such modest steps will be opposed by countries such as Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan and Algeria. It's hard to bet against the league's well-earned reputation for fecklessness.

Even if there is a pleasant surprise from Cairo, the question will remain: What can be done to stop the slaughter? According to the United Nations, more than 3,500 people have now died in Syria; the country is sliding toward a civil war that could kill many thousands, and destabilize the region around it — which includes Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Israel.

The United States and its allies, no less than the Arab League, have yet to formulate a convincing answer. But we were encouraged by thecongressional testimony Wednesday of Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey D. Feltman. Mr. Feltman started by correctly describing "the mafia-like Assad clique that has hijacked the Syrian state." He, also correctly, observed that Mr. Assad's "deliberate and bloody strategy" is "channelling peaceful protest into armed insurrection," and urged the opposition to remain peaceful.

While saying that "Syria is not Libya," Mr. Feltman laid out a U.S. policy aimed at protecting Syrian civilians, removing Mr. Assad from power and promoting a transition to democracy. To accomplish this, he said the United States would push for international observers, who could deter violence; seek more economic sanctions, with the aim of "financially strangling" the regime; and support the opposition in its efforts to develop a platform attractive across Syrian society.

This was, at least, a clear and forceful U.S. statement, which included the following words: "We will work with the Syrian people and our international partners to do what we must to ensure that Assad and his regime are prevented from murdering Syrian citizens and tearing the Syrian state apart." If promoting sanctions and international observers isn't sufficient to fulfill that pledge, the Obama administration will be obliged to undertake stronger measures.

KOSOVO: UN ENVOY CONDEMNS FATAL SHOOTING INCIDENT IN NORTH

KOSOVO: UN ENVOY CONDEMNS FATAL SHOOTING INCIDENT IN NORTH
New York, Nov 10 2011 12:10PM
The top United Nations envoy for Kosovo has strongly condemned yesterday's shooting incidents in the northern part of Mitrovicë/Mitrovica that resulted in one death and two injuries, and called for an investigation to determine the cause of the violence and bring the perpetrators to justice.

"Any act of violence is completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated," said Farid Zarif, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

"I call on the competent authorities as well as EULEX [European Union Rule of Law Mission] to launch a full investigation into all of the circumstances relating to the incident and bring to justice the perpetrators," Mr. Zarif said in a <"http://www.unmikonline.org/PR/1769 - SRSG condemns yesterday's incidents in Kroi I Vitakut Brdjani.docx">press release.

The violence occurred in Kroi i Vitakut/Brdjani village in the northern part of Mitrovicë/Mitrovica municipality, north of Pristina.

"The use of violence in any context is unacceptable and could threaten Kosovo's peace and stability.

'The international community expects all Kosovo people to exercise calm and restraint, and to conduct themselves within the rule of law," Mr. Zarif added.

Building separate mosques for women

Fatwa No : 166207

Building separate mosques for women

Fatwa Date : Thul-Hijjah 5, 1432 / 1-11-2011

Question

As salam wa alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barkathu. As per the Aya of Sura Ahzab (33:33) is it advisable for dai to call women to come to masajid for prayer & listening islamic lectures of scholars? Is it ok to built a seperate masajid for women? Does it have any authentic proof? also we shall like to get scholarly comment on ladies getting togeter during ramadan for iftar from Asr till Taraweeh prayer in designated halls for ladies ( leaving their families & houses for such a length of time on daily basis) Thanks, May Allah guide us all & bless all of us especillay your team .

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

There is no doubt that in principle a woman should stay in her home as per the verse mentioned in the question so that she would not cause temptation to men nor be tempted by them by her going out.

Nonetheless, it is permissible for a woman to go out for her need as per the authentic Hadeeth in which the Prophet said: “Indeed, Allaah has given you (O women) permission to go out for your needs.”

Moreover, seeking knowledge is one of the most virtuous acts about which there are many Sharee’ah texts (i.e. from the Quran and the Sunnah). This virtue is not exclusive to men; rather, it is for all, for men and women. Therefore, it is permissible for a Daa’iyah (caller to Islam) to call women and urge them to attend circles of knowledge. For more information, please refer to Fataawa 85903 and 84067.

However, it is not permissible for a woman to go out without fulfilling the Islamic requirements, like seeking the permission of her husband, wearing Hijaab and so forth. For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 82359 and82401.

As regards the prayer, it is better for a woman to pray at her home as the Prophet said: “…And their (women’s) homes are better for them.” [Al-Bukhaari]

Therefore, it is not preferable for a Daa’iyah to call women to the mosque only for the prayer. For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 136492 and92531.

Besides, it is not from the guidance of the Prophet nor the Companions among whom are the four Caliphs, to set a special mosque for women to pray in it separately from men.

As regards women gathering in a place limited to them, during Ramadhaan or at any other time, for this period [that you mentioned in the question] or any other period, for a valid purpose, like for Iftaar (breaking the fast) and the like, then it is permissible for them to do so as long as this does not lead to committing a prohibition or neglecting an obligation. Indeed, such gatherings may lead to many advantages and benefits, like amity and love between them and the like. For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa153615.

Allaah Knows best.

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Arab League agreement has little effect on Syria's violence

Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha - Middle East - Al Jazeera English:



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Saudi Arabia marks first day of Hajj - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Saudi Arabia marks first day of Hajj - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

BBC News - Halal and kosher hit by Dutch ban

BBC News - Halal and kosher hit by Dutch ban: "Next month the Dutch parliament is expected to approve a ban on halal and kosher methods of slaughtering animals for food.

Those who proposed the ban say it is simply an issue of animal welfare, but it received strong support from the right-wing Freedom Party.

Many see it as a violation of their religious freedom, and among the Jewish community it is a worrying echo of a similar ban brought in by Hitler.

Anna Holligan reports from The Hague."

Essence of Haj

Essence of Haj

Today is the Day of Arafat. More than 2.5 million pilgrims, including 1.8 million who have come from abroad, will gather on the plains of Arafat today for the most important ritual of the Haj — praying, chanting and reciting the Qur'anic verses and supplicating before their Creator.

Makkah has been reverberating with chants of "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik" (O God, here I am answering your call) for the last few weeks as pilgrims from around the world started arriving in the holy city for what is often described as once-in-a-lifetime journey of faith.

Pilgrims converged on the tent city of Mina on Friday where they spent the day and night in prayer and meditation before heading for Arafat.

For thousands of years, the believers from around the world have traveled to Makkah for Haj. This spiritual and emotional journey includes the offering of the animal sacrifice that also marks the Eid Al-Adha across the world.

What is the Haj? Most people around the world would have no difficulty describing it as the Islamic pilgrimage and the greatest religious congregation on the earth. Few, however, realize that Haj is a celebration of the ultimate sacrifice offered by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail (peace be upon them), thousands of years ago. Ibrahim, revered by the Christians, Jews and Muslims as their patriarch, was no stranger to sacrifices. All his life he had wandered all across this ancient land, spreading the word of God and suffering every adversity possible in the process. When ordained by Allah, Ibrahim moved his wife to the wilderness of Arabia. Again, it was here in Makkah that the father and son were told to build the first House of God.

Ultimately, it was Ibrahim's willingness to offer his beloved son's life as ordained in a dream that culminated in the trial of this great prophet and humanity's sage. The Qur'an tells us Ismail was replaced by a ram just when Ibrahim was about to slay his beloved son. The pilgrimage reminds us of this supreme act of sacrifice and unquestioning submission to the divine will.

So for centuries the pilgrims from around the world have come to the Holy Land to remember and celebrate that noble sacrifice of the illustrious father-son duo. They retrace and relive the spiritual journey of Ibrahim and Ismail, just as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did more than 1400 years ago. From running between the Safa and Marwa hills, just as a helpless Hajrah did looking for water for a thirsting Ismail a long time ago, to living and praying in the open and finally offering their own symbolic, animal sacrifice, the pilgrims walk in Ibrahim's footsteps — literally.

The Haj is thus a saga of ultimate sacrifice, total submission and unshakable faith. It's also a celebration of the unity of mankind and equality of all men and women before God. The faithful appear before Him devoid of all pretensions and false distinctions, wearing a humble, two-piece, unstitched cloth. And everyone is equal before God — black and white, men and women, rich and poor. Is there a more liberating, equalizing faith? http://samotalis.blogspot.com/

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Posted By Blogger to SAMOTALIS at 11/05/2011 02:25:00 AM

Millions converge on Mina

Millions converge on Mina

Pilgrims move into the tent city of Mina at the start of Haj on Friday. (AN photo by Ahmed Hashad)

By SIRAJ WAHAB & SYED FAISAL ALI | ARAB NEWS

Published: Nov 5, 2011 00:59 Updated: Nov 5, 2011 00:59

MINA: The valley of Mina came alive as more than 2.5 million pilgrims from around the world converged on the tent city on their first stop to the plains of Arafat.

There was adequate security. Officers were out in full force to help the pilgrims and ensure their smooth movement.

The day is known as Yaum Al-Tarwiyah (Watering Day), as pilgrims traditionally watered their animals and stocked water for their trip to Arafat, some 10 kilometers further on.

Many pilgrims took buses, while others set off on foot for a valley that comes to life for just five days a year.

Around 1.8 million believers descended on Mina from around the world who will be joined by over 700,000 pilgrims from inside the Kingdom.

Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed once in a lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford the expenses of the journey.

On reaching Mina, the first task of the pilgrims was to locate their tents. Once in their fireproof tents, they busied themselves in reciting the awe-inspiring talbiyah, “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (O God, here I am answering Your call).

The thrill on their faces was self-explanatory.

“We reached Mina early in the morning,” said Abdul Raoof Contractor. “It was not much of a task…the traffic from Makkah into Mina was smooth.”

Accompanied by his son Aleem, the aged pilgrim said he wanted to walk all the way from Makkah to Mina. “But my son dissuaded me from doing that; he felt I should conserve my energies for challenging rituals ahead.”

For Muhammad Taj and his wife Fatima from Khartoum, Sudan, the first leg went as per plan. “Stage one has gone very well for us,” they said. “We started after Fajr from Makkah and were here in our camp by 8 a.m.,” said Taj.

According to Taj, finding their location in Mina was not difficult. “Since we speak Arabic and since we had come here three days before to familiarize ourselves, it was quite easy. We knew where we would be located beforehand.”

Journalist Masoom Moradabadi, who is performing Haj as a guest of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, called it a unique gathering of Muslims.

“The Saudi government deserves all praise for the excellent arrangements. They have left no stone unturned in the services of the guests of Allah,” he told Arab News. “We are delighted to be part of this greatest annual gathering of Muslims.”

The most inspiring sight for Moradabadi was the group of pilgrims moving together and reciting talbiyah in unison. “It touches the heart and brings tears to the eye,” he said. “It is very moving.”

Some pilgrims said their movement to Mina did not go through as planned.

Asfar Ahmad, an Indian, admitted that the delays were expected. “Such things do happen in this mass movement of people,” he said.

“We had a difficult time circumambulating the Holy Kaaba...There were too many people. We had to do it on the Grand Mosque's first floor.”

Though Asfar looked tired after a long journey, his spirits were high. “I told my wife who came from Pakistan that Haj entails immense hardships. So she was mentally prepared for the onerous task. Now we are under the protection of Allah,” he remarked.

Adnan S. Rehaily, a Saudi father of three, said reaching Mina was not difficult but reaching Makkah from Riyadh was a difficult task.

“There were hundreds of checkpoints on the Riyadh-Makkah Highway and everywhere we were asked to provide the tasreeh (Haj permit). On the way we saw many people were in ihram but they did not have the permits so they were turned back. In many cases the pilgrims would get off their GMCs and walked around the checkpoint on foot from the other side and got onto their vehicles after the driver had got past the checkpoint. We saw this happening at many places,” said Rehaily.

“I don’t know what to say but there were many women who were accompanying the pilgrims and it was sad to see women walking through the difficult terrain near Taif.”

Adeeb Ahmed, a member of the Indian Haj delegation and a parliamentarian, congratulated Saudi Arabia for making exceptional arrangements of Haj. “They have done a remarkable job,” he said.

Ahmed said Mina has undergone a complete change.

“This is not the Mina I visited 10 years ago. It is now the most modern city with most modern facilities.”

He, however, complained about haphazard arrangement in the Indian pilgrim camps. “Many Indian Hajis came complaining to us about lack of facilities.”

On Saturday the pilgrims will move to Arafat plains to spend the day in prayers and meditation — the most important ritual without which the pilgrimage will be invalid. The pilgrims will leave Arafat after sundown and stay overnight at Muzdalifah. They will move back to Mina after dawn on Sunday for the stoning of satan, a ritual that lasts three to four days, and for sacrificing animals.

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Daily Hadith, 04-11-2011

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 
Peace and blessings be upon the Beloved Prophet Muhammad, 
As-salamu-alaikum your daily hadith from ahadith.co.uk

Daily Hadith, 04-11-2011

Narrated: Ibn Abbas
The Prophet set out with the intention of going to Suq 'Ukaz (market of 'Ukaz) along with some of his companions. At the same time, a barrier was put between the devils and the news of heaven. Fire commenced to be thrown at them. The Devils went to their people, who asked them, "What is wrong with you?" They said, "A barrier has been placed between us and the news of heaven. And fire has been thrown at us." They said, "The thing which has put a barrier between you and the news of heaven must be something which has happened recently. Go eastward and westward and see what has put a barrier between you and the news of heaven." Those who went towards Tuhama came across the Prophet at a place called Nakhla and it was on the way to Suq 'Ukaz and the Prophet was offering the Fajr prayer with his companions. When they heard the Qur'an they listened to it and said, "By Allah, this is the thing which has put a barrier between us and the news of heaven." They went to their people and s! aid, "O our people; verily we have heard a wonderful recital (Qur'an) which shows the true path; we believed in it and would not ascribe partners to our Lord." Allah revealed the following verses to his Prophet (Sura 'Jinn') (72): "Say: It has been revealed to me." And what was revealed to him was the conversation of the Jinns.

Hajj documentary- English 3

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Hajj documentary- English 2

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Hajj documentary - English 1

Daily Hadith, 01-11-2011

Daily Hadith, 01-11-2011

Narrated: Abu Huraira
who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said: 'Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.'" It was related by al-Bukhari.

Daily Remembrance

الْمُؤْمِنُ
Al-Mu'min: The Infuser of Faith
Meaning: The One who witnessed for Himself that no one is God but Him. And He witnessed for His believers that they are truthful in their belief that no one is God but Him
Found In Quraan Ayah(s): (59:23)

KYRGYZSTAN: UN CALLS FOR GREATER STABILITY AFTER PEACEFUL PRESIDENTIAL POLL

KYRGYZSTAN: UN CALLS FOR GREATER STABILITY AFTER PEACEFUL PRESIDENTIAL POLL
New York, Oct 31 2011  4:10PM
United Nations officials today commended the people of Kyrgyzstan for their peaceful conduct of presidential elections yesterday, saying the polls were a demonstration of the people's support for stability and urging political leaders in the Central Asian country to resolve disputes in accordance with the law.

Urging political forces in the country to work together to ensure a stable post-electoral period, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, assured the people of Kyrgyzstan of the continued support of the UN, including through the efforts of his Special Representative for Central Asia, Miroslav Jenca, and the UN Country Team, according to a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5651">statement issued by his spokesperson.

Mr. Jenca who visited Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, on election day, took note of the preliminary results and the reports of poll monitoring missions. He stressed that the election should contribute to a democratic, secure and prosperous future for all citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

Preliminary results quoted in the press indicated that former Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev was in the lead.

Mr. Jenca met with President Roza Otunbaeva, Speaker of Parliament Akhmatbek Keldibekov, Chair of the Central Election Commission Tuigunaly Abdraimov and Deputy Foreign Minister Dinara Kemelova during his two-day visit, according to a statement issued by his office.

He also conferred with heads of poll monitoring missions of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), as well as local civil society organizations.

The presidential poll was held over a year after the Central Asian country experienced deadly clashes between ethnic Kyrgyz and ethnic Uzbeks that killed hundreds of people and displaced an estimated 375,000 others.

It was planned as part of a transitional programme established in the wake of the departure of ex-president Kurmanbek Bakiyev after a violent uprising against his rule in April last year.
Oct 31 2011  4:10PM