THE HUSBAND STORE! A store that sells husbands has just opened in Dallas, TX where a woman may go to choose a husband from among many men. The store is composed of 6 floors, and the men increase in positive attributes as the shopper ascends the flights. There is however, a catch. As you open the door to any floor you may choose a man from that floor, but if you go up a floor, you cannot go back down except to exit the building. So, a woman goes to the shopping center to find a husband. On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 : These men have jobs. The woman reads the sign and says to herself, "Well, that's better than my last boyfriend, but I wonder what's further up?" So, up she goes. The second floor sign reads: Floor 2 : These men have jobs and love kids. The woman remarks to herself, "That's great, but I wonder what's further up?"And up she goes again. The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 : These men have jobs, love kids and are extremely good-looking. "Hmmm, better" she says. "But I wonder what's upstairs?" The fourth floor sign reads: Floor 4 : These men have jobs, love kids, are extremely good-looking and help with the housework. "Wow!" exclaims the woman, "very tempting. BUT, there must be more further up!" And again she heads up another flight. The fifth floor sign reads: Floor 5 : These men have jobs, love kids, are extremely good-looking, help with the housework and have a strong romantic streak. "Oh, mercy me! But just think? what must be awaiting me further on?" So up to the sixth floor she goes. The sixth floor sign reads: Floor 6 : You are visitor 89,012,996 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at The Husband Store, and have a nice day. Y'all read this article, i loughted so hard when i saw it..... Go figure:........

Tolow ani maxaa la ii nominategaray doonaa "Tomboy of the year"...just kidin.... sAlaAma kA DheH:.......

Ay Kutubeey kheyr aan ka sheekaynoosaa, laakiin fiiri kuwo badan aa ah singles nooh, marka wiilasha qeybi dee..... sAlaAma kA DheH:..........

okey dee buugaaga iyo qalinkaaga la imow, waa lagu bari afsomali..... sAlaAma kA DheH:............

Styt sxbtay waxaan ku geyneynaa iskuulka "Seeraalayaasha" haddii afsoomaaligaaga yar yahay darling... sAlaAma kA DheH:............

^^^^^^Thanks hibo... sAlaAma kA DheH:........

I have read this article in my Global Studies class, also Orientalism, by Edward Said.. I support the changing but not from outside. Change should be inside.We need to educate our youth before we go and cry from American democrecy. I agree with you gal, change should be inside, not from outside with authority..... sAlaAma kA DhEh:.........

MMA sxb Xamar iyo Xaafaddeeni aa isoo xusuusisay walaahi, waan xusuustaa subaxda jimcaha aa la soo deyn jiray, i agree its hillleeerouuous runtii... Got More?.... sAlAama kA DhEh:..........

^^^^AjaAjAh sxbTay way is "Caleema Saaroosaa" abaa,,,,qataari saane yaaqee... sALaAma kA DheH:...........

Dear P thanks for the FLOWER, of course u r part of the family, see waaye dee, waa in lagu soo raadiyaa markii lagu waayo... sALaAma kA DheH:..........

Sweeter then tea iyo nuune waraada battery low iyo indha xumoba way isgukey darsoomeey, laakiin yaa idin sheegaye hee. Styt sxbtay waan fiirsaday that movie inta aan ugu jecelahay waa intaas marka uu dhahaayo wajigaada iga baandhee sAlaAma kA DheH:.........

war heedhe waxaas oo dhib ah ma waxaa keeyntay Ayan Hirsi, balaayoow, waraada innaga daaya dee waa sidee..... sAalamA kA DheH:...........

sxb xiin way iska fiican tahay in aan iska ogaanno inay jiraan "Dad daba dhilif" ah adduun, ma ogtahay inuu ninkaan tahay ama ka dhashay dadka "koofiyadda yar" madaxa saarto, na'mean.. marka annagu haddii aan nahay Islaam way fiican tahay in aan ogaanno cadowgeeyna, taada kale class keyga Global Studies ama International Relation ka ah ayaan mar walba oga hadalnaa arimaha noocaan ah. sAalamA kA DheH:...........

April 13, 2005 OP-ED COLUMNIST The Calm Before the Storm? By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN So here's a question that I've been wrestling with lately: With all these reports about the bungling of U.S. intelligence, and the C.I.A.'s relying on bogus informants with names like "Curveball" or "Knucklehead" or whatever, why have there been no terrorist attacks in the U.S. since 9/11? I've got my own pet theory about what's produced this period of calm - and, more important, why it may be coming to an end. Let's start with the facts. Despite all the code reds and code oranges we've been subjected to by the Department of Homeland Security, and despite the mountain of newspaper articles about how underprotected our ports and borders are, the fact is that not only has there not been another 9/11, but there has not even been a serious failed attempt that we know of. I'm not complaining - I'm just wondering why. It still seems to me ridiculously easy to blow up a car in the heart of Chicago. And anyone who has flown on a private jet since 9/11 can tell you that security at these private terminals is still so lax that if you showed up in a Saudi headdress with a West Virginia driver's license under the name of "Billy Bob bin Laden" and asked for flight directions for your chartered Learjet to Lower Manhattan, there's a good chance no one would stop you. So, how then do we explain the calm? To begin with, I'd give a tip o' the hat to the C.I.A., the F.B.I. and the Department of Homeland Security. I have no doubt that their increased vigilance - and coordination with European and Arab intelligence services - has made it much harder for terrorists to organize. Moreover, thanks to Gen. John Abizaid's Centcom forces in Afghanistan, Al Qaeda no longer has a whole country from which to plan, train and coordinate terrorist attacks with impunity. The fact that Al Qaeda effectively controlled a country is what made it unique. Also, new U.S. visa policies have made it much harder for bad guys to get into America. If your name is Muhammad and you are a 21-year-old single Arab man and you have not visited Disney World yet, well, you may want to consider Euro Disney, because your chances of getting a U.S. tourist visa are very low. Frankly, I wish this were not the case because we're keeping a lot of good, talented Arab men and women from getting educated in America, which is the best way of building friends. This is one of the sad byproducts of 9/11 - but it has undoubtedly made it more difficult for the few bad apples to get in as well. Despite all of that, I fear that we may now be entering the most dangerous period since 9/11. Why? Because I've always believed that one of the most important reasons there has been no new terrorist attack in America has to do with the U.S. invasions of both Iraq and Afghanistan. It is not only that the Bush administration has taken the fight to the enemy, but that the enemy has welcomed that fight. To the extent that the Baathists and Jihadists have a coordinated strategy, their first priority, I think, is to defeat American forces in the heart of their world. Because if they can defeat America in the heart of the Arab-Muslim world, it will have so much more resonance than setting off a car bomb in Las Vegas - especially now that 9/11 has set the terrorism bar so high in terms of effect. If the Jihadists can defeat us in the heart of their world, and force us from Iraq, it will have a huge impact on the Arab street and shake every pro-American Arab regime. The Jihadists have always understood that Iraq is the ballgame. Iraq is the big one. Winning there is what really advances their agendas. The reason things may be getting more dangerous now is that the formation of a freely elected government in Iraq may signal that the Baathist-Jihadist insurgency is being gradually defeated. The U.S. may even be able to withdraw some troops. And there is nothing worse for the Baathists and Jihadists than to be defeated in the heart of their world - and, even more so, to be defeated in the heart of their world by other Arabs and Muslims who are repudiating the Jihadists' vision and tactics. I fear that when and if the Jihadists conclude that they have been defeated in the heart of their world, they will be sorely tempted to throw a Hail Mary pass. That is, they may want to launch a spectacular, headline-grabbing act of terrorism in America that tries to mask, and compensate for, just how defeated they have become at home. In short, the more the Jihadists lose in Iraq, the more likely they are to use their rump forces to try something really crazy in America to make up for it. So let's stay the course in Iraq, but stay extra-vigilant at home. Enjoy y'all..

Sis Wiilo, extra thanks. Very helpful article. U are Very welcome dear Dark Angel Wabillaahi Towfiiq:......

So far this one is okeeeeeeeeey,,, http://www.allgedo.com http://www.onkod.com http://www.goobjoog.net http://www.dayniile.com http://www.aftahan.com http://www.qaranimo.com/ sAalaama kA DheH:.........

waraada iska raaxaysta nooh, maxaa waxaan oo dhan u mareysiin. Qoftaan (Ayan Hirsi) wax ay Diinta Islaamka ah ka qaadayso majiraan, marka maxaad idinka hadal isugu tuurtuureysaan, come on y'all forget about it. you know, dambi lee laga sii qaadaa haddii hadalka la wadwado nooh, iska ilooba yaaqee. sAalamA kA DheH:...........

Open letter to Miss Ayan Hirsi By Awes A. Osman ( fundamental reaction to any problem is not a solution but a catalyst to the problem) I chose to address below message to you not because of any personal obsession about your private life but because your case is an example of any Somali rather third world citizens who are singled out from their folks because of their actions or thinking attitudes. These individuals become different from the normal people in many ways. Their actions can be either negative or positive attitude depending on the outcome and how the recepients view it . Y'all can read the entire open letter to Miss Ayan Hirsi... http://www.somalicenter.com/2005/Apr/op/Awes_Osman.htm Salaama Ka Dheh:.........

THE SPIRITUAL ASPECT FOUNDATIONS OF SPIRITUAL AND HUMAN EQUITY By Jamal Badawi, PhD. 1. According to the Qur'an, men and women have the same human spiritual nature. O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person (nafsin- waahidah), created, of like nature, his mate, and from them two scattered (like seeds) countless men and women--reverence Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.... (Qur'an 4:1) It is He Who created you from a single person and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah, their Lord (saying) "If You give us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful. (Qur'an 7:189) (He is) the Creator of the heavens and the earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you! There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the one that hears and sees (all things). (Qur'an 42:11) 2. Both men and women alike are recipients of the "divine breath," because they are created with the same human spiritual nature. Indeed, as the Qur'an states, Allah originated them both from a single person or "one soul" (nafsin-waahidah). Reflecting the magnitude of this universal divine gift, the Qur'an states: But He fashioned him (the human, or insan) in due proportion and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and understanding: Little thanks do you give! [3] (Qur'an 32:9) Referring to Adam, the father of both men and women, the Qur'an relates that Allah commanded the angels to bow down (in respect) to him: So if I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down in obeisance unto him. (Qur'an 15:29) 3. Allah has invested both genders with inherent dignity and has made men and women, collectively, the trustees of Allah on earth. We have honored the children of Adam, provided them with transport on land and sea, given them for sustenance things good and pure, and conferred on them special favors above a great part of Our Creation. (Qur'an 17:70) Behold, your Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said "Will you place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? While we celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?" He said: "I know what you know not." (Qur'an 2:30) 4. The Qur'an does not blame woman for the "fall of man," nor does it view pregnancy and childbirth as punishments for "eating from the forbidden tree."On the contrary,the Qur'an depicts Adam and Eve as equally responsible for their sin in the garden , never singling out Eve for blame. It also esteems pregnancy and childbirth as sufficient reasons for the love and respect due to mothers from their children. O Adam! You and your wife dwell in the garden and enjoy (its good things) as you (both) wish: but approach not this tree or you (both) run into harm and transgression. Then Satan began to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame was hidden from them (before): he said, "Your Lord only forbade you this tree lest you (both) should become angels or such beings as live forever." And he swore to them both that he was their sincere adviser. So by deceit he brought about their fall. When they tasted the tree, their shame became manifest to them and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: "Did I know forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?" They said: "Our Lord! we have wronged our own souls: If You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be lost." (Allah) said: "Get you (both) down with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling- place and your means of livelihood for a time." He said: "Therein shall you (both) live and therein shall you (both) die; and from it shall you (both) be taken out (at last)..." O you children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you in the same manner as he got your parents out of the garden stripping them of their raiment to expose their shame: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends (only) to those without faith. [4] (Qur'an 7:19-27) Regarding pregnancy and childbirth, the Qur'an states: And We have enjoined on (every) person (to be good) to his/her parents: in travail upon travail did his/her mother bear him/her and in years twain was his/her weaning: (hear the command) "Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: to Me is (your final) Goal." (Qur'an 31:14) We have enjoined on (every) person kindness to his/her parents: in pain did his/her mother bear him/her and in pain did she give his/her weaning is (a period of) thirty months. At length, when he /she reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he/she says "O my Lord! grant that I may be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon both my parents and that I may work righteousness such as You may approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to You and truly do I bow (to You) in Islam (submission)." (Qur'an 46:15) [5] 5.Men and women have the same religious duties and responsiblities. Each human being shall face the consequences of his or her deeds. And their Lord has accepted of them and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he/she male or female: you are members one of another..." If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female, and have faith, they will enter paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them. (Qur'an 4:124) For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patent and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise-- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (Qur'an 33:35) One Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women, how their Light runs forward before them and by their right hands. (Their greeting will be): "Good News for you this Day! Gardens beneath which flow rivers! To dwell therein forever! This is indeed the highest Achievement!" (Qur'an 57:12) CRITERION FOR "SUPERIORITY" The Qur'an is quite clear about the issue of claimed superiority or inferiority of any human male or female: O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (one who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquanted (with all things). (Qur'an 49:13) A few observations about this verse may be helpful in tracing the foundation of spiritual and human equality before Allah: a. It begins by addressing not only Muslims but the whole of mankind, irrespective of their gender and their national or religious backgrounds. As such, it is a universal declaration to all made by the Creator of all. b. It states that there is only One creator of all mankind. As such there is no room for arguments of superiority based on one's having been created by a "superior" God, as there is only One god (Allah). Nor is there any basis for a caste system based on some having been created in a way which is "different" from others or is superior. As Prophet Muhammad (P) explained, "... You all belong to Adam, and Adam was created from dust." In the process of human reporduction there is no superiority or inferiority; kings and paupers, males and females, are created from what the qur'an describes as "despised fluid." Our having been crated by the One and Only Creator implies our basic equality before Him; He is just to all. c. Being a faithful creature, servant and worshipper of the One god is at the heart of one's real spirituality and humanness. In this, the essence of gender equality finds its most profound basis. d. The verse states that all human beings are created min thakarin wa-untha, which can be translated literally as "of male and female." This means in pairs, as the Qur'an explicitly mentiones elsewhere (e.g. 78:8). Each component of the pair is as necessary and as important as the other and hence is equal to him or her. The wording of this verse has been commonly translated as "from a (single pair of) a male and a female," referring to Adam and Eve. this serves as a reminder to all mankind that they belong to the same family, with one common set of parents. As such they are all equal, as brothers and sisters in that broad and "very extended" family. e. Variations in gender, languages, ethnic backgrounds and, by implication, religious claims, do not provide any basis for superiority or inferiority. Thhe implication of "that you may know each other" (Qur'an 49:13) is that such variations constitute a delibrate mosaic that Allah created, which is more interesting and more beautiful than a single "color" or a "unisex". f. Most significant and relevant to the topic at hand is the clear categorical statement that the most honored person in the sight of allah is the one who is most pious and righteous. this precludes any other basis for superiority, including. gender. 6. Nowhere does the Qur'an state that ones gender is superior to the other. Some interpreters of the Qur'an mistakenly translate the Arabic word qiwamah (responsibility for the family) with the English word "superiority." The Quran makes it clear that the sole basis for superiority of any person over another is piety and righteousness , not gender, color or nationality. 7. The absence of women as prophets or "messengers of Allah" in prophetic history is due to the demands and physical suffering associated with the role of messengers and prophets and not because of any spiritual inferiority attributed to women. [6] Socities to which prophets were sent, including the Israelities, pre-Islamic Arabs and others, were largely patriarchal socieites. they probably would have been less responsibe to the ministry of female messengers of god. In fact, they made things extremely difficult for male messengers. From this chapter, it is clear that in terms of spirituality and humanness, both genders stand on equal footing before Allah. It is clear also that nowhere in the primary sources of Islam (the Qur'an and Sunnah) do we find any basis for the superiority of one gender over the other. Human misinterpretations, culturally-bound opinions or manipulations are not congruent with what Islam teaches. The full equality of all human beings before Allah is beyond doubt. This equality should not be confused , however , with role differentiation in the spirit of cooperation and complimentary. This is why equity is a more accurate term than "equality," as explained in endnote 1 and as applied in the remaining chapters of this work. 1. According to the Qur'an, men and women have the same human spiritual nature. O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person (nafsin- waahidah), created, of like nature, his mate, and from them two scattered (like seeds) countless men and women--reverence Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.... (Qur'an 4:1) It is He Who created you from a single person and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah, their Lord (saying) "If You give us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful. (Qur'an 7:189) (He is) the Creator of the heavens and the earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you! There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the one that hears and sees (all things). (Qur'an 42:11) 2. Both men and women alike are recipients of the "divine breath," because they are created with the same human spiritual nature. Indeed, as the Qur'an states, Allah originated them both from a single person or "one soul" (nafsin-waahidah). Reflecting the magnitude of this universal divine gift, the Qur'an states: But He fashioned him (the human, or insan) in due proportion and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and understanding: Little thanks do you give! [3] (Qur'an 32:9) Referring to Adam, the father of both men and women, the Qur'an relates that Allah commanded the angels to bow down (in respect) to him: So if I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down in obeisance unto him. (Qur'an 15:29) 3. Allah has invested both genders with inherent dignity and has made men and women, collectively, the trustees of Allah on earth. We have honored the children of Adam, provided them with transport on land and sea, given them for sustenance things good and pure, and conferred on them special favors above a great part of Our Creation. (Qur'an 17:70) Behold, your Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said "Will you place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? While we celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?" He said: "I know what you know not." (Qur'an 2:30) 4. The Qur'an does not blame woman for the "fall of man," nor does it view pregnancy and childbirth as punishments for "eating from the forbidden tree."On the contrary,the Qur'an depicts Adam and Eve as equally responsible for their sin in the garden , never singling out Eve for blame. It also esteems pregnancy and childbirth as sufficient reasons for the love and respect due to mothers from their children. O Adam! You and your wife dwell in the garden and enjoy (its good things) as you (both) wish: but approach not this tree or you (both) run into harm and transgression. Then Satan began to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame was hidden from them (before): he said, "Your Lord only forbade you this tree lest you (both) should become angels or such beings as live forever." And he swore to them both that he was their sincere adviser. So by deceit he brought about their fall. When they tasted the tree, their shame became manifest to them and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: "Did I know forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?" They said: "Our Lord! we have wronged our own souls: If You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be lost." (Allah) said: "Get you (both) down with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling- place and your means of livelihood for a time." He said: "Therein shall you (both) live and therein shall you (both) die; and from it shall you (both) be taken out (at last)..." O you children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you in the same manner as he got your parents out of the garden stripping them of their raiment to expose their shame: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends (only) to those without faith. [4] (Qur'an 7:19-27) Regarding pregnancy and childbirth, the Qur'an states: And We have enjoined on (every) person (to be good) to his/her parents: in travail upon travail did his/her mother bear him/her and in years twain was his/her weaning: (hear the command) "Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: to Me is (your final) Goal." (Qur'an 31:14) We have enjoined on (every) person kindness to his/her parents: in pain did his/her mother bear him/her and in pain did she give his/her weaning is (a period of) thirty months. At length, when he /she reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he/she says "O my Lord! grant that I may be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon both my parents and that I may work righteousness such as You may approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to You and truly do I bow (to You) in Islam (submission)." (Qur'an 46:15) [5] 5.Men and women have the same religious duties and responsiblities. Each human being shall face the consequences of his or her deeds. And their Lord has accepted of them and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he/she male or female: you are members one of another..." If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female, and have faith, they will enter paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them. (Qur'an 4:124) For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patent and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise-- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (Qur'an 33:35) One Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women, how their Light runs forward before them and by their right hands. (Their greeting will be): "Good News for you this Day! Gardens beneath which flow rivers! To dwell therein forever! This is indeed the highest Achievement!" (Qur'an 57:12) CRITERION FOR "SUPERIORITY" The Qur'an is quite clear about the issue of claimed superiority or inferiority of any human male or female: O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (one who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquanted (with all things). (Qur'an 49:13) A few observations about this verse may be helpful in tracing the foundation of spiritual and human equality before Allah: a. It begins by addressing not only Muslims but the whole of mankind, irrespective of their gender and their national or religious backgrounds. As such, it is a universal declaration to all made by the Creator of all. b. It states that there is only One creator of all mankind. As such there is no room for arguments of superiority based on one's having been created by a "superior" God, as there is only One god (Allah). Nor is there any basis for a caste system based on some having been created in a way which is "different" from others or is superior. As Prophet Muhammad (P) explained, "... You all belong to Adam, and Adam was created from dust." In the process of human reporduction there is no superiority or inferiority; kings and paupers, males and females, are created from what the qur'an describes as "despised fluid." Our having been crated by the One and Only Creator implies our basic equality before Him; He is just to all. c. Being a faithful creature, servant and worshipper of the One god is at the heart of one's real spirituality and humanness. In this, the essence of gender equality finds its most profound basis. d. The verse states that all human beings are created min thakarin wa-untha, which can be translated literally as "of male and female." This means in pairs, as the Qur'an explicitly mentiones elsewhere (e.g. 78:8). Each component of the pair is as necessary and as important as the other and hence is equal to him or her. The wording of this verse has been commonly translated as "from a (single pair of) a male and a female," referring to Adam and Eve. this serves as a reminder to all mankind that they belong to the same family, with one common set of parents. As such they are all equal, as brothers and sisters in that broad and "very extended" family. e. Variations in gender, languages, ethnic backgrounds and, by implication, religious claims, do not provide any basis for superiority or inferiority. Thhe implication of "that you may know each other" (Qur'an 49:13) is that such variations constitute a delibrate mosaic that Allah created, which is more interesting and more beautiful than a single "color" or a "unisex". f. Most significant and relevant to the topic at hand is the clear categorical statement that the most honored person in the sight of allah is the one who is most pious and righteous. this precludes any other basis for superiority, including. gender. 6. Nowhere does the Qur'an state that ones gender is superior to the other. Some interpreters of the Qur'an mistakenly translate the Arabic word qiwamah (responsibility for the family) with the English word "superiority." The Quran makes it clear that the sole basis for superiority of any person over another is piety and righteousness , not gender, color or nationality. 7. The absence of women as prophets or "messengers of Allah" in prophetic history is due to the demands and physical suffering associated with the role of messengers and prophets and not because of any spiritual inferiority attributed to women. [6] Socities to which prophets were sent, including the Israelities, pre-Islamic Arabs and others, were largely patriarchal socieites. they probably would have been less responsibe to the ministry of female messengers of god. In fact, they made things extremely difficult for male messengers. From this chapter, it is clear that in terms of spirituality and humanness, both genders stand on equal footing before Allah. It is clear also that nowhere in the primary sources of Islam (the Qur'an and Sunnah) do we find any basis for the superiority of one gender over the other. Human misinterpretations, culturally-bound opinions or manipulations are not congruent with what Islam teaches. The full equality of all human beings before Allah is beyond doubt. This equality should not be confused , however , with role differentiation in the spirit of cooperation and complimentary. This is why equity is a more accurate term than "equality," as explained in endnote 1 and as applied in the remaining chapters of this work. 1. According to the Qur'an, men and women have the same human spiritual nature. O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person (nafsin- waahidah), created, of like nature, his mate, and from them two scattered (like seeds) countless men and women--reverence Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.... (Qur'an 4:1) It is He Who created you from a single person and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah, their Lord (saying) "If You give us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful. (Qur'an 7:189) (He is) the Creator of the heavens and the earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you! There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the one that hears and sees (all things). (Qur'an 42:11) 2. Both men and women alike are recipients of the "divine breath," because they are created with the same human spiritual nature. Indeed, as the Qur'an states, Allah originated them both from a single person or "one soul" (nafsin-waahidah). Reflecting the magnitude of this universal divine gift, the Qur'an states: But He fashioned him (the human, or insan) in due proportion and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and understanding: Little thanks do you give! [3] (Qur'an 32:9) Referring to Adam, the father of both men and women, the Qur'an relates that Allah commanded the angels to bow down (in respect) to him: So if I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down in obeisance unto him. (Qur'an 15:29) 3. Allah has invested both genders with inherent dignity and has made men and women, collectively, the trustees of Allah on earth. We have honored the children of Adam, provided them with transport on land and sea, given them for sustenance things good and pure, and conferred on them special favors above a great part of Our Creation. (Qur'an 17:70) Behold, your Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said "Will you place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? While we celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?" He said: "I know what you know not." (Qur'an 2:30) 4. The Qur'an does not blame woman for the "fall of man," nor does it view pregnancy and childbirth as punishments for "eating from the forbidden tree."On the contrary,the Qur'an depicts Adam and Eve as equally responsible for their sin in the garden , never singling out Eve for blame. It also esteems pregnancy and childbirth as sufficient reasons for the love and respect due to mothers from their children. O Adam! You and your wife dwell in the garden and enjoy (its good things) as you (both) wish: but approach not this tree or you (both) run into harm and transgression. Then Satan began to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame was hidden from them (before): he said, "Your Lord only forbade you this tree lest you (both) should become angels or such beings as live forever." And he swore to them both that he was their sincere adviser. So by deceit he brought about their fall. When they tasted the tree, their shame became manifest to them and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: "Did I know forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?" They said: "Our Lord! we have wronged our own souls: If You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be lost." (Allah) said: "Get you (both) down with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling- place and your means of livelihood for a time." He said: "Therein shall you (both) live and therein shall you (both) die; and from it shall you (both) be taken out (at last)..." O you children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you in the same manner as he got your parents out of the garden stripping them of their raiment to expose their shame: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends (only) to those without faith. [4] (Qur'an 7:19-27) Regarding pregnancy and childbirth, the Qur'an states: And We have enjoined on (every) person (to be good) to his/her parents: in travail upon travail did his/her mother bear him/her and in years twain was his/her weaning: (hear the command) "Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: to Me is (your final) Goal." (Qur'an 31:14) We have enjoined on (every) person kindness to his/her parents: in pain did his/her mother bear him/her and in pain did she give his/her weaning is (a period of) thirty months. At length, when he /she reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he/she says "O my Lord! grant that I may be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon both my parents and that I may work righteousness such as You may approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to You and truly do I bow (to You) in Islam (submission)." (Qur'an 46:15) [5] 5.Men and women have the same religious duties and responsiblities. Each human being shall face the consequences of his or her deeds. And their Lord has accepted of them and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he/she male or female: you are members one of another..." If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female, and have faith, they will enter paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them. (Qur'an 4:124) For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patent and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise-- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (Qur'an 33:35) One Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women, how their Light runs forward before them and by their right hands. (Their greeting will be): "Good News for you this Day! Gardens beneath which flow rivers! To dwell therein forever! This is indeed the highest Achievement!" (Qur'an 57:12) CRITERION FOR "SUPERIORITY" The Qur'an is quite clear about the issue of claimed superiority or inferiority of any human male or female: O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (one who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquanted (with all things). (Qur'an 49:13) A few observations about this verse may be helpful in tracing the foundation of spiritual and human equality before Allah: a. It begins by addressing not only Muslims but the whole of mankind, irrespective of their gender and their national or religious backgrounds. As such, it is a universal declaration to all made by the Creator of all. b. It states that there is only One creator of all mankind. As such there is no room for arguments of superiority based on one's having been created by a "superior" God, as there is only One god (Allah). Nor is there any basis for a caste system based on some having been created in a way which is "different" from others or is superior. As Prophet Muhammad (P) explained, "... You all belong to Adam, and Adam was created from dust." In the process of human reporduction there is no superiority or inferiority; kings and paupers, males and females, are created from what the qur'an describes as "despised fluid." Our having been crated by the One and Only Creator implies our basic equality before Him; He is just to all. c. Being a faithful creature, servant and worshipper of the One god is at the heart of one's real spirituality and humanness. In this, the essence of gender equality finds its most profound basis. d. The verse states that all human beings are created min thakarin wa-untha, which can be translated literally as "of male and female." This means in pairs, as the Qur'an explicitly mentiones elsewhere (e.g. 78:8). Each component of the pair is as necessary and as important as the other and hence is equal to him or her. The wording of this verse has been commonly translated as "from a (single pair of) a male and a female," referring to Adam and Eve. this serves as a reminder to all mankind that they belong to the same family, with one common set of parents. As such they are all equal, as brothers and sisters in that broad and "very extended" family. e. Variations in gender, languages, ethnic backgrounds and, by implication, religious claims, do not provide any basis for superiority or inferiority. Thhe implication of "that you may know each other" (Qur'an 49:13) is that such variations constitute a delibrate mosaic that Allah created, which is more interesting and more beautiful than a single "color" or a "unisex". f. Most significant and relevant to the topic at hand is the clear categorical statement that the most honored person in the sight of allah is the one who is most pious and righteous. this precludes any other basis for superiority, including. gender. 6. Nowhere does the Qur'an state that ones gender is superior to the other. Some interpreters of the Qur'an mistakenly translate the Arabic word qiwamah (responsibility for the family) with the English word "superiority." The Quran makes it clear that the sole basis for superiority of any person over another is piety and righteousness , not gender, color or nationality. 7. The absence of women as prophets or "messengers of Allah" in prophetic history is due to the demands and physical suffering associated with the role of messengers and prophets and not because of any spiritual inferiority attributed to women. [6] Socities to which prophets were sent, including the Israelities, pre-Islamic Arabs and others, were largely patriarchal socieites. they probably would have been less responsibe to the ministry of female messengers of god. In fact, they made things extremely difficult for male messengers. From this chapter, it is clear that in terms of spirituality and humanness, both genders stand on equal footing before Allah. It is clear also that nowhere in the primary sources of Islam (the Qur'an and Sunnah) do we find any basis for the superiority of one gender over the other. Human misinterpretations, culturally-bound opinions or manipulations are not congruent with what Islam teaches. The full equality of all human beings before Allah is beyond doubt. This equality should not be confused , however , with role differentiation in the spirit of cooperation and complimentary. This is why equity is a more accurate term than "equality," as explained in endnote 1 and as applied in the remaining chapters of this work. 1. According to the Qur'an, men and women have the same human spiritual nature. O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person (nafsin- waahidah), created, of like nature, his mate, and from them two scattered (like seeds) countless men and women--reverence Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.... (Qur'an 4:1) It is He Who created you from a single person and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah, their Lord (saying) "If You give us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful. (Qur'an 7:189) (He is) the Creator of the heavens and the earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you! There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the one that hears and sees (all things). (Qur'an 42:11) 2. Both men and women alike are recipients of the "divine breath," because they are created with the same human spiritual nature. Indeed, as the Qur'an states, Allah originated them both from a single person or "one soul" (nafsin-waahidah). Reflecting the magnitude of this universal divine gift, the Qur'an states: But He fashioned him (the human, or insan) in due proportion and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and understanding: Little thanks do you give! [3] (Qur'an 32:9) Referring to Adam, the father of both men and women, the Qur'an relates that Allah commanded the angels to bow down (in respect) to him: So if I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down in obeisance unto him. (Qur'an 15:29) 3. Allah has invested both genders with inherent dignity and has made men and women, collectively, the trustees of Allah on earth. We have honored the children of Adam, provided them with transport on land and sea, given them for sustenance things good and pure, and conferred on them special favors above a great part of Our Creation. (Qur'an 17:70) Behold, your Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said "Will you place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? While we celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?" He said: "I know what you know not." (Qur'an 2:30) 4. The Qur'an does not blame woman for the "fall of man," nor does it view pregnancy and childbirth as punishments for "eating from the forbidden tree."On the contrary,the Qur'an depicts Adam and Eve as equally responsible for their sin in the garden , never singling out Eve for blame. It also esteems pregnancy and childbirth as sufficient reasons for the love and respect due to mothers from their children. O Adam! You and your wife dwell in the garden and enjoy (its good things) as you (both) wish: but approach not this tree or you (both) run into harm and transgression. Then Satan began to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame was hidden from them (before): he said, "Your Lord only forbade you this tree lest you (both) should become angels or such beings as live forever." And he swore to them both that he was their sincere adviser. So by deceit he brought about their fall. When they tasted the tree, their shame became manifest to them and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: "Did I know forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?" They said: "Our Lord! we have wronged our own souls: If You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be lost." (Allah) said: "Get you (both) down with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling- place and your means of livelihood for a time." He said: "Therein shall you (both) live and therein shall you (both) die; and from it shall you (both) be taken out (at last)..." O you children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you in the same manner as he got your parents out of the garden stripping them of their raiment to expose their shame: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends (only) to those without faith. [4] (Qur'an 7:19-27) Regarding pregnancy and childbirth, the Qur'an states: And We have enjoined on (every) person (to be good) to his/her parents: in travail upon travail did his/her mother bear him/her and in years twain was his/her weaning: (hear the command) "Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: to Me is (your final) Goal." (Qur'an 31:14) We have enjoined on (every) person kindness to his/her parents: in pain did his/her mother bear him/her and in pain did she give his/her weaning is (a period of) thirty months. At length, when he /she reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he/she says "O my Lord! grant that I may be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon both my parents and that I may work righteousness such as You may approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to You and truly do I bow (to You) in Islam (submission)." (Qur'an 46:15) [5] 5.Men and women have the same religious duties and responsiblities. Each human being shall face the consequences of his or her deeds. And their Lord has accepted of them and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he/she male or female: you are members one of another..." If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female, and have faith, they will enter paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them. (Qur'an 4:124) For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patent and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise-- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (Qur'an 33:35) One Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women, how their Light runs forward before them and by their right hands. (Their greeting will be): "Good News for you this Day! Gardens beneath which flow rivers! To dwell therein forever! This is indeed the highest Achievement!" (Qur'an 57:12) CRITERION FOR "SUPERIORITY" The Qur'an is quite clear about the issue of claimed superiority or inferiority of any human male or female: O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (one who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquanted (with all things). (Qur'an 49:13) A few observations about this verse may be helpful in tracing the foundation of spiritual and human equality before Allah: a. It begins by addressing not only Muslims but the whole of mankind, irrespective of their gender and their national or religious backgrounds. As such, it is a universal declaration to all made by the Creator of all. b. It states that there is only One creator of all mankind. As such there is no room for arguments of superiority based on one's having been created by a "superior" God, as there is only One god (Allah). Nor is there any basis for a caste system based on some having been created in a way which is "different" from others or is superior. As Prophet Muhammad (P) explained, "... You all belong to Adam, and Adam was created from dust." In the process of human reporduction there is no superiority or inferiority; kings and paupers, males and females, are created from what the qur'an describes as "despised fluid." Our having been crated by the One and Only Creator implies our basic equality before Him; He is just to all. c. Being a faithful creature, servant and worshipper of the One god is at the heart of one's real spirituality and humanness. In this, the essence of gender equality finds its most profound basis. d. The verse states that all human beings are created min thakarin wa-untha, which can be translated literally as "of male and female." This means in pairs, as the Qur'an explicitly mentiones elsewhere (e.g. 78:8). Each component of the pair is as necessary and as important as the other and hence is equal to him or her. The wording of this verse has been commonly translated as "from a (single pair of) a male and a female," referring to Adam and Eve. this serves as a reminder to all mankind that they belong to the same family, with one common set of parents. As such they are all equal, as brothers and sisters in that broad and "very extended" family. e. Variations in gender, languages, ethnic backgrounds and, by implication, religious claims, do not provide any basis for superiority or inferiority. Thhe implication of "that you may know each other" (Qur'an 49:13) is that such variations constitute a delibrate mosaic that Allah created, which is more interesting and more beautiful than a single "color" or a "unisex". f. Most significant and relevant to the topic at hand is the clear categorical statement that the most honored person in the sight of allah is the one who is most pious and righteous. this precludes any other basis for superiority, including. gender. 6. Nowhere does the Qur'an state that ones gender is superior to the other. Some interpreters of the Qur'an mistakenly translate the Arabic word qiwamah (responsibility for the family) with the English word "superiority." The Quran makes it clear that the sole basis for superiority of any person over another is piety and righteousness , not gender, color or nationality. 7. The absence of women as prophets or "messengers of Allah" in prophetic history is due to the demands and physical suffering associated with the role of messengers and prophets and not because of any spiritual inferiority attributed to women. [6] Socities to which prophets were sent, including the Israelities, pre-Islamic Arabs and others, were largely patriarchal socieites. they probably would have been less responsibe to the ministry of female messengers of god. In fact, they made things extremely difficult for male messengers. From this chapter, it is clear that in terms of spirituality and humanness, both genders stand on equal footing before Allah. It is clear also that nowhere in the primary sources of Islam (the Qur'an and Sunnah) do we find any basis for the superiority of one gender over the other. Human misinterpretations, culturally-bound opinions or manipulations are not congruent with what Islam teaches. The full equality of all human beings before Allah is beyond doubt. This equality should not be confused , however , with role differentiation in the spirit of cooperation and complimentary. This is why equity is a more accurate term than "equality," as explained in endnote 1 and as applied in the remaining chapters of this work. Wabillaahi Towfiiq:............

ruddy sxb who is gonna mimic or follow foot steps of that ignorant woman. I dont think any woman who is smart enough would follow that woman's foot steps wallaahi... SalaAma kA DhEh:........

The Ten Principles of Hassan al-Banna 1.) The Unity of the Ummah. He considered it in itself a primary and important goal that we must strive for. "Do no disagree, then you fail and lose the wind (in your tail." 2.) The Agreement on Principal Matters. Such that we start by considering everyone who declares shahadah - La ilah illaAllah, Muhammad arrusulAllah - as our companion and part of the Muslim group. 3.) Assume First that You, Not Your Muslim Brother, May be Wrong. And see how you find the truth impartially. 4.) The Manners for Disagreement. That you should be as keen about listening to your brother's evidence and argument as you are about giving your evidence and argument, and be pleasant and smiling whether the result is for you or against you. 5.) Avoiding Arguing, Self-Righteousness, and Belittling of Others. Al Banna said: "No nation went astray after being guided, except after it fell to cursing and arguing." And: "He will have a place in Heaven that leaves arguing when he is wrong, and a higher place in Heaven if he leaves arguing when he is right." 6.) The Possibility of Mulitiple Correct Answers. He referred to the Prophet telling the sahabah to pray Asr in Bani Quraiza, how some of them prayed Asr when it's time came, while others prayed it when they reached Bani Quraiza after sundown, and how the Prophet praised both parties. 7.) The Group Participation in Agreed Upon Matters and to Excuse One Another in What is Disagreed Upon. He emphasized, "We all agree on prohibiting alcohol, adultery, and gambling, and we agree on the duty to govern according to Quran so let us invite governments to implement it; we agree that honor and respect are due to Muslims, so let us impart these ideals to Muslims, we agree that jihad is the means to accomplish honor so let us train the individual, and to raise children with the necessary spiritual and physical training." 8.) Thinking of the Danger of the Common Adversary. He reminded Muslims of the present external enemies who do not differentiate between Muslims or different views or different national origin. The enemy considers Muslims enemies of his religion, and their homelands a prize to be dominated for its resources. He emphasized the need for unity to deter aggression. 9.) Opening the Avenues for Work and Productivity. He recognized the duel purpose of working hard, to produce more and to stay free from the evil of idleness. He encouraged members to excel in schools and jobs, and to seek earning from lawful sources and to shun laziness and dependence on others. He encouraged them to fill in duties that others have not even identified, such as visiting brothers far and near, volunteerism, and to allow time each day for examining how they have done for the sake of Allah. 10.) Sympathy for Those Who Do Not See the Light. Rather than being angry with them or exposing their shortcomings. He never attacked his accusers or distractors on personal matter, but rather sought Allah's help in making His message clearer to those who were listening. Wabillaahi Towfiiq:..

nuune sxb uu jiraa hadalkaan "wajigaada iga baandhee" waxay ku jirtaa riwaayad hadda dhow soo baxday, laakiin ani waxaan rabay in aan ogaado qofka la dhahooyo wajigaada iga baandhee nooh. Salaama Ka Dheh:............

Hirsi Ali plays a prominent role in the media reports as a woman of Somali origin who dares to speak out against the treatment of women under Islam. Unbelieveble, well, ayada iyo aaqiradeeda.. Salaama Ka Dheh:............

I know, he doesn't like Arabs and Islam, but things he talk about sometimes is true, like globalization, economic and etc all that.. Salaama Ka Dheh:.........

April 7, 2005 OP-ED COLUMNIST Arabs Lift Their Voices By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN Until the recent elections in Iraq and among the Palestinians, the modern Arab world was largely immune to the winds of democracy that have blown everywhere else in the world. Why? That's a pretty important question. For years, though, it was avoided in both the East and the West. In the West it was avoided because a toxic political correctness infected the academic field of Middle Eastern studies - to such a degree that anyone focusing on the absence of freedom in the Arab world ran the risk of being labeled an "Orientalist" or an "essentialist." It was also avoided because Western governments basically told Arab leaders that all they needed to do was keep their oil pumps open and their prices low and be nice to Israel. If they did all that, they could deny their own people the freedom America advocated everywhere else. Meanwhile, the Arab peoples were told by their own leaders and state-owned intellectuals that democracy had to come later - after the nationalist struggle against colonialism or the liberation of Palestine or the creation of an Islamic state. Well, the combination of 9/11, the Bush policies and the flattening of the world, whereby everyone can increasingly see how everyone else is living, changed all that - as evidenced this week with the publication of the third Arab Human Development Report, written by a courageous group of Arab social scientists under the auspices of the United Nations Development Program. This is one of the finest U.N. products under Kofi Annan. The first report, in 2002, was about the poor state of Arab human development. The second, in 2003, was about the poor state of Arab education and science. The new one focuses on "the acute deficit of freedom and good governance" in the Arab world. It underscores how much Arab peoples crave, and need, freedom and good government - as much any other people. With the great news that Iraqis are finally forming a new government, it couldn't appear at a better time. The report notes that most Arab states today resemble "a 'black hole,' which converts its surrounding social environment into a setting in which nothing moves and from which nothing escapes." All political parties, institutions, courts, intelligence services, police and media are centralized in the hands of the Arab leader - that's why the "modern-day Arab state is frequently dubbed 'the intelligence state.' " What all these states have in common, the report says, "is that power is concentrated at the tip of the executive pyramid and that the margin of freedom permitted (which can be swiftly reduced) has no effect on the state's firm and absolute grip on power." But without a majority of people behind them, all of these Arab regimes lack legitimacy. Arab societal structures tend to reinforce these autocratic trends, the report says: "The family, the primary unit of Arab society, is based on clannism, which implants submission, and is considered the enemy of personal independence, intellectual daring and the flowering of a unique and authentic human entity. Once children enter school, they find an educational institution, curricula, teaching and evaluation methods which tend to rely on dictation and instill submissiveness. This learning environment ... does not open the doors to freedom of thought and criticism." The chain constricting freedom, the report notes, "completes its circle in the political realm, squeezing Arab public life into a small and constricted space. ... This complicated process has led Arab citizens, including some among the intelligentsia, to a state of submission fed by fear and marked by denial of their subjugation." The report's authors conclude with their hope for a broad, peaceful redistribution of power in the Arab world, their fear that nothing will change - which they predict could lead to "chaotic upheavals" - and their expectation of some externally induced change and muddling through. But the important thing about this report is that political reform is now being put on the Arab agenda by Arabs. Yes, it's scathing about the Western and Israeli roles in retarding Arab democratization, but it's equally scathing about what Arabs have done to themselves and how they must change - people don't change when you tell them they should, but when they tell themselves they must. Read this report and you'll also understand why part of every Arab hates the U.S. invasion of Iraq - and why another part is praying that it succeeds. Thomas L. Friedman's documentary "Does Europe Hate Us?" will be shown on the Discovery Channel tonight at 8 and on the Discovery Times Channel on Monday at 9 p.m. Y'all enyoj this article by my fav columist..