A Message from: eNuri Road Runners Running is one of the most rewarding Sports a Nomad can enjoy. The benefits of running for your health are many, it regulates all of your vital systems, streamlines all biological processes, allows for time out to ponder and think, sparks your creative insights, tests your endurance and patience and rewards you with a great feeling after its all over, that feeling you get after a long tiresome run is known by runners as the Runners High! ( Endorphin ?) You get so high, euphoric and energetic, if you are like me, you only see the positive side of everything in life, negative things? Naaaaaaaah!. the good news is that euphoric feeling after the run is the result of the accumulated natural pain killer drug released by your brain to help you endure that painful run, so as you run and run, the drug is balancing the pain, once you stop though, the pain stops, but your brain keeps pumping the pain killer drug in excess, which explains why runners get euphoric high after a long distance run. Well, life is like a long distance run, we need a pain killer to endure the pain, like the remembrance of Allah SWT, because running without a definite purpose is in itself a painful torment, but when you are running knowing that after the run you will relax to have a great pleasure, the pain becomes a pleasure, and your feelings focus on the run instead of the pain. One of the best pain killers known for the life long run toward our maker is the Remembrance of Allah known as Dhiker, and as long as we are mindful of Allah's Dhiker, our pain dissolves leaving behind a feeling of euphoric pleasure, just like how Bilaal, the Muezzin of the Prophet SAWS felt when he was being tormented by Qureish in the hot sand of Makkah, he said that he mixed the pain of the torment with the pleasure of the remembrance of Allah, the pleasure of the remembrance of Allah surfaced and that is how he endured the pain. As humans we are composed of flesh and soul, the flesh needs maintenance through good habits of eating and exercise like a long distance run or cycling at home on a cycling machine, a well maintained body is like a well maintained vehicle, it can take you far toward your destination if you know where you are going (not if you don't have a clue, as in the case of Socod Badne and company ). The soul is the passenger on the body vehicle, if it is corrupted, its like a teenager taking a joy ride on a brand new Lamborghini or a Maserati, the fun of driving is all that a teenager is interested, not the destination, a corrupted soul though enjoys corrupting other souls, as misery loves company, and misery is the assured destination of thoughtless driving of the body. If the soul drives a healthy body toward the right destination, soul and body sing in unison to a tune of fulfillment and happiness, the body stretching its performance to its utmost limits allowing the soul to drive the body toward the right destination. So, it is important for us to take good care of our bodies, and souls, and for that matter, I have made my habit to mix Dhiker with running to get the best result of soul, body and mind with success, Alhamdulillah. A problem I've faced often was that I used to wear this wrist sport watch that tells me the time, heart pulse rate, speed, distance, etc. but it did not work with my Walkman player to listen to Quraan while on a run, I mean I wanted to either count my Dhiker with every step, or to listen to Quraan, but it was not possible. Till now. Nike+ iPod are coming up with a new product in a couple of months that will for the first time combine an intelligent running shoes connected wirelessly with your iPod, so you can listen to Quraan and keep track of your vital stats for the run. All that is left is to incorporate your Dhiker in that combo ( synchronize your steps with Dhiker ). If you merge the soul and body in one exercise, as they were meant to be, you can have a great time, take it from Prophet Daud ( David) aleyhi Salaam, when his army was conquering lands for the cause of Allah, he was always hymning Allah's praise everywhere he went. As a recognition of this great honor, Allah SWT ordered the mountains and birds to join Prophet Daud ( David) Aleyhi Salaam in singing Allah's praise (the Dhiker of Allah SWT). Yaa Jibaalu awwibii macahu, wat tayra, wa alannaa lahul Xadiid . ( O Mountains and birds; Sing ( Allah's Praise) with Daud (David), and We made the Iron maleable for him (to make weapons of steel) Nur 2006 eNuri Sporting Goods Shop Mobility In Humility

Jazakallah Kheiran Jumcaale bro, that was a heart mover recitation, great selection of verses, , the duaa at the end was the final icing on the recitation. Nur

Raxmah sis May Allah bless you for your selfless feeling toward fellow man, you see sister, morally it hurts to see a patient turned away from a hospital for lack of funds, in the extreme capitalist world, the board of the hospital has its priorities in terms of Dollars, not the positive difference they have made in the lives of people, their investors want higher ROI ( return on investment) not benevolence, these investors pay the election expenses of the lawmakers, the lawmakers lose their humanity when they legislate the cutting of the cord of poor patients while billions to sustain profitability intersts of their financial donors, while they spend billion on political agendas far from home, again, for investors. The problem in Capitalism is that the human value is diluted, we are measured in terms of how many dollars we have, your worth is in your possesions, that is why we are in a rat race competing to die with most possesions in our estate. In your case, the best way to relieve your conscious would be to refer them after a research on alternative souces of medical grants for those turned away by your institution, you are not responsible for their plight, but a kind word and an advice of where to look for help goes a long way, and for that Allah will reward you generously for helping a human being in pain. Nur

Kashaafa eNuri is the property Developer, not the real estate agents in this case. In the Property Development value chain, it all started with purchase of a plot of land ( eNuri Property Developers) bought a large parcel from Somaliaonline close to five years ago, with a generous loan from a friend in a really high place ( Allah) in the form of health and time, then our eNuri designers and architects completed their conceptual designs on how to make best use of the property, once the conceptual designs were approved, our architects went to work to design the best community Housing plan. The plan was submitted to the Quraan & Sunnah Ciy Council for approval, Alhamdulillah, we received the go ahead, no complaints from anyone on the Quran & Sunnah board, we got the building permit, meanwhile, we hired eNuri Marketing agents to market the houses on Somaliaonline, this offer is the early bird offer, the prelaunch prices, so much value for so little investment, as time goes by though, best units will be picked up and you may have to wait for secondary market, with less savings and features. eNuri Marketeers and sales office at Somaliaonline pledges to offer the best deal to its clients, their profit is tied to yours, as they will be paid full commission only when you are satisfied, and they will be paid a commission equal to your purchase price for every unit they sell. But they have to work hard for it. Mind you, eNuri Marketeers are now looking for young sales agents, let me know if you want to earn a house for every house you sell. Nur

eNuri Properties Presents: A Low Cost High Quality Housing Project Depending on where you live on the globe, how much does a comfortable house cost in your area? Assume a regular three bedroom Victorian home with a luxurious study, a majestic living room, an Italian kitchen, a recreational room, a large backyard, on top of a hill at a rolling meadows in an upscale neighborhood in Garasbaalley's affluent Dabagaalle Terrace . Now, I bet you have your figures on your palm calculators, full to the 15 decimal place, and a figure for the Ribaa payments through next millenium? Well, for such a house, how much are you paying in real terms? A hefty down payment first, then for the next 10 years you pay off the interest, then the principal for the next 20 years, going to work everyday to pay for the place you live in! ( I owe, I owe, so off to work I go! ) Then after some thrirty years, if you are still alive, they give you the homeowners deed to the house, Congratulations!, you are now a homeowner, arent your relieved that you have no more payments? but wait! dont be so quick saaxib, now you qualfy for another loan, the homwowners loan, so you can send your daughter to Kurtunwaarey Community College, majoring in Music and modelling or to send your Rasteferrian son to Garasbaalley Politechnic Institute to study Anthropology Now after graduation from these prestigious academies of higher learning, your daughter becomes a swimsuit model, and your son joins the Egyptologists digging for Nafertiti Pharaoh's hidden graves in Ras Xaafuun in Bari Puntland, convinced that he is a decendant of Monkeys. Your excitement is not over untill one day when you thought that the pieces of your life are coming together, a paid for house, educated children, a graying wife, your Doctor gives you sixty days of life expectancy after diagnosing you with a lethal form of Cancer, and no hope of cure in his books. Who are you gonna call! Now, you have this flash back of your life, and how you have spent it, the house that you have spent all of your life paying for is not going to be yours soon, your highly educated kids are about to claim your life insurance and house to live comfortably ever after, how many relatives at neighboring villages have you denied help when in dire need?, how many enemies have you cultivated while amassing this transient but transferable wealth?, how many lies have you uttered to support your evil ego, not mentioning the waste of time that you could have rather used to accomplish with a worthwhile cause. If that fits your profile, or if you are are afraid that it will be your future profile, relax, eNuri and company are introducing a better housing development project in your neighborhood, at Somaliaonline, easy terms, more fulfilling life and overall a great plan to keep your family in a great house of peace and security. That is right! in this age of IT and advanced technology, there are ways to produce houses that are a fraction of the cost of regular houses, stronger in structure, more beautiful, more comfortable, wider, and overall a better living at an unheard of prices! Absolutely Correct!, you heard me right saaxib, I am serious and I know what i am talking about, these houses are low cost, all right, but nothing else is low about them, they are quite lofty, they come with spacious living rooms, huge bedrooms and recreation areas, automatic tempreture controls, sensory controls ( scents, and sights that are unbelieveably nice), a nice garden with fruits, a scenic lush green lawns. These Houses come complete with furniture, flowers, exotic aquariums, artwork, maids and servants, They are more advanced then even the IT enabled intelligent houses, they are actually "living" literally to give a living room its true meaning, They are transparent, you would be able to see the inside while outside, sparkling glass doors and walls, rubees and diamonds scatterred around to give it a touch of class for a select few. Now I am sure that you cant wait? To reserve one of these houses, we have several Plans: 1. Pray 12 Rakaats of Sunnah everyday. 2. Build a Masjid ( or contribute to it) 3. Spend your time, wealth and life in the way of Allah 4. A combination of the above for more houses. Nur 2006 eNuri Housing Developments Where Your Dreams Come True

Where has brother M U H A M M A D disappeared to? any Nomads who spots this brother please report his website to SOL Admins. Nur

Nameless Sheikha Three hours of reading Quraan would be ideal if you are Xaafidatul Quraan, as you can easily read at the brisk pace of 15 minures/Juzz, to easily read 12 Juzz in a 3 hour expedition of lost wisdom. If you are a novice, an hour a day would be viable, so you can grasp the meaning, Tajweed, and the wisdpm ( Tadabbur). Lets us know how its goiing. Nur

JB What is really interesting to know is your motivation in Islamic discussions in general and particularly in issues that have caused rift between Muslims, or potentially can in the present. Let me ask you for the record, as a person who has no belief in Allah, or any other form of faith , what gives you the motivation or drive to dedicate your time so much to discredit everything Islamic or devine? I am sure that you can live more meaningful life without the trouble, and since you have no expectation of a life after death and hence no justice to expect, this life must be it, therefore, you must be getting a kick at chicks, chicks and chicks according to your published profile on this site, for that reason wouldnt it make sense for you to spend the rest of your life where they are plentyful and easy? unless of course you are getting them elsewhere and you are financing your lusts somehow by spreading ignorance on this site, which leaves me baffled as to who would pay you a salary for this dedication for decadence. For us Muslims, the motivation is a good life after death, we belive in a day of judgement and a justice for all matters worldly including the battle of teh camel, and that is the reason for our dedication without a pay. Can you say the same? You see, JB, if you have given up hope on approaching your maker and are bent on denying His very existence, you must agree with me that life is quite short, thus its better spent surfing at the beach or other pleasant places instead of arguing on this site, ( I have yet to read a beneficial post of yours that helped a Nomad toward a wholesome life ) there, at places of lust you would be with people of like minds and interests, your remaining time in this life would be well spent there or any other similar places, so take my advice, dont be used doing the dirty work for others, use your time in a better way. Nur

Socod Badne Answering to Kashafa you write: Wrong there ranger! Abu Bukr (the 1st Kaliphate) had to suppress a rebellion shortly into his rule. That was the first time muslims faced each other with a sword. Here you are wrong, the war was known as the Riddah war, or the apostate's war, unlike the War of the Camel of two equally pious sides both fighting for staying within the auspices of Islamic tenets, The Riddah ( Apostates) war represented a degenerate departure from basic pillars of Islam, and hence from its boundary, known as Murtadeen ( Apostates) up against the Muminiin Believers remaining under the commandments of Allah SWT on the other. Kashaafa will you please prepare a good answer for TheOneAnd Only, I am sure that you are way capapble of this feat? Nur

Rahima sis Jazakillahu Kheiran for you and your kind mum for the brotherly Duaa, an apple does not fall from its tree, I am touched to know that eNuri is part of your family, I pray that Allah SWT enlightens your family with the light of Islam, remebering that the best in your family in the sight of Allah ( Taqwa) will host the rest of you in the highest place he/she attains in Jannah, so help each other in staying the course, as you remember from Roadmap to Paradise, the trip is long, many surprises on the way , supplies running low and Satan determined to derail your train. But on the flipside, Allah will protect you as long as you place your trust in Him. Endeavor Is good to know walaa, like the Prophet SAWS said, " Carafta falzam" You have found the way, stay the course with prudence. Waterlilly Thats rights sis, Dhiker is the secret here, the more you do it the more you appreciate Allah in more than a way, Allah SWT describes humans in Quraan as " KANOOD" meaning a person who only counts miseries that happened to them, but never takes the time to look into the good things things they have been given by Allah SWT. May Allah make us all a grateful lot, not KANOOD. amen. Hodman You write: To some degree at some points of my life I have had that feeling of intense love that you describe but my struggle is that I can't maintain it for very long. How do you do that? Walaalo, I have written a piece in Somali Titled " Macaanka iimaanka" that answers the question, please have ayeeyo Muraayad read it for you. Here is the SOL link: http://www.somaliaonline.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=000738 You write: Question is how does one break the shackle that the previous sin has on you such that it becomes a never ending cycle leading to hopelessness in alot of people even those who would appear pious and perfect on the surface? Like mice in a maze, life is all about learning, some learn quicker than others, learning from mistakes of others, while some learn from their own mistakes whom we call "Experts" as they have had bad judgments (sins) in the past that costed them dearly, yet while another group never learns, like a fly trying to get out of glass window they repeat the mistake a trillion times till they fall dead. Sins happen because of: 1. Arrogance 2. Poor Self Control The firts category is serious case, no one can help that person except Allah SWT. Allah helps that person by breaking thier KIBAR ( EGO and Arraogance) through a "Fadeexo" scandal that humbles them to their knees and may alter that person's state to be a great Muslim after that incidence. The second category is common, it happens due to weakness in self control and not of prior willful planning or execution of a sin, rather it is an impulse of the monent and a lack of proper decision making process of the inpacts of such sin and its costly price please read the follwing article for detail: http://www.somaliaonline.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=001232 JZK kheiran for your duaa, and may Allah bestow the same and more on you amen. Nur

Baashi walaal Sujuuddu waa qeybta ugu muhimsan salaadda, waana waqtiga uu qofku ugu dhowyahay Rabbigiisa asagoo sujuudsan. Salaaddana macneheeda af Carabiga waa Ducada. Waxaanan igsoonnahay in Ducada loo jideeyay in aan ku noqonno addoon Allah oo marwalba u baahan Rabigooda, waxaa kaloo sugan in Allah uu yidhi" Rabbigiinna baryaa idinkoo isa soo bandhigaya ama idinkoo isqarinaya" iyo " i barya waan idiin dhago nuglaanayaayee" iyo " Haddey addoonteydu i kaa wareysato ( Muxamadow, ha ogaadaan ) inaan ahay mid aad ugu dhow, u dhago nugul baryadooda" Mana akhrin nahyi ka sugnaadey Rasuulka in Allah lagu baryo salaadda luqad aan Carabi aheyn, maxaa yeelay qofkii xaajo leh oon Carabi aqoon kuma baryi karo Allah salaaddisa. Sidaa darteed, mana hubo, waxaan doorbidayaa in Allah uu aqbalayo ducada luqad aan Carabi aheyn saladdaa lagu baryo Allah kadib markii adhkaarta waajibka ah iyo sunanka la dhameystiro. Wallahu Aclam. Nur

Anyone with an iota of Islamic knowledge that can help a human approach his maker, who fails to do so is in danger in the day of judgement, Allah can forgive her or punish, but that is up to Allah SWT Nur

Dear Cisaam MaashaAllah walaal, its such a great news to know that you are taking the right steps to the right direction, its a joy, real joy, approaching Allah with a non defective heart, Qalbin Saliim, walaal, wallahi, Its nostalgic, looking back when I took the same steps toward Allah, it was the most joyful and memorable in my entire life. i am soo happy to hear your homecoming comments, rest assured that Allah SWT is much happier than I am for your reproach, once you find the way, all you need is discipline to stay the course, InshAllah, I will include you in my duaa. Nur

Nomads ( Reer Guraa) Qoraalkan iyo kuwo la mid ah oon waa hore soo qorey ayaan kusoo celiyaa si dad cusub oon kuwii hore akhrin ay ayagana uga faaideystaan, waa qoraallo aan waqti leheyn ( Timeless) sidaa awgeed, raalli noqda haddaan wax cusub baryaha soo qorin maxaa yeelay waqtiga ayaa aad iyo aad iigu yar. Nur

SOS w/c walaal It is not only that when one has enough provision that we long for the next life, for most it is the opposite, when life is tough, for that reason the Prophet SAWS used to supplicate: "O Allah grant me a yearning for meeting you ( Shawqu ilaa liqaa'ika) but not out of stark poverty nor illness" Prophet Yusuf is said to have had that SHAWQ ( Yearning to meet Allah) when he finally had all the pieces in his life in place, he said : Take my life as Muslim, and raise me in the day of judgement with the righteous" In my case, I would say, I am comfortable, which means according to the Hadeeth" He who wakes up in peace, healthy in his body, has his daily ration, is as if he is granted the Dunyaa . The Prophet defined richness as being content, which makes poverty having insatiable need of wealth. So anyone with unmet need is poor, and anyone who has no need is rich, controlling our needs is the key. As for the love of Allah, Allah SWT says: Say ( O Muhammad), if you indeed love Allah than follow me , Allah will love you and will forgive your sins" Nur

Geljireyaal Qof waliba Jirro, cudur ama xanunn ayuu maraa intuu noolyahay, Markaan jirranno, waxaan jecelnahay in nalala joogo, nala weheliyo si uu nooga khafiifo cudurka xanuuunikiisa, hadaba waxaa nalaga doonayaa inaan xasuusano kuwa buka si aan u hello ajar Allah agtiis. Nur

General Duke eNuri solutes your commendable efforts to revive a dead Nation, an Arabic saying says: Wa maa li jurxin bi mayitin bi iilaami A wound on a dead body will not heal. Few years back, the following eNuri posted the following diatribe to express the same feeling you have in a light hearted way. Nurtel Network News Presents: State of the Somali Union Report Prepared By: Somali Anarchist News Agency Doofarrey, Kenya Now that Iraq is being governed by the USA, to be inducted to the modern developed world, and the fact that the US has appointed retired general Gartner as the Imperial Administrator, the Somali Anarchist News Agency is conducting a survey here in Doofaarrey to see if Somalis are ready for a similar American Imperialist care taker government. The last care taker government, the Italians, built roads, schools, cinemas, civil service in the south, Somalis paid for these services with the delicious Somalita bananas. Since the literacy rate at that time was only about 2 percent, anyone who ran for an office was assured to be elected, as a famous politician told his clan, exhorting them to participate in the political process and to become sophisticated. "You must be modernized, smoke cigarettes, wear western trousers, drink red drinks (alcohol), walk the streets like civilized people". Another politician who lost a government post as a Minister, was immediately compensated with the job of the Head of Mogadishu Municipality. In his inauguration, a poet sang for him, " Mukhtaaroow, Minister waa ka weynaatay, ee minishiibiyaad tahay" meaning, " O mukhtaar, you are too good to be a cabinet Minister, you are the head of municipality" Now, after some half a century since the last Imperialist Italian care taker government left Somali soil, Somalis have evacuated the country side, overpopulating cities and towns looking for handouts, dressing trousers and smoking cigarettes to be civilized as their leaders taught them, neglecting their farms, and their rich nomadic lifestyle, burning their forestry to export charcoal to Arabia, selling out their marine resources to Japanese and European trawlers vacuuming up the marine- life- rich Somali coasts, destroying the remaining marine treasures and the crustacean habitat by selling the giant Somali Japanicus lobsters for peanuts in the Dubai auction market, and in the process, these samrt traders are undercutting each other's prices along tribal affiliations and as a result enriching the Indian traders who play Somali Exporters one on the other. These Somali traders are over shipping their livestock to the middle east for peanuts. The picture is not quite complete without the Nuclear waste hosting service our warlords offered Italian and European governments to use Somali coasts for a dumping ground of Medical and Nuclear waste, in a wasted land inhabited by a wasted people. Meanwhile, women and kids are dying of malnutrition, young boys and girls are missing education. And since there is no waste management system in place, people are digging holes in front of their houses to bury their waste, passing the problem for later generations to worry about and as a result, toxicity is seeping down to the water table to circulate the poison and diseases to many other regions and generations to come. Automatic weapons are being traded in the open markets, in the absence of a law enforcement authority, disputes are being settled the old fashioned Western trigger happy way, money is being funneled from overseas refugee clan members to feed the phony peace initiative at Doofaarrey, ( Peace in Somalia is defined as a period of cheating between two periods of fighting, how can you ever trust reer Qansax?) Amidst that gloomy scenario, Somalis are tuning to the BBC world Service News Service for spiritual guidance, they learn that Iraq is liberated and is being governed by the Americans who will treat Iraqis like Alaskans, sending a check of $1,546, to every Iraqi Citizen as her share of the Iraqi Oil revenues. Can you believe that these are the same Americans, Somalis fought so ferociously in 1993 when they came to liberate the country from the warlords grip. The Americans owe their success in Iraq to their experience in Somalia a decade ago, those damn reporters footage of a dead American Ranger being dragged naked on the ground by kids brought the most powerful nation on earth to its knees. This incident triggered a moral dilemma that forced the USA to pull its troops in haste to appease angry citizens, but only to sharpen its claws for yet another national interest adventure ( detail of the lesson will be posted in another thread inshAllah) In light of the above analyses, and monumental problems ahead, a question that forces itself is: "can Somalis afford to loose out on both worlds? they have ruined this life as they have known it, and apparently, have no better chance than Americans in the next, as they are at present intoxicated with evil clan politics, hate culture, and decadent lifestyle. At least Americans know one life to live, and for its sake, they are vigorously pursuing it to adjust it to their interest. As an example if America finds that Uranium deposits in Mijiyahan, Bosaso region, to be of vital US national interest, America will come with its ships, planes and Fox News, on any meager pretext, ( Please read the Anarchist News article of Banana Terrorism), may be to liberate the reer Bari people from their leaders, enticing them with schools, hospitals, golf courses, and of course to teach them principles of Basic Democracy for Dummies, ( King George Bush Version). All the while, the warlords and politicians are busy conducting conferences, in five star hotels, enjoying hot meals and sanitary facilities not available in their home districts. The afternoon in Doofaarrey, is the tea party time, little Mira chewing and womanizing sessions, delegates are busy filling their big mouths with the narcotic weed, their lungs with toxic fumes, and their minds with hate for their fellow countrymen of the other clans, what a healthy conference for a promising bright future for the Somali species? Miss Piggy, Reporting from Doofaarrey. For: Nurtel Network News Where a spade is called a spade

Cara Thaks for the clarification, I would realy like to do a detailed eNuri quality paper on this topic if I could get the time, but since I have posted my Dead Sea response, no time was afforded me at all to look beyound pressing business concernes, but inshAllah I promise you I wont let you down, just need time to sit and jot my thoughts on all points that you ahve made, then open very new interesting outlook on th issues at hand, again, your patience and gracefil debate is appreciated. Nur

Cara Yaa Ghaaliya! The topic was posted April 30, your timely response was on First May, but as we progressed, I am finding that its taking you longer each time for you to respond, as your next response was on May 4, then 8, and now on the 13th, unless you live in remote Somali village off kurtunwaarrey city limits without an access to the internet, the spontaneous responses will be missed by Nomads who were folloing the dialogue with great interest, but later aired frustration and thought it is a dead topic, i am a bit taken why is it taking you this long to respond? I have responded on the same day, the 8th to keep the spontaneous spirit of the dialogiue, if you are doing a research before answering each and every claim I a make, as evident from the Historical dates which you have posted, or if I am debating with more than a person, please let me know, I trust that you will tell me the truth although you do not believe in accountibility after death. But let me assure you walaalo that i welcome wholeheartedly for your to resreach in detail, not only am I confident that it would lead you to find the truth that you are after, but also it will make you a better informed person about Islam and possibly a Muslim sister which is my sincerest wish, a good result on its own merit. Said, that, let me hit on one of your questions quickly walaalo to keep the spontaneous spirit flourish on this thread. The tafseer of al Quraan was made some 1400 years ago, the word Adnaa in Arabic comes from the root word DANAA, which is something that gets closer, or lower, in the Quraan, when Allah describes the fruit bearing branches in Paradise hovering close over people in Paradise says " Wa DAANIYATUN " meaning lowered, the DUNYAA, or earth is the low planet, as opposed to heaven which is higher, thus when the tafaaseer were written they used one aspect of the meaning of the DANAA which is close, the problem is close relative to where? it doesnt say, some scholars claimed it is closer to Makka, the problem with that interpretaion is that Palestine houses both Al Aqsa ( which means the FARTHEST MOSQUE) and Dead Sea , same place from which Prophet Muhammad SAWS was raised to heaven as Masjidul Aqsaa, so, how can the Dead Sea be the closest and farthest to Makka at the same time, the conflict in semantics of the choices of meanings of DANAA can thus be resolved if it means LOWEST point on earth. Now, in our age, when more scientific facts became available, the conflict was reseolved, ADNAA which means either closest or lowest can now be understood in the context of the available scientific and geographical facts, that of the area where the battle took place between Romans and Persians, ( will resolve history of dates later) The Dead Sea area is the lowest point on earth and the battle ground was around it, in that sense, when Allah says, Adnaal ard, it means the lowest point on earth, not the closest point on earth, because the latter would need a reference point which it doesnt have, thus leaving Lowest point as the right translation in the context. Thus, as an Agnostic, Dear Cana accept it or call it insufficient, which is your right, since any proof short of direct contact with God can be challenged by any agnostic, in my attempt I am trying to explore more of these in the days to come to see which one makes sense to you, and as you have cleverly guessed, yes, this Surah was an ice breaker, inshAllah we shall explore and scrutinize Quraan more in depth to qualify the claims. I gotta run now, but inshAllah I will answer the rest of your reponses soon. Nur

e-Nuri Road Maps Presents: Are You Fit For The Purpose? That is right!, are you successful?, because success is a measure of how much of a desired result you have attained within a given time frame. In school you learn that good grades are the ticket to success later in life, only to see, those despised in school riding high with better jobs and more prestigious social status than you the nerd. So, let us ask, are grades a measure of success? At work, in the corpprate world, it is monkey business, monkeys on a tree, the Corporate tree, fighting for bananas (Money), some monkeys climb higher up on the corporate tree, while other unsuccessfull monkeys struggle by hanging on lower branches. Smart monkeys who made it to the top look down at monkeys on the bottom with pride as all they see are lowly smiling monkeys below, while monkeys on the bottom look up at monkeys on top and laugh as all they see is their shining naked rear ends. So, does that mean that the monkey who rides the highest branch and dies with the most bananas in his possession is the most successful? So, what is success? how do you measure success? Well, success is simply being fit for a purpose, if you are still undecided of the purpose for which you exist, I assure you with certainty that you will never succeed in life while in this state of aimlessness, because success is a vector quantity, it has direction as well as magnitude, without direction, no matter what quantity you base your success with, it will be hollow and you will feel a big void in your life, a void so large, even a large size Pizza with mushrooms, olives, green peppers would not fill. Therefore, what we need is to define a Purpose for which we exist, live for and are willing to die for, if it is required. Having no purpose in life is like travelling toward unknown destination, you can never be sure of your accomplishment, and hence you may never be happy. So, the next logical step is to ask the difficult question, who should set that direction for us ? is it us, humans, in other words are some fellow humans ( like our Politicians)the architects of our fate and destiny? are they indeed capable in solving our problems? Contrary to that notion, Einstein said, a problem is never solved at the same intellectual level it was created in the first place, Solution to our problems can only come from a higher authority not from big belly politicians, which means that humans can never be the masters of their destiny since they had no control of events that brought them to life and continues to lead their daily lives. Now, think with me, before we tackle the problem of success in life, let us define what success means once more. Success means Fitness For A Purpose . We all know what fitness means, it means, a set of requirements that measure how close we are to a desired goal or a purpose. As a runner, I would measure how fast I run a lap or how many minutes it takes me to run a mile. I would also measure my heart pulse, blood pressure, muscle mass, and at one time, for curiosity, I weighed myself before running eight mile distance, and after completing the run at the desired speed , I found that I almost lost a pound and a half, mostly water, which explains that life is a zero sum, you decide what you want to take and what price you are willing to pay for it. So in that example, my fitness meant that I was well within the range of measures that I set for myself to achieve. Now that we have figured out what fitness means, lets define what a Purpose means. A Purpose , is an internal picture of a decision, an intention( Niyah )desire to reach an objective or a goal, this definition is not from a dictionary, its a native e-Nuri definition, so in case it agrees with any dictionary rest assured that it is a genuine e-Nuri, since I did not have the time to look it up. So, success means Fitness For A Purpose , The first part, the Fitness is a tangible quantity. The second part, Purpose , is abstract, it is like beauty, a purpose or an intention to reach a goal is an abstract quantity that can only be measured with a predetermined set of metrics we call Fitness . Now, the piecs of the puzzle are finally coming together, our success in this life depends on how much we meet requiremensts the stake holder of our life has desired. As Muslims we all know, the stake holder of our life is Allah SWT, who clearly communicated through revelations that His intention behind our creation was Solely His worship. Allah SWT said in the Quran " I have not created the Jinn and Mankind except for the purpose of my worship " Therefore our success in the next life depends on how much we have worshiped Allah SWT in this present life. So, what is Worship? That is another story altogeher, a very interesting one, and the purpose for which you were created, for which you are given for sensing a pair of eyes, ears, a nose and finger tips, for analysing the data you collect with a brain, all of which are optimized for finding your way back to your maker, the better understanding you have for the true meaning of Worship , the closer you will be to approach success and hence genuine happiness in this life and the next. ............ To be continued Nur -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 e-Nuri Road Maps If You Don't Stand For Allah's Cause Alone, You Will Fall For Everything Else

Author writes: Protein, carbohydrates, and lipids feed the body, while the ruh is fed by the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and sleep (nawm). Another thing that is notable is that the more dhikr you do the less sleep you need Because, when one is engaged in the remembrance of Allah SWT, Dhiker, she /he is alive, and awake, an activity that relaxes the soul not to need as much sleep as those who seldom make Dhiker of Allah SWT. Overall a very beneficial article, may Allah reward the author. Nur

From Archives: Revisiting the Eight Lessons wisdom. Nur

Socod Badane You write: How JB is presently living in aimless period of his life... how condescending, impudent, belittling... all of which has nothing to do with the ensuing discussion and out of sync with etiquette of good spirited debate/discussion You tell me the aim of an athiest in this life, or yours for that matter, and I will take that statement back. If an aim in this life has nothing to do with this topic, then you better read the topic again,this topic is about a vision of hope and faith that translates itself into benevolence, in contrast with a vision of doubt and confusion and denial of a purpose in life. You compare my statement of aimlesseness about his arguments to his vulgar statement about my views as Sadistic, pretty heavy stuff dont you agree? Nur

JB You ask two logically contradicting questions, it is OK to be logically challenged, but help is on the way saaxib, I know what you are going through, a period of aimlessness and a void you dont know how to fill except to argue to spread ignorance when people are thirsty for knowledge. First question; Nur, what would the point of contention of an Angostic/Atheistic person be if you take the claim of Allah´s existance out of the picture? Answer: Just like when a research physicist assumes that a body has no mass, just to prove at the end that it has mass, as an intermediate step in simplifying a rather complex problem. Second Question How can you be presenting a proof for validation and evaluation regarding your Allah´s existance when you insist using the supposed words of the very Deity whose existance is in question? Answer: Because His words are more convincing to reasonable people, best describe Him and are easiest to comprehend to the unaided mind. Nur

Cara You write: Since you might as well be quoting from The Joy of Cooking. You beat me to it, My kitchen or yours? please follow the link below for the joy of Cooking, from eNuri Culinary Corps.. http://www.somaliaonline.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=000641#000003 Now that we have the Quraan question out of the way, isnhAllah, our dialogue will start, and if I may kindly ask you Cara, please stay focused on this topic, delving back on past topics on womens section and how my readership is unhappy are sidetracking the core issue here. You write; 1. The Prophecy If I understood the story right, the Persians defeated the Romans, the early Muslims were demoralized, but Muhammad told them in this verse that soon the Romans would be victorious, which they eventually were. As proof for the existence of god, I would say this is not particularly convincing. This prophecy would be truly remarkable if it was one of many or if it had been more specific. In a book of 6000+ verses, getting one or two predictions right is no miracle. Answer: No you didnt, the purpose of the first part of Surah Romans in Quran was not intended as a direct proof of the Existence of Allah; rather, it was a first step to show Muhammad’s prophethood, which is necessary condition to validate the Quraan he delivered to us from Allah SWT. A prophet in Arabic, means some one who predicts the future with accuracy, the accuracy of the incidents therefore by itself is not the proof of His prophethood, but the culmination of many other incidents, teachings and events in his lifetime that together made Muhammad a phenomenon not many could have resisted are the proofs. In short 23 years, his message fundamentally challenged all others, religious, social, political and even military powers that existed, his followers decisively winning on all fronts, establishing a nation that spanned the globe risen from the lowly barren desert, from tribal division to a national unity, from moral decadence, to the height of moral justice, a beacon of light that connected the Eastern wisdom to the western innovation, a nation that was (Wasatan) (Middle, moderate, media) in every aspect. Now, keeping in mind the fact that Muhammad SAWS had no access to any literature to read about the history or geography of the predictions in this Surah, the interssting part is with such accuracy, where did the info come to him from? let us visit the verses of the Surah Romans as they: 1. Narrate of the place as The Dead Sea, Palestine. 2. Narrate The elevation of the place to be ( Adnal Ard) , meaning (Lowest Point on Earth ) which is proven to be 402 meters below sea level. 3. The Romans would win final decisive battle 4. The Time Span would be within Ten years ( Bidca siniin) 5. Credit to the victory belongs to Allah not to Muhammad. The point here is not to count prediction or two to be correct, rather, its to show that Muhammad SAWS who was an illiterate could not possibly have known all of that without a superior source of knwoledge, as to be so specific to mention that the location of the battle, the Dead Sea to be the lowest point on earth which is a scientific fact. As you can see Cara, its more than two predictions in one Surah, actually all we have explored so far are only few verses of the Romans Chapter, not the whole chapter which was my main intention, not Two correct predictions in the whole Quraan as you claim, because we have not yet visited the entirr 6000+ verses in the Quraan, we shall visit them in time for your examination, so be patient, dont get ahead of your self, my intenton in this debate is not to win an argument, but to win a place in paradise by helping you see what is so obvious while you are reluctant to even consider (That is me again, Naive Nur) 3. Rhetorical Question About The Motivation of Muhammad SAWS: None of the people you have mentioned fall in the category of personalities that have profoundly influenced humanity throughout history like Prophet Muhammad SAWS did, none in terms of vision of a wholesome outlook of life, the unstoppable force that marched from the desert by illitrate Bedouins to create one of the most illustrious world civilizations, that brought the concept of justice, fraternity and equality to Europe, Science and Medicine, I am amazed why you excluded Moses and Jesus from the list , they are the only men in league with Muhammad SAWS, because each one of these great Prophets was driven by a calling of Allah SWT, similar to that of Muhammad, and each one has convincingly led his people to new levels of ethics aided by stunning credentials from Allah known as miracles. For you to put Muhammad with David Koresh, or Ahmed Qadyan, is a fallacy of a scale, showing again what I was guessing when I asked about your exposure to religions, a fundamental deficiency of History of monotheist Religions. Your unbalanced analogy of Prophet Muhammad SAWS to US based cult leaders was neither fair, nor intellectually acceptable, the only credible exception to the your line-up cult leaders is your selection of Buddha, but again, the analogy fails since Muhammad is not worshipped, nor was he a monk, Mohammed was a Statesman, spiritual teacher, husband, father, peacemaker, fighter and a friend. Now, what drives prophets like Muhammad, Moses and Jesus is different than what drives people like Koresh and yourself when it comes to belief and action. Moses who grew up in the Palace of Pharoah, was chosen by Allah SWT to go the Pharoah to free the oppressed chidren of prophet Jacob, known as Israelites, that story is the most touching humanely narrated by all three monothesitis faiths, Moses, did not just wake up one day to make freedom of Jews as his mission, he was callled by Allah SWT. He was given miracles, that made Pharaoh's magicians change their minds from seeking reward if they win the contest against Moses, and after witnessing Moses's miracle, fell down in prostration to Allah declaring that they are ready to die for their faith. What made these magicians change their minds? they knew what magic was, and Moses overpowered them with a Devine miracle. The Quraan Reads: 1. Ta­Sin­Mim [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings] 2. These are Verses of the manifest Book (that makes clear truth from falsehood, good from evil, etc.). 3. We recite to you some of the news of Musa (Moses) and Fir'aun (Pharaoh) in truth, for a people who believe (those who believe in this Qur'an, and in the Oneness of Allah). 4. Verily, Fir'aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidun (i.e. those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants, etc.). 5. And We wished to do a favour to those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors, 6. And to establish them in the land, and We let Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and Haman and their hosts receive from them that which they feared. 7. And We inspired the mother of Musa (Moses), (saying): "Suckle him [Musa (Moses)], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers." 8. Then the household of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Verily! Fir'aun (Pharaoh), Haman and their hosts were sinners. 9. And the wife of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not, perhaps he may be of benefit to us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceive not (the result of that). 10. And the heart of the mother of Musa (Moses) became empty [from every thought, except the thought of Musa (Moses)]. She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers. 11. And she said to his [Musa's (Moses)] sister: "Follow him." So she (his sister) watched him from a far place secretly, while they perceived not. 12. And We had already forbidden (other) foster suckling mothers for him, until she (his sister came up and) said: "Shall I direct you to a household who will rear him for you, and sincerely they will look after him in a good manner?" 13. So did We restore him to his mother, that she might be delighted, and that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the Promise of Allah is true. But most of them know not. 14. And when he attained his full strength, and was perfect (in manhood), We bestowed on him Hukman (Prophethood, right judgement of the affairs) and religious knowledge [of the religion of his forefathers i.e. Islamic Monotheism]. And thus do We reward the Muhsinun (i.e. good doers - see the footnote of V.9:120). 15. And he entered the city at a time of unawareness of its people, and he found there two men fighting, - one of his party (his religion - from the Children of Israel), and the other of his foes. The man of his (own) party asked him for help against his foe, so Musa (Moses) struck him with his fist and killed him. He said: "This is of Shaitan's (Satan) doing, verily, he is a plain misleading enemy." 16. He said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me." Then He forgave him. Verily, He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. 17. He said: "My Lord! For that with which You have favoured me, I will never more be a helper for the Mujrimun (criminals, disobedient to Allah, polytheists, sinners, etc.)!" 18. So he became afraid, looking about in the city (waiting as to what will be the result of his crime of killing), when behold, the man who had sought his help the day before, called for his help (again). Musa (Moses) said to him: "Verily, you are a plain misleader!" 19. hen when he decided to seize the man who was an enemy to both of them, the man said: "O Musa (Moses)! Is it your intention to kill me as you killed a man yesterday? Your aim is nothing but to become a tyrant in the land, and not to be one of those who do right." 20. And there came a man running, from the farthest end of the city. He said: "O Musa (Moses)! Verily, the chiefs are taking counsel together about you, to kill you, so escape.Truly, I am to you of those who give sincere advice." Come visit Palestine and baby Jesus, speaking in the cradle as desribed in Quraan. Virgin Mary, 21. So he escaped from there, looking about in a state of fear. He said: "My Lord! Save me from the people who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers)!" 22. And when he went towards (the land of) Madyan (Midian) he said: "It may be that my Lord guides me to the Right Way." 23. And when he arrived at the water of Madyan (Midian) he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: "What is the matter with you?" They said: "We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man." 24. So he watered (their flocks) for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: "My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!" 25. Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: "Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us." So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: "Fear you not. You have escaped from the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, disbelievers, and wrong-doers)." 26. And said one of them (the two women): "O my father! Hire him! Verily, the best of men for you to hire is the strong, the trustworthy." 27. He said: "I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years, but if you complete ten years, it will be (a favour) from you. But I intend not to place you under a difficulty. If Allah will, you will find me one of the righteous." 28. He [Musa (Moses)] said: "That (is settled) between me and you whichever of the two terms I fulfill, there will be no injustice to me, and Allah is Surety over what we say." 29. Then, when Musa (Moses) had fulfilled the term, and was travelling with his family, he saw a fire in the direction of Tur (Mount). He said to his family: "Wait, I have seen a fire; perhaps I may bring to you from there some information, or a burning fire-brand that you may warm yourselves." 30. So when he reached it (the fire), he was called from the right side of the valley, in the blessed place from the tree: "O Musa (Moses)! Verily! I am Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)! 31. "And throw your stick!" But when he saw it moving as if it were a snake, he turned in flight, and looked not back. (It was said): "O Musa (Moses)! Draw near, and fear not. Verily, you are of those who are secure. 32. "Put your hand in your bosom, it will come forth white without a disease, and draw your hand close to your side to be free from fear (that which you suffered from the snake, and also by that your hand will return to its original state). these are two Burhan (signs, miracles, evidences, proofs) from your Lord to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs. Verily, they are the people who are Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). 33. He said: "My Lord! I have killed a man among them, and I fear that they will kill me. 34."And my brother Harun (Aaron) he is more eloquent in speech than me so send him with me as a helper to confirm me. Verily! I fear that they will belie me." 35. Allah said: "We will strengthen your arm through your brother, and give you both power, so they shall not be able to harm you, with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), you two as well as those who follow you will be the victors." 36. Then when Musa (Moses) came to them with Our Clear Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they said: "This is nothing but invented magic. Never did we hear of this among our fathers of old." 37. Musa (Moses) said: "My Lord knows best him who came with guidance from Him, and whose will be the happy end in the Hereafter. Verily, the Zalimun (wrong-doers, polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) will not be successful." 38. Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "O chiefs! I know not that you have an ilah (a god) other than me, so kindle for me (a fire), O Haman, to bake (bricks out of) clay, and set up for me a Sarhan (a lofty tower, or palace, etc.) in order that I may look at (or look for) the Ilah (God) of Musa (Moses); and verily, I think that he [Musa (Moses)] is one of the liars." 39. And he and his hosts were arrogant in the land, without right, and they thought that they would never return to Us. 40. So We seized him and his hosts, and We threw them all into the sea (and drowned them). So behold (O Muhammad ) what was the end of the Zalimun [wrong-doers, polytheists and those who disbelieved in the Oneness of their Lord (Allah), or rejected the advice of His Messenger Musa (Moses)]. 41. And We made them leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection, they will not be helped. 42. And We made a curse to follow them in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection, they will be among Al-Maqbuhun (those who are prevented to receive Allah's Mercy or any good, despised or destroyed, etc.). 43. And indeed We gave Musa (Moses), after We had destroyed the generations of old, the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah)] as an enlightenment for mankind, and a guidance and a mercy, that they might remember (or receive admonition). 44. And you (O Muhammad ) were not on the western side (of the Mount), when We made clear to Musa (Moses) the commandment, and you were not among those present. 45. But We created generations [after generations i.e. after Musa (Moses)], and long were the ages that passed over them. And you (O Muhammad ) were not a dweller among the people of Madyan (Midian), reciting Our Verses to them. But it is We Who kept sending (Messengers). 46. And you (O Muhammad ) were not at the side of the Tur (Mount) when We did call, [it is said that Allah called the followers of Muhammad , and they answered His Call, or that Allah called Musa (Moses)]. But (you are sent) as a mercy from your Lord, to give warning to a people to whom no warner had come before you, in order that they may remember or receive admonition. [Tafsir At-Tabari, Vol. 20, Page 81]. Cara: Which of the signs of your Lord do you deny? Nur