Islam - 2

This is unashamedly stolen from here:

Obama's Message to the Muslim World

Wednesday January 21, 2009

In his Inaugural Address, President Obama directed a few comments to listeners in the Muslim world. His words were refreshingly direct and no-nonsense:

"To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

Earlier in the speech, President Obama praised as a strength the "patchwork heritage" of the United States, recognizing that "we are a nation of Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers."

When reciting the oath of office, Obama proudly pronounced his full name: Barack Hussein Obama. A previous editorial in the Los Angeles Times recommended that it would be perfectly appropriate for him to use his full name, without shame. Obama's Muslim heritage should not be taboo, nor should be his attempts to reach out to Muslims.

There is much anticipation about the future of the Obama administration. If these initial steps mean anything, it is that President Obama will be engaged in the Muslim world, in a way that will hopefully move people towards honest dialogue and action.

How was Obama's speech received?

• Iran: "Obama is the hand of Satan in a new sleeve." (UK Telegraph)
• Arab World: Deeds rather than words are important (UK Reuters)
• USA: "...an encouraging statement" (CAIR - Council on American-Islamic Relations)

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Embracing Islam

Friday January 16, 2009

When a person makes the decision to embrace Islam as a faith and way of life, it is a life-changing event. The initial period as a new Muslim can exciting, a bit scary, and profoundly uplifting. It is important to prepare one's self for the challenges, and find support for the many questions one faces.

Gaza: 5 Things You Can Do Now

Thursday January 8, 2009

1. Make du'a for the innocent victims of this ongoing conflict. Islam teaches that God listens to the cries of those who call on Him.

2. Respond to the emergency appeals of humanitarian aid workers in the region. Many Islamic charitable organizations have permanent programs in Gaza, and are among those currently on the ground trying to get aid through.

3. Learn about the background and proposed solutions of this conflict. An excellent place to start is the About.com Middle East Issues site.

4. Familiarize yourself with the laws of Islam with regard to armed conflict. Muslims are to follow Islamic standards which are in line with international humanitarian law, regardless of the actions of one's opponent.

5. Join us in the Islam Forum to discuss your views on the conflict. Do you think Israel is justified in its actions? Do you want foreign news media to be allowed in to cover the story? Discuss these issues and more.

and...

What does the Qur'an say about terrorism?

Does the Qur'an say to "kill the infidel"?]

Suicide Bombers in Islam

Meanwhile...

"In the 31-minute video, al-Libi warned the British people to expect reprisals for the Israeli 'annihilation campaign' in Gaza.

'We are not fooled by the policies of courtesy. A wolf is a wolf even dressed as lamb,' he said in an apparanet reference to demonstrations in Western countries calling for an end to the Israeli offensive which was halted at the weekend.

'Make them taste the bitterness of war and the tragedies of homelessness and the misery of horror,' he said in a call to militant fighters, saying the 'infidel capitals' should be made to experience the same horrors as civilians in Gaza during the three-week offensive."