Originally posted by Gheelle.T: ^War sxb Tuujiye and Nuune si bay kuu daba galeen ee maa mid gafuurka jabishid?lol loool..

Ibti and C&H iska daaya Tuujiye, he's bored with not much to do, so he has to stay in my shadows waiting for me to say something so he can pretend to be a soldier of Islam, point fingers and blah blah... it seems I'm the center of his world As for Tuujiye, let me remind you of what I said to you a while back when last you came out of your hole: enough with the blah blahs Tuujiye, you sound like the sheep come ciid al-adxa ... Islam can stand on its own merits and doesn't need bigots like you defending the religion, you're doing more harm than good yaa ahbal.

The 22-week infant died one day later in intensive care at a hospital in the mother's home town of Rossano in southern Italy. The mother, pregnant for the first time, had opted for an abortion after prenatal scans suggested that her baby was disabled. However, the infant survived the procedure, carried out on Saturday in the Rossano Calabro hospital, and was left by doctors to die. He was discovered alive the following day – some 20 hours after the operation – by Father Antonio Martello, the hospital chaplain, who had gone to pray beside his body. He found that the baby, wrapped in a sheet with his umbilical cord still attached, was moving and breathing. The priest raised the alarm and doctors immediately arranged for the infant to be taken to a specialist neo-natal unit at the neighbouring Cosenza hospital, where he died on Monday morning. Italian police are investigating the case for "homicide" because infanticide is illegal in Italy. The law means that doctors have had an obligation to try to preserve the life of the child once he had survived the abortion. The Italian government is also considering an inquiry into the conduct of the hospital staff. Eugenia Roccella, the under-secretary of state in the health department, on Wednesday night promised a government inquiry into the incident. “The minister of health will send inspectors to the hospital in Rossano Calabro to investigate what actually happened, and to see if the Law 194, which prohibits abortion when there is a possibility of the foetus living separately from the mother, and permits it only when the continuation of the pregnancy would result in life-threatening danger to the mother.” She said that if initial information is correct, “this would be a case of deliberate abandonment of a seriously premature neonate, possibly also with some form of disability, an act contrary to any sense of human compassion but also of any accepted professional medical practice". She added: “We must remember that a baby, once born, is an Italian citizen equal to all the others, and is entitled to all fundamental rights, including the right to health and therefore to be given full support.” The case has reignited controversy on the legality of abortion in the Roman Catholic country. It could also raise questions in Britain over the legal upper limits for abortion and the viability of the foetus – or its ability to survive outside of the womb. A spokesman for the ProLife Alliance said: "There cannot be anybody in the world who is not horrified by a story like this nor anybody in the UK who would not support a massive reduction in the upper limit for abortion." Most abortions at 22 weeks simply involve the induction of the birth which normally results in the death of a young foetus. The case is causing uproar in Italy because it is the second involving a foetus of that age surviving the procedure in just three years. The other involved a baby in Florence who weighed just 17oz when he was aborted at 22 weeks because of a suspected genetic disorder, but lived for three days. Since 1978, abortion has been available on demand in Italy in the first three months of pregnancy but is restricted to specific circumstances – such as disability- in the second trimester. The government is considering a review of the working of the laws. The case also comes as figures in Britain revealed last week that the number of babies born weighing only 2lbs has more than doubled in just two years. Yet the proportion of tiny babies born stillborn has nearly halved, the health service statistics have shown. The figures do not reveal at what stage the babies were born but a child weighing under 2lbs is likely to have been born at least three months early. They will inevitably include some born alive at an age when they could, in other circumstances, have been aborted. More than 200,000 abortions are performed each year, most for non-medical reasons within the legal upper limit of 24 weeks gestation. The increasing number of babies surviving below 24 weeks, partly because of advances in medicine, has led to widespread calls for the legal upper limit to be further reduced. Attempts to lower the limit failed in Parliament in 2008. In 2005 a baby boy in Manchester was born alive at 24 weeks after surviving three attempts to abort him. He is now a five-year-old schoolboy.

I suppose they got bored of the Kenyans and Tunisians...

Mr Jani, who claims to have left home aged seven and lived as a wandering sadhu or holy man in Rajasthan, is regarded as a 'breatharian' who can live on a 'spiritual life-force' alone. He believes he is sustained by a goddess who pours an 'elixir' through a hole in his palate. His claims have been supported by an Indian doctor who specializes in studies of people who claim supernatural abilities, but he has also been dismissed by others as a "village fraud." India's Defence Research Development Organisation, whose scientists develop drone aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles and new types of bombs. They believe Mr Prahlad could teach them to help soldiers survive longer without food, or disaster victims to hang on until help arrives. "If his claims are verified, it will be a breakthrough in medical science," said Dr G Ilavazhagan, director of the Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences. "We will be able to help save human lives during natural disasters, high altitude, sea journeys and other natural and human extremities. We can educate people about the survival techniques in adverse conditions with little food and water or nothing at all." So far, Mr Prahlad appears to be standing up to scrutiny. He has not eaten or drunk any fluids in six days, and similarly has not passed urine or a stool in that time. He remains fit and healthy and shows no sign of lethargy. Doctors will continue observing him for 15 days in which time they would expect to see some muscle wastage, serious dehydration, weight loss,and fatigue followed by organ failure. Prahlad Jani is being held in isolation in a hospital in Ahmedabad, Gurjarat, where he is being closely monitored by India's defence research organization, who believe he may have a genuine quality which could help save lives. He has now spent six days without food or water under strict observation and doctors say his body has not yet shown any adverse effects from hunger or dehydration. It is common in India for Jains and Hindus to fast, sometimes for up to eight days, without any adverse affects, as part of their religious worship. Most humans cannot survive without food for 50 days. The longest hunger strike recorded is 74 days. According to Dr Sudhir Shah, who examined him in 2003, he went without food or water for ten days in which urine appeared to be reabsorbed by his body after forming in his bladder. Doubts were expressed about his claim after his weight fell slightly at the end of the trial. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/7645857/Man-claims-to-have-had-no-food-or-drink -for-70-years.html

Originally posted by BiLaaL: Qatar is also starting to flex its muscles. If it doesn't backtrack, it is set to cancel its current policy of issuing visas upon arrival for citizens of so-called 'affluent' countries - including France, the UK and US. This change is set to be in force by 1 May. Apparently, this change will only apply to countries who currently do not offer visas to Qatari nationals upon arrival. In other words, the Qataris are saying we shall treat you as you treat us. It is only fair. Good for them. I hope more will follow suit...

The two Gs and Karl made some good points, alcohol is not in the same league as khat. However, people in both parts of the world consume them in a social setting. Yes, alcohol can intoxicate a person when one takes in too much of it, while khat abuse causes the impairment of concentration and judgement. As for Gheele's two questions of: How khat intoxicates people? I suggest reading the first and last of the scholarly articles I linked. And as for the second one whether the same can be said of khat as what is said of alcohol in the Holy Book, then certainly, if one reads the Prophet's saying that "Every intoxicant is Khamr, and every Khamr is haram" then it is clear that khat can be placed in that category. Muslims who think it's allowable are not any different than the ones who consume small quantities of alcohol stating that since they are not intoxicated then it is OK to drink.

^^^ the fact that there has been civil war (along with all the ills associated with war) for the last 19 years would be a good start...

^^ I see your points Gs but why not compare khat to alcohol? they both are intoxicants... if one is to follow the rules as they are laid down then one must abstain from both, isn't it how it's supposed to be? or can people pick and choose?

Originally posted by NGONGE: ailamos, What dire consequences when you refuse Visa's to people with no University degrees? (from any part of the world). Good point, for one I could foresee Bon Jovi and Britney Spears concerts being cancelled and potential problems with Richard Branson and Steve Jobs Not all of the UAE are applying this rule. Only Dubai (I think). I didn't know Dubai independently managed its immigration matters, kinda reminds me of Arizona...

Reading this journal article, it makes parallels to the role of khat in Somali society similar to the social role of alcohol in Western society.

it just sounds quite hypocritical to ban certain intoxicants and allow others for the sake of reasons that, to me, are incoherent.

^^ I would think that would have dire economic consequences which they would not be willing to sacrifice... it's a big difference between banning Kenyans and banning Americans...

It's been scientifically proven that khat has adverse affects on: Driving Ability: http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/88/3/09-067512/en/index.html Dental Health: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20391274 Reproduction: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12953742 and... Psychology: http://apt.rcpsych.org/cgi/reprint/9/6/456.pdf Didn't Prophet Muhammad state, according to Muslim, in chapter 7 of Kitab Al Ashriba (The Book of Drinks), that "Every intoxicant is Khamr, and every Khamr is haram.". As there are also obvious proofs in the Quran about the avoidance of intoxicants, so why is khat tolerated in certain Muslim countries? Up to the point that some Muslim groups have imposed a tax on the product.

axxxxx.... that's what it feels like too bad that every 'suspect' doesn't have the means to exercise diplomatic revenge...

Kenya's foreign minister is in Dubai to defuse a row after members of the Gulf state's ruling family were deported as terror suspects. The four were on holiday from Dubai in Kenya's resort of Mombasa over Easter, when immigration officers interrogated them for hours before expelling them. The United Arab Emirates responded by tightening visa requirements - and only accepts Kenyan university graduates. The ban has hit many traders, who usually buy their goods from Dubai. The BBC's Ruth Nesoba in Nairobi says second-hand cars and fabrics from Dubai are particularly popular with Kenyan businessmen. Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula and his delegation of officials arrived in the UAE on Monday but the talks were deadlocked and so they have been extended. Last week, deputy foreign minister Richard Onyonka apologised on the BBC's Swahili service for the "****** mistake" of the officials. Kenya's Standard newspaper reports that some 37,000 Kenyans live in the UAE, mostly Dubai. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8646155.stm

^^loool nuune... I thought the thread was about the world cup I like how you read theology into it, and yes I do love the subject saxiib, I'm glad you noticed besides theological topics drive many people here...

Originally posted by Raamsade: Allah did not create man so that he could have fun. The aim of creation was for mankind to be put to the test through hardship and prayer. An Islamic regime must be serious in every field. There are no jokes in Islam. There is no humor in Islam. There is no fun in Islam. There can be no fun and joy in whatever is serious. Islam does not allow swimming in the sea and is opposed to radio and television serials. Islam, however, allows marksmanship, horseback riding and competition... by the late Ayatollah Khomeini Hogwash

Football fans in north-eastern Kenya have criticised a decision by a Muslim leader to close public video halls ahead of the World Cup. Many Kenyans watch live football in video halls via satellite because they cannot afford the technology at home. But Sheikh Khalif Mohammed has shut the halls down in the town of Mandera, saying the satellite channels expose children to pornography. The move has sparked anger in a nation where football is hugely popular. The BBC's Bashkas Jugsodaay in Mandera says fans have told him they will do anything to watch the World Cup, which begins in six weeks' time. Some even said they planned to cross the crocodile-infested river Dawa to watch games in neighbouring Ethiopia. "If the chiefs [clerics] don't lift the ban, I will go anywhere for the World Cup - from the first day to the last day," said a man who did not want to be identified. Sheikh Mohammed said the video halls were a bad influence on local children and encouraged them to miss school. "If anyone wants to go watch the World Cup at his house or her house then we have no problem. But public - no," he told the BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8643975.stm

I've heard about cars being "hot", "sexy" and people saying they "love' their cars... but this is waaaaaayy out there!!

Originally posted by Archdemos: with the general election (UK) fast approaching some of my friends have got it in their heads that its haram to vote in Kufr system. SOL'ers whats your take on this most of my Somali friends think its okay whilst most of my Asian friends think its totally haram. any opinions and info appreciated, Are your Asian friends Pakistanis by any chance? I don't see how it could be haram if one wants to bring about change in one's society through consensus. As you said taxes are taken from your paycheck anyway so you might as well have a say in who lays down the rules. The important thing is that since there are matters of interest to the Muslim community in non-Muslim countries, wouldn't voting be a form of "ijmaac" or "a consensus of the Muslim community in that country"?? Besides, if one thinks the entire system is based on kufr then I don't see any compulsion in staying in that country. Anyway one opinion as per the link Bilaal sent states: It is permissible for a Muslim who enjoys the rights of citizenship in a non-Muslim country to take part in elections and the like because it is more likely that his participation will bring benefits such as presenting a true picture of Islam, defending Muslim issues in that country, supporting the rights of religious and other minorities, strengthening their role in circles of influence, and cooperating with reasonable, fair-minded people on a basis of truth and justice. That should be in accordance with the following guidelines: (i) The Muslim participants should intend thereby to serve the interests of the Muslims and ward off evil and harm from them. (ii) The Muslim participants should think it most likely that their participation will have positive effects that will benefit the Muslims in that country, such as supporting their position, conveying their requests to the decision makers and those who are in charge of the country, and protecting their religious and worldly interests. (iii) The Muslim’s participation in these elections should not lead to him neglecting his religious duties.

Originally posted by B: Somalia must be rid of these evil culture destroyers. I will not fight for Islam but the somalia culture and way of life. After 1300 years, Islam and the Somali culture and way of life are interwoven yaa B... but you're right in that banning a social norm like music is ridiculous...

...... in a bit...

^ whoa!! that's crazy man, it must be tough on your friend to have those bigots for "inlaws"!

^LOOOL