hehehehe, funny!!!

hehehehe, funny!!!

Coke;HipHop;and Tropical Island ( had a ski accident few yrs ago...not so eager to return!!!) To Be or Not To Be ??? LOL

LOL petite, girl I couldn't stop laughing!!! You n' me are alike. Um, I can't think of an instance where I thought I was in grave danger.

Salaams We are all aware of how ignorant our people can be/are. If we all do a lil bit of researching, it doesn't take a genius to figure out what the root causes of most of our problems are! So lets quit whining, and start with ourselves. It's starts right here, right now. How willing are you to put an end to this madness? Are you goin to step up to the plate and teach the coming generation what we now know to be detrimental to our existing culture?

MoM Morroco or Paris?

I think we should always have compassion n' support for our muslim brothers n' sister around the globe. Muslims everywhere are suffering due to many things with unique in circumstances.Who says we shouldn't worry about own problems?

Mujahid, read my reply to my previous article of Hamza Yusuf.

LoL@ abdinuur, that's cuz Americans are arrogant!!! Personally, I can't handle watching soccer more than once a year.....n' that's the honest truth.

Kowneyn, oppppzzz!!!!! sowwwyyyy!!!!! Petite: Thank you for your input sister. You had me thinking there. We shouldn't separate ourselves from the general muslim body by coming up with new terms each time a group of muslims have something different to bring to the table. What we need to realize is that there will always be different perspectives present in the muslim community and this very fact shouldn't cause us to separate. That's all folkz.

A Discussion with Sheikh Hamza Yusuf The June 29, 2002, Masjid Al-Islam/Deen Inc ., fundraiser in New Haven, Connecticut, appears to have been a success all the way around. After the day long event ended, a large group of us (speakers, along with a number of other invited guests) reconvened at a Muslim owned restaurant in the city to enjoy a meal and stimulating conversation into the wee hours of the night. The next morning some of us met again for breakfast, and picked up from where we left off the previous night. I was informed that Sheikh Hamza would give a special lecture (which would include Q&A) at Masjid AT-Taqwa in New York City later that afternoon. Unfortunately, I had to take a flight back to Washington, from Hartford; and so, consequently, I decided to put some questions to our brother over breakfast. Alhamdullilah, the brother was more than accommodating; and in his response to the questions, are important lessons for us all. In addition to Hamza and I, the following brothers were at our table for the stimulating discussion, Imam Zaid Shakir, Imam Talib Abdur Rashid, Amir Al-Islam, and a couple of other brothers whose names I am unable to recall at present. I questioned Sheikh Hamza about the published newspaper reports that flooded the scene, in the immediate aftermath of his appearance at the White House for President Bush's State of the Union address . While the brother opines that there was nothing un-Islamic about his appearance as a guest at the State of the Union (and he is correct), he revealed that immediately prior to the event, he had no idea that this was the special affair that he had been invited to attend. He also admits that he was a bit naïve about this politicized photo-op, as well as a number of other things that would soon transpire. Regarding the "60 Minutes" interview, he echoed Imam Siraj Wahhaj's complaint, regarding how the editors/producers distilled a roughly three hour interview into the approximate 12 to 13 minute slanted segment that the nation saw, and he too commented on how it had been edited in such a manipulative way. He expressed his regrets at having done the interview, and emphasized the need for Muslim leaders and organization representatives to be properly schooled in how to deal with the media in order to avoid these types of traps in the future. Sheikh Hamza also provided examples of how he had been quoted out of context, or had his words deliberately distorted after giving interviews on numerous occasions; and as he was sharing this information, I couldn't help but think about the reactionary tendencies of today's Muslims, the effective machinations of COINTELPRO (the FBI's counterintelligence program under the late J. Edgar Hoover), past and present, and the media's role in such intrigues. A Page from COINTELPRO (From the August 25, 1967, classified FBI Memo) "The purpose of this new counterintelligence endeavor is to expose, disrupt, misdirect, or otherwise neutralize the activities of [targeted groups]; their leadership, spokesmen, membership and supporters…" Another passage reads: "No opportunity should be missed to exploit through counterintelligence techniques the organizational and personal conflicts of the leaderships of the [targeted] groups, and where possible an effort should be made to capitalize upon existing conflicts between competing [targeted] organizations." There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the techniques of COINTELPRO are being employed against the Muslim community in America at present. No doubt! And the sad reality is that it's working, despite the fact that this Ummah possesses the most effective tools with which to combat it. If only we had the proper faith. In the wake of the storm of controversy which has swirled around him over the past few months, Hamza has not only received some of the most extreme and vile criticism that one Muslim is capable of hurling at another, but he has also received actual death threats (and I feel certain that some, if not most, of these threats emanate from government agents or paid agent-provocateurs). Who really benefits from all of this madness? Do Muslims benefit? Or does this benefit the common enemy of us all? We (Muslims) really need to stop and THINK! At a time of dangerous political intrigue that confronted Muslims centuries ago, the imminent Sheikh Ibn Taymeeyah (rahim-ul-Allah) provided some valuable nasiha (sincere counsel) that is well worth revisiting. He began, in one of his many memorable letters from prison: The Messenger of Allah (saw) is reported to have said: "May Allah brighten the face of a man who hears me and then relays to another who has not. It is possible that a carrier of knowledge is himself not knowledgeable, or that the carrier of knowledge will deliver it to someone more knowledgeable. Three things purify the heart of a Muslim: the sincerity in working for the sake of Allah, taking up the task of advising the rulers, and not departing [separating oneself] from the body of Muslims." Sheikh Ibn Taymeeyah wrote, concerning the aforementioned hadith: "In order to implement this principle on a personal note, I say that it is not my wish for any Muslim to be harmed because of me overtly or covertly. This applies to all Muslims, but more specifically to our companions and acquaintances. Neither do I want any of them to be blamed or condemned, as they are still worthy of honor and respect. Indeed, man does not escape being classified into one of three categories: a correct mutjtahid, a wrong one, and a sinner. The first is rewarded and praised, the second is rewarded yet for given for his blunder. Regarding the third, I ask Allah to forgive him, us, and the rest of the Muslims. "Therefore, we shall turn a new leaf on those who had erred and not fulfilled this aforementioned principle. Yet I know of some who say "this man erred" and "this man did not do what he should have," or "the Shaykh was harmed because of this man." Those words that have harmed some brothers I do not condone, nor do I pardon those who utter them." The Sheikh continues: "You should all know that we are joining to assist one another. It is obligatory upon us to aid each other, more so now than before. So whosoever thinks that harming some brothers as a result of the hardship experienced in Damascus and Egypt [is warranted], then he is wrong. It is true that a believer to a believer is like the two hands, one cleans the other. And it is also true that some kind of dirt can only be washed by hard scrubbing, yet this treatment will be justified when the outcome appears to be the restoration of that lost brotherly love. "Let no one think that the believers can be economical with helping their brothers, and in aiding them. If some of our companions had neglected us before, then came to us, their status will rise higher than before. You might also know - may Allah be pleased with you - that issues like this one often occur due to a difference of opinion and variations that might even befall the people of iman, due to the whispers of shaytan." In the course of our conversation, I'm sure that it was clear to Sheikh Hamza (and others who were at the table) that I disagreed with a couple of positions he had taken in the wake of 911 (media misrepresentations not withstanding). However, I want to make it absolutely clear that I dearly love this brother, and I have the highest respect for his learning, his commitment, and for what he brings to the table on behalf of this Ummah! We all make mistakes (Allah knows I have made my share, and I will, no doubt, continue to do so for as long as I live.) We must be forgiving and merciful with each other; particularly, if this is what we hope for on the Day of Reckoning. Muslims are today (IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD) at war! In some areas Muslims are engaged in actual physical warfare (qital) for their very survival; while in America, and other parts of the West, our battles (for the most part) are on the intellectual and spiritual plane in the court of public opinion. In no corner of the world can Muslims afford to create enemies where there are none! As Ibn Taymeeyah said, "It is obligatory upon us to aid each other, more so now than before." If our iman (faith) is as it should be, we will be able to "Tie our camel and have trust in Allah!" Our faith in Allah (swt), and confidence in what Allah Ta'ala has given us, will disallow envy, jealousy, or SUSPICION from coming into our ranks and sowing destructive seeds of dissension (knowing that Allah Ta'ala sees all, hears all, and will hold all accountable). This is a time of testing…May Allah (swt) strengthen and preserve us on His Path. Ameen. El-Hajj Mauri Saalakhan The Peace And Justice Foundation A closing Thought: Speaking of COINTELPRO, it has recently come to my attention that I have become one of the targets of agent-provocatuers planted in our community. I will provide more details later, insha'Allah. Visit our website: www.nima-ny.org

Salaams Mujahid, my brotha, as I promised I did post the question you've inquired about. So far here's what one brother replied: "It was actually during an interview with one of the major stations after 9/11. He said that if there were any real martyrs, it would have to be the firefighters who were risking their lives and going into the towers to save other people. It should not be taken literally" I hope that helps. I'll try to find the actual interviw if you want P.S. read my other post on Hamza Yusuf.

Ummmm, I don't like to share (Mujahid) Thnkz I'll pass the offer thou...

Jazakallah....made me go hmmmm.

Thunder, 2 thumps up. African American have a culture and a history other than "hiphop". That was pretty ignorant of you to say such a comment. Education would be a first positive step....... :rolleyes:

Have you considered .....Rogaine? No for real, I can donate some of my hair....its too damn much!!!

Dragon, During the colonial period, they didn't respect Islaam. They were looking for ways they can indirectly rule the masses n' seek their co-operation. Islam was well established for many hundreds of years, and if they even tried to convert muslims that would've caused an upset n' the Europeans weren't prepared to deal with that. Am running out of time....more on that later. Kowneyn, Sis, I couldn't have said it better.

Assalamu 'Alaikum Sister, You're sharing alot of useful information that can help us all to become better muslims. We always need to be reminded even if we think we know it. Anyway, I have a concern....n' please just take it as a constructive critisism I'm uncomfortable with the idea of you taking the role of a scholar/sheikh. I think a year of Islamic studies doesn't cut it when it comes to advicing folks about personal issues/q's that need a clear objective answer from knowlegable scholars. Steer clear of contemporary issues that face muslims here in the west which have been studies for many year by scholars, and to be frank I don't think you're in a position to do so.

I understand where you're coming from. I don't agree with labelling muslims as extremist, moderates, sunni or shia.etc. But different ideologies do exist in the muslim world. Some muslims, unfortunately, do practice extreme forms of Islam sometimes to suit their best interest. N' this article was just coming from the side of the muslims living here in the west, struggling to maintain in the middle road. All am trying to say is muslims collectively have a long way to go, wherever they happen to reside (west n' east). ...to be continued...

why?

*An article I can definitely relate to* http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/01/opinion/01FADL.html Moderate Muslims Under Siege By KHALED ABOU EL FADL LOS ANGELES I am terrified of you and all people who look like you," the elderly woman said. "What can you do to reassure me against people like you?" I was in New York City and had just concluded my hourlong lecture on human rights and Islam at a law school conference where the subject was tolerance. She informed me that she has nightmares about Muslim and Arab-looking people like me. The pain of hearing comments like this cannot be described. For more than 20 years now, moderate Muslim intellectuals living in the West have been fighting a thankless battle, often in the shadows, for the very soul of their religion. This battle has only intensified since Sept. 11, sometimes reaching tragic proportions. It is particularly demoralizing when criminal elements purporting to speak for all Muslims are given a platform to confirm all the worst fears about adherents of Islam, threatening to undo all the efforts of Muslim moderates since Sept. 11. Ten days ago, Suleiman Abu Gheith, a high-ranking operative of the Qaeda terrorist organization, popped up on Al Jazeera, the cable news channel in the Persian Gulf, to reinforce all the fears of Americans about impending terrorist attacks against the United States. In a confident and comfortable tone of voice, Mr. Abu Gheith assured the world that Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawhiri and Mullah Muhammad Omar are alive and well. On behalf of Al Qaeda, he happily claimed responsibility for the Sept. 11 attacks and the attack in April on a Jewish synagogue in Djerba, Tunisia. He added that the war against the United States was in just its beginning phases and that more attacks were to come. Of course Mr. Abu Gheith's statement is part of the psychological warfare of terrorism, and so it must be taken with a degree of cautious skepticism. Terrorists can spread fear either by actually attacking or by merely threatening to. But what struck me most about Mr. Abu Gheith was how eager he seemed to influence the ongoing debates within the United States about terrorism. Recently, American Muslim organizations have been struggling to improve the image of Islam and Muslims and to respond constructively to the rather draconian measures the Justice Department has taken against many Muslims in the United States. Mr. Abu Gheith explicitly referred to this situation, and surprisingly, clearly asserted that "the Republican Party has every reason to be worried." He even had a message to the people detained in Guantánamo: Rejoice, because further attacks would be coming. Frankly, I do not know if Mr. Abu Gheith expects to be taken seriously by the American government. But it is important to understand that the intended audience of this message is Muslim moderates more than anyone else. In the Muslim world, there is a widespread belief that Osama bin Laden has not been killed and Al Qaeda has not been crippled. Consequently, the ideological battle between the proponents and opponents of Al Qaeda rages on. It is important to Mr. Abu Gheith and his camp to instill in moderate Muslims living in the West a sense of the futility and hopelessness of their efforts. Since Sept. 11, moderate American Muslims have been fighting an exceedingly difficult battle on many fronts. They have been struggling to deal with the proponents of a clash of civilizations, who seem intent on transforming Islam into the enemy of the West after Communism; with the fanaticism of some supporters of Israel, who seem to deal with every manifestation of Islamic activism as a direct threat to Israel's existence; with fanatic religious leaders who have unabashedly maligned Islam, even going as far as calling the Prophet Muhammad a pedophile; with fellow Muslims who believe there is a worldwide conspiracy against Islam and even insist the Sept. 11 attacks were part of an effort to frame Muslims by the Central Intelligence Agency and the Mossad; with other Muslims who accuse moderates of being sellouts to the West and traitors to the Islamic tradition for not adhering to Islamic "authenticities." They also contend with threats to their physical safety from Islam haters and from Muslim fanatics. Moderate Muslim intellectuals have been combating the renewed and well-funded efforts of Saudi Arabia to regain ground for its brand of puritan Islam — Wahhabism — that had been lost after Sept. 11. In this country, moderate Muslims have had to deal with a presidential administration that is systematically undermining their civil liberties. Most of all, they have been struggling with an ineffective and self-serving American Muslim leadership, which has little interest in serving its constituency — a largely apathetic and politically inactive community that is frequently not engaged on the major issues confronting Muslims today. Amid this mess, Mr. Abu Gheith steps in to co-opt the image of Islam by claiming that every "true and faithful" Muslim will rejoice with the spread of terror in this world. What he wants is for all the intellectual abstractions and ethical debates to become muted as the world panics at the prospect of more suffering and bloodshed. Friends often ask me if, considering all the problems that moderate Muslims confront today, I can be hopeful that an ethical and humane Islam can prevail. I don't know how to respond. For Muslims like me, an ethical and humane Islam is the only legitimate Islam, and there is no choice other than to stubbornly insist that we, not the likes of Suleiman Abu Gheith, authentically speak for the Islamic tradition. There is no choice but to remind the world that while he rejoices in the death of innocent human beings, Muslims like me are grieving and in utter misery. ***Khaled Abou El Fadl teaches terrorism law and Islamic law at the University of California at Los Angeles

Assalamu alaikum, Wow, don't you think that was a bit quick to discredit a sheikh because you saw him on T.V. with Bush? I didn't think there was anything wrong, he was infact the voice for the muslims in America. It was a time when innocent muslims here were being targeted for hate crimes. He refused to shake the 1st ladies hand on national T.V.!!! Well anyway, I am on this list-serve that have direct links to Sheikh Hamza so I'll inquire about your question. ~Fii amani laah~

Salaams, Brother, Hamza Yusuf is one of the sheikhs that I respect the most. He's a very knowlegable and eloquent speaker. I don't know whether this claim is true or not. Most speeches are recorded nowadays, so am sure it wouldn't be a problem obtaining it. Since you heard this, chances are some1 probably took it out of context what he was really trying to say.

Insightful. Thnkzz

Check out: www.jannah.org They've got a nice informative link for the sisters.