The man find her NOT TASTY and leave her on the pretext that she in not the type of the WOMAN I WANT. Tsk tsk, you did a boo boo. Your pronoun typo (a Darwin slip as Castro would say) gives me more insight into your extracurricular activities than I ever needed to know. The proverbial speech, 'do as I say and not as I do'.

Beats me why but I luv this song and tend to sing it out loud quite often. He sure does make it sound glamourous with his creamy & sultry voice. No Khayr, I don't need a lecture on the virtues of a Muslim woman. I'm In Love With A Stripper Goddamn Lil Mama U know u thick as hell u know what im sayin Matter fact After the club u know what im talkin bout Me and my niggas gone be together u know what im sayin I aint gon worry bout them really though Im just lookin at u Yea u know U got them big *** hips god damn! Got the body of a goddess Got eyes with a peak of brown eyes see you girl Droppin Low She Comin Down from the ceiling To tha floo Yea She Know what she doin Yea yea yea She doin that right thang Yea yea yea yea ea I Need to get her over to my crib and do that night thang Cause I'm in love with a stripper She poppin she rollin she rollin She climbin that pole and I'm in love with a stripper She trippin she playin she playin Im not goin nowhere girl im stayin I'm in love with a stripper Out of all the girls she be the hottest Like n the way she break it down i see u girl Spinnin wide And She lookin at me Right in my eyes Yea She got my attention yea yea yea Enough to get me to mention I Need to get her over to my crib and do that night thang Cause I'm in love with a stripper She can pop it she can lock it Take the pinderas down im bout to see this sexy girl In My bed She don't know what she is doin To my head Yea She turnin tricks on me Yea Yea Yea She dont even know me Yea yea yea ea I'd have got her over to my crib to do that night thing Cause I'm in love with a stripper

MentorNet's One-on-One Mentoring Programs pair women engineering and science community college, undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs and untenured faculty as proteges with female or male professionals from all sectors as mentors for one-on-one, email-based mentoring (e-mentoring) relationships. Our flagship Industry E-Mentoring Program is for proteges interested in working in industry or at a government laboratory or agency, while our Academic Career E-Mentoring Program is for graduate students, postdocs and untenured faculty pursuing faculty careers. To learn more about MentorNet and all that it has to offer, please visit our web site at www.MentorNet.net. A female friend recently sent me an invite to join MentorNet geared towards women. She received all kinds of helpful advice and is on her second mentor. After reading Sheh's (on minority women)post. I thought how great would it be if we (somalis) could try to establish such a e-mentoring program for our youth or students. Don't we already spend tons of time goofing off, arguing, preaching, flirting online then why can't all those with something to offer spare a few emails for a (confused or eager) teen, college or uni student? What do you (SOL'ers) think? Has this been done before or does it exist right now? Any ideas or suggestions or more importantly does anyone want to initiate such a worthy cause? I believe it was prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who said, who taught me a verse (letter) I became his/her slave. Thank You

Disney comes to mind when I saw those pics , I can just see the elfs, fairys and Mary Poppin waiting to pop out any sec. Those are some seriously airbrushed pics but they sure are pretty.

The pleasures of seeking knowledge 1/21/2006 - Education Social - Article Ref: IC0601-2883 Number of comments: By: Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph. D. IslamiCity* - The rise of Muslims to the zenith of civilization in a period of four decades was based on lslam's emphasis on learning. This is obvious when one takes a look at the Qur'an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad which are filled with references to learning, education, observation, and the use of reason. The very first verse of the Qur'an revealed to the Prophet of Islam on the night of 27th of Ramadan in 611 AD reads: "Recite: In the name of thy Lord who created man from a clot. Recite: And thy Lord is the Most Generous Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not." (Quran, 96:1-5) "And they shall say had we but listened or used reason, we would not be among the inmates of the burning fire." (Quran, 67:10) "Are those who have knowledge and those who have no knowledge alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful. " (Quran, 39:9) The Qur'an encourages people towards scientific research:. "And whoso brings the truth and believes therein such are the dutiful." (Quran, 39:33) Every Muslim man's and every Muslim woman's prayer should be: "My Lord! Enrich me with knowledge.." (Quran, 20:114) The pursuit of knowledge and the use of reason, based on sense and observation is made obligatory on all believers. The following traditions of the Prophet supplement the foregoing teachings of the Qur'an in the following way: Seek knowledge "even though it be in China." "The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female." "The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr." "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave." "God has revealed to me, 'Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to heaven.' "The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge." "Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears." Some one asked the Prophet : "Who is the biggest scholar?" He replied: "He who is constantly trying to learn from others, for a scholar is ever hungry for more knowledge." "Seek knowledge and wisdom, or whatever the vessel from which it flows, you will never be the loser." "Contemplating deeply for one hour (with sincerity) is better than 70 years of (mechanical) worship." "To listen to the words of the learned and to instill unto others the lessons of science is better than religious exercises." "Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from the wrong, it lights the way to heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless - it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and an armor against enemies." The Islamic Empire for more than 1,000 years remained the most advanced civilization in the world. The main reasons for this was that Islam stressed the importance and respect of learning, forbade destruction, cultivated a respect for authority, discipline, and tolerance for other religions. The teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah inspired many Muslims to their accomplishments in science and medicine. By the tenth century their zeal and enthusiasms for learning resulted in all essential Greek medical and scientific writings being translated into Arabic in Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad. Arabic became the international language of learning and diplomacy. The center of scientific knowledge and activity shifted eastward, and Baghdad emerged as the capitol of the scientific world. The Muslims became scientific innovators with originality and productivity. For example Islamic medicine is one of the most famous and best known facets of Islamic civilization in which the Muslims excelled. The Muslims were the great torchbearers of international scientific research. Some of the best and most eloquent praises of science came from the pens of Muslim scientists who considered their work to be acts of worship. The same motives led to the establishment of Al-Azhar (800 AD) the first university in the world. They hit the "source ball of knowledge" over the fence to Europe. In the words of Campbell, "The European medical system is Arabian not only in origin but also in its structure. The Arabs are the intellectual forbearers of the Europeans." Learning is a natural pleasure. This pleasure is inborn and instinctive. The pleasure of learning is one of the essential pleasures of the human race. Without learning, survival itself is threatened. The process of learning starts right after birth. It is true that babies who can barely talk investigate problems with all the zeal and excitement of explorers, make discoveries with the passion and absorption of dedicated scientists. At the end of each successful investigation, one can see on the tiny face an expression of innocent and pure heartfelt pleasure. The process of physical growth stops when a boy or girl reaches puberty, that is with the on set of menarche in the girls and with the change in the voice and growth of moustache and beard in boys. After puberty it is impossible to increase the height both in boys and girls. On the other hand the mental faculties grow from birth until death. At some point in our lifetime, the physical body becomes sick or ill and gradually dies; even the emotions become duller. But the mind continues to live, and even grows more lively and active, enjoys itself more, works and plays with more expansion and delight. I have seen grandparents obtaining Bachelors, Masters and Ph. D. degrees at the ages of 70, 80 or 90. There are many examples in the history of Art, Music and Science, of both men and women who significantly contributed and lead mentally productive lives at their ripe old ages. Learning extends our lives into new dimensions. It is cumulative. Instead of diminishing in time, like health and strength, its dividends go on increasing, provided one continues to learn throughout life and integrate the thoughts and make learning harmonious. One should make it a point to learn at least one piece of new information each day. The pleasure of learning is not confined to learning from textbooks, which are too often tedious. But it does include learning from book magazines (periodicals), newspapers, movies, television, radio and traveling. When you stand in a big library in front of thousands of books do not think they are lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the shelves. Each has its own voice, which is as inaudible as the radiobroadcast waves falling directly on ears. Just as one switches on the radio to listen, similarly a person needs to open a book to hear the voice far distant in time and space. One can hear the voice speaking, mind to mind, and heart to heart. Reading of books gives you two different delights. One is the pleasure of understanding the unknown and the unexpected. The other pleasure is of deepening one's knowledge of a specified field. Apart from books, learning means keeping the mind open and active to receive all kinds of experience. As pointed out earlier there is great emphasis on learning and seeking knowledge in Islam. The Prophet Mohammed ordered Muslims to be active in their search for learning, crossing oceans and continents if necessary. " Seek knowledge even in China" he said. Learning also means learning to practice one' s own professional skills - that of a physician, engineer, musician or craftsman. Crafts and hobbies lead you into fresh fields of enjoyment and give you relaxation and activity without tension. One should know that tension is the prime cause of heart attacks, ulcers, hypertension, and most of the human diseases. Traveling is an important activity in the pleasures of learning. There are many examples of exceptionally informed people who never read books and newspapers, but acquire knowledge through traveling. One should travel with an open mind, an alert eye and a wish to understand other people and other places. A saying of Prophet Muhammad is ... With knowledge man rises to the heights of goodness and to a noble position, associated with sovereigns in this world, and attains the perfection of happiness in the next. It is fitting here to mention the story of Diogenes, the great Greek philosopher who lived during the time of Alexander the Great. Diogenes was a very learned man who shunned both power and wealth. He was known to have wandered around searching for an honest man carrying a lantern during day and night. He gave up everything he possessed, except a coconut shell for drinking water. One day he saw a man drinking water forming a cup with his hand. After seeing this Diogenes threw away his last possession, the coconut shell. The name of Diogenes spread throughout Greece. Alexander the Great heard about Diogenes and one day decided to see him. Mounted on horseback, Alexander the Great went to Diogenes who was sitting on the ground. Alexander said ' Oh Diogenes, I have heard a great deal about you and your life. I am very much impressed by your life and it is my earnest desire to help you in whatever way I can. Please let me know your desires so that I can fulfill them". To which Diogenes replied "Your Excellency my only request is that you get aside and allow the sun's rays to fall on my body." Alexander the Great was deeply moved by Diogenes's reply and said "If I were not Alexander the Great. I would be Diogenes." Now the point I want to make here is that Diogenes never went to Alexander the Great, but that Alexander the Great came to Diogenes for he was such a learned philosopher. There are many people in this world who have played themselves to death, or eaten and drunk themselves to death. Nobody ever died because of thinking or learning. People who avoid learning, or abandon it, find no joy in life, find that life is dry. No learner has ever run short of subjects to explore. The pleasures of learning lead to happiness. One can live a long, healthy and rewarding life by attaining and preserving the happiness of learning. Learning is everyone's birthright. Everyone - young or old, rich or poor, male or female, has access to learning. Exercise your birthright. Remember what you have learned cannot be taken away by others. Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph. D. is President of Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.

Legend, you couldn't have said it better! Unfortunately, Muslims (somalis included) tend to point fingers at western culture and ignore the problems in our culture. Why do we do that? Maybe because it makes us feel better/superiour etc. Who cares if they share wives, don't have equal wages to men or are sexually active! They are not MUSLIMS! We need to focus on our ummaah and our youth. I hold myself and all Muslims to a higher standard so lets stop comparing how much worse they are to us. Allah knows how far we've strayed from the right path in all regards...imaan, compassion, empathy and kindness towards each other and non-believers. I see a lot of Somalis who measure they're success on how far they've surpassed other somalis. Is that the Islamic way?

In addition to what has all ready been stated practice is crucial. It's a fact the more you interview the better you get at it. Uni students take advantage of the career fairs and try to get as many interviews as possible. You might have a heavy course load yet make the time! Last semester, I tried a different approach from the past yrs and I found the 12 interviews (first round) I had helped polish my interviewing skills. Always have your first interview (even second) be with companies or positions you are not serious about thereby minimizing the nervousness/anxiety associated with one's dream job...allowing you to focus solely on practicing (no fear of failure). Towards the last few I could've interviewed in my sleep regardless of the curve balls thrown my way. This approach (maybe not as many practice interviews) also works if your switching companies or industries and those college skills have become rusty. If you can't do the 'practice' thing then have two reliable and serious ppl grill (best to use questions from a book, college career booklet, or previously asked questions) you. The suggestions and critic they provide is priceless. Employers pull candidates from a pool who already meet the minimum job criteria. The intent of the interview is to see if YOU are a fit for the company. They're thinking is this person pleasant to work with? Will he/she fit our work culture?etc.

Salahuddin Ayoubi, your comments and advice about London was the last nail in the coffin. For years, I've been promising myself a visit to Europe, in particular London. As a graduation gift I decided to reward myself by fulfilling the promise. Lately, I've been contemplating cancelling (summer in Europe) leaving me more $$$ to travel around the states, insha'allah. Your post made me feel I made the right decision, mucho gracias amigo. I totally agree with Section6er. DC is my favorite club scene, Atlanta comes a close 2nd (both cities have the hottest brothers ever...yummy) San Diego is where my heart longs for...beautiful beaches and delightful weather all year long, sighs. I've been turning down invitations to visit Boulder, Colorado for yrs but recently I've been hearing it's a must visit destination. Toronto is another city I'd luv to visit (I heard the best time is during the August Caribana festival), insha'allah, I'll be visiting 'em all this summer.

After spending my break in a Somali infested city I find the title of this post an accurate depiction of the Somali diaspora in America! Alright, for those nit-pickers, maybe not all but a large slice of the pie is. Somalis sleep around as much as if not more than Americans. Other than the usual trashy suspects, Americans (I can't speak for other countries) have rules and standards about dating/sleeping around...no kiss on the first date (or couple of dates), no sex till way later if even etc. A Somali person male/female who doesn't abstain (as they should...in no way or form am I advocating sex... kaapish for those who will be on me like a pack of hyenas ) gives it up right away. I'm not talking to anyone on SOL coz I sure don't know your business. I agree with Socode B. there are a lot of great things we can learn from our western counterparts (take the good and leave the bad) but even when it comes to the bad (in Islam) some Somalis can't even get that right. Those who do sleep around have some class and self-respect and don't let the farax or xalimo dictate your behavior...don't succumb to the pressure of a pushy FIRST date. You don't have to put it out to every person you date. Every time, I see speed-dating on TV it remind me of Somalis.

I think it is about time I departed from this thread. Ahura walaalo thank you. You have no idea (on second thought I bet you do know) how often I've dealt with this issue since my friggin childhood, Allahu Akbar! I have no sides to take only my interpretation of the Quraan and Sunnah on this issue. Your time, energy and patience along with others (eg CW) has not been in vain, at least where I'm concered.JZK

Lol, Fidel Castro's talents never seize to amaze me...a dictator & spell check all in one. That is a rare two-for-one deal. Since we're on the topic of slips. It must have slipped your mind the Egyptian film you 'supposedly' bought for me and have yet to mail...'Thaqafi Masri'. I like you just fine, anywayz. Socod, I know!! Who doesn't like Red Man? Wasn't "How High" a classic? Sting

Unfertilized?? What you trying to say? Like I said earlier don't starfish sting ppl with a posion? How about calling me sting instead of eggie? P.S. I always keep my promises

Testing 1, 2, 3

I wonder why people detest my aviator with a passion? (pist...I got your request. You crack me) up

lol @ urban, touch down.

Femme, I cut my credit cards up last year. People accumalte most of their debt during the college yrs. If I use credit cards as a back up when does anyone ever have enough money to pay 'em back? I'd rather be super broke duing my college yrs and have a head start once I start working(IA). I cut corners by cutting my own hair (suck at it), never shop (unless its a neccesity eg. gloves, wool socks etc.), buy dry food in bulk (u'd think I was in the army), don't drive my car during the semester (save on gas and cancel my car insurance) and do my grocery by tagging along when others do theirs. I always ask myself do I need it or do I want it? It's bad enough I got loans waiting as quicksand. I heard one cannot go to hajj until all their debts are paid off therefore I plan to aggressively reduce it as soon as I start working (IA).

^lol, Your the MAN!!! The next time I need a farax investigated I'll PM you Sherlock. Impressive findings and was he a liberalist as well?

Hajj and the Neglected Legacy of a Great Woman 12/27/2005 By: Dr. Mohammad Omar Farooq IslamiCity* - Islam teaches us to submit completely and whole-heartedly. "O you who believe! Enter into Islam completely, whole-heartedly..." (Quran 2:208) It also calls for a submission that is spontaneous and conscientious, without any hesitation or resistance against the will and guidance of God. "But no, by your Rabb, they can have no (real) faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction." (Quran 4:65) There is great - truly great - news from God. "Those who have faith and do righteous deeds, they are the best of creatures, their reward is with God: Gardens of Eternity, beneath which rivers flow; they will dwell therein forever; God is well pleased with them, and they with Him: All this for such as fear their Rabb (the cherisher and sustainer)." (Quran 98:7-8) Eid al-Adha is a great and unique occasion of joy and celebration. Ironically, this joy and celebration revolve around sacrifice. It would probably make sense to only those who understand that the joy of giving that touches others' lives is far greater and deeper than the joy of receiving. This great occasion of Eid al-Ad'ha is tied to an unique event, the Hajj; a unique city, Makkah; and a unique family, the family of Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Indeed, what the Quran refers to the Milla of Ibrahim is essentially rooted in the legacy of a model family. Say: "God speaks the Truth: follow the Milla of Ibrahim, the True in Faith; he was not of the Pagans." (Quran 3:95) We cannot discuss Eid al-Ad'ha without remembering Ibrahim, who represents in the Quran an ideal submission. He never hesitated to respond to the call and command of his Rabb (the Creator, the Sustainer and the Evolver). He never considered anything too precious to be withheld when it came to fulfilling the wish of his Rabb. Everything he did was commanded by God, and was fulfilled by him conscientiously with honor and nobility. We are all too familiar with the story of his unwavering faith and conviction, and his supreme sacrifice as embodied in the event when he was ready to sacrifice his dear and only son to fulfill the wish of his Rabb. "Behold! his Rabb (Lord) said to him: "Bow (submit your will to Me): He said: "I bow (submit my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe." (Quran 2:131) We know, of course, God didn't really want him to slaughter his son, he just wanted to see if Ibrahim was ready to submit entirely and unconditionally. No loving God would have exacted such a sacrifice of one's own child in reality. Another member of this ideal family was the first son of Ibrahim, Ismail. The Quran presents him as like father like son. "... (Abraham) he said: 'O my son! I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what is your view!' (The son) said: 'O my father! Do as you are commanded: You will find me, if God so wills, one practicing patience and constancy!" (Quran 19:102) In his submission to the will of his Rabb, Ismail was no less ideal. He submitted to the will of God whole-heartedly and with a heart full of peace and tranquility. Once again, there are very few among us who are not already familiar with the role and position of Ismail in the heritage of Tawheed and the eternal truth. Going beyond the customary commemoration of the stories of Ibrahim and Ismail, I want to focus here on the not-so-mentioned legacy of a great woman, Mother Hajar (Radhiallahu 'anha, May Allah be pleased with her) the wife of Ibrahim and the mother of Ismail . Indeed, she is an integral and as important part of the legacy of Tawheed and the Milla (community) of Ibrahim. Her submission to the will of her Rabb and her sacrifice were as ideal as that of Ibrahim and Ismail. God has ennobled her in the Quran by making Safaa and Marwah integral to the performance of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. These are the two hills between which she ran back and forth in search of water for her beloved infant son, while she was all alone according to the plan of God Himself. "Behold! Safaa and Marwah are among the symbols of God. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeys his own impulse to Good, be sure that God is He Who recognizes and knows." (Quran 2:158) If the readers have not read already, I invite them to read the Hadith containing details of her story in Sahih al-Bukhari (Vol. 4, #583, Book of Ambiya or Prophets). Mother Hajar was not just a wife of Ibrahim, but she was deeply loved by him. But, once again, to fulfill the wish of God, he brought Mother Hajar and their beloved infant son, Ismail, to this abandoned, desolate, barren valley of Makkah. There was no such inhabited place called Makkah at that time. As Ibrahim brought Mother Hajar and Ismail to that barren, rugged valley, she asks (as in the Hadith): 'O Ibrahim! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is neither any person nor anything else (to survive)?' She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her. Then she asked him, 'Has God instructed you to do so?' He replied, 'Yes.'... That was enough for Mother Hajar. Now she knew that it was according to the Divine Will. With the same nobility and dignity of faith as it ran in that family, "She said, 'Then God will not neglect us.' (In another version): 'I am pleased to be (left) with God.' Then Ibrahim left and she was alone with her infant. Makkah was not an inhabited place yet. Food and water that Ibrahim provided them with were consumed by the mother and baby. Desperately, she started searching for water running back and forth through the valley between the hills of Safaa and Marwah. Surly Allah would not abandon the family of Ibrahim and so, she was visited by the arch-angel Jibril . This is an significant point to ponder: What kind of person is visited individually by Jibril? Water, in the form of an ever flowing spring, the Zamzam, was made available to them by direct intervention of God. Right during that time, the tribe of Jurhum, passing by the valley saw birds flying. Realizing that water must be available, they searched and discovered Mother Hajar and Ismail. They sought permission to settle there. Thus, the desolate valley of Makkah became an inhabited area. Ibrahim returned there much later and laid the foundation of Ka'ba. Makkah ultimately was to emerge as a city and as the perennial heartland of Tawheed, the belief in oneness of God. Subhanallah, God is glorified. He took such a significant and noble service from a woman. But consider another aspect. What kind of situation Mother Hajar was placed into? In that desolate, uninhabited valley, what might have been going on in her mind? While unconditionally committed to her Lord, she was constantly searching, moving and struggling not thinking about herself any longer, but to find some water and save her child. What could she think about herself? Dr. Ali Shariati, in his well known book Hajj, attempts to provide a glimpse. Once she was slave only to be given away by her Master, a king representing the owning class; now a victim and a stranger, exiled and abandoned by her family all alone with her child in her arms! She hardly ever had a dignified identity. Had she not been the mother of Ismail, who would have given her any recognition and worth? There, in that barren place, her identity did not matter any further. Yet, she reposed her complete trust in her true Lord (Rabb) and was determined to pursue whatever she could in the Way of God. Now ask yourself. If any human being needs to be identified, whom would you consider the foremost as far as founding of Makkah as a city?* Is there any other civilization, or even a city of this stature, that has been brought about by such primary contribution and sacrifice of a woman? How ironical, unfortunate, insulting and utterly unacceptable that the city that came into existence through the sacrifice and struggle of a lone woman now does not allow a woman to drive a car by herself. Nor does it allow a woman to travel to hajj by herself, even though the Prophet Muhammad himself had the vision that woman would travel someday alone to perform hajj and indeed, the vision did materialize. (Musnad of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Vol. 4, #19397, 19400; Also Sahih al-Bukhari: Vol. 4, #793) It is so unfortunate that so little about her is talked about even on such pertinent occasion of which she is an integral part. I don't recall myself listening to any Khutbah that highlighted her faith, sacrifice, and contribution that were second to none; yes, second to none. Indeed, I have read Sahih al-Bukhari before too, until the work of a Muslim intellectual of our time, whose mind is keen about women's contribution in the heritage of Tawheed, drew my attention to this.* What men and women can learn from a woman, whose service and contribution ennobled the Hills of Safaa and Marwah to the status of "among the Sign of God," which must be visited, and whose quest for saving the object of her love must be reenacted? From far away as the pilgrims perform this reenactment, we also want to be like Ismail and have a share of this noble woman's affection. But there is a greater symbolic implication! This community of believers follow the Way of Prophet Muhammad, a way that primarily was designed after the Way of Ibrahim and his family. The role that was played primarily by the family of Ibrahim, was broadly assumed by the Prophet Muhammad , but now involving not just his family, but the larger community of believers. This community (Ummah) is created for mankind! (Quran 3:110) As it was true then, it is also true now, the humanity is in pursuit of doom and destruction. Should we not, think of the humanity as Ismail destined for death, to save which love, affection, and restless passion of Mother Hajar are needed again and again? Did not the Prophet Muhammad carry on that mission of mercy and affection, and thus he was the Rahmatullil Alamin (mercy for the universe), according to the Quran? Did not his loyal companions fulfill the same mission? Then, does not this community (Ummah) need to be conscious of the trust God has given to them, for which the community will be accountable? What could be a better occasion for us to remind ourselves of that trust and invite ourselves to reflect on this and respond accordingly? In conclusion, what is there, then, to celebrate? "Our Lord! Grant us what you did promise to us through your Prophets, and save us from the shame on the Day of Judgment: for you never break Your promise." And their Rabb (Lord) has accepted of them, and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: you are members, one of another; those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain; Verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath; A reward from the Presence of God, and from His Presence is the best of rewards. (Quran 3:194-195) For all the toil and struggle, the hardship and sacrifice, the efforts and pursuits, is it not truly deserving of celebration that our works will not be in vain, will not suffer any loss? This is a guarantee from none other than God. For me, that is more than good enough. With all the worldly promises, guarantees, and warranties that give us a sense of security, one tends to forget that there is also a vast world of deceptions. If we cannot have peace of mind with the promise from God, we have nowhere to turn to. Thus, what could be more worthy of our celebration than the invitation of God to an eternal life of peace, happiness, and prosperity, an invitation that comes with the unfailing promise of God. This, of course, requires that we commit ourselves to the positive and constructive pursuit of bringing peace, happiness and prosperity to the humanity. * I became enlightened about this particular aspect from an important work of Dr. Kaukab Siddique. I can't speak for his positions on many other matters, but his contribution to issues related to Islam and women is quite relevant, enlightening and valuable. Abridged from a Khutbah delivered on Eid al-Ad'ha in Iowa City, Iowa. The author is a professor of economics and finance at Upper Iowa University; Homepage: http://www.globalwebpost.com/farooqm; The author requests volunteers if anyone is interested in translating this piece in their native language. email: farooqm@globalwebpost.com

x_quizit JAK, I really enjoyed reading your update.

Castro, it's your word against mine.

^lol lol lol, I just choked on my juice tks bro. Do you have to point out a sista's Fcuk up????

^What kind of black are you?? You forgot the Chitlins.

Lafihi hore .. lol Waryaahee, ma'duqnimo ayaad ii qarinaysaa?

I've been harassed by Maryooleey and I’m not kidding. Does that count as racial harassment? lol, absolutely that does count as harassment. Whatchya going to do about it? Sit there and take it or ina'abti dee gardhigo (xaaldhigo)maxaad sugaysaa???

On a brighter note, the temperature is 70° F here. Can anyone beat that? Not even Hotlanta can! Show off!!!