Zenobia You are right...my responses would have been different. What can I say..I am prejudiced ( well..I am working on it ). But who else will admit to it? I was against Jack Straw comments and i kinda agree with the dentist. There are those who agree with Jack Straw and disagree with the dentist. Edit: And we cant have both ways!

Khasaaro magacaada 'sheekh' Jaceylka if you dont know "how can someone swallow a capsule when kissing bal ?? ,,,, "

Poison was inside the capsule. So when he swallowed it, the poison was released into the stomach.

^ Just dont swallow anyhting of hers

sanctioning of free speech Where does one draw the line..

Actually I remembered the case of Jack Straw suggesting to niqabi sisters not wear it when in his surgery. The odd thing is..I definately disagreed with him then. I think this is loosely similar situation. I wonder if those against this dentist disagreed with Jack Straw's comment?

Flying snake is where i draw the line. I think i will join the fuleyiin queue and our proud leader Ngonge

Who is asad and Mr Choudrey? He should have handled things differently but he didnt force her and chucked her out of the surgery. I also concede that it wasnt the best way to get her interested in practising her faith but I am trying to see from his point of view. There are times when your job asks you to do things that would compromise your faith and strong person would be the one who can stand up for his principles regardless of the consequences. I admire him for that.

Snakes flying...well i never!

Resistance & Ngonge I agree he went about it the wrong way. He may have been tactless but still It sounds as though he needs to find another career that would seclude him from temptation. Maybe he should partner with a female dental surgeon and segregate the office. He can see to the men, she can see to the women.

LG That was serious tongue-lashing. Nevertheless, someone who is encouraging others to do good is never a bad thing. Markii uu madaxeygu feydnaa, a lot of people used talk to me about hijab and for that I was grateful. Because people cared and as human beings we need the reminders. For all we know Allah hidaaya ayuu noogu soo dhiibayaa thru them. So dont knock it. As for you calling him "dibi, waa xayawaan aqli laheen", when I am presuming you are fasting...waa laga fiicanyahay. PS Can I make dua for you that you wear hijab one day inshallah?

Dentist cut fees for women in Islamic dress 26/ 9/2007 A MUSLIM dentist has admitted reducing his fees to encourage female patients to wear the Islamic headscarf. Dr Omer Butt, from Prestwich, told a disciplinary hearing he would ask Muslim women to cover up in observance of Islamic law before he treated them. But he denied refusing to treat a nurse because she would not follow his rules. The nurse, known as Patient A, told the hearing she was left `humiliated and upset' when she went to Dr Butt's Unsworth Smile clinic in Bury, in April 2005. The nurse, a non-practising Muslim, claimed Dr Butt said she would have to find another dentist because she wouldn't wear a headscarf. Dr Butt told the General Dental Council professional conduct committee the Islamic ethos of his surgery was a `marketing tool'. He said: "If they are prepared to wear the headscarf, I am willing to reduce the fee or completely waive the fee." He said he identified the woman as a Muslim because of her name, which has roots in Islam, then `politely' asked her to wear a headscarf. He said: "I did request her to wear the headscarf. I said `It would help me if you would wear a headscarf'. "Her response was she looked at me with a smile and said `Oh, that's strange'." He said it was `unlawful' for him, as a Muslim, to look at a Muslim woman who was not properly covered up. He added: "If she was to adhere to my request, it makes me feel more comfortable. "It was a polite request. It was a simple request. It was never more than a request." He said that, despite her lapsed faith, Patient A was still a Muslim. He said: "For me to now call her a non-Muslim, I would be accused of committing a sin. I can't say she is not a Muslim. "The only difference is one is lower in faith. It's like saying a Porsche and a Mini Metro, they are both cars." Under cross-examination from John Snell, for the GDC, Dr Butt was asked if his clinic had a policy that women must wear a headscarf. Mr Snell said: "The truth is it is and it was a policy that you insist your patients wear the headscarf." Dr Butt replied: "No, I request them." If found guilty of serious professional misconduct, Dr Butt could have his licence revoked. The hearing in London is expected to finish tomorrow. http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1017629_dentist_cut_fees_for_women_in_islamic_dress Its sad a fellow muslim has to resort to getting another muslim into this much media exposure. I am sure she knew that by complaining this case would go straight into the main news due to the anti islam stance the media already has against us all. Besides I dont think he did anything wrong here. He was just giving her naseeha. May Allah help him. Almighty Allah says: ‘You are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind, you enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (whole Deen) and forbid what is Al-Munkar (all that is evil), and you believe in Allah’ [Ale-Imran v.110]

Quite intriguing Sheekha. Do tell: the issue, the person and the relation and the comment.

Nobody like to brag about their sins especially in this holy month. Ha inoo ahaato bacda ramadaan.

I do think we do spend too much time getting our knickers in a twist over confusing gender differences as sexism?? Our differences are part of lifes rich tapestry surely?? The Times September 25, 2007 Don’t be the work-flirt Debrett’s guide to men’s manners advises that your relationship with other women is vital to the one you have with your girlfriend. Jane Dickson YOUR COLLEAGUES The evolved male will refer to his female colleagues as “women”, not “ladies” and never “girls”. In an office where there are more men than women, you should go out of your way to promote an inclusive atmosphere; the important discussion of Chelsea v Arsenal/ Porsche v Ferrari/suspenders v hold-ups is better saved for the pub. In all but the most strait-laced environments, a little light flirting among equals will not go amiss, but care must be taken that special attentions to junior colleagues are not seen as an abuse of your position. You may think it the most natural thing to boost a young coworker with a fatherly pat or encouraging squeeze; she may see it differently and your partner, should she hear of it, is likely to have her own strong views on the matter. Similarly, the “office wife” syndrome needs to be carefully managed. It is not uncommon to build a particularly close and confidential relationship with a female colleague, but the boundaries of this supportive friendship must be clearly delineated. Your girlfriend will not appreciate it if your evenings alone together are consistently interrupted by long, intense phone calls with another woman, however impeccably professional the context. YOUR (FEMALE) BOSS Manners towards a female boss are important as this is a relationship that quickly exposes male insecurities and chauvinism. Your partner may not have the opportunity to observe you in the workplace, but the way you talk about your boss is revealing about your attitudes to women and their place in society. It is imperative, for the good of your career and your relationship, that you show precisely the degree of respect and professionalism towards a female superior as you would to a male. Ascribing questionable executive decisions to the effects of PMT/sexual frustration/the menopause won’t secure your advancement in either boardroom or bedroom. Successful women are frighteningly alert to any hint of chippiness from male juniors. In fact, the only thing worse than a chippy junior is a junior who thinks he can condescend to, or seduce, his boss. Even flirting with a superior is out of the question (unless you actively wish to be branded “office totty”). Some modification may be necessary (or at least prudent), during office hours, to your customary gallantry. On occasions where you meet your boss in a purely social context, feel free to be your usual chivalrous self; the alteration in your manner will serve only to point out your careful observation of office protocol and can do you no harm at all. No one ever said chivalry was for the benefit of just one sex. YOUR SISTER Your sister is your earliest source of insight into the feminine psyche. She is also the one who knows where the bodies are buried. As such, she requires careful handling. When your girlfriend is introduced to your sister, it is important that neither should feel that too much is riding on the meeting. Your sister needs to know that she is not being displaced as a comrade in arms. Your girlfriend should never be made to feel that your sister has any “right of veto” on your relationship. Falling immediately into the rut of childhood jokes and excessive “do you remembers?” is inconsiderate. Your partner may learn to love your family routines but cannot be expected, straight off the bat, to appreciate the hilarity of the time Aunt Mary got stuck on the ski-lift. Conversely, your sister may feel obscurely cross at being “excluded” from your new life as part of a couple (“well, you never used to like sushi!”). It is your job, at such times, to lead the conversation back to neutral ground. Don’t be hurt if the two of them don’t love each other on sight. They may never be best friends and it is pointless to force an affinity where none exists. If they go toe-to-toe, then chivalry demands that you defend your partner’s corner. If the situation is intractable, you may be better off seeing your sister alone until the bad feeling blows over. In the happy event that your sibling and your sweetheart get on like a house on fire, allow them space to cement the friendship. Accept that it’s part of the feminine bonding process to gang up on men. Make the most of their friendship; it can only be helpful to have a female perspective on what your consort really likes in the way of birthday presents, surprise outings or underwear. The positives of this useful alliance overwhelmingly outweigh the fact that every time you see them laugh together, you’ll think they’re laughing at you. And you’ll probably be right. YOUR MOTHER Freud had a point. All men are mummy’s boys au fond. Success with women depends largely on how you manage this crucial relationship. The way a man treats his mother sends clear signals to a potential mate about his attitude to women in general. Accept that, to your mother, you will always be a child (you can rail against it, but it won’t make a blind bit of difference). Your partner, on the other hand, has signed up for a man. It is a conundrum only you can solve. The filial image you want to project is one of affectionate independence. It will not enhance your profile as an alpha male if your mum still washes your clothes and cuts your hair. Nor is it attractive in a man to be constantly seeking maternal approval (particularly in the matter of whom you choose to go out with and how you conduct your life as a couple). Respect, however, or at the least kindness, is due to mothers. Even if you are not close, it is your adult responsibility to keep in touch and look out for her comfort. In the event of a clash between your mother and your love interest, it is best to avoid the appearance of siding with either party. Try to discuss the problem, in private, with each of them. “Having it all out in the open” rarely helps, as any momentary satisfaction that your mother or girlfriend may feel in publicly trumping the other will be cancelled out by many long, painful years of pretending it never happened. Above all, if you wish to maintain any kind of erotic life, you should avoid treating your lover like your mother. Oedipus, you will recall, confused the two most important women in his life – and all he ended up with was a complex. YOUR GIRLFRIEND’S BEST FRIEND (GBF) The GBF can make or break your relationship. Suspicion and criticism are often her default position, so you’re going to have to work hard at getting her on-side. First, you should concede unreservedly that she knows your girlfriend better than you do. You will get nowhere with the GBF until this important point is settled. If she doesn’t like you, redouble your efforts to please, but make sure your charm offensive is not confused with attempted seduction as this will play very badly with both GBF and girlfriend. Even if you have good reason to suspect the GBF of real malevolence, bite your lip as a feud will only make your girlfriend miserable and an ultimatum (“it’s her or me!”) can only ever sound hysterical. Going out in a foursome with the GBF’s other half is one way of spreading the emotional overload. Otherwise keep an impeccably friendly distance and let your girlfriend see the meddling harridan on her own. Should you gain her good opinion, however, the GBF is a sound ally. She is the one your girlfriend is going to moan to when things are less than perfect in your relationship and her positive intervention is invaluable. However well you get on, remember whose best friend she is. It is a mistake for you to moan about any aspect, however trifling, of your love life to the GBF - not least because it will go straight back to your girlfriend before you’ve even had time to add the bit about how much you adore her anyway. There will inevitably be occasions when you are obliged to witness the GBF’s romantic crises. While you should give every impression of support, your role, here, is essentially nonspeaking. Expressions of blokeish solidarity (“look at it his way”, “the chap has a point”) are unwanted and irrelevant. Far better to pour two large glasses of wine and leave before it is noticed that if all men are emotional cripples you must be one too. — ©Debrett’s Limited 2007. Extracted from Manners for Men: What Women Really Want by E. Jane Dickson published by Debrett’s, £12.99. Available from Times BooksFirst for £11.69, free P&P. 0870 1608080, timesonline.co.uk/booksfirst These bad habits do not impress us Nobody’s perfect and not all bad habits are deal-breakers. That said, any man honing his seduction skills will do well to avoid: ARROGANCE The dangerous delusion that your needs, desires or opinions are, without exception, more important than the next man’s is the No 1 turn-off for women. Arrogance should never be confused with confidence. If you’re boasting to impress us, it is likely to have the opposite effect. Ladies know that quality is discreet. We wouldn’t pick a handbag that shouts too hard and we won’t pick you. BEING DRUNK Drink is a great disinhibitor. The snag is that it disinhibits only the drinker. Once you are disinhibited to the point of declaring your love for barmaids/bus drivers/lampposts, we will be less than receptive to any more advances. If getting oiled is part of the night’s fun, gauge it carefully so you are never drunker than we are. We do not want to be responsible for getting you home. TANTRUMS Losing your temper, particularly in public, shows a worrying lack of self-control. Shouting at people you don’t know and who are not in a position to shout back (eg, waiting staff, juniors) is particularly unattractive, as is any degree of physical aggression. SMOKING If you smoke and we don’t, we will mind the smell. We’ll mind it on your clothes and your hair and we’ll mind it even more on ours. Crucially, we will never want to slip between your malodorous sheets. PATRONISING BEHAVIOUR Modern women do not take well to being “corrected” in their dress, speech or opinions. You may see yourself as Pygmalion. We just see the pig. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/men/article2522863.ece (I know nothing of flirting. should be banned by the way.)

^^ it was horse. Yup. It scared me bt it was also exciting surely it doesnt scar the children. Same with dhegdheer stor. It was scary but harmless folk story.

Do you think studying it at school would make any difference? When I was there, I have lost all hope. The corruption was rife and nothing gets done unless you bribe the relevant authorities. Marbaa waxa nagala casumey guri, I have asked for the tiolet, and i accidently went into this room where there was boxes of cash. I have later found out that it was the taxes collected from the port. Ever heard taxes kept in the living room of some bloke? Waan fajacay wallee.

No. far from it Dahia. I am saying we shouldnt get overly excited just cos some celebrity became muslim. You should see when Arsenal fans find out that Van Persi is muslim.. Ghanima has put it beautifully "the fact someone famous accepted Islam makes it more "normal" or mainstream or not as bad as people think". They have gained something special but they havent done Islam any favours like some muslims seem to think so. I must admit i got really excited when i heard Anelka became muslim (when I used be arsenal fan). My point is, by becoming muslim, they have done great favours for themselves however Islam isnt in need of us. I was reading this story while back, and I just found it. I will post snippet of it but you can read the whole article by clicking the link. Anselm Tormeeda, a priest and Christian scholar was one such person who's history is worth relating. He wrote a famous book "The Gift to the Intelligent for Refuting the Arguments of the Christians". In the introduction[3] to this work he relates his history: "Let it be known to all of you that my origin is from the city of Majorca, which is a great city on the sea, between two mountains and divided by a small valley. It is a commercial city, with two wonderful harbours. Big merchant ships come and anchor in the harbour with different goods. The city is on the island which has the same name - Majorca, and most of its land is populated with fig and olive trees. My father was a well respected man in the city. I was his only son. When I was six, he sent me to a priest who taught me to read the Gospel and logic, which I finished in six years. After that I left Majorca and traveled to the city of Larda, in the region of Castillion, which was the centre of learning for Christians in that region. A thousand to a thousand and a half Christian students gathered there. All were under the administration of the priest who taught them. I studied the Gospel and its language for another four years. After that I left for Bologne in the region of Anbardia. Bologne is a very large city, it being the centre of learning for all the people of that region. Every year, more than two thousand students gather together from different places. They cover themselves with rough cloth which they call the "Hue of God". All of them, whether the son of a workman or the son of a ruler wear this wrap, in order to make the students distinct from the others. Only the priest teaches controls and directs them. I lived in the church with an aged priest. He was greatly respected by the people because of his knowledge and religiousness and asceticism, which distinguished him from the other Christian priests. Questions and requests for advice came from everywhere, from Kings and rulers, along with presents and gifts. They hoped that he would accept their presents and grant them his blessings. This priest taught me the principles of Christianity and its rulings. I became very close to him by serving and assisting him with his duties until I became one of his most trusted assistants, so that he trusted me with the keys of his domicile in the church and of the food and the drink stores. He kept for himself only the key of a small room were he used to sleep. I think, and Allah knows best, that he kept his treasure chest in there. I was a student and servant for a period of ten years, then he fell ill and failed to attend the meetings of his fellow priests. During his absence the priests discussed some religious matters, until they came to what was said by the Almighty Allah through his prophet Jesus in the Gospel: "After him will come a Prophet called Paraclete". They argued a great deal about this Prophet and as to who he was among the Prophets. Everyone gave his opinion according to his knowledge and understanding; and they ended without achieving any benefit in that issue. I went to my priest, and as usual he asked about what was discussed in the meeting that day. I mentioned to him the different opinions of priests about the name Paraclete, and how they finished the meeting without clarifying its meaning. He asked me: "What was your answer?" I gave my opinion which was taken from interpretation of a well known exegesis. He said that I was nearly correct like some priests, and the other priests were wrong. "But the truth is different from all of that. This is because the interpretation of that noble name is known only to a small number of well versed scholars. And we posses only a little knowledge." I fell down and kissed his feet, saying: "Sir, you know that I traveled and came to you from a far distant country, I have served you now for more than ten years; and have attained knowledge beyond estimation, so please favour me and tell me the truth about this name." The priest then wept and said: "My son, by God, you are very much dear to me for serving me and devoting yourself to my care. Know the truth about this name, and there is a great benefit, but there is also a great danger. And I fear that when you know this truth, and the Christians discover that, you will be killed immediately." I said: "By God, by the Gospel and He who was sent with it, I shall never speak any word about what you will tell me, I shall keep it in my heart." He said: "My son, when you came here from your country, I asked you if it is near to the Muslims, and whether they made raids against you and if you made raids against them. This was to test your hatred for Islam. Know, my son, that Paraclete is the name of their Prophet Muhammad, to whom was revealed the fourth book as mentioned by Daniel. His way is the clear way which is mentioned in the Gospel." I said: "Then sir, what do you say about the religion of these Christians?" He said: "My son, if these Christians remained on the original religion of Jesus, then they would have been on God's religion, because the religion of Jesus and all the other Prophets is the true religion of God. But they changed it and became unbelievers." I asked him: "Then, sir, what is the salvation from this?" He said "Oh my son, embracing Islam." I asked him: "Will the one who embraces Islam be saved?" He answered: "Yes, in this world and the next." I said: "The prudent chooses for himself; if you know, sir the merit of Islam, then what keeps you from it?" He answered: "My son, the Almighty Allah did not expose me to the truth of Islam and the Prophet of Islam until after I have become old and my body weakened. Yes, there is no excuse for us in this, on the contrary, the proof of Allah has been established against us. If God had guided me to this when I was your age I would have left everything and adopted the religion of truth. Love of this world is the essence of every sin, and look how I am esteemed, glorified and honoured by the Christians, and how I am living in affluence and comfort! In my case, if I show a slight inclination towards Islam they would kill me immediately. Suppose that I was saved from them and succeeded in escaping to the Muslims, they would say, do not count your Islam as a favour upon us, rather you have benefited yourself only by entering the religion of truth, the religion that will save you from the punishment of Allah! So I would live among them as a poor old man of more than ninety years, without knowing their language, and would die among them starving. I am, and all praise is due to Allah, on the religion of Christ and on that which he came with, and Allah knows that from me." So I asked him: "Do you advise me to go to the country of the Muslims and adopt their religion?" He said to me: "If you are wise and hope to save yourself, then race to that which will achieve this life and the hereafter. But my son, none is present with us concerning this matter , it is between you and me only. Exert yourself and keep it a secret. If it is disclosed and the people know about it they will kill you immediately. I will be of no benefit to you against them. Neither will it be of any use to you if you tell them what you heard from me concerning Islam, or that I encouraged you to be a Muslim, for I shall deny it. They trust my testimony against yours. So do not tell a word, whatever happens." I promised him not to do so. http://thetruereligion.org/modules/xfsection/article.php?articleid=243

Lily Speaking of studying a subject for back home, I am very keen on Town & Regional Planning as I think we could really do with this. So the thought has crossed my mind.

^^ hear hear G It always astonished me when I am told someone famous became muslim. Good for them truly however good for Islam?...That is suspect.

G I know what Social science entails however as i said above, majority of its dicsiplines (except law, etc) it isnt financially rewarding. But those seeking for personal enrichment, it could be just the ticket. Needless to say, I think ..for a soceity to develop, we need social sciences. Social sociences are far more important to modern life than a media studies amongst others such as degrees in surfing/art/music/ Tourism/ Sports Science/fashion etc. There is certainly no intellectual or character-stretching skill involved in these soft options. We have many degree courses which are neither academic or able to train people in specific skills/trades/vocations. Too many graduates with meaningless degrees. Too few apprentices for jobs that are crying out to be filled.

As we all know, some degrees are much more lucrative than others. I'd say find yourself the best investments. Stay clear of mickey mouse degrees. I totally agree with Xiin. Unless it is for the love of studying, degree in a liberal arts or social sciences field are pretty much unrewarding financial wise. Before I finished my A' levels, I checked a career book in the library where every career is discussed i.e what the job entails, what qualifications you need, and most importantly, the starting salary. There are plenty of worthless degrees out there, but people have their own reasons for doing them, and those reasons aren't always about getting a job at the end of it. How will you help yourself or the economy with an art degree? It's all crappy perspective, get with the real world and get some applicable skills.

^^ be careful. You could be done for inciting hatred

Actually my dad used to say that if we had writers, writing about Somalia's political history, we wouldnt keep making the same old mistakes. I said novels cos of Diiriye and Nimco

What do you think? Do you that was Allah's plans? Ethopia couldnt save Islam, if Allah hadnt willed it.