^The difference here, thousands didn't die as a result of the dispute between these power-hungry men as happened in Kenya. Zim is such a beautiful country, I'A a bright future for the ppl.

Quite the poltician, heading the same government he was oppossed to. He spoke well, I'A it materializes.

This topic just doesn't die and keeps taking interesting turns eh. Interesting someone brought up that proverb, I've interpreted it in a different manner due to the verb difference, I've heard it as: "Gabar kun baa la hadalo, hal be kala baxda", big difference between the two. Many guys will chat you up its only natural, doesn't mean you will give them the time or day. @Isn’t it scandalous to been seen going out and doing some or all the things mentioned above with different guys at a given day or night I would say, It's qutie scandalous to do so even with one guy.

W/Salam, I agree with your defination of living, and those quotes are some of my favorites. What I was really getting at was the belief that there is so much to experience and do in this life, when really being blessed with the essentials like family, love, health, and stable livelihood is enough, and your not missing much beyond that. .

Perhaps you've seen the Movie, "The Bucket List", with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nickleson. If you haven't, it's about two middle aged men whom are terminally ill and decide to experience and live life in their last few months like they never have before. So they make a list on all the things they want to do, before they die. Some of you may even have a list of your own. We all know life is precious and there is so much in this world to experience, much to see. I love the quote from another movie, "Are you living, or are your existing?" A good friend and I were discussing all the things we want to do, the places we want to see, with Gods Will. Here's the kicker while she had so many things on that list (things that seemed trivial in my eyes), mine could be counted on one hand. Apart from traveling, visiting the holy places, getting married and having kids/family related, and career related, there is not much else. Thinking about it, and life itself that really is not much, but than I don't have the desire to do the rest, whatever that maybe. Sadly it in a way sounds lame. Life is only lived once, and there is much to experience. But than again, what more is there to experience. Are we living or are we existing? The latter applies to me at this moment. Or does it. I am not quite sure.

Valenteenah it's based in the Southern part of the country, place starts with G, haven't a clue on how to spell it. Than a week in Beijing, I've already pictured it all in my mind, hopefully won't be disappointed. Thanks.

TheWayfarer, sorry. I should have been more considerate considering the feelings of others, since this is a sensitive topic for many. May Allah ease their pain, ameen. Blessed sorry to hear that abaayo, Ilhay caafimad ha siiyo I'A.

LOL@ your questions. I believe, your going to have to ask him. Thanks for the explanation.

^Like the regime that rules Makkah is any better. I don't know the sheikh or what he said so can't comment, but what is RIDOOBID?

Masha'Allah this is touching and a moving reminder. Enjoy.

^Are those male friends Somali males by any chance? I don't see how any sister could be good friends w/ a Somali brother and not face rumors either spread by him or other nosy ppl. Or perhaps it's small towns hmm. Friendship knows no gender, race, or religion, but there are Islamic rules to follow and not get too close to the opposite gender.

@ah the Somali system of doing things I never got that lecture, so I just did things that felt right to me ina hooyo maad ii fahmin, your earlier comment about finding a guy that didn't care about cheating and neither did you, sounded a lot more scandalous than it was. *wink*. I do like the way you view things, as for doing things that feel right, hmmm i wish i was open or brave enough depending on how one looks at it.

Talk of open relationships, and what Scorpion said earlier connote a different meaning for those that are not familar with the somali system of doing things. I am glad some of you explained because I was um (fill in a word). Assuming things

I was listening to Neyo/Rihanna song (Hate that I love you) while writing my paper, and I came across this girl on related videos, wow an amazing voice. I usually don't click on videos by regular people, but glad I did. She has a beautiful voice, will get signed if she hasn't already. Anyway, feel free to share any talented people you came across on youtube.

^Not that I need to share, but I am writing my personal statement to go to China this summer at this moment, I'A the program accepts me, I've never been to Asia. It was a pain getting hooyo iyo abo to agree, but they finally accepted. I totally agree, traveling is an amazing experience and really makes you a better well rounded human being. Have fun and Insha-Allah Khair.

^I never implied one can be an electrician w/o education. All I am saying is that is a different topic.

I would say to my son, he pursue what he loves doing (as permitted by Islam), but I don't see how that has to do with the topic. Guys stay on topic, this is not about jobs/money, but education. Anyway, peace.

Underdog, you seem to be a man of numbers and since I don’t have any to give, I am afraid there is not a lot that I can add to the topic, than more “I thinks”. Perhaps Toronto is different story and therefore shaped your perspective on the topic, but here in the states, the condition of our youngsters is not promising in the realm of higher academia, not even at the high school stage, as there are high drop out rates. (According to my sources.) Bottom line our children have a lot of potential, that potential should be polished, supported, and strengthened- this is where the parents/community come in. Peace

Laacag ba ka xigta.

^Your missing the point, large number of Somali students in high school, yet the overwhelming majority are not pursing higher education. That is alarming. I am tempted to write the author, it would be nice the HiriinOnline articles had a brief bio of the authors. I can't comment on the numbers since I don't live in MN or areas with high number of Somalis, but from what I hear it echoes the author's commentary presented in this article. I do agree that Somali youngsters are very talented, with the right guidance they can achieve great heights, but the investment is needed not just from parents but larger community.

Chubacka, this topic reminded me of the book The Science of Fear by Daniel Gardner. You should read it, its an eye opener.

Great topic Warnale, although I don't agree with the title per se. I think it would serve the plight of Somalis a lot better, if people stop pointing fingers, and just contribute their little part to help maskinta. All the time people waste on arguing about the poltics back home even in this site, can be put to better use by doing something constructive like teaching a child to read or write, volunteering w/ NGOs etc. Not saying some of you don't do that already, but not enough do. Anyway back to the topic, as human beings we are given the ability to reason and differentiate from what is right and what is wrong, especially if one is educated. It's hard for me to see how one's judgement can be clouded in differentiating between the good men worthy of the title "Sheikh" such as Booqolson, Umar Faruq the real ulama, from the calool u shaqeyasta power hungry bunch. Not anyone can be called sheikh, if other naive individuals fall for it that doesn't mean you have to. Leave all judgement to Allah SWT, everything will be sorted out in the end. Just do you, as they say in my bloc. Life is too short. Salams By the way, what is reer qurac ama reer qansac?

Cheesy title I know. I received this article and found it interesting enough to share in this forum. Mystical power Why Sufi Muslims, for centuries the most ferocious soldiers of Islam, could be our most valuable allies in the fight against extremism

Great reporting from a main American network, unheard of in the American media. "apartheid regimes don't have a very long life". "the world belongs to those who are stubborn, and we are very stubborn." There is a verse in the Qu'ran about this.

I can only share in your hope gentleman. We shall see.