Originally posted by NGONGE: Sophist, This is Saudi Arabia. Surely the matter should be clearer! I mean, for hundreds of years the people that lived in that part of the world had to fast without the luxury of electricity and air conditioning! Why complain now? In fact, it could be argued that the Egyptian case is more accurate. They are playing away from home and the Mufti that issued that fatwa might have taken the 'travel' aspect into consideration when issuing that fatwa. Dhagax-Tuur , A few years back, when the Egyptian team was taking part in an African Nations Cup in some African country (that I can't recall right now), they did it during ramadan and the entire team were fasting and playing. In fact, even Amer Zaki (a Christian) was fasting! Still (and this is for ALL who are reading this thread), when a sheikh issues a fatwa he does so to the best of his ability and his aim (hopefully) is to make life easier for those that request clarifications on certain issues. We are Sunni MUSLIM and we do not believe in the infallibility of our scholars! Marka, if you come across a fatwa that you believe is wrong, do not badmouth the scholar that issued it but rather praise him for doing his best (he is human after all). In addition, a fatwa after all is nothing but a considered opinion . So, by all means chuckle at some of the absurd fatwas you come across but don't let it go any further than that. (Argh! Must be all the fasting that got me this serious). Agree with the general gist of the post, but where did you get Amr Zaki being Christian from??? He's definitely Muslim, just listening to any of his interviews in Arabic would confirm the fact. You might be confusing him with another player, not sure whom though.

Originally posted by Dhagax-Tuur: ^How do you know they fast? I know some of them are said to be practicing muslims, but you never know, and I am not negating your point, though. If we listen and heed to everything that any Mufti or non - Mufti for this matter says, we will be confused. It is for this that we muslims should LEARN our deen so that we suffice ourselves of the basics of Islam, you know. So that we don't run off to the nearest Mufti everytime we're faced with a dilemma. I would have thought that If the Egyptian team would go into the match fasting, they would perform much better, I think. Everytime one's performing 'ibaada for Allah's sake, Allah will be by his side. Remember, Muhammad (SCW) use to fast for two days consecutively, and prohibited the Ummah from doing so, because he said, 'I am being fed by Allah'. I'm not saying surely they'd been fed by Allah, by you never know. Allah might have given them that extra oomph they require to win the game. Mufti isku sheegani maanay Alle ka baqayn, horta? Most of the players he quoted have already mentioned they will fast, and their have been articles regarding their intentions to do so. There's been also articles regarding their coaches reactions to their decisions, as well as their training regiments.

Although he isn't running for Somalia Mo Farah finished 3rd in his semi heat for the 5000 m and will compete in the final tommmorow. He's an oustside medal contender, so if he gets lucky he might be able to get some hardware.

Originally posted by Red Sea: Forces of Kuffr and Muslims from far lands cannot be compared. The Muslim fighters from far places have same faith, values and aspirations as their local Somali bretherns. While the Ugandan/Burundi forces are semi savages who have no faith or value or meaningful purpose to fight. I'm sure the women they have raped would tell you the same. They also carry bad diseases such HIV/AIDS. Ciyaadu Bilaah. The difference is day and night. Right and I'm sure those civilians caught in Shabab's errant crossfire and suicide bombings would laud the likes of the fighter displayed in the video. The man's religion is absolutely irrelevant when his intent is the same, if not worse than the AMISOM forces. You've yet to account for how you can congratulate a foreigner who simply sees Somalia as a strategic base, taking advantage of our fractured situation to put forth their political views through more violence. How on earth is that acceptable? Has he arrived in Somalia to embetter lives or to destroy them? I don't recall defending or congratulating the AMISOM presence, I have no political preference for either side which are clearly two sides of the same coin, yet you seem to account for your glorification of this man by making parallels to the AMISOM troops presence. No need to touch on the obvious hypocrisy of the fact that you wouldn't feel such a presence would be acceptable in your region. It's ok to have business and political relations with the "forces of kuffar" in ones home region but it's tantamount to sin in this case :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Red Sea: Masha Allah. We need more. Incredible,what is the difference between a foreigner wearing an AMISOM uniform killing and maiming Somali citizens, or the one in the video traveling to Somalia with only that specific intent in my mind. Not to provide education, not to provide medicine or any positive factors , but only offering more death and destruction and this is what you deem worthy of congratulation?? In regards to the video itself despite the obvious hypocrisy of it all, it is typical of CNN favorite Nic Robertson to have all his reports riddled with inconsistencies.

Originally posted by Johnny B: Khayr, And your contribution to the thread is? Norf, there are qualifications all right, not allowing the marriage of a nine year old girls is one, I'm sure you can work your way down to the Burqa problem. Addressing Siren,C&H and Zulfa's arguments of Sarkozy being Another man telling woman how to dress i'd say, Arab men require their women to cover their face when they go out,French men don't do, In Arabic culture parents often remove their girls from school very early just so they will have a better chance of marriage,because Arab Men demand that,namely uneducated child-factory. French parents don't do. Now, Does highlighting the bad treatment of women in the Arabic culture and forbidding it in our secular society, justify it's continuation because of the highlighter's gender? Does it? is it not reasonable to disregard a solution for a Woman problem just because it comes from a male human being. um-hamid, your choice is not in question , and all those Muslim women/girls who are not 'burqed-up' ARE DEFINITELY NOT 'ho-ed' out. It is not like either you go under a Tent or you're a ho-ed out. What is with the obsession with highlighting criticism of Arab culture? For a person who purports to be liberal and open-minded, you sure do have a weakness for generalizations. You do realize that Arabic culture itself is far from as homogeneous as your attempting to portray in your myriad of criticisms. There are key differences between culture in places like Egypt and Yemen, yet you've painted the entire Arab world with the same brush using arguments that are usually reserved for Hannity and co. Those same criticisms regarding female education surely cannot solely be attributed to Arabic culture, as the same phenomenons are experienced everywhere from South Asia(not Arab lol) to Subsaharan Africa. Attributing this wide reaching problem to "Arab culture" solely is indicative of lazy research at best and irrational hatred at worst.

Originally posted by -MARX-: The Burqa belongs to a by-gone era. It has no place in France. It removes the woman of her personality and character! Its not Islamic nor familiar to the Somali psyche. Was the Somali psyche even in question here? You can argue( perhaps even effectively) for your personal distaste for the burqa, however that does not justify grounds for its ban within a free society!

A key point that has been overlooked by many,including the threadstarter, is what is the relevance of the burqa in the current French political discourse? I've read one of the reports regarding Sarkozy's speech and it mentioned an estimated 1000 Muslim women don the wardobe that he was referring to. Is it really a matter of national concern considering the numbers involved?Is it in his place as a head of state of a major European country to mark a major policy speech with such a seemingly irrelevant issue? Surely there are far more pressing concerns that France is currently dealing with? Sounds like good old fashioned scapegoating to me, and it hs helped to divert attention from the relevant issues afflicting the French population. It was also mentioned that Sarkozy attempted to get a concession from Mr. Obama himself, regarding the burqa yet the leader of the so-called Free world differed greatly with the French President on the issue. He in fact emphasized the significance of the rights of personal freedom, and freedom of religion as reasoning for his refusal in taking a similar stance as Sarkozy. As Muslims living in the West, shouldn't that give you greater insight into the scaremongering political tactics associated with such a speech? Regardless of your personal distaste for the clothing item in question, the fact that a politician as mainstream as the President of the U.S. has refused to support such a motion should serve as an eyeopener....

Originally posted by NGONGE: Watch it here! lol I saw this last night,quality tv and typical Egyptian passion on display there. If you are as familiar with Qahera Al Youm as I am you would know that Amr Edib is simply a blowhard,who routinely goes off on the deep end in order to keep his high profile within the public. I dont think he was even cynical at his hinting of the allegations at impacting the performance, he was all out in his criticism and it definitely crossed the line. Who caught the part where he noted that South African women are garbage, and the players should be worried about their health considering the threats of Aids. How long till Memritv catches wind of that, and gets a translation I wonder ? Shehata's outburst was classic though " toz fil Koora, toz fi Masr, wa allah yekhrib beytkoom" the old man really went off. Theres also reports that the Egyptians are suing the newspapers who reported the alleged transgressions, and that the hotel employees are under investigation for robbery so it seems as though they are vindicated. To make matters worse for Egypt, it seems as though their main rival, Algeria, is poised to go through to the WC.

Originally posted by Torres: ^I saw them against Egypt. Well organised. Hope they qualify. The only African team north of the sahara I'm willing to tolerate. Ha I share your sentiments for most North African teams, but only when playing the likes of Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria( not so much them considering their endless letdowns).However I usually root for the Arabs outside regional competition. I admittedly find it challenging to root for Egypt though, keeping in mind the history of their antics and unprofessionalism in the past. I dont know if you recall their teams in the 90s built around the Hassan twins two real scumbags lol. Algeria on the other hand has a rabid fanbase and a young promising squad that I feel at ease supporting.

Originally posted by Torres: Confeds cup has been great so far. Mainly because of Egypt. I won't bother talking about how impressive they were against Brazil and Italy because they don't look like qualifying for the WC. Typical Egypt. Algeria beat Zambia today, a 2-0 result in Zambia.The remaining of their matches are all at home, outside of their last match in Cairo. By then they more likely than not will have already qualified to the WC. They fully deserve to be in the driver's seat as they've shown incredibly impressive form as of recent. Keep an eye on Karim Ziani if you ever get a chance to watch Algeria play, he's a quality player who is the heart of Algeria and Marseille's attack.

North Korea is through as well, that should make for an interesting draw in the Winter lol! Saudi Arabia was unlucky not to get a goal, however I see them getting through via the playoff spot.

The Pharaoh's defeat the reigning World Cup Champs showing that result againt Brazil was no fluke! Yet another masterful performance for Africa's champions. Perhaps now people can appreciate how competitive African qualifying is, because as it stands Egypt will not make the WC. It'll be a shame if they don't, however Algeria( who is 1st in the group) has another interesting young team that plays an eye pleasing technical style of football

It's quite painful to see some of you, who cannot even agree for a minute how to handle your own country's problems, seemingly attempt to dictate and break down the situation in Iran. Stop trying to fit everything under your political paradigm of the world that is mostly reserved for Somalia, this is much more complex than the West v.s. Iran. Considering the fact that some of you have attritbuted the protests to solely the desire of "liberal democracy" shows that you have missed the point as badly as the same Western media sources that are( rightfully) being criticized. The fact is the vast majority of people attempting to dictate and explain the results of the election,as well as its response have been woefully unaware of Iranian politics prior this 2 week window. The basis of this dispute is between the ruling elite in the Islamic Republic,it is NOT an attempt to overthrow the regime as a whole. The bankrollers of Mousavi, and his supporters are in fact key figures with Iran's current ruling regime including the likes of Rafsanjani, Khatami as well as the clerics that are allied to their views. Nejad is supported by another side of this ruling regime,the IRGC( which has become a state within a state), as well as their allied clerics. It is this main division between the ruling elite that is the real issue at question, and is what has allowed for such public demonstrations to be at center stage. Simplyfying the issue into Mousavi being a Western puppet and Nejad a saviour for the East, shows that plenty of you CANNOT seperate your Somali political biases when evaluating the outside world. In fact if Mousavi's faction does eventually gain control of the ruling leadership and succedes and deposing Khameni, it'll slowly come to play that there is BARELY any difference between Mousavi and Nejad. The main point of contention between the two, has been Nejad's handling of the economy,as opposed to foreign policy as many seem to believe. Mousavi has already stated that the nuclear program is non-negiotable with the West, and was even the PM during the Iran-Iraq war. When all this becomes clear( if Mousavi does indeed come to power), he will be tarred and feathered by the same Western Media you are complaining he represents. Rafsanjani( Mousavi's biggest backer) has already served as President within the Islamic Republic, and is one of the biggest figures within the ruling regime. All of these facts contradict the simplicity with which so many of you view these events( and by extension the rest of the world).

Originally posted by Paragon: I'm not really interested in a Middle Class 'revolution' propagated by Western backers with still another conception of 'Regime Change' in mind. they've been running the Iran issue so mcuh in the last couple of days that I've lost interest altogether. You know British reports everything but in a subtly lopsided manner supporting an overall Western agenda. PS: sorry dear. Didn't mean to hijack the topic. I think your reading too much into the Western spin on the happenings in Iran. While the majority of Moussavi's base is indeed Middle-Class it must be noted that plenty outside of that socioeconomic descriptor have also went against the sham results of the election. Putting forth Ahmedenejad as some sort of saviour against Western imperialism and meddling is exactly what his backers want the public to believe, however that is a very simplistic and disingenuous way to look at Iranian politics. It must be noted that their aren't many drastic foreign policy issues between Mousavi and Ahmedenejad, both are in full support of the Iran's nuclear program and have vowed not to derail despite the calls of the Americans. The main thing at issue has been Ahmedenejad's incompetent handling of the Iranian economy, which he has run into a well despite inheriting a variety of attractive factors. It is this domestic issue that is at the heart of his support and distinguishes him the most from his opponents. Even opponents of Mousavi, such as Karroubi who could be seen more in line with Ahmedenejad have also spoke out against the vote rigging. This issue is a domestic Iranian one, and although plenty of Mousavi's base surely gravitates to certain Western concepts, it isinaccurate to portray him or his movement as some sort of American/Western mouthpiece.

Knaan is making money contrary to popular belief the only money that is attainable in the music industry nowadays lies in touring.....He tours nonstop so he definetly makes enough to support a good living. Good song with Buckshot though nonetheless.

Please explain to me how I've heard the EXACT same story in OTTAWA CANADA.......That's all you need to know about the validity of this nonsense lol....

Originally posted by Kashafa: I was going over these ayahs earlier and I noticed how they described those who seek protection, succor, and strength from the Antarnashanal Kaamoonity while harbouring hatred and nifaaq in their hearts towards their Somali-Muslim brethren. . Sadaqallahu wa man axsanu minallahi qeelaa. Were Shaykh E-Nuri of Soft waano here to give us a detailed lecture on the ayahs above and the clear injunctions against allying yourself with Gaalo against Muslims. No amount of fatwa'ing and Holy Scholar'ing will change the clear-cut meaning of those ayahs. It is clear to anybody who can read Arabic. Xiin, intaa shaydaanka iska naartid, ayaadahaas kor ku xusan soo aqri, tafseer'keeda na soo baar. Markaas ilaahay oo towbad-keen, waayo qar xun aa saaran tahay, wouldn't wish meesha aa saarantahay on a enemy, yo. You cannot be serious my dear brother, did you even read the article? Is Eriteria not part of the international community? Isnt Eriteria a predominantly Christian country, ruled by Meles's cousin? How on earth can you go on writing all of this rhetoric about seeking protection with 'gaalo' while ignoring the fact that the Islamists are principally armed by Eriteria? Your refusal to address this key fact really delegitimazes your cause as little more than endless propaganda.

Originally posted by Kashafa: Two of the most opportunistic weasels Somalia has ever seen, Cumar Xaashi and Shariif Xasan, are, at this very moment, in Addis begging the Ethiopians to come to the rescue...... just as they did in 2006. Source Responding to the plea of the Tigray Founded Government(TFG), Ethiopian troops crossed over into Hiiraan and advanced to Kala-Beyr, a town only 30 kilometers away from Balad-wayne. Source . Ah yes, because this is so much more reprehensible then dear Aweys begging for more assistance in Asmara, as well as ammunition to use against innocent Somalis, their homes, and mosques all in the name of political power. How quick you are to twist any angle, to justify your so-called Jihad from the safety of the internet and your well furnished and conditioned home. Lest it be misconstrued Im not under any false illusion that there are any untained sides in this conflict, both sides are clearly masquedaring behind false interests in order to pursue their centrl aims of more political power, as well as all the frills that come attached. Your constant rhetorical internet condemnations and vows, seem as though they are coming straight from an Information Ministry, or spokesman headquarters, not unliek that of Iraq's infamous Mohammed Sahaf.Either that or you are naive and yearning enough to feel affiliated with some sort of movement, taking sheer joy in their "accomplishments" like that of the results of NBA playoff games, while completley ignoring and not accounting for the clear exploitation and suffering of innocents caught in the middle. Unless you account for any of these obvious and huge faults in the "noble" struggle, Its very hard to take you seriously as anything other than an internet propagandist. Again you have yet to address how there is any difference between the foreign backed and funded Hizbul Islam and the current TFG, how on earth can you conclude that Eriteria's political aims are not represented through this proxy?

If you wanted to use the example of a "brave" and "noble" resistance, then I suggest you find a group other than Hamas. As with many of the Internet resisiters, there appears to be an infantile obsession with everything Arab and Israel despite the fact that bares no correlation to Somalia, however Ill take the bait for this one. Are you not aware of how Hamas was created? Are you not aware that the same Israeli jets that you are cursing, where directed by the knowing intelligence of Hamas collaborators? Aren't you aware that the Hamas leadership is guilty of the EXACT same thing you've been constantly chiding Sharif over, sitting with their oppresors, and negotiating with the Israelis following their blatant massacres. Power hungry,and opportunist men like those that fill their ranks are not worthy of emulation, please find a better resistance group to look up to. Why not mention the Hezbollah, or will that inflame your secatarian prejudices, lets not forget they are better trained, more disciplined, and more succesful than anyone in the Gaza strip. That being said its laughable to even place Shabaab in the same breathe with either of the two, your endless rhetoric has me thinking you are employed as a P.R. man for that faction. How else can someone ignore the obvious, and deny that foreigners like the Eriterians do not have a hand in funding? Are you really going to ignore the fact that the man you look up the Hssan Dahir is good friends with Afwerki and spent his comfortable time in exile in the capital, while his faithful soldiers continued to wage war and violence amongst the innocent.

Originally posted by Kashafa: Resistance, Forgive me, kind sir, but I thought names had relevance. Umar was called Al-Faaroq because he divided between the Xaq and the Baatil. Abu Bakar was called Al-Sadeeq because he believed the Prophet when all others rejected him. Abu Jahal was called Abu Jahal because he was the father of ignorance. Shariif Ahmed is called Al-Khabeeth because of his khubth and makr. Do you see a pattern here ? Like I said, you need to change your name. Or your defeatist attitude. About Somalia, Shabaab already control almost all of South Somalia. They already control the TFG parliment headquarters in Baidoba. They already control the strategic port of Kismaayo. Mogadisho will be a similarly important addition. Waxba haku marmarsiyoonin "we will be invaded". According to that pathetic logic, Ethiopia should have never been resisted because resistance would only cause more death and suffering. A The ICU should have never taken over Mogadisho and Kismaayo in 2006 because the world would not allow a Islamic government to come to power. And now, the Islamists should not take over Mogadisho because "America will never allow it" Sorry, but this is the textbook description of a slave mentality, if it already wasn't clear to you. Everything you do or don't do is subject to the approval or denial of your feared masters. The sad thing is that people who think like you are deluded into thinking that their slave mentality is actually diplomacy and statesmanship. Now given you clearly are wholeheartedly against so called foreign occupation and meddling in Somalia, why have you never responded to Eriteria's involvement with the opposition? Last I checked Afwerki is both a foreigner and a " kafir" like the AU troops you constantly refer back to, yet you seemingly have no problem with his clear involvement in prolonging the violence in Mogadishu. You see I really want to believe you and your point of view, as it serves as a refreshing and new take as opposed to the typical clannist cheerleading, however this glaring weakness in argument really kills it all. How can you justify resistance to foreigners in one instance then welcome with open hands foreign assistance and meddling with Aweys it just makes no sense.

Originally posted by Al Zeylaci: Brother Moonlight; hudood is only a part of sharica;you are correct. To say that the timing and condition is not correct to implement it( like Hamas did) is one thing. But to deny and mock some aspects of hudood is another matter altogether which can lead to one commiting Kufr(disbelief). You can't excuse what the pm said unless; 1. He is ignorant and totally uneducated on Islam 2. He was forced to do it or he was scared I hope his words are not a representation of the entire government. Your seemingly willing to take the PMs quotes out of context( possibly) and using it to derail the entire situation at hand, a very well known political propaganda move most well renowned by the Israeli's.Why arent you willing to concede that the move to implement Sharia is one that is a move towards the right direction? Isnt it entirely destabilizing and contradictory to focus on disputed quotes made by the PM as opposed to the bigger picture? The lack of willing to compromise is very emblematic of the entire Shabaab wing at large something that can prove to be their Achille's heel.

Originally posted by Norf 2: No sympathy. You kidnap/hijack for extortion expect the consequences! Sounds like a typical Pentagon central command talking point.........Anyone else see the mockery of a investigative report they had on CNN last night regarding piracy? How about Prof.Said Samatar providing horrendus representation of the Somali perspective, literally advocating an invasion of the region, as well as being adamant in making a connection between piracy and so called terrorism. That was very painful to watch, seems like the old man is pushing for an advisory position within the new administration on the new international cause de celebre.

Originally posted by hamza9163: A hotel cannot be a 5 star unless it serves alcohol according to the people who give these ratings, so how do we as muslims feel pity for someone who makes money out of haraam venues? Spare me your predictable fingerpointing and self righteousness, passing judgement on an issue that you are not even clearly informed on is typical of the style of reactionaries

Why represent a country with absolutely no sporting funding to speak of if you are a dedicated athlete? How on earth could you fault him for representing the USA where he can get world class funding, compete to the best of his abilities, and actually make a living out of his sport. In Canada, a wealthy G8 Western country athletes are struggling to cope with slashes to the funding of athletics and the results are showing in the lagging medal count. In such a sporting atmosphere anyone representing a country like Somalia in which there is no functioning central goverment to speak of, never mind an effective Olympic Committee its quite easy to comprehend why an athlete who has the ability and opportunity to represent a country like the USA would.