A$$ All Very interesting.....Double_Dose. But do you think that would hinder or help the campaign to getting rid off FGM? I think, whatever the reason might have been for the research, the conclusion seems to support the practice of this barbaric habit or may as well support the sexual prowess of females who have undergone this process. But, i hate the sound of it.

A$$ All this is an important issue to the students, and wonderful idea to be discussed. But since we [the students in the diaspora] are logging into this site from different regions of the world with different systems [loans system, that is], shouldn't it be ideal to break this into country-by-country? For example, I want to know ideas and ways of my region's system, not that of NZ. Just a thought. F.G. shouldn't this topic be in the Student section? that is 'cos, I had trouble finding it. Salams.

A$$ All this is an important issue to the students, and wonderful idea to be discussed. But since we [the students in the diaspora] are logging into this site from different regions of the world with different systems [loans system, that is], shouldn't it be ideal to break this into country-by-country? For example, I want to know ideas and ways of my region's system, not that of NZ. Just a thought. F.G. shouldn't this topic be in the Student section? that is 'cos, I had trouble finding it. Salams.

A$$ All 1) Who am I to decide? It is the affairs of Allah, He liveth it and does what He wills, hence Fac-aalun Limaa Yuriid . 2) Candidate A is a typical top western politician = most of them go for astrology/ists to snoop into the unknown, restless punch. Verdict = NO Candidate B, boy, that is none other than George Dubya. Verdict = NO Candidate C, sounds like a combination of Kerry and Blair. If that was the only choice = C is my answer.

A$$ All I second Athena. Now, do we dare ask these gents to write in the mother tongue as rich as they do in Anglais? ...may be I'm wrong.

A$$ All Thanks all of you for contributing to this topic. You all made fine points. But the fact of the matter is, this feeling is deep-rooted in somali male psyche. Quite a number of them. And as you all know or heard about, there are incidents where girls were divorced when they were married just because they were not sewn (virgin). Allah watches us all, Allah will judge us. Let us judge the present time and the person's actions of today, not what they did in the past or the conditions of their body parts. 1,2,3........Say Boooo to FGM once and for all! How about introducing Islam as a form of abstinence instead of resorting to FGM? Good intrusion x_quizit. Salaams.

A$$ All Is FGM (gudniin) something you want your wife to have? If so, why? I personally believe the reason why this bad habit continue to exist is the attitude of somali male towards women who are not mutilated. Are we after decency or a stitched part of the female body? And isn't it sort of insecurity on the part of us (men)? Finally, it is not tradition, nor is it Islamic, so why keep doing it? p.s. this occured to me whilst watching Newsnight programme on FGM where most of the subjects were somali women.

A$$ All Nur, Allah a kuu siyaadiyo, walaal.

A$$ All Without accusing anyone of anything (and ain't shy at all, just like to fight, if i have to, like a man), isn't this thing (rumour that Riyaale is here to consult with the Brits the possibility of somalis being returned to SLand, since it is peaceful place) a short-sighted view? Keeping in mind that Somalis in the West are the backbone, and basically the life of people in Somalia economically. Isn't it basically short-change(ing) for people's livelihood for your own interest? p.s. I was expecting more from MEN (women) who've managed to bring stability and order to a part of Maali-land.

A$$ All Oh yes...my tendency to blow several hundred pounds on impulsive shopping sprees at any given moment makes putting money aside a tad difficult. I tagged along with a friend and a relative who were both intent on some retail therapy this weekend, in the end i ended up spedning more than them combined ----safe some ('f the cash) or a thought, at least for those suffering back home who are struggling with the basics for a human to live. Or may be, just remember that distant cousin whose daughter is sick or that auntie's son who is ill in hospital. ----Signs of the gap between Maalis in the West and those at home. Allah Hafiz.

A$$ All Oh yes...my tendency to blow several hundred pounds on impulsive shopping sprees at any given moment makes putting money aside a tad difficult. I tagged along with a friend and a relative who were both intent on some retail therapy this weekend, in the end i ended up spedning more than them combined ----safe some ('f the cash) or a thought, at least for those suffering back home who are struggling with the basics for a human to live. Or may be, just remember that distant cousin whose daughter is sick or that auntie's son who is ill in hospital. ----Signs of the gap between Maalis in the West and those at home. Allah Hafiz.

Thought i should this with you. It is true to life. Source: Islamweb.net: By Ishrath Farhana ================================================== It is the second time in a row that I need to get my vision corrected. My eyesight is miserable, "punishment for your sins" pops a little message in my head. "Yeah, yeah…" I mutter, "too much TV for too many years." And how many years is that? As many years as these eyes are old. Doctors will tell you that watching too much TV is bad for your health, and that is not bunkum. It's only the tip of the iceberg. It may be bad for the eyes, but it's worse for the mind and cancer for the soul. Yet, the medium is so pervasive that even the poorest household does not lack a set. We talk big about repudiating the Coca-Cola colonization, but are the first victims. Everyone knows that soap operas are a colossal waste of precious time. But no conversation is free from primetime antics of the myriad protagonists. Of them, the Noble Qur'an says, "But there are among men those who purchase idle tales without knowledge or meaning, to mislead men from the path of Allah and ridicule it. For such there will be a humiliating penalty. When Our Signs are rehearsed to such a one, he turns away in arrogance as if he heard them not, as if there was deafness in both his ears - announce to him a grievous penalty." [Luqman 31: 6,7] Where we shudder to allow a non-mahram (marriageable) person entering the privacy of our homes, we hardly twitch an eyebrow about ogling a thousand strangers all day long. There is a reason why television is also called the "boob tube". Just ask anyone who has followed the Asiad with avidity, where champions didn't own a scrap of clothing to their name! The media is only too aware of this human frailty and exploits it to the hilt. The largest beneficiary is the channel that airs the most titillating shows. Satan gleefully takes over. My dad once said the antenna on the roof is the banner of Shaitan, marking it off as his territory, and the satellite dish antenna, why, that just shows the house is under his umbrella! Tomes have been filled analyzing the ill effects of television upon impressionable young minds. I summarize only a few. Fluctuating light from the TV strains the eyes. It dries up the cornea, and it is responsible for many youngsters wearing glasses. The melodrama and extremes of emotion depicted in soaps and movies are responsible for mood swings and depression. No other era in civilization has had so many humans on the therapist's couch. We are only too aware that mood swings are one of the factors responsible for heart disease. Heart disease, which used to be "an older person's disease" is now tolling for younger folks! Children constantly wonder how adults are cramped up in a little box. This is not funny. It means the experience of watching TV is as "real" for them as you or I in real life. We no longer remain the authoritative figure in their life. The adults whom they watch on TV influence them, and never for the better. The TV throws the same program at a 6 year-old as it does towards the 60 year-old. But the child is not equipped to deal with the primetime hodgepodge. It culminates in hero-worship towards a character that may be a criminal, rapist or pervert. While the parents' authority disintegrates, the role models' grip strengthens. The nature of the television as a medium is not for kids. To emphasize the responsibility that we have towards the spiritual wellbeing of our family, I go no further than the Holy Qur'an, "O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones, over which are appointed angels, stern and severe, who flinch not from executing the Commands of Allah, but do precisely what they are commanded." [Tahreem 66: 6] Five Excuses: 1. In defense of television, it must be said that it has many advantages but the disadvantages far outweigh them. This scribe is the last person to abuse the virtues of the ***** box. But as Allah says, even alcohol and gambling have some infinitesimal profit for man. "They ask you concerning wine and gambling. In them is great sin and a small profit for men. But the sin is greater than the profit." [baqara 2: 219] 2. It is an indispensable tool for news and information. Honestly, when was the last time anyone watched TV just for news or a nature program? Even if we have the will power to stick to news, what if the anchor is from the opposite sex? How could we "lower our gaze" as Allah commands? There are surely media to find news and information without falling back on the TV. 3. Another classic justification that is used all the time to watch TV is saying that if the heart is pure, if the person is good, nothing can affect him. Well, how pure is the heart? How good can a person be? More than the Prophet's noble Companions or the Apostles themselves? Allah's command is for everyone and if they were commanded to follow it, where do we ordinary mortals stand? Sure can't claim to have stronger faith or purer hearts than the Prophets! But why malign the television set, when newspapers and magazines have photographs and we cannot help having some kind of image in the house. It is true that pictures of animals and other living things are ubiquitous these days. Anything from children's clothes to shoes to feeders has cartoons on it. In my opinion, TV is worse because the pictures are moving, and make sounds, which make them more life-like. 4. The most insidious argument in favor of watching television, for the pious at least, is that there are also religious programs. Yes, the Friday sermons are broadcast, and salah is broadcast live from Mecca, which is pretty awe-inspiring. Sometimes I happen to catch Al Shari'yaa wal Hayat on Al Jazeera, which is interactive and exceedingly informative. And I confess I may be missing a great deal of "good" programs because of the language barrier. The point is definitely not that we should "improve" the programs. The point is that for every good show we watch, there are 50 others that undermine our values, culture, or at worst, our religion. Even if we improve the quality of the programs it is jejune to think that we shall be watching that one Islamic show and ignoring the 600 odd channels that a dish antenna receives. Has anyone ever claimed that he got one ounce of guidance from the TV set? For a moment let us accept that we have Herculean self-restraint and fortitude. We only watch the news and Discovery channel. But how can one guarantee that when we are away, our young ones are not abusing it? If one of our children gets so much as a minor burn from scalding water, how much we suffer, and what pains we take to cure it. What does it reflect but utter lack of Imaan, when our family is teetering over the brink of the Flaming Pit, and we smile on, encouraging the song and dance they are immersed in! 5. Now there will be people who will shrug at all this, "hey, aren't we just over-reacting and making a big deal about a little thing?" It's not as if watching TV is a career option or anything. It is just a little amusement, let your hair down and put your feet up and get a little cozy on the sofa with a pot of herbal tea. What could be possibly wrong with it? With Islam, everything ultimately boils down to Faith. If by a little amusement, you are disobeying Allah, mark the Qur'an where it says, "If you question them they declare with emphasis and sincerity, we were only talking idly and in play. Say, was it Allah and His Signs and His Apostle that you were mocking at? Make no excuses, you have rejected faith after you had accepted it…"[Tauba 9: 65] We all pride ourselves as rational beings, but the burden of rationality is to decide between right and wrong. Each of us has to weigh for ourselves the pros and cons of our actions, and conclude if something is worth the price. I don't want to miss going to Heaven just because I couldn't miss watching The Bold and the Beautiful! "Ah, hindsight…" says the little voice in my head, "always perfect vision…" "Shut up" I mutter, "better late than never

Assalaama allaikum Shame on you all. If you, tribalist/regionalist, started war of words, why don't you have the nerve to call it a day, and at least agree to disagree. Now the whole thing is spilling over to the entire site, to the point of accusing the site's admins. I, for one, have no clue if your claims are true, but I hate the basis of the claim, and anyone with the right mind could see where this whole ugly thing was going. Btw, why didn't you try email the admins themselves and complain to them and with evidence, that is if they didnt sort out or didnt want to solve your problem, then share the story with us. Or is this defaming of the name and the integrity of this place? Whatever you decide, bruv, good luck.

A$$ All Wallaahi, it is worth the time and fikr, believe me. It is a concept that so alien to those who have never come across. The minute you finish watching that video, your whole view of the world and how you see things takes a turn. I recommend to those who haven't watched to do so, and let us a discussion on the points it has raised. It is interesting, more interesting than Sland vs Pland debates! Salaam.

Asalaama allaikum Hibo, this is too philosophical. Was Al-Ghazali your cousin, any chance?

A$$ All DnD, adigaa flood-gates balaqay'e, si dheh!

A$$ All DnD, adigaa flood-gates balaqay'e, si dheh!

A$$ All By talking about her and dedicated an entire thread to her is itself quite something. The girl is notorious over at SNet and I've few of her posts, but I dont see her as any different to anyone else, besides this aint NO SNet! p.s. SOL is a ground for the debate of the fine minded not the foul-minded.

Assalaama allaikum May Allah help her in these tough times. It can be really difficult as a new muslim to face this with strong Iimaan. May Allah increase her Iimaan, so that she makes it sound and muslim. That is all i can say, since I dont live in the US. p.s. Hasna JKAllah for spreading the word.

Assalaama allaikum I dont know, guys, if you have seen or heard of a brother with the pen name Harun Yahya. He is an amazing muslim thinker and an author of so many books. He has his own website, which is basically more than a website, it is an institution. But that is not what I want to talk about here. It is one of his documentary video [all on the site at ]www.harunyahya.com] which has the title "The secret beyond matter". In this video, the brother is basically saying, none of what we see exists, even our bodies. At least, that is how i understood. I guess, my explanation isn't good enough, the video will suffice, just watch and make comment of what you thought of it. It is mind-blowing. Following is the video link, just click on the full version to watch it or download. The secret beyond matter video

Assalaama allaikum Nature is beautiful whether it is colour, character, or feature. One thing, tho, isn't this going to be Haraam, since you are basically making an statement to Allah that you are not satisfied with how He fashioned you!? Well, what the heck, lesser are the mutaqiin these days. Salaams.

A$$ All Wr Wb HAaaaaaaaaaaaaha! This man knew you had a sense of humour, lol. Waryaa, come to this enterpreneur and let me set you up a comedy club that busts the buufis out of the nomads, Ari-Jire. Dont you think?! Think of that biz venture,it certainly had a potential, Rudy. Bruv, continue taking the piss of Qabiil. We need ppl that could lighten the load of this place these days. it is all X this, X that. sick of it! Think of this; none of us would have ended up this site, unless we had something in common. And that something is Somali-ness. The values of Somali-ness are far greater and worth every dime and blood than Qabiil, if compared head-to-head. Just think of that, next time you think of your small Qabiil and its region of Somalia. Salaams.

A$$ All Wr Wb Rudy, All the best of luck. Life is short, and we have been created for one single reason - worship Allah - and marriage is the second best thing you could do. Enjoying and being happy with your wife and making babies. Good luck and goodbye. Salaam

assl all wr wb So Juxa gets pissed off, looks at his son and says.. “ Son, there is no way in hell we can satisfy everybody, lets just do what we think is right and screw them people” I concur and add BE A MUSLIM

assl all wr wb Yes, i heard this somewhere. yes, it was this UK govt adviser, a Blair adviser who claims that the threat of climate change is far worse than Islam (terrorism)! Bizzare! Has he been recieving telegrams from God or what? How does he know it? I say crap. How about this for an answer: "kulu man calayhaa faan, wa yabqaa wajhu rabbika dul jalaali wal ikraam" As for taking care, there more pressing issues than the climate, i.e. feeding the hungary and helping the critically sick people of the world (3rd world) you (WEST) deprived of their resources. Salaam.