A NEW PATH : Jasmine Pinet is one of a number of US Latinas who have converted to Islam. Ms. Pinet says she feels more comfortable in Muslim garb as she walks the streets of her home in Jersey City, N.J. US Latinas seek answers in Islam It surprises many of their friends and family, but some young US Latinas say Islam offers women more respect. By Christine Armario | Contributor to The Christian Science Monitor UNION CITY, N.J. – Jasmine Pinet sits on the steps outside a mosque here, tucking in strands of her burgundy hair beneath a white head scarf, and explaining why she, a young Latina, feels that she has found greater respect as a woman by converting to Islam. "They're not gonna say, 'Hey mami, how are you?' " Ms. Pinet says of Muslim men. "Usually they say, 'Hello, sister.' And they don't look at you like a sex object." While some Latinas her age try to emulate the tight clothes and wiggling hips of stars like Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera, Ms. Pinet and others are adopting a more conservative lifestyle and converting to Islam. At this Union City, N.J., mosque, women account for more than half of the Latino Muslims who attend services here. Nationwide, there are about 40,000 Latino Muslims in the United States, according to the Islamic Society of North America. Many of the Latina converts say that their belief that women are treated better in Islam was a significant factor in converting. Critics may protest that wearing the veil marks a woman as property, but some Latina converts say they welcome the fact that they are no longer whistled at walking down a street. "People have an innate response that I'm a religious person, and they give [me] more respect," says Jenny Yanez, another Latina Muslim. "You're not judged if you're in fashion or out of fashion." Other Latina Muslims say they also like the religion's emphasis on fidelity to one's spouse and family. But for many family members and friends, these conversions come as a surprise - often an unwelcome one. They may know little of Islam other than what they have heard of the Taliban and other extremist groups. That creates an inaccurate image, insists Leila Ahmed, a professor of women's studies and religion at Harvard University. "It astounds me, the extent to which people think Afghanistan and the Taliban represent women and Islam." What's really going on, she says, is a reshaping of the relationship between women and Islam. "We're in the early stages of a major rethinking of Islam that will open Islam for women. [Muslim scholars] are rereading the core texts of Islam - from the Koran to legal texts - in every possible way." New views of women and Islam may be more prevalent in countries like the US, where women read the Koran themselves and rely less on patriarchal interpretations. "I think the women here are asserting more their rights and their privileges," says Zahid Bukhari, director of the American-Muslim Studies Program at George- town University. " Some Latina Muslims say they harbored stereotypes about Muslim women before deciding to convert, but changed their minds once becoming close friends with a Muslim. "I always thought, geez, I feel sorry for women who have to wear those veils," says Pinet. Then she met her Muslim boyfriend and began studying the Koran with a group of Muslim women. She says she was impressed with the respect they received. "A women is respected because she is the mother, she takes care of the children, and she's the one that enforces the rules," Pinet says. "They're the ones who are sacred." Critics of the decisions of Latinas to convert to Islam say they are adopting a religion just as patriarchical as the Roman Catholic faith that many are leaving behind. "While it's true the Latino culture tends to be more male-dominated, and there's a tendency toward more machismo, I would venture to say it exists [in Islam] as well," says Edwin Hernandez, director of the Center for the Study of Latino Religion at the University of Notre Dame. Latinos account for six percent of the 20,000 Muslim conversions in the United States each year, according to a report published by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Anecdotal evidence suggests this number may be rising. But that doesn't mean it's getting any easier for the women who make this choice. "At first it was anger and then more like sadness," Nylka Vargas says of her parents' reaction when she told them she was converting to Islam and began dressing more conservatively. "They would sometimes feel strange being around me." Pinet's family has been more accepting, but she too has encountered some resistance in her community. It's as if you've betrayed your own kind," she says. For some, the cultural differences are the most trying. "I can't eat pork, I can't wear [form- fitting] clothing, I can't dance in the clubs, I'm not gonna attend church," says Ms. Yanez, who is of Cuban and Spanish descent. "But I keep my language, and there's still things that we do as Latinos that they don't have to change." Within the Islamic community, Latina Muslims report being warmly received, although language barriers sometimes exist for Latinas who only speak Spanish. There are few Spanish services at mosques and a limited number of Islamic texts in Spanish. Grassroots organizations specifically for Latino Muslims have been created in recent years. They function in part as an informational resource for new converts and but also as a support group for those who encounter difficulties at home. Ultimately, Latina Muslims say that time heals the divisions and angst their conversion sometimes causes among friends and family. "What I had to learn was patience," says Vargas, whose family came to accept her religious beliefs after several years. "Sometimes things are not as we want them." http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1227/p11s02-ussc.html

^^ dad Hilib-Qeedhiin ku cunsiiyey oo Buuraha ku dejiyey miyaad jeclaan lahayd? Markay Soomaali arkaan ba - Nabaro ayaa daqmanaya ee iska dhowra. Siduu Ahmed Guray u karbaashay - ilaa iyo hada waa kuwaas hoos u hadlaya!

sheh, walaaleey bal wax yar isug aan "skinflint" - qaamuuska ka day dayee!

Originally posted by sheherazade: ^^^You're gonna sue me, huh? All I have is the shirt on my back and now u want that too! hmmm... well if you desire, You can also come with the shirt! say you what? isn't that a win/win deal?

war maba ogayn inuu Cali Caashaqana Gubayee! Originally posted by Sophist: Cabdiyow ninkii caashaq wado, looma caal helo Dad ninkii ka caawa-caawiyuu, kala colloobaaye -- Ala maxaan tan usoo taagnaa "Caashaq is the triumph of imagination over intelligence."

700+ Miles from the In-Laws =s Perfect Honeymoon!

Originally posted by sheherazade: There's a queue a mile long. Whittling it down is turning out to be a rather amusing distraction. Q: Candidate No 156, how many humps does a Gulf camel have? A: Err, depends how smooth he is with the she-camels. Next!!! lolz Shah, u o me a new shirt! I never knew drinking hot tea while surfing SOL was that dangerous?

^^ LOOOLZ war sxb Bakhtiar kala-guurnaye maxaad haysaa? xageed ka dhacday?

Despite Popular Belief, Islam's Not The Grinch That Stole Christmas "Merry Christmas" has given way to "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings", and many Christians aren't too happy about Christmas' increasing secularization. They cite the banning of public nativity displays, curtailing of Christmas carols with religious themes, and even the banning of the "C-word" in schools. And some of the maddest ones are those who blame "militant Muslims", among others, for the watering down of the holiday. (Truth is, commercialism is more to blame than anything else, but that's another story.) While secularists get hammered most in this anti-PC backlash, Muslims for some reason are getting some blame for this, despite any evidence that they have done anything collectively or individually. It's easy, when Muslims are the target du jour, to add one more reason to hate them. "Hate crimes against Christianity!" fumes one columnist. "If the Muslims don't like it, let them go to a Muslim country!" writes another. In fact, Muslims (and Jews and others) are publicly criticizing the oversensitivity going on in their names. "Denying the Christianity in Christmas... helps no one," wrote Waleed Aly of the Islamic Council of Victoria, Australia, "This is not multiculturalism. It is anti-culturalism." Inayat Bungawala, a spokesperson for the Muslim Council of Britain, agreed. "Actually, we would welcome Christmas having more a Christian content because it is more now a shopping festival." And Muslims are even celebrating Christmas in their own ways. "We in the Muslim community express our love to this blessed baby and Messiah," writes Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi of the Islamic House of Worship in Dearborn Heights, "and open our hearts to the Christian community and say "Merry Christmas." ::: alt.muslim

Originally posted by -Femme Fatale-: REMAIN CALM--EVEN WHEN IT SEEMS HOPELESS lolz, Ileen Pakistanidu ma naxaan! mise alximaaru laa yamshii ilaa bil casaa bay maqleen?

» Asalamu Alaykum Insha'Allah, on top of my list is to go back to the motherland and have some caano geel! Classique well said sis! sis Wilo, May q__|__| | make it easy for you! Alisaleebaan - that is wonderful goal brother, if you trust in q__|__| | and work hard, you can achieve your goals.

^^ lol hmmm... I wonder who is going to volunteer to become your trusted Ronins?

Inaalilah Wa inaa Ileeyhi Raajicuun q__|__| | ha u naxariisto intii dhimatay - hana u dambidhaafo inta nool.

Originally posted by Libaax-Sankataabte: Ilaahay ha u naxariisto. Ehelkoodana Ilaahay samir iyo iimaan ha ka siiyo. Aamiin Amiin q___|___| |_.

this link may help. http://www.somaliaonline.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=001953#000000 Self Defence By Mohammed Khalid Taekwondo Black Belt 3rd Dan (WTF) Ever wondered how you would react if you were accosted in the street? We have come to the conclusion that often, when faced with attack, the victim is advised to try and take control of the situation rather than giving in to it. Be aware and try to avoid potentially dangerous situations. If you feel an attack is about to take place, don’t wait for it to develop, act immediately. Draw attention to yourself, if you are on a train for example, pull the communication cord before it’s too late. If you can, try not to cave in passively to your assailant, this is the firm and modern message. Turning the confrontation to your advantage is not only beneficial to the victim, but can also be easier than you think - if you follow a few simple rules. Better still, learning how to avoid those situations, or how to diffuse them before they get out of hand is the best way of dealing with aggression. Often, one of the worries facing a victim after an attack is that they didn’t do enough to help themselves. When the body feels the sensation of panic, its natural reaction is to freeze. If you try and stay aware and give yourself confidence through taking some form of self defence course, you will stand a better chance of remaining calm. What you should do * Avoid using poorly lit streets when walking or parking the car at night. * Walk confidently with head up and purposeful stride. * Carry a personal security device such as the personal attack alarm. * Knock on someone’s door if you think you are being followed. Ask if they could telephone the police, a relative or a taxi to collect you. Never go into a strange house, you could be inviting more trouble. Make sure that you are aware of the give away signs of a prospective attacker. Things to look out for are: * Invasion of personal space or a close and persistent following. * Unusually close interest in you. * The same car passing you more than once or pulling over and parking further up the road. Invest time in a self-defence training programme. If it’s martial arts based, you will probably find it a rewarding form of exercise and a good pastime. What not to do * Confront a prospective assailant unless you have definite cause to believe you are about to be attacked. * Give an attacker cause to believe you are willing for him to approach you by letting him start a conversation or make eye contact etc. * Be afraid to draw attention to yourself if you think you are in danger. Try instead to make a lot of noise (e.g. shout or even sing loudly) or walk in the middle of the road. * Boast publicly of any self-defence or martial arts training you may have had - it might encourage someone to challenge you. What to do if you come under attack Here are some basic tips on reacting to actual confrontation: The worst thing you can do is panic. If you feel someone is about to engage in contact with you, feel free to take the initiative. Turn to face them and get ready for a confrontation. If you practice a martial art, go into a basic stance, it will help to prepare you both physically and mentally for conflict, if it becomes necessary. Stay calm and try to utilise what time you have to gauge your attacker’s state of mind. If they seem over-nervous or timid, a confident verbal challenge may deter them. Try and keep time on your side. Your assailant will be afraid of discovery, the longer you spread out the confrontation the more chance there is of this happening. Try and engage in some form of conversation to diffuse the situation - never patronise or threaten, it will only encourage them. Never beg to be left alone or unhurt, many attackers get their kicks from the feeling of power that this gives them over the victim. If an assailant wants your wallet or purse, give it to them, but produce it in a calm, slow moving way, you can even throw it onto the floor. This will give you more time to memorise all the details about the person, increasing the chances of subsequent arrest, and it also gives you time to run. A mugger will always go for your wallet rather than you. Try and stay calm enough to apply any self-defence or martial arts skills you may have learned to restrain an attacker or defend yourself. Look for an opening to react, but be prepared to get hurt if you fight back - it’s painful but sometimes preferable to the possible consequences of giving in. Legal Factors Always remember that the law is very strict in matters of physical assault. You are only allowed to use ‘reasonable force’ for self-defence purposes. If you seriously hurt someone, even though it may be during a genuine attack, you might find it’s you that ends up in court on a criminal charge. Defence Tips EYE Jab out with your fingers aiming for one or both eyes remembering not to pull the hand back before striking. The eyes are very delicate this means it needs very little force to be able to cause temporary blindness. To use this technique, accuracy is vital, therefore practice this by hanging a thick piece of card from a ceiling with holes cut out for the eyes. Then jab your finger(s) through the holes whilst the card is stationary or swinging.THROAT The two main target areas are the Adams apple or the throat hollow. Striking either of the targets with a finger jab, second knuckles or the side of the hand will cause pain and difficulty in breathing. Pressure applied to the throat hollow by one or two fingers will cause discomfort and pain. Again accuracy is important. CHIN Using the heel of the hand to strike the attackers chin from below. Pushing the head back and follow through. If you miss the chin you will probably hit the nose, which is the next best thing. HEAD Using your forehead to butt the attacker is simple and effective. A butt to the nose will cause the attacker both pain and blurred vision, which will allow you time to get away. Try to avoid moving your head back as it may give away your intention. If grabbed from behind, snap your head back aiming to hit the attacker in the face. Do this twice in quick succession if necessary. KICKING Aim for the knee, shin or groin. If going for the groin, kick by moving your weight onto the other leg and bending it a little. Kick with a snapping motion as to make your leg return back quickly (don’t move your leg back before attacking, it let’s the attacker know your intention). If practising, don’t kick into the air with any power or snap, you could damage your knee. Instead, practice hitting a target. EARS Cupping the hands, hit your attacker over the ears with a clapping motion, this could cause the attackers eardrums to burst. Or, if you have only one hand free, grab the bottom part of the attackers ear and pull HARD. HAND A good method to break an attackers grip is to strike the back of the attackers hand. Hit it hard and fast a few times with the second knuckle of your middle finger. If done properly instant pain is caused. Learn the Art of Relaxing Why is it so important? You will notice after practising this technique on a regular basis, that you will be in control of your body and mind when you need it the most. Most fighters whether it be in Boxing, Thai Boxing or Grappling etc., will be taught at an early stage of their training just how important it is to relax. Remember, if your body is relaxed, it will move easier and faster than when it is tense. You will also find it easier to assess and deal with any given situation. Relaxation Technique Lower the lights and then lie or sit comfortably. Whilst taking deep breaths in through your nose and out from your mouth, try to clear your mind. Imagine you are looking into ‘space’ with no stars - just total darkness. Once you feel the sensation of your mind becoming clear, concentrate on the top part of your head and tell it to relax. Working your way down from your head to your toes. Remember to tell each part of the body to relax as you move from one part to the next. Concentrate on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, upper back, stomach, arms, forearms, hands, thighs, calves and finally the feet, before reaching the toes. It will take time to achieve this but by being persistent you will feel the benefits. When you have achieved some degree of relaxation, try to use this technique in a different environment, for example, when at work or out shopping. ** Taken From: The Muslim Health Network: http://www.muslimhealthnetwork.org/ls_martial_arts.shtml

Salaam to All. Thanks for replying! Your words of wisdom are much appreciated! --- Brother NGONGE, I must say you have cought me off-guard. I was hoping not to come across a nomad that was knowledgeable of the brave Don Quixote. I had in mind the Andalusia of the Muslim Era, ages before the Don. Like most Believers, I still long for the gardens of Cordoba. --- * The Brave Don battling his nemesis: http://www.samstagnachmittag.de/1970-Don-Quixote-gross.jpg

Originally posted by sheherazade: Classique, OG-Girl, now you both know there's no waasta like a Khaleeji waasta so get started! I want results and I want them fast. I expect a big fat expat. package: astronomical salary, accommodation in on of those villas by the sea, a Lamborghini in the front, unlimited hoildays, short working days, stress-less environment, sumptuous food, and my very own shopping mall. Do-able, no? Don't just sit there, network! hmmm... did you consider Bank-Robbery as a career? if your interested, let me know! ps. there is some risk - such us loosing your arm, head, ext...

greetings to all! I would like the nomads opinion on a topic that has been on my mind for sometime now. how important is Intellectual Comparability, when one is seeking a partner in life? Hadaynu Soomali nahay, markay guur noqoto, waxaynu aad ufiirinaa maalka, ehelka, qabiilka, quruxda, iyo diinta qofka. Siday ila tahay, way yaryihiin inta markay guurdoon yihiin fiirisa, tacliinta ama heerka waxbarashada ee qofka. what about you, do you look at the intellectual style of the person, his or her degree of education, ideas, goals, visions, ...? Personally, I want someone, when I tell her, "I dream of You and I on a White Stallion, riding across Andalusia under a crescent moon!", would know excatly what I mean, and not just knows but feels excatly how I feel! ma aan rabo mid tiraahda, » "War ma pasta-dii aad xalay cuntay baad ku riyootay?" » "Pasta-dee?" » "Dee Wamaxay Santa lushiyada iyo waxaad sheegaysid?" what about you? does it matter? peace!

Originally posted by sheherazade: The end of the world is nigh. I don't see the point of pumping so much money into a giant needle. He(Gibriil) said: “Then tell me about the Hour.†He(The Prophet scw) said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.†He said: “Then tell me about its signs.†He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, and that you will see barefooted, naked destitute shepherds competing in constructing lofty buildings.†- on the authority of `Umar(ra).

Sheikh Al-Qaradawi (L), Dr. Abdel Sattar Abu Ghuda © and Dr. Hassan Hathout attending the closing session By Lamya Hamad, IOL Staff http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2004-12/15/article04.shtml CAIRO, December 15 (IslamOnline.net) - The Eighth Conference of the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences wrapped up here Tuesday, December 14, by endorsing the draft of the first international ethical guideline of medical sciences from an Islamic perspective. Titled “The International Islamic Code for Medical and Health Ethics,†the code’s draft will be reviewed, edited and then issued in its final form by the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences (IOMS). The code idea dates back to 1981 when the IOMS took the initiative of adopting the Islamic Document for Medical Ethics in a Kuwait conference “to keep human knowledge on the proper track prescribed by God as He declared Man as His viceroy on this planet.†It is, in effect, the brainchild of Dr. Hassan Hathout, a leading board member of the IOMS. The four-day conference, opened Saturday, December 11, was organized by the IOMS in co-operation with the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS), Ajman University Network and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Cairo-based World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office played host to the conference. The event brought together a host of Muslim figures, including Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, Haytham Al-Khayat, a WHO advisor and an IOMS’s board member, and Head of WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office Dr. Hussein Al-Gaza'ry. Curricula In order to further develop and empower the code to put it into practice, 14 recommendations were issued at the closing session. Chief among which was a call to the ministers of education, the deans of medical schools in the Arab and Muslim world to integrate the yet-to-be approved code into their curricula. Another proposal called for posting the planned code on the web sites of all medical institutions that pay due attention to ethics. The code is not only for professionals but for “the people, the family and society,†Dr. Mu'men S. Hadidi, head of the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in Jordan, told the gathering. The WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office is further implored to work in tandem with the ministries of health in the region to set up ad hoc committees to follow up issues pertaining to medical and health ethics. Additionally, the IOMS has been urged first to prepare a workshop to explore how can the new code come into fruition and second to distribute copies of the code to all health-care professionals. Research Fund Dr. Abd Al-Rahman El-Awady, IOMS head, further suggested establishing an Islamic fund to support medical research in the Muslim world. For his part, head of the Ajman University Network, Dr. Saed Salman, called for holding a conference on the ethical issues related to the pharmaceutical industry and drug research. The conference has further discussed the doctor-patient relationship including medical practices, obligations and responsibilities, as well as biomedical research involving human subjects and the Islamic ruling on pressing medical questions. The physicians and scholars have also touched on various sensitive issues, including surrogate mothers, determining a baby’s sex and euthanasia.

Islamic Scholar Whose Visa Upheld to Give Up Notre Dame Post Date Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 Tariq Ramadan WASHINGTON, Dec 14 (MASNET & News Agencies) - The U.S. State Department said it may end the review of a prominent Islamic scholar's visa application after the academic announced he would decline a U.S. university job due to the government's handling of his case. Swiss professor and author Tariq Ramadan said in a statement he would not move to the United States and take the job at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, because authorities had yet to respond to his October 4 visa application, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP). Ramadan, an intellectual influential among Muslims throughout Europe, said he had sent a letter of resignation this week to Notre Dame where he had been due to take up a tenured post as professor of religion, reports Reuters. "I'm abandoning the idea of moving to the United States," Ramadan told the Associated Press (AP) speaking in Geneva where he has lived in limbo with his wife and four children since their furniture was sent to South Bend. "I want to maintain my dignity." "I sent a letter of resignation... This has been extremely difficult for my family," said Ramadan. Ramadan notified the university on Monday, citing the stress on him and his family from the uncertainty of their situation, said R. Scott Appleby, director of Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, reports the AP. The State Department rescinded Ramadan's work permit in late July - days before he was to move to the United States - and it was revoked in August after the Department of Homeland Security cited security concerns but released no specifics, saying the decision was based on "public safety or national security interests" and pointed to federal law applying to aliens who have used a "position of prominence ... to endorse or espouse terrorist activity." U.S. authorities have not disclosed the reasons behind the decision to revoke his visa, but cited the Patriot Act, an anti-terrorism law adopted by Congress in October 2001. Ramadan re-applied for the visa in October. Ramadan said U.S. authorities had encouraged him to re-apply. He had heard nothing since being interviewed in October at the U.S. embassy in Berne, he told Reuters. The move was widely slammed by U.S. academics, who suspect Ramadan has been barred because of his sharp criticisms of Israel, the war in Iraq and U.S. policy in the Mideast. It sparked protests from at least four U.S. scholars' groups, led a United Nations-sponsored institution to issue an academic freedom alert and inspired appeals on Ramadan's behalf from some Jewish groups, reports the AP. Ramadan has accused President George W. Bush’s administration of trying to silence him, reports Reuters. "The U.S. administration does not want my voice heard. I consider this an attack on academic freedom," added the 42-year-old, who has a doctorate from the University of Geneva. "There are questions that need to be asked and answered in visa interviews and the visa process," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said. "We have been willing to go through that process after Mr. Ramadan's initial exclusion." "We would have to point out, though, that the resignation from the proffered teacher post at Notre Dame would nullify the basis for the pending visa application, and thus that would end the review of his application for a visa," Boucher said. "The gentleman, Mr. Ramadan, had reapplied for a visa. The case was under review," he said. However, Ramadan’s decision to abandon the post was taken after a Notre Dame official was told by a State Department contact that no decision on the visa was in view, Ramadan said. Ramadan had been named head of the program in religion, conflict and peace-building at the Joan Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at Notre Dame. It was set up by the billionaire widow of Ray Kroc, founder of the fast-food chain McDonald's, the news agency reports. He was also named professor in Islamic studies in the university's classics department. Notre Dame, a Catholic university, said then it was "deeply disappointed and concerned," but was optimistic the issue would be resolved and Ramadan would be allowed to take up his post, reports Reuters. "We are disappointed," said Appleby. "Faculty and students at Notre Dame and at other U.S. universities were looking forward to engaging him productively on a variety of issues central to our times." "Such dialogue, we believe, is an essential requirement to a deeper understanding of the complexity of the Muslim world." Ramadan, the grandson of Hassan al-Banna, the Egyptian founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, has condemned the use of violence in the name of Islam. The scholar's studies focus on showing how Islamic values are compatible with those of secular European society, and he has gained a popular following among European Muslims, reports the AP. Ramadan said Tuesday there is nothing in his past to justify the ban and demanded that U.S. authorities give details of its investigation of him in order to clear him of the "untrue and humiliating" claims that he was barred because of ties to terrorism, the news agency reports. He also thanked Notre Dame and dozens of American organizations for their support, reports Reuters. "They are the dignity of the United States, carrying high the banner of pluralism and democratic debate while the U.S. administration unfortunately seems to show more signs each day of slipping toward a closed and worrying unilateralism."

www.islamonline.net - first batch of 600 Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims left Srinagar for Makkah, the holiest place for Muslims, to perform annual pilgrimage, Monday, December 13, 2004. A total of 8,742 pilgrims from the Kashmir region are expected to perform this year's ritual. May Allah(swt) bring peace and prosperity to our Ummah!

Kenya Beat Somalia The Nation (Nairobi) December 15, 2004 Posted to the web December 14, 2004 Nation Reporter Nairobi Kenya's Harambee Stars ground out a 1-0 win over tournament minnows Somalia in a Group "B" East and Central Africa Challenge Cup soccer match at Addis National Stadium yesterday. The lone goal was scored in the ninth minute by John Baraza. But the expected goal avalanche did not materialise as Somalia held on bravely to contain the highest ranked team in the tournament. Harambee Stars now lie second with four points and must beat Uganda in their last group match on Saturday to guarantee passage to the semi-finals. Earlier at the same venue Sudan climbed to the top of the group after beating defending champions Uganda 2-1 in a high-paced match. Sudan scored either half in a match they always appeared in control. Uganda did look like they were going to salvage the match after they pulled one back in the 83rd minute but their late onslaught failed to yield the decisive breakthrough. It was ample revenge for the Sudanese who, as hosts, were knocked out in the semi-finals of the same competition last year by Uganda. Tanzania take on Burundi Thursday from 4 pm knowing they need to win to keep their chance of qualifying from a tight Group "A" following the opening round of matches. The five-team group has the first four teams bunched up on three points each except Tanzania who have yet to register a win. Burundi narrowly lost to hosts Ethiopia 1-2 but bounced back to shock pre-match favourites Rwanda with an inspired 3-1 win. These results puts them as marginal favourites. Ethiopia and Rwanda play in the second match of the day for a result that will determine who takes leadership of the group.

Asalamu Alaykum Jazakallahu Khayr! Islamway.com has also the best collection of Quranic Recitations! May Allah(swt) reward them!

Originally posted by Viking: Danny Williams was beaten badly last night yeah that was heart-breaking! Insha'Allah he'll get the belt next time!