Norman Finkelstein talks at Edinburgh University in January 2008 about the legality and status of Israel’s wall, acquired land, borders, settlements and settlers in occupied territories. According to the highest world court, Israel’s wall is illegal. Also decided, Israel has no title to Gaza, West Bank or East Jerusalem. The settlers and settlements are also deemed illegal.
I have a few very good screensavers on my computer that I would like to share. They are 360 degree images of some amazing places like the Kaaba, Mount Uhud and Majid Nabawi.
The really good things about these images is that you can use your mouse to move left or right or to zoom in and out.
To turn them into a screensaver all you need to do is load them up and press F1 on your keypad and you just follow the instructions.
(I think then you may need to press F5…)
Anyway, just click the links below and you’ll be very happy with what you see
Enjoy
An open letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown from many important Muslim and non Muslim organisations that inshallah will have the desired effect. Taken from the Guardian Newspaper
Dear Prime Minister,
The illegal and inhumane bombardment of the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces has shocked us all. The images beamed around the globe show the horror of death and destruction unleashed against an Occupied People, contrary to all humanitarian standards. The mass outrage expressed on the streets of Britain is yet to be reflected in the actions of our government, and this is unacceptable.
While Gaza mourns its dead the deafening silence of our Prime Minister and government is a source of great bewilderment. Is it not time for a firm intervention that brings relief to the thousands of injured? We can only imagine conditions in the beleaguered hospitals where the most basic medicines were exhausted before the attacks, because of the inhumane blockade imposed on the million and a half inhabitants of the strip.
Since 2006, humanitarian conditions have deteriorated to unprecedented levels. Parents who have watched babies die; 600,000 children now suffer from post traumatic disorder as a result of Israeli state terror and international sanctions. It is time to stop this brutality and allow the Palestinian people to live in peace and dignity.
A few weeks ago, it was notable how you rightly rushed to Islamabad and New Delhi in the wake of the Mumbai attacks in order to calm all parties, avert escalation and further bloodshed. One wonders if you intend to visit Tel Aviv and make clear to the Israeli leadership that nothing can excuse nor justify targeting charities, hospitals, medical stores and pharmacies, mosques and universities, causing maximum casualties. Will you then proceed to Gaza and console the orphans and widows of this brutal campaign?
Prime Minister, this is your hour with history and we urge you to take the first step. We expect nothing less of our government than an unequivocal condemnation of Israel’s actions, as it has condemned similar brutalities committed by various states around the world. We urge you to ensure:
• An immediate end to Israel’s military assault on Gaza
• An immediate end to the blockade and siege on Gaza
• An end to Israel’s violation of International Law
• An end to Israeli Occupation
Signatories:
Muslim Council of Britain • British Muslim Forum • Al-Khoei Foundation • British Muslim Initiative • Council of European Jama’ats • Friends of Al-Aqsa • Federation of Student Islamic Societies • Dawat ul Islam • Islamic Human Rights Commission • Islamic Forum Europe • Islamic Society of Britain • Muslim Association of Britain • Muslim Directory • Palestinian Forum in Britain • Palestinian Return Centre • Palestinian Solidarity Campaign • Sri Lanka Islamic Forum UK • Stop the War Coalition • Respect • UK Islamic Mission • World Ahlul-Bayt Islamic League
End Israel’s Barbarity: Free Palestine
National Demonstration on Saturday 3rd January ’09 in Central London. Assembly at 12.30pm at Embankment. Please attend and inform as many people as possible by e-mail and text.
The Prophet Muhammed 
(Allah 
bless him and grant him peace) stated ‘He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do that, then he should do it with his tongue; and if he has not strength enough to do even that, then he should (at least abhor it) from his heart; and that is the least of faith’ [Sahih Muslim]
Occupation 101′ presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions. The film also details life under Israeli military rule, the United States’ role, and sheds light on the major obstacles which stand in the way of a lasting and viable peace.
This series is really excellent, below is the whole playlist, just click through.
This is a very important series, especially at this time
It should come as no surprise to us that Israel has launched this new wave of violent and indiscriminate destruction upon the Palestinians; they, after all, (the Yahood) are just following their nature. They have been doing it for a very long time now and they will continue to do it for as long as they can.
Inshallah, the Mujahadeen in Palestine and elsewhere, will rise and put an end to this injustice by the permission of Allah . At the very least we must be making lots of du’a for the mujahadeen and for the safety of our mothers, sisters and little ones who are in deep danger. This is a time that the ummah should unite and ask Allah for protection and assistance and for victory.
The Israeli dogs have said that this is an ‘all-out war’ on Hamas and corrupt, munafiqeen governments like Egypt are assisting them by slaughtering Palestinians too. They are actually opening their machine guns upon them as well as working very hard to prevent our brothers from passing through the Egyptian border!
We cannot and should not look towards our “Muslim” governments, they are all impotent, they are munafiqeen, they do not care and they cannot be trusted, instead we should be looking towards those bothers fighting in the way of Allah .
It was Hezbullah and not the army of the Lebanese government who fought the armies of these Israeli shayateen and it was Hizbullah that proved that by fighting with Iman, these Israeli dogs who are armed to the teeth, can be defeated and humiliated and so the mujahadeen of Palestine should look to them for inspiration.
It is very easy and cawardly to drop a bomb from 10.000 feet in the sky or launching missiles from a war ship in the sea onto roof tops, but the moment the Israeli dogs enter Gaza on foot with soldiers with their intention to slaughter Muslims, like they have threatened, that will be the moment they loose this battle. You see, they are cowards at heart and nobody can equal the courage or the strength of the mujahadeen. We saw Hizbullah destroy those soldiers in battle and inshallah we shall witness their destruction again, this time at the hands of Hamas and the mujahadeen.
Figting back against this tyranny is the only solution to this problem and we must all collectively make du’a for its complete success and for the freedom and liberation of the whole of Palestine and its people.
In the Holy Qur’an Allah addresses the Yahood and warns them not to cause fitna in the land and the frightening consequences if they do.
[And We said in the Taurat): "It may be that your Lord may show mercy unto you, but if you return (to sin and causing fitna) , We shall return (with Our punishment). And We have made Hell a prison for the disbelievers. Surah Al-Isra 8
Have the Yahood returned or not? If they have, we should expect their punishment in a time and in a manor that Allah wishes.
There seems to be a big hue and cry about Al Shabaab in Somlia across the net about their destruction of those graves that have been built upon. Many people have resorted to the abuse of these brothers, who are waging Jihad fisabillah in Somalia, and in doing so they are displaying their ignorance of the details and of the fiqh.
Allah reminds us in The Noble Qur’an that those who fighting Jihad fisabilah are not harmed by these remarks as Allah Himself protects them.
O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers, fighting in the Way of Allah , and never afraid of the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower. (Sura Maidah 54)
I have found that it is the same individuals, who consistently huff and puff at the Mujahadin, that display even worse characteristics by denying legitimate jihad wherever it is being fought. This flowery and limp wristed attitude towards Islam is very harmful.
Hadhrat Maulana Yusuf Ludhianvi writes in his book Ikhtilaf-e-Ummat Aur Sirat-e-Mustaqeem about the impermissability of building over graves with structures etc.
The Hadith wherein Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) had prohibited the building up of solid walls around graves has been mentioned previously. Our Aimmah of the Ahle Sunnat have ruled this act as being Haraam based on the above-mentioned narration.
Imaam Muhammed (rahmatullahi alaih) – one of the senior students of Imaam Abu Hanifah (radhiAllaahu anhu) – states:
“We do not deem as correct (and permissible) to cover the grave with more sand than what was taken out therefrom. We regard as Makrooh (e-Tahrimi) the building up of (walls around) graves and plastering them (with mud or concrete). Indeed Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) had forbidden the building up of and solidifying graves. This is our Mahdhab and this is Imaam Abu Hanifah’s view also.” [Kitaabul Aathaar]
Since our Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) had instructed Hadhrat Ali (radhiAllaahu anhu) to flatten all those graves which were high, Imaam Shaafi (rahmatullahi alaih) states that based upon this narration, he noted that in Makkah Mukarramah, the Aimmah had given the instructions that all built up graves be broken down. [Sharah Muslim Nawawi, page 312, vol.1]
From this we can safely gauge that those Auliyaah whose graves have been built up and solidified, they are completely free and not responsible for such accretions and innovations. They had never desired, liked or encouraged such actions. The responsibility of these innovations must be borne by the worldly leaders and rulers, who had acted in contradiction of the blessed words of our Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) and innovated these detestable actions. Nowadays people have begun to accept these tomb s and built up graves as being a standard and a measure of piety and Wilaayat. You may also have experienced for yourselves where some tradesman used a dream or „Ilhaam? (Divine Inspiration) as a proof for building up some fake grave, wherafter the ignorant ones would go and worship at that grave.
Inna Lillaahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Ra`jeoon. Nevertheless, almost every reputable Hanafi Kitaab, for example, Aalimgiri, Qaadhi Khaan, Durrul Mukhtaar, Kabeeri, etc. have stated this act as being totally impermissible. Allaamah Ibn Aabideen Shaami (rahmatullahi alaih) states:
“As far as building up of graves, I have never seen consent being granted for it anywhere.” [Page 237, vol.2]
Hadhrat Thanaaullaah Paani Pati Hanafi (rahmatullahi alaih) states: “And those graves (tombs) of the Auliyaah that are built up high, and lamps are lit there and all other such actions which take place there, are ALL HARAAM.” [Mala Budda Minhu, page 84]
These Somali brothers are upholding the shari’a and are fighting to establish it further. Mistakes will be made along the way, this isn’t one of them, May Allah excuse any error in their effort and may He bless them with victory. Amin
President Ahmedinajad is at it again, this time he is planning to address as many people who will listen to him by appearing on television offering seasonal goodwill to all. Channel 4 will be screening the address at the same time as the traditional Queen’s speech.
I must admit to be very entertained by some of Mr. Ahmedinajad’s antics, he writes letters to world leaders and even recently wrote a letter to President Elect Barack Obama.
If I am around, I know what speech I will be watching on Thursday.
After reading this morning about the 7th century Byzantine coins found by Israeli archeologists my thoughts immediately went to that individual whose likeness is carved into them, Heraclius. This Byzantine Emperor did actually believe in Prophet Muhammad but the position as the Emperor of the Byzantine superpower, and the power and grandeur that accompanied it, led him to remain a non Muslim.
He was a Christian scholar in his own right and saw the signs of the coming of the final Prophet of God all around him, an opinion confirmed by other Christian scholars and astrologers of his time.
Heraclius is one of those individuals from history that really interests me and the hadith of Abdullah bin Abbas (ra) wherein he describes the meeting between Heraclius and Abu Sufyaan bin Harb is just fantastic.
Please listen to this Bukhari lesson explaining the hadith. This was an amazing lesson to an amazing story
Read the hadith below:
Barclays bank has followed the example of Lloyds TSB and is planing to close the bank account of the Ummah Welfare Trust. It has issued a 30 day letter of notice to the Trust to the utter dismay of the employees there to close its account. Again, just like Lloyds they have provided no reason for this decision whatsoever.
Below is a statement of The Ummah Welfare Trust that appears on their website.
Millions of people will suffer by Barclays Bank’s decision to close UWT account.
The Ummah Welfare Trust (UWT) is dismayed by receiving a 30 day notice from Barclays to close their bank account. The trust has been banking with Barclays since its inception in 2001 in order to carry out relief operations in over twenty countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East providing support to over a million people.
Barclays Bank has given no apparent reason to why the notice has been served. UWT Director of Operations Mohammed Ahmed said in a statement, “We are deeply concerned with Barclays Bank’s decision to close our accounts without any justification. This decision will not only affect the great work carried out by UWT but will affect millions of people who rely on UWT. This decision sets a dangerous precedent of disrupting British charities without any substance, especially as INTERPAL is in the process of having its bank accounts closed by Lloyds TSB. Targeting charities in this way shows there is a conceited attempt to stop the good work in politically-sensitive regions by leading British Muslim charities.
UWT is calling on all supporters and friends to urge Barclays Bank to review its decision so UWT can continue its humanitarian projects across the world without any disruption. UWT would like to reassure its supporters this is a decision of a bank and does not reflect the view of the Charity Commission.
Notes to Editors:
* Ummah Welfare Trust is a UK registered international relief and development charity operating in over 25 countries. For further details, visit www.uwt.org or contact: UWT Head Office, 351 Derby St. Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL3 6LR.
T: 01204 383 732.
E: info@uwt.org
* For all media enquires, please contact the Media Officer on 01204 383 732.
You can help the UWT by doing the following:
CONTACT:
1. Barclays, and express your concern that registered charities can be treated in such a manner. Write to:
John Varley
Group Chief Executive
1 Churchill Place
London
E14 5HP
2. Contact Your Local MP to apply pressure on the government to act against Barclays’s misconduct towards Ummah Welfare Trust; express your anxiety that the decision of Barclays will set a precedant for banks to close accounts of Islamic charities and organisations.
3. Charity Commission, to express your support for Ummah Welfare Trust and your concern at the possible implications (Tel: 0845 3000218).
Congratulations to brother Haroon Mota for his fantastic effort in reaching the Everest Base Camp, may Allah reward him immensely.
Haroon has raised £17.000 for Orphans by climbing Mount Everest with Islamic Relief. This is an enormous feat by a brother with an enormous heart, but he still requires donations to reach his £20.000 target.
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