Question
Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. If the husband wants to sleep with his wife but she does not want to and she is not sick and there is nothing wrong with her; she just does not like it, so he ends up sleeping with her by force, is this allowed in Islamic jurisprudence? Is this considered a kind of a rape?
Today many self-styled Islamic clerics claim that this is totally permissible according to the authentic narrations of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Jazakum Allahu Khayran.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, thanks a lot for your question which reflects your care to have a clear view of the teachings of Islam. Allah commands Muslims to refer to people of knowledge to get themselves well-acquainted with the teachings of Islam as well as all aspects of life.
Intimate relationship between a husband and wife is something special and we are taught by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that the husband should approach his wife in the most kind and affectionate way and to flirt with her before intercourse and never to deal with her harshly. If the wife refuses to have intimate relationship with her husband, she may have a good reason for that and the husband in this case should be more understanding about her conditions. Forcing the wife to make love is not an Islamic solution; rather, both spouses should have mutual understanding about this issue.
Responding to your question, the prominent Muslim scholar and da`iyah based in London Zienab Mostafa, states the following:
Intimate relations are based on mutual feelings between the husband and wife. We learn from the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that he was the best to his wives, and he never forced them to satisfy his sexual desire. Rather, he criticized those who immediately jump into sexual intercourse without introductions that enhance the feelings between the husband and wife.
Therefore, intimate relations are not just acts to seek sexual gratification; rather they should strengthen the relationship between the couple.The wife’s refusal could be attributed to many reasons that the husband should be diligent enough to try and understand. Some of these reasons might be one of the following: her emotional state could be down, she might be expecting her monthly cycle which makes her irritated, she might not like the way her husband approaches her and she does not want to talk about it, and there could be other reasons as well.
Therefore, the husband should take the initiative and try to figure out the reason behind his wife’s refusal. Open and gentle communication between the husband and wife is important and can help resolve this issue.Of course if the husband insists on sleeping with his wife by force, it would not be considered rape since this is a right granted to him, but it is also not in accordance with Islamic teachings. Such an act contradicts the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the ethics of intercourse. Gentleness and kindness are among the manners of intimate relations in Islam.
islamonline
http://islaamdoon.blogspot.com/
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
US actions speak louder than words
| US actions speak louder than words Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:29:08 GMT By Marzieh Hashemi, Press TV, Tehran | |
For more than three decades, Ayatollah Rafsanjani has been at the forefront of Iranian politics. He was the speaker of the Iranian parliament, Majlis, from 1980 to1989. He also served as the president of Iran from 1989 to 1997. Currently, he holds the position of Chairman of the Assembly of Experts and the Expediency Council of Iran. Press TV: We would like to know your perspective on what prompted Iranians to persue an Islamic Revolution instead of trying to alter the monarchial system. Rafsanjani: Well, the popular movement in Iran started because people wanted reforms. For some time we only talked about reform, but the Shah's regime was unyielding. Instead of accepting criticisms, it resorted to violence and became more and more tyrannical. So we came to the conclusion that criticism will not work and the problem lies within the regime itself. Press TV: Ayatollah Rafsanjani, as we know there have been a lot of hostilities between Tehran and Washington. In your perspective, what type of steps can be taken to mend this relationship and what made it reach this point where obviously relations have been severed for many decades? Is it possible to mend this relation? Rafsanjani: Well, after the victory of the Revolution, although the Americans were very much involved in what the Shah had done, we were not looking for a fight with the Americans. All US advisors here in Iran went back to the US of their own accord. The US embassy was open and was working here in Tehran but little by little, the embassy was turned into a center for anti-revolutionary forces and also efforts against the Revolution which gradually infuriated the people. There was a military campaign by the US in Tabas, yet another step which angered the people again. Not long after that, they tried to stage a coup in Iran; the Nojeh Coup was orchestrated by them. Our probe into this issue pointed to American involvement. Later, we were forced into war. With US backing, Saddam attacked Iran. The US supported Saddam Hussein's regime. When you combine these factors and also take into consideration the resentment people felt toward US policies before the Revolution, it becomes clear why things have reached this point. For example if the Americans acted according to our earlier agreements in The Hague, this would have been a positive step toward helping prevent the further souring of relations. Press TV: Is there any possibility to mend this difference between Iran and the United States? What has to be done? Rafsanjani: When I was serving as president, I announced that if the US demonstrates good will and we come to the understanding that they want to work with us and no longer have fantasies of colonizing Iran, negotiation will be a possibility. For example, we have assets in the US, which have been illegally frozen. If Americans unfreeze our money, it will show that they are serious. We will regard that as a good will gesture and start negotiating but they have not done so to this day. People who served after me also said the very same thing. If the US proves that it has good intentions toward Iran, there will be a possibility for talks. Press TV: Is there any possibility right now? With President Barack Obama in office, do you think it is more likely? Rafsanjani: Things have been said and Mr. Obama has used a vocabulary different from that of Mr. Bush. Having said that we still have not received a clear signal from the Americans. Iranian officials are waiting to see what Mr. Obama will do in practice and if he really is the bearer of good will and of course, actions speak louder than words. Press TV: Looking back, over the past thirty years you have gone through a lot and seen a lot in the Islamic Republic. I would like to know what you would describe as your biggest regret and biggest accomplishment since the Revolution? Rafsanjani: Achievements are those goals that one struggles to accomplish. Let me give you an example, independence was one such goal for us, we did not want to remain subservient to foreign countries. Europeans and other Western countries had long had an unyielding hold on Iran. One of our demands was to end foreign interference in our country and gain independence. Lets not forget the tyrannical Pahlavi regime, people wanted to have freedom, to elect their own officials and this was also one of our demands. Our people's Islamic beliefs also had a lot to do with the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Iranians demanded the enforcement of Islamic law. Today our people still have the same ideals. After the Revolution, we tried to make our system of governance an Islamic one. No law that is against Islam can be approved. We did our best to reconstruct and rebuild the country to lessen foreign dependence. We have made many great scientific and technological achievements and have increased the education rate. We have reconstructed the country's infrastructure and have revolutionized our defense industry. These are enormous achievements in my opinion. Although our system of governance has been successful, there have been things we should have not done. This is true about every government as things are not always rosy. I am sure we have made our fair share of mistakes and have not achieved some of our goals. There is a lot of work to do. There was also the issue of sanctions, which to some extent slowed our progress in certain areas. This Revolution has prospered and for thirty years, it has not diverted from its path and has remained true to its original ideals. Press TV: Let's look at the economic status of Iranians. What is your perspective on President Ahmadinejad's economic reforms? Rafsanjani: Our main issue right now is to deal with and reform the subsidy system as it is not purposeful in its present form. For example subsidies on fuel and energy are not the way they should be and it is the affluent who benefit most from these subsidies. A large portion of our society is not receiving subsidies, which they need and is their right, the way they should. This is an issue that is being debated in Majlis. The Majlis is currently busy with the budget bill, the economic reform plan and the fifth development plan's general policies which has been referred to lawmakers by the Expediency Council. We are presently working on the fifth development plan which will aid us in achieving our goals. Press TV: I would like to look at the upcoming presidential elections here in the Islamic Republic. What is your perspective on the upcoming elections? Do you prefer a particular group or candidate? Rafsanjani: No. I don't have a specific opinion about any of the candidates or candidates-to-be. I am waiting for the final list of candidates to be announced in order to choose my preferred candidate. The most important thing for me is to see the elections organized in a manner that will ensure a high turnout. We expect to see the majority of eligible voters at polling stations. Press TV: What are the challenges the Islamic Republic is currently faced with? Rafsanjani: The nuclear issue is a very serious international challenge for us and the US is mostly involved in it; the presence of foreign troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf region and also to our north is alarming. On a domestic level, there is the issue of subsidies and if it remains unresolved, it will create serious problems for our economy. A major part of our economic sector is state-owned, steps have been taken to minimize state-ownership and to steer the economy toward privatization. Press TV: You just mentioned one of the challenges, the nuclear situation. How flexible would Iran be if the United States asked for give and take on the issue in order to warm up relations with Tehran? How much flexibility does the Islamic Republic have in dealing with the nuclear issue? Rafsanjani: We are fully prepared to cooperate in accordance with international laws and regulations. We are a member of the UN nuclear agency, the IAEA, and the agency has very clear rules. Any country that becomes a member has the right to benefit from peaceful nuclear technology. Of course, IAEA membership prohibits from developing a military nuclear program. This is something we approve of. In return, we expect the agency to cooperate with us and to work with us when it comes to the nuclear issue. This is the only thing we have been asking for all along. However, certain countries are trying to bully us. They say it is dangerous for you to have enrichment technology. This is not acceptable for us, as this is a right given to states under international rules and regulations. NAT/AR/SME/HGH |
60 years of Nakba (1948 Palestinian catastrophe
The creation of the state of Israel was an act of dispossession – a brutal, colonialist assault on the Palestinians. 2008 marks 60 years since that first ethnic cleansing of Palestine and the creation of the state of Israel.
For more information about the history of Palestine and the events leading up to the Nakba visit our section "About Palestine", for factsheets, links to useful websites and recommended reading. A factsheet on the Nakba is available here.
Visit 1948:lest we forget for more information about the Nakba.
Throughout 2008 PSC is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Nakba. On this page you will find resources on the history of the Nakba and ways that you can get involved.
Sign the PSC petition
1948 - 2008: 60 Years of Palestinian Nakba (Catastrophe) Must End. End Israeli Occupation
Events
On the weekend of 10 May PSC and other organisations organised events to mark the 60th anniversary of the Nakba and to communicate the reality of what really happened in 1948. These included "Ila Haifa" a dance, music and theatre adaptation by al Zaytouna Dabke dance group of Ghassan Kanafani's "Returning to Haifa", and a rally and protest in central London attended by 15,000 people, see press release.
For a full list of up coming events throughout the UK visit our Calendar
The Nakba Diary: A Cause for Shame; not Celebration
The creation of the State of Israel is Palestine's Nakba- (catastophe)
On 14th May 2008, Israel will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of its 'declaration of independence'. No doubt, over the weeks to come, there will be much celebration, both in Israel and here in the UK. What will be presented to the world will be a commemoration of the legitimate and legal creation of a safe haven for Jews escaping from Europe. What you won't be told about is what actually happened in 1948 - a series of massacres, bombing of civilians, kidnaps and other terrorist atrocities that culminated in the ethnic cleansing of the land of over 750,000 Arab Palestinians and the destruction over 400 of their villages.
The United Nations had proposed a partition plan giving 55% of ancient Palestine for a Jewish state but the Zionists - who had targeted the whole of Palestine for the creation of a Jewish State long before the Nazi atrocities - took 78% of the land by terrorist tactics and military force. The civilized world regards these acts as war crimes but Zionists, then and now, see them as the wholly necessary and justified means for the creation of their Jewish State.
Those 750,000 refugees and their descendants - over seven million of them - still live today, dispossessed and destitute, in refugee camps throughout the region. Israel is in illegal occupation of Palestinian lands and is in violation of numerous UN resolutions. It is the longest and most brutal military occupation in history. International law continues to be persistently and grossly breached and fundamental human rights are infringed with impunity, especially in the Gaza strip. Israel's own deeply racist society treats its Palestinian citizens with institutionalized discrimination. We therefore owe it to these people not to allow Israel - and its supporters worldwide - by celebrating the events of 1948, to obliterate from history the sufferings and injustice endured by the Palestinians.
Our objective over the coming weeks will be to tell the true story behind Israel's birth in a Nakba Diary, which will mark the anniversary of each major event or atrocity as it occurs during the months leading up to, and following, Israel's unilateral declaration of independence. The diary is in eleven parts:
- Part 1:- The beginning of the Nakba . Jan – March 1948
- Part 2 :- The massacre at Deir Yassin, 9th April, 1948
- Part 3 :- The assault on Haifa, 21st - 22nd April 1948.
- Part 4 :- The siege and capture of Jaffa, April - May 1948
- Part 5 :- The complete ethnic cleansing of Safad, April – June 1948
- Part 6 :- The Declaration of Independence of Israel, 14th May 1948
- Part 7 :- The massacre at Tantura, 22 -23rd May 1948
- Part 8 :- The re-invigorated tide of ethnic cleansing, June & July, 1948
- Part 9 :- Operation Dani - the taking of Lydd and Ramla, 10th – 12th July, 1948
- Part 10 :- The murder of the UN envoy Count Folke Bernadotte, 17th Sept 1948
- Part 11 :- Completing the Nakba – the massacre at Dawaymeh, 28th October 1948
It will become clear to the reader that the events which brought the state of Israel into being should not be a cause for celebration in a civilized society but rather a cause for deep shame.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Russia: Muslims oppose bell-ringing anthem
The Muslim community in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region is opposing plans to include church bells in a proposed new regional anthem. Local authorities had earlier set a competition to compose an anthem for the region.
The work is still being composed and officials say the last thing they want to do is to hurt people's feelings.
The Muslim community wanted the regional governor to change some of the rules of the contest. Using the sound of church bells was mandatory and Muslim leaders thought this alienated other ethnic and religious groups.
"There should be no political or religious themes in the anthem. It should be something that uplifts people and brings them together. I think including religion goes against this." Said Gayaz Zakirov, spiritual leader of the region's Muslims.
The national anthem contains church bells, which are seen as a sign of Russian tradition as much as a sign of Orthodox woship.
(more)
Source: Russia Today (English)
The work is still being composed and officials say the last thing they want to do is to hurt people's feelings.
The Muslim community wanted the regional governor to change some of the rules of the contest. Using the sound of church bells was mandatory and Muslim leaders thought this alienated other ethnic and religious groups.
"There should be no political or religious themes in the anthem. It should be something that uplifts people and brings them together. I think including religion goes against this." Said Gayaz Zakirov, spiritual leader of the region's Muslims.
The national anthem contains church bells, which are seen as a sign of Russian tradition as much as a sign of Orthodox woship.
(more)
Source: Russia Today (English)
Things one sees from The Hague
 Things one sees from The HagueGideon Levy
|
When the cannons eventually fall silent, the time for questions and investigations will be upon us. The mushroom clouds of smoke and dust will dissipate in the pitch-black sky; the fervor, desensitization and en masse jump on the bandwagon will be forever forgotten and perhaps we will view a clear picture of Gaza in all its grimness. Then we will see the scope of the killing and destruction, the crammed cemeteries and overflowing hospitals, the thousands of wounded and physically disabled, the destroyed houses that remain after this war.
The questions that will beg to be asked, as cautiously as possible, are who is guilty and who is responsible. The world's exaggerated willingness to forgive Israel is liable to crack this time. The pilots and gunners, the tank crewmen and infantry soldiers, the generals and thousands who embarked on this war with their fair share of zeal will learn the extent of the evil and indiscriminate nature of their military strikes. They perhaps will not pay any price. They went to battle, but others sent them.
Read the rest of this article on the Ha'aretz website.
Friday, January 30, 2009
SELECTED ARTICLES ON SOMALIA
Faithless Power versus Faithful Authority ... - Prof. Abdi I. Samatar UN and US should restore Somalia - Afyare A. Elmi Djibouti Summit: Beautiful ones are not y... - Abdikarim Buh The Victory over Ethiopian occupation need... - Omar Salad Al-Shabab Are Right to Ban Khat - Cabdi Yusuf Ethiopia Defeated - Abdishakur Jowhar M.D A Word with Somali Leaders - Ali Osmanhttp://islaamdoon.blogspot.com/
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Iran Leader Urges Muslim States To Punish Israel Over Gaza
TEHRAN (AFP)--Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday urged Muslim states to punish Israel and deplored what he called some Arab leaders' silence in the face of deadly attacks on the Gaza Strip. "The Zionist regime should be punished by Muslim states.
This usurping regime's leaders should also go on trial and be punished for this crime," Khamenei said in a statement quoted by state-run television. "All Palestinian Mujahids (fighters) and believers in the Islamic world are required to defend in any way they can the defenseless women, children and people of Gaza," the leader said. "Anyone who is killed in this legitimate and sacred defense is a martyr.
" Condemning Israeli raids on Gaza, Khamenei said, "the greater catastrophe is some Arab governments that claim to be Muslims encouraging silence." More than 280 Palestinians have been killed since Israeli warplanes launched air strikes on a wide range of Hamas targets in the besieged Gaza Strip on Saturday morning. Israel responded initially to violence that erupted around Gaza in early November by tightening its blockade of the territory and blocking deliveries of humanitarian aid and other basic supplies. Tehran is a staunch supporter of Hamas but rejects allegations that it supplies arms to the movement, saying it provides moral backing only.
Iran does not recognize the Jewish state and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly called for Israel to be wiped off the map and called the Holocaust a "myth."
AFP
http://islaamdoon.blogspot.com/
This usurping regime's leaders should also go on trial and be punished for this crime," Khamenei said in a statement quoted by state-run television. "All Palestinian Mujahids (fighters) and believers in the Islamic world are required to defend in any way they can the defenseless women, children and people of Gaza," the leader said. "Anyone who is killed in this legitimate and sacred defense is a martyr.
" Condemning Israeli raids on Gaza, Khamenei said, "the greater catastrophe is some Arab governments that claim to be Muslims encouraging silence." More than 280 Palestinians have been killed since Israeli warplanes launched air strikes on a wide range of Hamas targets in the besieged Gaza Strip on Saturday morning. Israel responded initially to violence that erupted around Gaza in early November by tightening its blockade of the territory and blocking deliveries of humanitarian aid and other basic supplies. Tehran is a staunch supporter of Hamas but rejects allegations that it supplies arms to the movement, saying it provides moral backing only.
Iran does not recognize the Jewish state and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly called for Israel to be wiped off the map and called the Holocaust a "myth."
AFP
http://islaamdoon.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Translating the Friday Khutbah
Is it permissible to hold the Jummah Khutbah in English if the majority of the community does not understand Arabic? Have the scholars agreed on this issue or is there a difference of opinions?
Praise be to Allaah.
Some of the scholars said that it is not permitted to translate the khutbah given from the minbar on Friday and the two Eids into foreign (non-Arabic) languages. Their intention (may Allaah have mercy on them) was to maintain and preserve the Arabic language, and to follow the way of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them), which was to give the khutbah in Arabic in the lands of the Persians and others, and to encourage the people to learn Arabic and pay attention to it.
Other scholars said that it is permissible to translate khutbahs into other languages if most of the people being addressed do not know Arabic, based on the reason for which Allaah enjoined the khutbah, which is to teach the people about the rulings that Allaah has prescribed for them and to tell them of the sins which are forbidden, to guide them towards good characteristics and to warn them against bad characteristics. Undoubtedly paying attention to the aims and purposes is more important and takes precedence over paying attention to the words used, especially when the audience does not understand Arabic and the khutbah does not have any effect on them and does not motivate them to learn Arabic. (Especially in these times when the Muslims have fallen behind and others have advanced, and the language of the dominant people has become widespread and the language of the defeated is in a weaker position).
If the aim of conveying knowledge and Islamic teaching to the people can only be achieved among non-Arabs by translating the khutbahs into their languages, then the view that it is permissible to translate the khutbah into the prevalent language of the audience so that they may understand what is being said takes precedence and should be followed, especially if not translating the khutbahs will lead to conflicts and arguments. Undoubtedly translating the khutbah in such a case becomes essential to serve the people's interests and avoid mischief.
If there are some people in the congregation who do understand Arabic, then the khateeb should combine the two languages, giving the khutbah in Arabic then repeating it in the other language which the other people understand. In this manner he will achieve the two purposes, avoiding mischief and conflict among the people whom he is addressing.
There is a great deal of evidence to support that in the pure sharee'ah, such as the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):
"And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people, in order that he might make (the Message) clear for them."
[Ibraaheem 14:4]
And the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded Zayd ibn Thaabit to learn the language of the Jews so that he might send letters to them in their language and establish proof against them, and so that he might read their letters when they were sent, and explain to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) what they said. And when the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) attacked the Romans and Persians, they did not fight them until they had called them to Islam by means of interpreters. When they conquered the foreign countries they called the people to Allaah in Arabic and commanded the people to learn it. Whoever among them did not know Arabic, they called him in his own language and made him understand what was meant in the language that he did understand. Thus proof was established. Undoubtedly this is the only way, especially at the end of time when Islam is like a stranger and every people is clinging to its own language. There is a very real need for translation now, and the daa'iyah cannot convey his message without it.
The khateeb should do that which best suits the interests of the people he is addressing. If the best is to give the khutbah part by part, in Arabic and then translated, then he should do that. If the best is to translate the entire khutbah, after giving the khutbah (in Arabic) or after the prayer, then he should do that. And Allaah knows best.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa'imah, 8/251-255
http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/984/jummahvia
Ummah.com - Muslim Forum
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
CLOSING GUANTÁNAMO BAY WILL END ‘DARK CHAPTER’ IN US HISTORY, STRESS UN EXPERTS
CLOSING GUANTÁNAMO BAY WILL END 'DARK CHAPTER' IN US HISTORY, STRESS UN EXPERTS
New York, Dec 22 2008 12:10PM
A group of independent United Nations human rights experts have welcomed United States President-elect Barack Obama's announced decision close the Guantánamo Bay detention centre, stressing it will end "a dark chapter in the country's history."
In a statement issued in Geneva today, four UN human rights experts stated that "the regime applied at Guantánamo Bay neither allowed the guilty to be condemned nor secured that the innocent be released," adding that it also opened the door for serious human rights violations.
Following his election in November, Mr. Obama publicly stated his commitment to lead his administration's efforts to close the Guantánamo Bay prison camp and to strengthen the fight against torture. Both of which are part, he said, of his efforts "to regain America's moral stature in the world."
The experts strongly support his commitment which they said, in addition to restoring the moral stature of the US in the world, "will allow a dark chapter in the country's history to be closed and to advance in the protection of human rights."
They added that "moving forward with closing Guantánamo is a strong symbol that will help to repair the image of the country after damage by what was widely perceived as attempts at legitimising the practice of torture under certain circumstances."
In addition to being illegal, detention there was "ineffective in criminal procedure terms," said the experts, adding that similar severe abuses also occur at places of secret detention. "Thus, with the same emphasis, the experts urge that all secret detention places be closed and that persons detained therein be given due process."
The experts also stressed that detainees facing criminal charges must be provided fair trials before courts that afford all essential judicial guarantees. "They emphatically reject any proposals that Guantánamo detainees could through new legislation be subjected to administrative detention, as this would only prolong their arbitrary detention," the statement said.
Further, they called on third countries to facilitate the closure through their full cooperation in resettling those Guantánamo detainees that cannot be sent back to their countries of origin and, in this regard, welcomed the recent announcement of Portugal to accept detainees and called on other States to follow.
Among those adding his name to today's statement is the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism, Martin Scheinin, who warned a couple of months ago that the US Government's system of military commissions planned for suspects detained at Guantánamo is not likely to reach international standards on the right to a fair trial.
He added that a visit to Guantánamo Bay in December 2007 confirmed his misgivings concerning the operation of the military commissions.
The US Supreme Court has in a series of cases pronounced itself on the rights of detainees at Guantánamo Bay. In its most recent decision, the Court found the Military Commissions Act unconstitutional and granted the detainees access to the federal courts' jurisdiction, including the right to habeas corpus.
Today's statement is also signed by the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Leandro Despouy; the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Manfred Nowak; and the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Anand Grover.
The experts, who function in an independent and unpaid capacity, report to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council.
Dec 22 2008 12:10PM
________________
http://islaamdoon.blogspot.com/
New York, Dec 22 2008 12:10PM
A group of independent United Nations human rights experts have welcomed United States President-elect Barack Obama's announced decision close the Guantánamo Bay detention centre, stressing it will end "a dark chapter in the country's history."
In a statement issued in Geneva today, four UN human rights experts stated that "the regime applied at Guantánamo Bay neither allowed the guilty to be condemned nor secured that the innocent be released," adding that it also opened the door for serious human rights violations.
Following his election in November, Mr. Obama publicly stated his commitment to lead his administration's efforts to close the Guantánamo Bay prison camp and to strengthen the fight against torture. Both of which are part, he said, of his efforts "to regain America's moral stature in the world."
The experts strongly support his commitment which they said, in addition to restoring the moral stature of the US in the world, "will allow a dark chapter in the country's history to be closed and to advance in the protection of human rights."
They added that "moving forward with closing Guantánamo is a strong symbol that will help to repair the image of the country after damage by what was widely perceived as attempts at legitimising the practice of torture under certain circumstances."
In addition to being illegal, detention there was "ineffective in criminal procedure terms," said the experts, adding that similar severe abuses also occur at places of secret detention. "Thus, with the same emphasis, the experts urge that all secret detention places be closed and that persons detained therein be given due process."
The experts also stressed that detainees facing criminal charges must be provided fair trials before courts that afford all essential judicial guarantees. "They emphatically reject any proposals that Guantánamo detainees could through new legislation be subjected to administrative detention, as this would only prolong their arbitrary detention," the statement said.
Further, they called on third countries to facilitate the closure through their full cooperation in resettling those Guantánamo detainees that cannot be sent back to their countries of origin and, in this regard, welcomed the recent announcement of Portugal to accept detainees and called on other States to follow.
Among those adding his name to today's statement is the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism, Martin Scheinin, who warned a couple of months ago that the US Government's system of military commissions planned for suspects detained at Guantánamo is not likely to reach international standards on the right to a fair trial.
He added that a visit to Guantánamo Bay in December 2007 confirmed his misgivings concerning the operation of the military commissions.
The US Supreme Court has in a series of cases pronounced itself on the rights of detainees at Guantánamo Bay. In its most recent decision, the Court found the Military Commissions Act unconstitutional and granted the detainees access to the federal courts' jurisdiction, including the right to habeas corpus.
Today's statement is also signed by the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Leandro Despouy; the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Manfred Nowak; and the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Anand Grover.
The experts, who function in an independent and unpaid capacity, report to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council.
Dec 22 2008 12:10PM
________________
http://islaamdoon.blogspot.com/
It is not permissible to eat foods that are prepared by the kuffaar for their festivals
Is it permissible for a Muslim to eat the foods that the people of the Book or the mushrikoon prepare for their festivals or accept such foods if they are given on the occasion of their festivals?.
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible for the Muslim to eat foods that the Jews, Christians and mushrikoon make for their festivals. It is not permissible either for a Muslim to accept such things that are given to them on the occasion of their festivals, because that implies honouring them and cooperating with them in manifesting their symbols and propagating their innovations and sharing their happiness on the days of their festivals.
That may also lead to taking their festivals as festivals for us too, or to exchanging invitations to meals or to give gifts on one another’s festivals at the very least. This is a kind of deviation and innovation in religion. It was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it, will have it rejected.” And it is not permissible to give them anything on the occasion of their festivals.
Al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 22/398.
source;islamonline.com
http://islaamdoon.blogspot.com/
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible for the Muslim to eat foods that the Jews, Christians and mushrikoon make for their festivals. It is not permissible either for a Muslim to accept such things that are given to them on the occasion of their festivals, because that implies honouring them and cooperating with them in manifesting their symbols and propagating their innovations and sharing their happiness on the days of their festivals.
That may also lead to taking their festivals as festivals for us too, or to exchanging invitations to meals or to give gifts on one another’s festivals at the very least. This is a kind of deviation and innovation in religion. It was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it, will have it rejected.” And it is not permissible to give them anything on the occasion of their festivals.
Al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 22/398.
source;islamonline.com
http://islaamdoon.blogspot.com/
Denmark: Proposal to ban child circumcision
Denmark: Proposal to ban child circumcision
Several parliamentary parties are considering creating legislation that would spare all children from circumcision - not just girls
A proposal to ban circumcision for boys may be on its way to parliament after intense discussions by MPs over the past week, reports Kristeligt Dagblad newspaper.
Although circumcision of girls was outlawed in response to the practice being common among immigrants from some Muslim countries, boys may still be circumcised if a certified physician is present.
Jewish traditions calls for the circumcision of newborn boys, and many Muslims and Christians support the practice as well. But both the Ethics Council and the National Council for Children have recently criticised the practice, stating that a boy should be able to decide for himself if he wants the procedure performed when he reaches the age of 15 - the legal age in Denmark for a child to have sole jurisdiction over his own body.
While the Social Democrats, Red-Green Alliance and Liberal Alliance have come out in support of a ban, the Danish People's Party called it 'tyranny'.
'It's completely ridiculous to compare the circumcision of girls - which is a barbaric mutilation - with that of boys, where it's just the removal of a skin flap,' said the party's Jesper Langballe.
But the party's own health spokeswoman, Liselott Brixt, said she supports a ban.
'A lot of parents want it done to their children because they themselves had it done. But we're living in the present and it isn't fair to expose healthy children to religious circumcision.'
via Islam in Europe
Source: Copenhagen Post (English)
Several parliamentary parties are considering creating legislation that would spare all children from circumcision - not just girls
A proposal to ban circumcision for boys may be on its way to parliament after intense discussions by MPs over the past week, reports Kristeligt Dagblad newspaper.
Although circumcision of girls was outlawed in response to the practice being common among immigrants from some Muslim countries, boys may still be circumcised if a certified physician is present.
Jewish traditions calls for the circumcision of newborn boys, and many Muslims and Christians support the practice as well. But both the Ethics Council and the National Council for Children have recently criticised the practice, stating that a boy should be able to decide for himself if he wants the procedure performed when he reaches the age of 15 - the legal age in Denmark for a child to have sole jurisdiction over his own body.
While the Social Democrats, Red-Green Alliance and Liberal Alliance have come out in support of a ban, the Danish People's Party called it 'tyranny'.
'It's completely ridiculous to compare the circumcision of girls - which is a barbaric mutilation - with that of boys, where it's just the removal of a skin flap,' said the party's Jesper Langballe.
But the party's own health spokeswoman, Liselott Brixt, said she supports a ban.
'A lot of parents want it done to their children because they themselves had it done. But we're living in the present and it isn't fair to expose healthy children to religious circumcision.'
via Islam in Europe
Source: Copenhagen Post (English)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
خطيب عرفات: الأمن أهم مطالب الحياة وأساس التسامح لكل المجتمعات
الحجاج يرمون الجمرات فى منى | |
بدأ حجاج بيت الله الحرام, مع الساعات الأولي من فجر اليوم, رمي الجمرات في مني, وذلك بعد قضائهم يوم أمس وقوفا بساحة عرفات أداء لركن الحج الأعظم. وقد بدأ ضيوف الرحمن مع إشراقة صباح أمس الوصول إلي ساحة عرفات, حيث قضوا يومهم مهللين ملبين ربهم عز وجل, مستغفرين. | |
الاتحاد الأوروبي يبدأ أضخم عملية بحـريــة لمواجـهـة القـرصنــة | |
يبدأ الاتحاد الأوروبي اليوم أضخم عملية بحرية لمحاربة ظاهرة القرصنة قبالة سواحل الصومال, وخليج عدن, وذلك من خلال دوريات قوامها ست بوارج, وثلاث طائرات استطلاع في مساحة مليون كيلومتر مربع, وتشارك في العملية ثماني دول هي: بلجيكا, وبريطانيا, وفرنسا, وألمانيا, واليونان, وهولندا, وإسبانيا, والسويد. | |
تدمير160 شاحنة نقل للناتو في بيشاور | |
شن نحو30 مسلحا هجوما علي مركز إمداد للناتو في مدينة بيشاور الحدودية الباكستانية, وأحرقوا160 شاحنة عملاقة. واستخدم المسلحون البنادق والقاذفات الصاروخية في الهجوم الذي يأتي ضمن سلسلة عمليات تستهدف طريق الإمداد اللوجيستي للقوات الغربية في أفغانستان, خاصة عبر ممر خيبر. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)