Asalamu Alaikum Suldaan Nacasdiid I am in no way a nationalist person, my wishful thinking is on the lines of a more united Islamic state under one Caliphate, but the separation of the two factions in my view contradicts and rather goes on the opposite side of a greater Islamic state. It is true the author does not go into details with regards to the root of the separations and yes he does not address the anger and frustration that all the repressed people under the dictatorial regime went through. However he has a point if the ANC of Nelson Mandela took revenge on the repressive white regime would South Africa be what it is. (I am in no way saying that it is a beacon of success) would it have been worse or better. A better example did our Rasool SAW take revenge on Quraish’s for the persecution of the Muslims, no he forgave and for that they and the rest of the world admired his mercy, what other human and society are more worthy admiration than Muhammed SAW and the Madineeyts. It is for the sincere Aalims of all parts of Somalia to come to a middle ground through their wisdom. And you know what I take back my suggestion that this should be some form of a platform for discussion PS Pres. Riyale could rule the south too a suggestion

Asalamu Alaikum A very good article, the dialogue between the south and north must begin ASAP. Since many of us SOLers classify each other as a civilized bunch, why not discussion issue of unity here. Maybe we can come to a middle ground. ( the middle is always where balance exist). If it is a leadership question then we should know that the one who sacrifices something for something that is greater is the one that is truly brave and wise. If it is racism then know that Iblis refused to bow down to Adam out of pride and the belief that he was superior to Adam, which led to him perishing in hell for ever. If it is anger know that forgiveness is what tranquilizes it and brings serenity Inshallah it should be interesting

Dubai is a very exciting place if not a bit superficial, when I was there last summer they where recruiting graduates like mad (mainly Emirates) A cousin of mine who got recruited by Emirate Airlines last year and the dude likes it. The two problems I saw when I was there was: - Emirates especially men are very lazy, yet the government is imposing laws on firms in which they have to recruit them to management positions. So if you don’t mind seeing guys who are less skilled and less motivated than you get promoted by the click of a finger then its your place - Second it’s a suit case country its seems as if everyone is waiting for the inevitable to happen and leave as soon as the bubble bursts. The plus is if you like to leave like a Hollywood movie star it’s your place

cheers lads

187 the week is over and you have still not accepted me in the league

Shachab has heard it loud and clear the era of these filthy roaches is coming to an end

Asalamu alaikum I can understand where the realists are coming from, like Yacquub said who wants to go to a country where its own inhabitants are escaping. I also agree with Codetalker we can’t stand someone from a rival clan becoming a President let alone Jose Santiago from Mexico. But as an optimist or as some would say an idealist, if the formula of multicultural state is the best option for a nation then we should pursue it. Look at it from a corporations perspective the best candidates are not selected on there ethnicity and it should be like wise if someone shares the same values as us let him run it. Maybe when Qanyaree and Suudi put the guns down and old Pres Yusuf retires, some of the more fresh faced leaders can size up the best options for a strategic development and maybe a multicultural society will best the option available. Ps: we have to be quick, I hate to say it but some seriously talented Iranian scientists will be up for grabs soon Salam

Alright lads I just registered to the league Ngonge accept me quickly. Many of you don’t recognise me by this name but my original name is Thierry, that means 187 you demoted to the B team. let ball roll

So you agree thepoint Ps watch the "the road to Guantanomo†tonight if you live in the UK, it is meant to be a very documentary

The point some would argue Khayr is that, it has worked successfully before. Some of the super ambitious Somalis consider it as a good opportunity (a short cut) of building a Metropolitan Baghdad or a New York. Although our forefathers laid the foundation for the Somali Dhaqan it is by no means the best culture in the world. The argument is, mix the best of all cultures and you will get a rather flawless and cream de la cream society. More views folks

I wonder if there will ever be an era when Somalia can become a multicultural state. It would be peculiarly interesting if the minister of finance will ever be a Croatian Somali or a culture minister who is Singaporean Somali. Would it work if flocks of people who look different, dress different, eat differently yet have the same core values reside together in the Horn of Africa. One friend of mine said it would break the doomed cycle and shift away from tribalism. Another said even if it where to happen it definitely wouldn’t be in my grand children’s life time let alone mine. Yet when you look at history and see the great dynasties such as the Abbasid, Umayyad, the Ottomans, Greeks, Romans, and to some extent the American, they all have one thing in common, their societies evolved around multi-cultures. Arguably the most efficient in my opinion would be the Abbasids, with its core Islamic values and the motivation Islam gives to development, they developed an intellectual and an economical utopia with mathematician from India, Philosophers from Greece Chemist from Uzbekistan and many more. The Likes of Ghazali, Ibn Rushd, Ibn Sina, and Ibn Battuta all flourished in this multicultural society and arguably this was there main inspiration came from. So the questions to fellow nomads is when (Inshallah) we have a stable government should we encourage and nationalise intellectual foreigners, can you see a Chinese Somali Prime minister in the next hundred years. Or has the 17th century nationalism killed of such possibility ever taking place again.

Understanding the blessings of the human voice is a knowledge we ought to pursue, a persons voice can bring anger or it can bring blessing and glad tidings. Alhamdullilah the Adhan is for us Muslims This brother voice is the most beautiful I have heard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nile1-_WkM&search=islam

Asalamu Calaikum JZK Brother Nur and the rest of the nomad who contributed to this topic, indeed it is a topic of the highest status Some pointers inshallah: • Build the foundation first, Tawheed (once we have Understood clearly and comprehended this act then we can move on) • Imitate the rightly guided men and women whose hunger for knowledge lasted until their last breath. Scholars such Yahya Ibn Main who had written over 14 containers of books (containers brothers not books and each container holds over 100’s of books). We need to help our people understand the beauty of knowledge with beautiful story telling that’s how I encourage my siblings (I was telling the story of Prophet Yusuf to my little sister and she cried, she also gained the thirst of wanting to know more about the story till I found her sleeping on the keyboard 1 am with full story from a Islamic website. We need to make knowledge hip and in and to some extent as westerners would say it we need to sexy up knowledge. Can you imagine the intellectual frenzy that must have been going around when Ibn Rush and Al Ghazali had that dialogue makes me get goose bumps just reading about it Inshallah I will contribute more soon Asalamu calaikum Ps: I would strongly urge seekers of knowledge who want to have role models, buy this book: “ The Value of Time†by Shaykh Abd Al Fattah Abu Ghuddah Some of the most prominent scholar in history and how they got this status buy time management.

Asalamu Alaikum The Sisters are right there is a lot of finger pointing going around and majority of time we now the argument “women are oppressed in the west†“women are oppressed in the west†In my view and this is only my view I say women are oppressed in the west and secular societies, however likewise Muslim women are oppressed (note I said Muslim women and not Islam) . Here is a little equation I came up with Secular society: Women oppressed. How to overcome? using human instinct societal changes as well as trial and error Muslim Society: Women oppressed. How to overcome? Learn and implement Islamic Shariah. And for the sister that said talk about the benefits Islam brings to this issue. Here are some Audio lectures which one can listen to. THE LAST FOUR LECTURES AND QUESTION AND ANSWERE BY PROMINENT SCHOLAR DR ZAKIR NAIK http://www.aswatalislam.net/DisplayFilesP.aspx?TitleID=50027 Salam

A fascinating read. who would have thought the language many of us believed was made up along the way, such historica heritage. I think its time we spend a years placement in baadiyo to learn the original language

And another one 9/25/2004 9:50:00 PM GMT Abdullah ibn Hudhafah was one of the glorious companions of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH). He was known for his strong faith in God and his messenger. He was also among those who were willing to sacrifice their whole lives for the light of Islam to spread. Abdullah ibn Hudhafah was given the chance to meet two world potentates of his time, Khusraw Parvez the King of Persia and Heraclius, the Byzantine emperor . The story of his encounter with Khusraw Parvez took place in the sixth year of the hijrah when Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) decided to send some of his Companions with letters to rulers outside the Arabian Peninsula inviting them to Islam. Which was a very hard mission to accomplish. To make known his plan Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) called his companions together and addressed them. He started by praising God and thanking Him. He then recited the Shahadah and went on: "I want to send some of you to the rulers of foreign lands but don't dispute with me as the Israelites disputed with Jesus, the son of Mary .†"O Prophet of God, we shall carry out whatever you wish," they responded. "Send us wherever you desire." Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) chose six of his companions to carry his letters to Arab and foreign rulers. One of these was Abdullah ibn Hudhafah. He was chosen to take the Prophet's letter to Khusraw Parvez, the Persian king. Abdullah prepared himself and bade farewell to his wife and son. He set out, alone, and traversed mountains and valleys until he reached the land of the Persians. Abdullah asked for permission to enter into the king's presence informing the guards of the letter he was carrying. Khusraw Parvez thereupon ordered his audience chamber to be made ready and summoned his prominent aides. When they had assembled he gave permission for Abdullah to enter. He entered and saw the Persian beautifully dressed in delicate, flowing robes and wearing a great, neatly arranged turban. On the other hand Abdullah was wearing plain, coarse clothes of the Bedouin. His head though was held high and his feet were firm. The honor of Islam burned fiercely in his breast and the power of faith strengthened his heart. When Khusraw Parvez saw him approaching he signaled to one of his men to take the letter from his hand. "No," said Abdullah. “The Prophet commanded me to hand over this letter to you directly and I shall not go against a command of the Messenger of God." "Let him come near to me," Khusraw ordered his guards. Abdullah proceeded and handed over the letter. Khusraw then called an Arab clerk and told him to open the letter in his presence and read its contents. The clerk read: "In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful. From Mohamed, the Messenger of God, to Khusraw the ruler of Persia. Peace on whoever follows the guidance . . ." As soon as Khusraw heard this, he burst with anger, and he snatched the letter from the clerk's hand and began tearing it to pieces without knowing what else it contained and shouted: "Does he dare to write to me like this, he who is my slave"? He was angry that the Prophet had not given him precedence in his letter. He then commanded Abdullah to be dismissed from his assembly. Abdullah was taken away, not knowing what would happen to him. Would he be killed or would he be set free? But he did not want to wait to find out. He said, "By God, I don't care what happens to me after the letter of the Prophet has been so badly treated." He managed to get to his camel and rode off. When Khusraw's anger had subsided he commanded that Abdullah be brought before him. But Abdullah was nowhere to be found. They searched for him all the way to the Arabian Peninsula but found that he had gone ahead. Back in Madinah, Abdullah told Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) how Khusraw had torn his letter to pieces and the Prophet's only reply was, "May God tear up his kingdom". After a short period, Badhan sent two men on behalf of Khusraw to bring Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) to him. The Prophet smiled and said to them, " Go back to your mounts today and return tomorrow." On the following day, they came to Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) and said to him, "Are you prepared to go with us to meet Khusraw?" "You shall not meet Khusraw after today," replied the Prophet. "God has killed him and his son Shirwaih has taken his place on such a night and on such a month." The two men stared in the face of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH). They were completely dumbfounded. "Do you know what you are saying?" they asked. "Shall we write about this to Badhan?" "Yes," replied the Prophet, They went back to the Yemen and told Badhan what had happened. Badhan said, "If what Mohamed has said is true, then he is a Prophet. If not then we shall see what happens to him." A short time passed and then Badhan received a letter from Shirwaih, in which he said, "I killed Khusraw because of his tyranny against our people. He regarded as lawful the killing of leaders, the capturing of their women and the expropriating of their wealth. When this my letter reaches you, take the allegiance of whoever is with you on my behalf." As soon as Badhan read Shirwaih's letter, he threw it aside and announced his entry into Islam. The Persians with him in the Yemen also embraced Islam. That's the story of Abdullah ibn Hudhafah's meeting with the Persian king. His meeting with the Byzantine emperior took place during the caliphate of Umar ibn alKhattab. It’s also an astonishing story. In the nineteenth year after the Hijrah, Umar dispatched an army to fight against the Byzantines. Abdullah ibn Hudhafah was among that army. News of the Muslim force reached the Byzantine emperior. He had heard of their sincerity of faith, and their willingness to sacrifice their lives in the way of God and His Prophet. He gave orders to his men to bring to him any Muslim captive they might take alive. It was God’s will that Abdullah ibn Hudhafah should fall captive to the Byzantines and he was brought before the Emperor. The Emperor looked at Abdullah for a long time. Suddenly he said, "I shall make a proposal to you." "What is it?" asked Abdullah. "I suggest that you become a Christian. If you do this, you will be set free and I shall grant you a safe refuge." Abdullah became furious and said: "Death is preferable to me a thousand times to what you ask me to do." "I see that you are a bold man. However, if you respond positively to what I propose to you, I will give you a share in my authority and swear you in as my aide." Abdullah smiled and said, "By God, if you give me all that you possess and all that the Arabs have in exchange for giving up the religion of Mohamed, I shall not do so." "Then I shall kill you." "Do what you want," answered Abdullah. The emperor then had him put on a cross and ordered his soldiers to throw spears at him, first near his hands and then near his feet, all the while telling him to accept Christianity or at least give up his religion. This he refused over and over again to do. The emperor then had him taken down from the wooden cross. He called for a great pot to be brought. This was filled with oil, which was then heated under a fierce fire. He then had two other Muslim prisoners brought and had one of them thrown into the boiling oil. The prisoner's flesh sizzled and soon his bones could be seen. The emperor turned to Abdullah and invited him to Christianity. This was the most terrible test that Abdullah had had to face up till now. But he remained firm and the emperor gave up trying. He then ordered that Abdullah too be thrown into the pot. As he was being taken away he began to shed tears. The emperor thought that he had at last been broken and had him brought back to him. He once more suggested that Abdullah become a Christian but to his astonishment, Abdullah refused. "Damn you! Why did you weep then?" shouted the emperor. "I cried," said Abdullah, "because I said to myself 'You will now be thrown into this pot and your soul will depart'. What I really desired then was to have as many souls as the number of hairs on my body and to have all of them thrown into this pot for the sake of God." The tyrant then said, "Will you kiss my head? I will then set you free?" "And all the Muslim prisoners also?" asked Abdullah. The emperor agreed to do this and Abdullah said to himself, "One of the enemies of God! I shall kiss his head and he shall set me and all other Muslim prisoners free. There can be no blame on me for doing this." He then went up to the emperor and kissed his forehead. All the Muslim prisoners were released and handed over to Abdullah. Abdullah ibn Hudhafah eventually came to Umar ibn alKhattab and told him what had happened. Umar was greatly pleased and when he looked at the prisoners he said, "Every Muslim has a duty to kiss the head of Abdullah ibn Khudhafah and I shall start." Umar then got up and kissed the head of Abdullah ibn Hudhafah.

JZK Brother for the lengthy version of Abu bakr siddiq profile. Inshallah lets keep a summary of his and others profiles, we don’t want to bore others and make this the lengthiest post in SOL I was going to post Omar bin Khattab next but I m sure a lot of Muslims have heard of his great deeds instead I will post some Scholars and less known companions whom deeds are less recognised in the modern era. My Signature is a quote from this Man Tarek Ibn Ziyad, man of valor, a man of extraordinary courage and a true leader. General Tarek was an experienced warrior well known for his unconquerable courage and bravery. He was also looked upon as a hero by the rest of Muslims soldiers who were proud to serve under his leadership. Tarek's warrior skills are mostly highlighted in the Jabal Tarek's battle (Tarek's Hill), when the Muslims' army defeated the Romans. The narrow stretch of sea separating Spain from the African coast was crossed by Tarek and his men in small boats. They were ready for battle as soon as they landed on the shore. King Roderick of Spain was both surprised and angry at the daring of the Muslims. Placing himself at the head of a huge army, the king publicly took an oath that he will defeat the Muslims army and throw them into the sea through which they had come. Tariq at once noticed the uneasiness among his soldiers, but he knew that this was not caused by any feeling of fear, for they were perfectly trained soldiers, and the heroes of many famous battles. They were waiting for his lead to support them and give them strength. The conflict was a bloody one, but Tarek was victorious, he acted quickly. After praying to Allah, the General gave orders that will always be remembered in the military history of the world. He ordered that all the boats that brought him and his men across the straits be burnt. When this was done, he turned to his soldiers and said his famous quote: "Brothers in Islam! We now have the enemy in front of us and the deep sea behind us. We cannot return to our homes, because we have burnt our boats. We shall now either defeat the enemy and win or die a coward's death by drowning in the sea. Who will follow me?" The soldiers gave a mighty cry of "Allahu Akbar" and rushed towards the enemy like a whirlwind driving everything with them. The Spaniards turned and ran bewildered and defeated leaving the battlefield to the Muslims. This marked the beginning of the Muslim conquest of Spain. Muslims ruled the country for hundreds of years so gloriously and well that Spain became afterwards the fountain-head of culture and civilisation for the whole continent of Europe.

Assalamu calaykum Indeed to aspire to become someone good we have to be inspired, then who better than the Faithfull companions of the Rasulallah (SAW) These are short profiles the companions (1)Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) exclusive companion and greatest supporter. He was the first man who believed in Prophet Mohammad(PBUH) and the first one who did so unhesitatingly, also he is the first of the ten who were promised Paradise, and first of the Prophet’s Community to enter Paradise. Alone among the Prophet Mohammad's Companions, Abu Bakr led the Community in prayer in the lifetime of the Prophet. The latter used to call him "The Most Truthful" (al-Siddîq) and "Allah’s Freedman from the Fire" (`Atîq Allâh min al-nâr). When the Koraysh tribe confronted the Prophet(PBUH)after the Night Journey, they turned to Abu Bakr and said: "Do you believe what he said, that he went last night to the Hallowed House and came back before morning?" He replied: "If he said it, then I believe him, yes, and I do believe him regarding what is farther than that. I believe the news of heaven he brings, whether in the space of a morning or in that of an evening journey." And that was the reason Abu Bakr was named al-Siddîq: the Very Truthful, the One Who Never Lies. `Umar Ibn Al Khattab, another one of Prophet Mohammad's companions, said: "Abu Bakr’s faith outweighs the faith of the entire Umma (The Muslim Nation)." This is confirmed by the following Hadith: The Prophet asked: "Did any of you see anything in his dream?" A man said to the Prophet (PBUH): "O Messenger of Allah, I saw in my dream as if a balance came down from the heaven in which you were weighed against Abu Bakr and outweighed him, then Abu Bakr was weighed against `Umar and outweighed him, then `Umar was weighed against `Uthman and outweighed him, then the balance was raised up." This displeased the Prophet(PBUH) who said: "Successorship of prophethood! Then Allah shall give kingship to whomever He will." `Umar also said: "The best of this Community after its Prophet is Abu Bakr." `Ali named him and `Umar, the two Sheikhs of Islam of the Community and said: "The best of this Community after its Prophet(PBUH) are Abu Bakr and `Umar," "The most courageous of people is Abu Bakr," and "The greatest in reward among people for the volumes of the Qur’an is Abu Bakr, for he was the first of those who gathered the Qur’an between two covers." He was also the first to name it Mus'haf. The Prophet confirmed his high rank in many of his sayings, among them when he (PBUH) said: "Allah gave one of His servants a choice between this world and what He has with Him, and that servant chose what Allah has with Him." Abu Bakr wept profusely and we wondered why he wept, since the Prophet had told of a servant that was given a choice. The Prophet himself was that servant, as Abu Bakr later told us. The Prophet continued: "Among those most dedicated to me in his companionship and property is Abu Bakr. If I were to take an intimate friend other than my Lord, I would take Abu Bakr. But what binds us is the brotherhood of Islam and its love. Let no door [of the Prophet’s mosque] remain open except Abu Bakr’s." Allah praised Abu Bakr above the rest of the Prophet's companions by saying: "Those who spent and fought before the victory are not upon a level (with the rest of you)." Source:Al-Nawawi, Tahdhib al-Asma’ wa al-Lughat, Abu Nu`aym, Hilya al-Awliya’, al-Dhahabi, Siyar A`lam al-Nubala’

JZK I thank the you for this post. Inshallah I hope to increase my good deeds and make my intentions pure so that i recieve the mercy of my Lord

loool very funny Just shows what Assalamu Allaiykum does to the opposite sex

Asalamu Alaikum With regards to the struggles and oppression Muslims face all over the world in this period. Inshallah, I want to share this piece of Islamic history which is very similar to our current conditions, in that it strengthens our Iman and gives us the patience required to triumph as a Ummah. It is a beautiful story The Battle of "Ain Jaloot", A Turning Point in History In the 7th Hijri century, the Tatars launched one of their largest assaults on the land of the Islamic Khilafah, resulting in the seizure of the Khilafah capital, Baghdad, the killing of the Khalifah, and the occupation of three quarters of the Muslim land. At that time, one of the greatest Muslim leaders in the Islamic history emerged. He had pride in his religion and in the fact that he rescued his Ummah. This was in one of the most decisive battles in history back then. The leader was the "Victorious King" Mahmood Sayfu-d-Deen Qutuz, and the battle was that of "Ain Jaloot". The Tatarian Invasion The Tatars started breaking into the Muslim land towards the end of 656 Hijri. When the Khalifah, Abu Ahmad Al-Musta'sim Billah, began preparing his armies to block the invasion, his minister "Al-`Alkami" hoaxed him by convincing him to make peace with the invaders. Al-Alkami, who was a non-Arab Shia`, had secret correspondence with the Tatars, promising them to halt any resistance against them given that they appoint him as Khalifah and allow him to establish his own Shia` state in Baghdad. When Al-Alqami deceived the leader of the believers and made him think that a peace agreement was finally reached with the Tatars, Al-Musta'sim departed along with his ministers and the scholars and leaders of Baghdad to meet the leader of the Tatars, who killed them all, and then occupied Baghdad and violated the honour of its Muslim occupants in a hideous manner. The traitorous Al-`Alqami could not achieve his dream, however, because the Tatars, who knew that the person who betrays his leader wouldn't spare his enemy, killed him too. Following the takeover of Baghdad, Muslims encountered a large number of defeats, and many more cities were captured. The Tatars, after seizing all of Iraq, started the demolition of the land of Shaam (which represents Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon and parts of Egypt and Iraq), seeking retaliation from its people because of their refusal to surrender. With the downfall of Damascus, the Tatars headed towards Egypt and Morocco, the last stronghold of Muslims on the face of earth at that time, which, if seized, the whole Muslim Ummah would have collapsed. After that, the leader of Tatars "Katabgha" sent, as usual, a letter full of threats to the Ameer of Egypt. Some of what he said was: "We have demolished the land, orphaned the children, tortured the people and slain them, made their honoured despised and their leader a captive. Do you think that you can escape from us? After a while you will know what's coming to you..." Despite the linguistic weakness of the Tatars' letters, it had a great influence on Muslims back then because of their weakness and low morals. Our Ameer Qutuz, who was raised according to the prophet's teachings, had a different reply to that of the other Muslim leaders: he killed the Tatarian delegation and left their corpses hanging in his capital, lifting his soldiers and people's spirit on the one hand, and putting down his enemy's and that of their spies and loyals on the other hand. His action was in accordance with the poetry: The Sword speaks louder than books, Its sharp edge distinguishes gravity from child-play. When Qutuz's reply reached the Tatars through their spies in Egypt, they realised that they were facing a different type of leader, with whom they have not dealt before. Had they studied the history, they would have noticed that our victorious leader copied the example of Haroon Ar-Rashid and his reply to the Roman leader "Nakfoor", and that of "Al-Mu'tasim" to the governor of "Amouriyah", and they would have avoided clashing with him. Preparing for the Battle Qutuz did not forget that making such a critical reply will result in a severe and brutal war against him and his people, for which they must prepare. So he started preparing his people with the weapon of belief and unity, prior to arming them with the weapons of steel. To achieve unity, he sent to the dispersed leaders and Ameers of Mamaleek, such as "Beebers Al-Bandakari" who was later known as "Beebers the superior", asking them to discard their marginal differences and unite to defeat their main enemy, the enemy of Islam. Qutuz, knowing the important role scholars play and their influence on the masses, seeked their help and support, asking them to supplicate for victory, and to urge the people to stand for their religion, taking the scholars as his close counselors and advisers. The most renowned scholar who contributed to this cause was the "Sultan of Scholars" Al-`Izz Bin Abdis-Salam. Qutuz seeked a fatwah (verdict) from Bin Abdis-Salam which would allow him to impose more taxes on the public in order to equip the Muslim army. The honest scholar of Islam made it clear that the governor can not impose new taxes, unless the governor's own wealth, and that of his leaders and close-by's, is all spent. Al-`Izz even forced the selling of the Mamaleek army leaders, because they were not legally set free from their slavery (the Mamaleek were mostly slaves who participated in the armies, and gained power gradually until they controlled the armies). The needed money was obtained without forcing extra taxes on the people, who, witnessing the complete compliance and submission of their leader to the Laws of Allah as illustrated by the sincere scholars of Islam, woke up to the reality and were convinced with the legality of their leaders, and realised their duties in Jihad and sacrifice for Allah's Cause to stop the invaders from occupying their Muslim land. The Battle's Process Observing the saying of Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) "the people who are attacked in the center of their land (i.e. are on the defensive) will be dishonoured", Qutuz ordered his army to start moving to confront the foe. He also sent an exploitative battalion under the leadership of Beebers towards Gazza in Palestine, which confronted parts of the Tatarian army at small scales and beat them, covering the movements of the main army under the leadership of Qutuz, which finally arrived near the Palestine coastline where the crusaders had some strongholds. Qutuz warned the crusaders and made it clear to them that he could smash them before he meets the Tatars, if they do not stay neutral in this war. Realising the authenticity of this threat and seeing the power of the Muslim army, the crusaders were forced to stay neutral, especially that their numbers and the weakness of their armies would not allow them to clash with the Muslims. When the main Muslim army came close to the enemy, Qutuz, may Allah have mercy on him, selected the battle's field, in a valley surrounded by mountains, and he stabilised some of his soldiers on the mountains to protect the back of the army against any possible crusade, Tatarian or other treachery from within. The Tatarian army finally reached the area in which it would face its deadly end. Fighting erupted and the balance drifted towards the Tatars; their army's right wing started overcoming the left wing of the Muslim army. When the Muslims started retreating, Qutuz climbed on a rock, throwing his helmet away, shouting "Wa Islamah.. Wa Islamah..", urging the army to keep firm and fight Allah's enemies. The frustrated leaders of the army looked towards that voice to see their leader's flushed face, hitting angrily with his sword, infiltrating between the Tatars' rows leaving behind dozens of dead corpses. Qutuz's courage stunned his leaders who promptly followed his footsteps, lifting the morality of the Muslim army. Minutes later, the battle became in favour of the Muslims, until the Tatarian army was shattered, many of its soldiers being killed or captivated, and the defeated troops ran away, following the death of their leader and the captivation of his son. No one in the Tatarian army escaped death or capture, because those who ran away were slain by the people in Shaam. When the glorious news reached Damascus city and its surroundings, the Muslims rejoiced and regained their honour and esteem, and began to attack the Tatars. They also attacked those who supported the Tatars, including some crusaders, Batini (`Alawi), Shi`a, and some deviated Sufis. When the Tatars realised that their state in the Islamic East was fading, and that Muslims regained their power, they escaped towards their homeland, which eased Qutuz's efforts to liberate all of Shaam in a few weeks. Qutuz rewarded the Muslim Ameers who helped achieve this victory, by returning to some of the Ayyoubi kings their states, and appointing some of his bravest chiefs as governors. The reasons behind the victory If we are to inspect what led to this great victory, we will find that these reasons did not -and will not- change since the first revelation, until the Day of Judgment. The first condition is to have the right belief, and the legitimate and truthful scholars whom we refer to, who do not fear a ruler or a governor in defence of Allah's religion. This was represented by the "Sultan of Scholars" Al-Izz Bin Abdis-Salam, may Allah have mercy on him. The second condition is to have a sincere leader who works to uplift the Word of Allah and to defend His religion solely for His Sake. This was represented by the "Victorious King" Qutuz, may Allah have mercy on him too. The third and most important cause was the unity of Muslims under the one true banner of Tawheed, sharing the same concern and responsibility, disregarding the minor differences between them. The Battle's Outcome The direct outcome of this battle was the liberation of the Muslims from the Tatarian rule and their corrupt creed, lifting the spirit and esteem of Muslims, and spreading the correct pure creed which teaches Jihad and forbids laziness and surrender. Before this battle, some narrations say that a Tatarian woman would pass by a group of Muslim men, she would command them to wait for her until she could find a knife to slay them, and they would follow her orders obediently, waiting for hours, and even days, until someone comes and slays them! However, after this victory, Muslims started hunting the vanquishing troops of Tatars slaying them wherever they could meet them. Another major outcome was the establishment of a powerful Islamic state after it was about to vanish. This state stood for centuries defending Islam and Muslims against anyone's avidity and greed. This battle also proves to Muslims the ever-lasting norm: no matter how weak and fragmented Muslims get, once they go back to the pure and straight Path of Allah's Prophet and his rightly guided successors, they will be victorious. It also proves that, no matter how strong and superior the banner of disbelief and tyranny might become, it will be defeated one day. It is also a warning to those apostate rulers dominating the Muslims, whose fate will not differ from that of their predecessors, when their rule and power vanishe. By Br. Muhammad El-Halaby

You guys are being unrealistic Liibaax you are right the government needs to “focusâ€, but it isn’t in building the infrastructure that the basic should be in, but the reconciliation of men. Ants cannot build empires whilst they are in disagreement with grass hoppers, because you know why the grass hoppers will destroy the empire. The man was elected President now his biggest obstacle is Xamar he needs to triumph there before we embark in the next step. You say why or why are the warlords and merchants being stubborn, because they believe they have a lot to loose under a state, the Premier needs to reassure them that it is not the case. peace

In terms of achievements I believe the president has had mixed results. On one hand like G Duke said his foreign policy has been very good he has managed to gain recognition and is working towards achieving full sovereignty, His instillation of Gedi as MP was a popular choice and in my opinion the right choice. However where I feel the Premier failed in is his diplomacy with the ruling men in Mogadisho and establishment of good relations with Somaliland. Lets face it he wasn’t going to get the warmest welcomes from Mogadisho, but he shot himself in the foot by asking for foreign troops to disarm men in the parliament, the simple solution could have been to negotiate with them (however hard it maybe). The Basic fact is that the President needs to be above the rest. He needs to be the father of a household, his command needs to be respected with full obedience, but for this to happen he needs to earn the respect of the warlords and all parties involved and you don’t gain this by doing endeavours such as asking foreign troops to disarms your own. MD the end product will arrive after a system (machinery) that produces is established.

This must be a Joke Ina Aideed as a candidate for the prime ministerial position. If you are going to elect somebody to govern the day to day running of a country then surely this person needs to be more than an “intellectual politicianâ€. This is because so called intellectual politics is why an inch progress has not been made since the establishment of this new government. I would urge Hussein to learn how to govern his younger siblings and family before he embarks on running a country. This is the brother who lived in a hotel in Uganda when his family lived across the street, never greeting them.

This my favourite selection in order 1. Gladiator (Maximus is one of my hero the best movie I have ever watched 20 times) 2. Shawshank the redemption (What a unique story) 3. Goodfellas ( The best mafia movie all time) 4. Coming to America ( you don’t know movies unless you got this in it) 5. Usual suspects ( this movie was ill, I mean wow) 6. Scarface (say hello to my little friend) 7. Lord of the rings (What an epic) 8. Godfather ( Al and de niro at there best) 9. Beautiful mind (Another great movie) 10. Cold mountain ( don’t ask me why but this movie moved me) Movies that could have made but they where to cheesy 1. Double Impact (Van dam) 2. Kick boxer (Van Dam) 3. Stop or my mum will shoot ( Sly) 4. Kindergarden Kop ( Arnie) 5. Big trouble in little china ( Russell)