Well I don't think it has to do with feminism.... it comes down to the spirit of activism and leadership. When it comes to morality anyone with a grain of sincerity and God given intelligence can advocate for it. Half of those who prescribe to the feminist movement are the proverbial bra-burning-dyke-loving-men-hating-butch-looking types (I should know, I work with them). The other half constitute of truly GREAT activists who are relentlessly in pursuit of equity and social justice. It’s not the feminists who are the only voices of morality rather it is the non-conformists, the seekers of truth and justice, namely those who tend to shake things up. The way I see it, there are 3 categories of people in regards to the debate of morality. There are those who carry the torch, those who run after those carrying the torch, and those sitting in the side lines wallowing in the dirt. Their titles, their faiths, their alliances are inconsequential because in the end morality is a universal value. Salamz

Isn’t it interesting how people are always trying to control women’s private parts? So The root of all evil is the woman's private parts? Cut it, dice it, and slice it and all will be well. Yet men run amok, free to stick their 007 anywhere they wish. Why is it so hard to have a holistic approach on such social issues? If a girl gets pregnant, there are multidimensional reasons to explain her situation. Unruly teens, unstable parental environment, non existent role models, low self esteem etc… HOW DARE YOU REDUCE IT TO A CLITORIS? I have never been more appalled in my life. Subxanallah May Allah protect us. salamz

My organization is part of the March as well, very anti-Shariah I must say. I’m glad the weather is rotten today…it’s raining… good for them!!! I’m not for separation of church and state when it comes to Islam. We either live by the rules of God or we let some man make the rules of law for us. Which one is more just? Who is more Just than Allah, the best of judges? However when it comes to Shariah in Ontario, it’s a different territory, no matter how well we attempt to apply the law, Canadian law will always take precedent. So I don’t see the point of making a supreme divine law secondary to a man made law. Unofficial arbitration is already practiced in Masjids across the country; Once we make it “official†there will be talks of reform and rethinking the shariah debates. Salam

Last I remember, Modesty was a lady no beard in sight. I agree with the whole "Dajjal system" that foster kufur, shirk, idolatry and so forth. We must be aware at all times of those threats however we should take care not to alienate people because everyone is a potential Muslim. If we get on a high horse, the message will be lost on the same people we are trying to convey the message to. We must not assimilate in the mainstream culture nor do we need to live in complete seclusion in the west. Besides, overzealous preaching of Islam isn’t the answer; our righteous action should speak louder than any speech. Westernized and modernity-loving Islam isn’t the answer either. We don’t need to imitate them in order to succeed in life. I think that finding the right balance and a middle ground is the best option. To each his own. Salam

Well Richard Burton got into a scuffle with a nomad warrior and he was left with a huge scar on his cheek for a reminder. Wouldn’t you be bitter too if you were humiliated like that? If one wants an account of the Somali people, one listens to our oral traditions, THAT is the reliable source. Looking for dear ole Burton for answers about our people and history is like asking a kafir about Islam. Salam

I'd say Toronto, we got many nomads here. salamz

Listen my post wasn't meant to offend you but to let you know that your comment was inappropriate given the violent way those boys died. I don't think it's right to glorify guns and ask for vendetta. Salam

I see what you mean; it’s true that it’s hard to handle everyday failures on your own when you lived a life where someone else made the simplest of decisions for you. However, this argument takes away the responsibility of the guilty party namely the abuser. If you were a woman who was shackled with an abusive partner, who can’t use a penny without writing a financial report, who is punched for hanging the towel on the left rack instead of the right rack, you’ll be singing a different tune. Sad to say but most failure that an abuse woman faces is due to the particular facts of her abusive relationships. The degree of her abuse and the length of her relationship will determine her success rate and her failures. Again there are numerous multidimensional factors who come to play in the decision making process for women who wish to leave an abusive relationship. Salam

Pardon me Orgi, but are you saying that it's because of her "failures" that she is abused? So she is an undercover victim? I will be interested in your "victim playing" analysis, this is by far a new concept in abusive relationships. Salam

Goonle I find your humor tasteless at the moment. I don’t think it’s the time to talk about retaliation or sponsoring thugs for that matter. We have dead young brothers and people are sending du’aas and prayers. Either join in and pay your respects or zip it. May Allah give strength to their families, and have mercy on their souls. Amiin Salam

What a useless topic. Thousands of Muslims are prosecuted in the world. Millions are dying of hunger; people are homeless and wonder where they will get their next meal. The world is full of issues we can contemplate on and strive to be aware of. And what the hell do we choose to talk about here? The color of our skin, or who is lighter than whom? Rest assure, in the end, when you’re rotting in your grave, you won’t recognize what color you are. Salam

Well there are countless reasons why they stay. It could have something to do with fear of the unknown, she can't see herself capable of leading an independant life. It could be because of her kids, she doesn't want them to vilify her or think it's because of her that the family is torn apart. In some case, it's because her family don't want her to bail out, (just suck-it up kind of attitude) after all, all marriages go through rough patches. Are we talking about physical abuse here or the many hidden faces of abuse? Mostly, I think women don't want to leave "abusive" relationships because they don't even consider it an abuse. Salam

QL I posted a topic on this a while back and the video is awesome. If you have time check it out. I'm mos def going to see those clips.....Many thanks. http://www.somaliaonline.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=004153 Lots of unanswered questions remain, it's easy to focus on sensational CNN news and lose sight of the truth. Salam

Aside the good diet, exercise is the key to staying fit. I’m not talking about bodybuilders’ exercise mind you but more like Yoga and Pilates (Windsor pilates with resistant bands are good). It’s not for losing weight but working with the shape you have. It won’t bulk you up like a man but will build lean strong muscles. It will be hell at first if you’re not a flexible person but once you get the hang of it, it’s good for the joints, the back and the digestive system. I started this a couple of weeks ago and I feel much better and relaxed. Look wise, I have a hard time gaining muscles so I’m not holding my breath. Hatha Yoga is a good start; it will help you with your posture, your breathing techniques and mainly relax you. Beware It may also make you so relaxed you might fall asleep

Toronto folks, for those who want to debate till they're blue in the face this is the place for you guys. If it were up to me, I would say don't even bother to give a penny to listen to them rant and rave. Nonetheless, it's an interesting group of parrots singing the cause of the hypocrites. If you're into comedy and farces here is your event! salam Date: Friday August 12, 2005 Time:7:30 pm Film: "Submission" 10 minute short film about women in Islam Public Speakers: 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm Questions: for 30 minutes following the presentations Press Conference: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm Location: OISE Auditorium, 252 Bloor Street West (at the corner of Bedford Rd and Bloor Street West) Tickets can be picked up from information disk at 252 Bloor Street West only on Saturdays 2:00-6:30 PM. Tickets: $20.00 (seniors and students) $12.00 Ayaan Hirsi Ali Ms. Ali is an MP for the Liberal Party in the Netherlands. She is also an author and the co-producer of the film "Submission". In her book, de Zoontjesfabriek (Factory of Sons), she criticized traditional Islamic views on the position of women in society. The film 'Submission' is about the oppression of women in Islamic cultures. Dutch Muslims found it to be blasphemous and as a result her co-producer Theo Van Gogh was murdered by Mohammed Bouyeri, a radical Islamist. Ayaan now lives under police protection in a safe house. Irshad Manji Ms. Manji is the best-selling author of "The Trouble with Islam Today" and the host of the TV show "Big Ideas," Oprah Winfrey recently honored Irshad with her first annual Chutzpah Award for "audacity, nerve, boldness and conviction." Ms. magazine has selected Irshad as a "Feminist for the 21st Century." Maclean's, Canada's national news magazine, named her one of ten "Canadians Who Make a Difference," In June, Irshad received the Simon Wiesenthal Award of Valor. Most recently, OUT magazine has included Irshad in its list of "top success stories of 2004." Homa Arjomand Ms. Arjomand, is the Coordinator of the International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada. She started her campaign in October 2003 with a handful of supporters, and today it has grown to a coalition of over 80 organizations and 1000's of activists. Homa is a Toronto based transitional counselor and was a human rights activist in Iran until she was forced to flee in 1989. WWW.nosharia.com

Lexus let's not label a nation or its people in general. This was a heinous crime committed by a hateful man, granted there are countless like him around in the country. Still, we shouldn't succumb to the usual "them" and "us" dialogue. Adnaan thank your for the article, it's sad to see what we resort to when we stray from the true path of brotherhood and unity under Islam. Salam

Care to elaborate on your tactics? It's Definitely disturbing, at this rate women have to wear potato sacks. Salamz

For the guys looking for lots of "junk in the trunk". I was wondering how can you tell if a woman with a proper full hijab has that type of body? I mean isn't it a contradiction, your decisions are based on the character, "skills" and capabilities of the sister rather than her looks yet you're ready to inspect her like a cow. Salam

Animal Farm, sounds like someone is bitter. Maybe the approach is a bit rusty. The reason most girls put their nose up in the air is because guys go about it the wrong way. It's all an act, a useless game of cat and mouse, maybe if people were really genuine about their approach both parties wouldn't be complaining so much. Salam

Woke up with this horrid news and it's probably old news by now for London folks. I'm going to try to get through my family. Hope everyone is doing well. This is the age of fitna, with or without Al Qaeda, it's not going to get easier. Salamz

If you want to get contacts, they're the best alternative to glasses, but unfortunately it's not for everyone. It takes a while to get use to it, for the discomfort to go away and to master the art of putting them on without losing them. Ask your optometrist for details. Glasses and Hijab will look good on anyone, of course depending on the type of glasses, if it fits your face, shape, color, size and so forth. Sister, don’t compromise you eyesight and your well being on looks, it’s better for you to find solutions because going around half blind isn’t an option. Best of Luck! Salam

Nice piece ....thanks. I suppose making the first step is the hardest in everything that we do. Hijab is no different. About the fashion part, I see so many beautiful sisters with great sense of style and hijabified...keep up the good work! Salamz

Are housewives unemployed? No of course they’re not. However, I wouldn’t say they are employees, because they’re above that. Employees will do a job for monetary purpose, they want recognition and advancement, they only do the necessary without giving 110% of their effort, and if the steady paycheck won’t materialize they will quit in a blink. The reality is that most Mothers and Housewives will do the job unconditionally. Granted some are forced by circumstances and others do it with great love, they still do significant work which is undervalued in most societies. We only need to look at all the contributions and the endless toil they go through on daily basis. It’s not to glorify the work of homemakers mind you, because it’s already a glorified work in its own right to those who will see it as such. And I choose to look at it from that angle. So what if women look haggard and old, who cares if you lose sleep and drag grocery bags with four chipmunks in tow. At least you can say you did it for your family rather than put all that effort into a company or a job where you can’t reap the long term benefits and the CEO is enriched by your “grand†efforts. I prefer to be the unpaid home-based CEO who in tattered clothes, wrinkled face and hunchback, smiles and sees her kids happy, well fed and well educated by mommy dearest(Maybe this is where I sollicit the help of the father if he's willing to contribute). .....Well it all depends on the circumstance of course,....... maybe I’m a dreamer. Salamz

Most of all, it's about realizing that the reality of action is in the intention and its sincerity. The greatest injustice is worshipping Allah without niyaah but mainly for self preservation from hell or showing off to people. Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Certainly there is a reality of every truth and a servant cannot reach the reality of Ikhlas (sincerity) unless he doesn’t like people to praise him for the actions he has done (only) for the sake of Godâ€. [Al-Majlisi, al-Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 72, p.304, hadith # 51] http://www.al-emaan.org/sincerity.htm Salamz

I work in the social services, so most of my time is devoted to helping others who are less fortunate. I actually got into this field with the utmost sincerity but I sometimes ask myself if it counts as hassanat coz I’m getting paid for it. Plus, my work eats up so much of my time I hardly have time to spend with my family. It’s obvious that time management and work-life balance are one of the most challenging things to face nowadays, especially living in a capitalist society. We are slowly but surely turning into zombies with dollar signs on their eyes, craving food and sleep. Most of us have the good intentions, but we don’t necessarily have or make the time to do those activities. Insha’allah things will be different. Salamz