All About Islamic Clothing

Islam is one of the most influential religions of the world. Its followers are spread all across the world. Though people's clothes are influenced by their culture and tradition, there are other factors that can motivate them. Some of these factors include availability of resources and materials, climate, social status and group identity. Islamic clothing also follows the same pattern. The Muslim attires usually vary from place to place.

Islamic clothing usually reflects their belief and values. Their garments must be modest and decent in appearance. Though they are simple, the outfits worn by Muslim men and women are quite attractive. Most of these clothes are made from cotton and are very much suitable for hot and humid conditions. Thereby, this type of Islamic clothing is in high demands in Asian and Middle East countries.

Generally Islamic clothing is differentiated into two main groups - the Islamic urban wear and the rural wear. The former are usually highly fashionable cloths and are costly. They include shirt and paint with suit as well as the traditional jubbah and pajamas. On the other hand, the rural wears include cotton pajamas and jubbah for men. The rural women wear simple salwar-kurta along with black Burkha over their face.

These garments are also very loose to ensure that they do not distinguish or outline the shape of body underneath. Apart from covering their body in public, the apparels worn by Muslim men and women should also be thick enough to cover the real color of the skin. Usually shiny and flashy clothes are forbidden by Islam as they can overpower their overall modesty. In addition, it is a taboo for Islam men to wear the feminine accessories like gold and silk.

These clothes are also available in various different ranges. They are ideal to bring a change in your personality and look. Men can conveniently opt for the fashionable jubbahs and pajamas. Women looking for such apparels can buy burka that covers your body completely and hijabs, which are modest and loose garments and come with a scarf. This scarf goes over your head and then under your chin. Other types of Muslim attires for women include abayas and jilbab.

You can buy Islamic clothing at the wholesale market as well as from online stores. There are many good shops that sell quality and exclusive Islamic clothing. However, buying them from online shopping site is always beneficial as such sites offer high discount rates.

The Islamic Art of Calligraphy

The premier form of Islamic Art is calligraphy, which is derived from the French word calligraphie and Greek word kalligraphia, meaning "beautiful handwriting." One of the main reasons that the calligraphy is given a pedestal status in Islam is the Muslim belief that Allah (SWT) used the Arabic language to narrate his divine message to the Prophet Muhammad in the form of Holy Quran. This makes it sacred for Muslims all over the world.

Secondly, Islamic Art cannot be depicted by the use of pictures; therefore, using words as creativity avoids this problem as well. With the invention of the printing press in European countries, the art of calligraphic writing mostly vanished.

The prohibition of picture images spurred Calligraphy in the Muslim world to new heights. It is used to enhance the aesthetic senses in architecture, decorative arts, coins, jewelry, textiles, weapons, tools, paintings, and manuscripts. Thus Calligraphy has been embedded in each and every aspect of the Islamic society.

Islamic art in the form of Calligraphy is most commonly found in mosques. The walls and ceilings of mosques are decorated with calligraphically written ayah. These inscriptions are done in a very complex and intricate way. This form further branched out according to the spread of Islam through the Arab World, Persia, the Ottoman Empire, The Indian Subcontinent and wherever else Islam reached. Throughout these different regions, calligraphy attained a unique flavor according to the symbiosis of native culture with the Islamic culture.

Calligraphic Islamic Art has evolved into a very multifaceted form of expression. The different forms of calligraphy include Diwani script, Ruqah script and Sini script. Diwani script was invented by Housam Roumini during the Ottoman Turks' early reign. The Ruqah script is considered the easiest form of script. The Sini script originated in China and has noticeable components of the Chinese calligraphy.

As calligraphy flourished, many great calligraphers were seen throughout time. One of the oldest calligraphers was "Ibn Muqla." He was considered to be one of the trendsetters of Calligraphy. He was the creator of the Islamic Art of geometric principles, which was utilized by many calligraphers that followed him. Thus the Calligraphy has played a vital part in the growth and progress of the Arabic language, and the various Muslim cultures.

Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

Museum located in the capital of Qatar, Doha and was designed by architect IM Pei.This museum is built on a manmade island area of 45.000 m2 and is located on the edge of the port of Doha, at the southern end of Doha Bay.

The museum is dedicated to research in Islamic art, learning and creativity. that's why in the museum there is space research, libraries and restaurants.The museum is showing a collection of art from the 8th century until -19 th century from the Islamic world and the countries that have been influenced by the trend of Islamic art, such as India and Spain.

The museum also displays metals, ceramics, precious stones and jewelry, wood, textiles, ivory, examples of Islamic calligraphy, ancient books and portraits.The museum has at least 4500 objects, but only about 850 will be on display at one time.Arab envoy in Qatar, said the museum will play an important role in deepening the relationship between East and West.

DC Sniper Inmate Feels Shame, Guilt and Remorse in Supermax Prison

In Washington D.C. 2002, two snipers terrorized a city and sent shock waves around the world. They killed 10 people over a 23-day period.

Five years later Lee Boyd Malvo, one of the snipers who was 17 at the time of the murders, is a changed young man according to social worker Carmeta Albarus-Lindo who has spent hundreds of hours with Malvo since his arrest.

Lee Boyd Malvo wrote in a letter to CNN that he is "still grappling with shame, guilt, remorse."

John Allen Muhammad, the older sniper/murderer, is on death row at Sussex One, a Virginia prison.

"That boy was a victim before he even knew it." Muhammad's ex-wife, Mildred says, regarding Malvo, "His life was over when he said, 'Hi.'" She claims and many people believe young Malvo was heavily brainwashed by the older man whom he called "Dad." Malvo met Muhammad two years before the shooting and Muhammad became a kind of a father to Malvo. The older man taught an impressionable Malvo that violence was the only way to correct racial problems especially for African-Americans.

Now it appears that Malvo is entitled to a little mercy and compassion from a society that seems to be preoccupied with the political rants of getting tough on crime. Too often our system of justice has been replaced with a system that seems to be self-serving for the players involved while little time is spent on finding truth and understanding the causes of crimes committed. Revenge without knowledge is the order of the day where judges no longer judge. They have become referees in a linguistic battle of technicalities. Because of minimum mandatory laws, these judges have almost no say in what happens to a person who may have been as much a victim as the original victims of the crime.

Malvo will serve many years behind bars, and he may never be released. But can a man change? Can a person who commits an abominable act ever be accepted back into society? What can we as a society do for these people we call inmates, convicts, jailbirds, cons, and felons? Most will be released and many will be worse than they were when they entered prison or jail.

Society brands former inmates with catchy titles, like ex-cons, when these people actually should be called by their true titles: fathers, grandfathers, sons and daughters of people who love them.

Malvo has taken some college correspondence courses and he draws pictures in his 23 hour-a-day lockdown cell at the Red Onion Correctional Center in Wise County, Virginia. Isn't it society's duty to correct these 2 million men and women who are doing time in America's jails and prisons? Incarceration, in and of it's self is punishment enough. What we should be doing is preparing people to go home and do something other than commit crimes. They should be taught a trade or profession and be given jobs upon release. Once released, they have paid their price for their crimes, and we as a society should quit judging them and punishing them for what is over. Of course some violent inmates should never be released until they have proven, as much as possible, that they will not repeat their crimes.

Society as a whole will benefit with less crime if we have prepared these people to become productive members of society.

Malvo needed a father figure in his life. He picked the wrong one or the wrong one picked him. Let's not abandon him again. He and all the others in his place could use a few words of encouragement.

True History of Pakistan

Introduction

Pakistan lies in the North Western part of South Asia. It is bordered by China in the North, Afghanistan in the North-West, Iran in South-West, Arabian Sea and Indian Sea in the South and India in the East. Pakistan, as evident, is located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East making it an easy linking point between Central Asia and South Asia.

There have been significant immigration movements, in the areas now constituting Pakistan since pre-historic times. The people of Pakistan are descendants of different racial groups and sub-racial stocks, who entered the subcontinent over the past 5000 years, mainly from central and western Asia from time to time. Yet unlike the popular misconception, it always maintained its identity and individuality separate from its neighbor India who claimed that Pakistan was a part of Aakhand Bharat (Undivided India) on the basis of history. Hence its partition from India is totally unjustified. But thousands of years of history of the sub-continent tells a different story. It tells us that the areas called Pakistan today had consistently remained as a single, compact and a separate geographical and political entity since ancient times.

Few people would be aware of the true history of Pakistan still; few would know that the oldest stone tool in the world, dating back to 2.2 million years was found at Rabat, about fifteen miles away from Rawalpindi and the largest hand Axe was found in the Soan Valley. And to top it all, the site of the first settled life in the world dating back to the 8th millennium BC has been found at Mehergarh in the Sibi districts of Balochistan. Although Pakistan, as an independent country dates only from August 14th, 1947 and the nation itself can trace its beginnings only to a few centuries ago, yet the territories of Pakistan are heir to one of the richest and the oldest civilizations and settlements of the world.

Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization or the Harappan Civilization[i] is one of the most fascinating and the oldest civilizations ever known. It flourished between 3000 and 1500 BC by the banks of River Indus or Sind in Pakistan. This civilization existed along the Indus River in present day Pakistan with its main centers at Mohenjodaro in Sind, Harappa in the Punjab, Kej in the Baluch territory and Judeiro Daro in the Pathan region. It is generally believed that the inhabitants of Indus Valley Civilization were Dravidians who came to sub-continent from eastern Mediterranean.

This civilization reached its climax around the two metropolitan centers of Mohenjodaro and Harappa. These cities are well known for their impressive, organized and regular layout. They were the centers of arts and crafts. According to John Marshal, the Harappan people were literate and used the Dravidian language [ii] which is one of the world's first known languages. Their chief occupation was agriculture and trade. The civilization is notable for its strong central government, sense for art and architecture and house planning.

Flood is considered to be the destroyer of this culture due to which agriculture got disrupted and trade routes affected which led majority of the population to migrate to other fertile lands. Those who were left behind fell victim to the Aryan invasion. The civilization lasted for fifteen hundred years.

Arrival of the Aryans

In about 1700 BC, Indus Valley people saw the arrival of new horse-riding nomads from Central Asia leading to the eventual decline of their prosperous and sophisticated Indus Civilization. The Aryans came in at least two major waves in Pakistan. The first wave came around 2000 BC and the second wave came at least six centuries later. It was after the second wave of Aryans invasion that they became dominant and their language spread over the entire length and breadth of the region. They entered through the Swat Valley from the northwest mountain passes and pushed the local people or the Dravidians (the people of Indus Civilization) southwards or towards the jungles and mountains in north. They settled first in Punjab and Indus Valley and then spread eastward and southward. Unlike Indus people Aryans were uncivilized race. Their religious texts and human remains suggest that the Aryans were violent in their invasions. They killed the inhabitants and burnt their cities. A similar view was opined by Stuart Piggot in his book Pre-historic India:

"The Aryan advent was in fact the arrival of barbarians into a region already highly organized into an empire based on a long established tradition of literate urban culture".

Besides being sturdy fighters Aryans were also skilled farmers and craftsmen. They were the worshippers of nature and their religious books were called Vedas. Aryans were tall, well-built and; had attractive features and fair complexion while the inhabitants of Indus Valley were black, flat nosed and of short stature. The Indus people submitted to the superior Aryans and became their slaves. This fact later became the basis of Caste system in order of superiority such as Brahmans (priest) Kashatryas (warriors) and Vaisyas (business community and commoners). The Dravidians were placed in fourth and termed as Sudras (slaves).

Persian Empire

In the 6th century BC, Darius invaded Pakistan and made the Indus plain and Gandhara part of his Persian Empire of the Achaemenid, with his capital at Persepolis in Iran. It was from then onwards that the city of Taxila began to grow and the region saw the rise of another great civilization called the Gandhara Civilization covering most of the northern Pakistan with capitals at both Pushkalavati (Charsadda) and Takshka-sila (Taxila).

As part of the Persian Empire, the region once again rose to zenith. Trade with Iran and the west resumed once again, economy flourished, weapons and other objects of daily use were produced. Charsadda and Taxila became the centers of activity. One of the greatest universities of the ancient world was founded at Taxila. It was at this university that Chandra Gupta Maurya got his education, who later founded the Maurya Empire in South Asia. This prosperous Achaemenian Empire that extended from Pakistan to Greece and Egypt, however, collapsed under the onslaught of Alexander of Macedonia.

Alexander's Invasion

Alexander entered Pakistan from the northern route at Swat and conquered the Gandharan region between 327 and 325 BC. He reached Taxila first. The Raja of Taxila knowing Alexander's vast army's reputation gave him a welcome instead of resistance. Alexander stayed at Taxila for sometime then came across Raja Porus who was the ruler of the territories east of Jehlum. He then went up to River Beas from where his army refused to go further, so he then came down through the entire length of Pakistan, crossed the Hub River near Karachi and departed for home dying on the way. Alexander's invasion brought Greek knowledge and science to Taxila.

Up till here it is notable that during each settlements and invasions may that be of the Indus Valley Civilization, Aryans or during the half a millennium period after Aryan's migrations and during the Persian Empire, Pakistan always stood as a separate entity from India and the period covered by these settlements is about 2200 years.

Mauryan Empire

Alexander's untimely demise at Babylon in 323 B.C resulted in the breakup of his vast empire in to two parts (The Byzantine Empire and Bacterian Greeks). The control of this region therefore fell into the hands of native dynasties and tribes. Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of Maurya Empire who marched into the Gangetic plains, defeated the Nanda Kings and established a strong government at a place called Magadha (present Bihar). However, it should be noted that he ruled from India but he was a son of Potohar region and a Prince of Taxila. He followed Jainism. His grandson Ashoka was a Buddhist.

As the Mauryan rulers did not took into Hinduism and promoted either Jainism or Buddhism, they became subject to Hindu's criticism. Hindu's through their scheming and conspiracy managed to put an end to Mauryan Dynasty and instead gave birth to Brahman origin dynasty of Singhas followed by Kanvas and Indras. These dynasties ruled southern and central India but proved to be weak and short lived.

Graeco-Bactrian Rule

The Bactrian Greeks arrived in Gandhara in 185 BC, about 50 years after the death of Ashoka. They were the decedents of Alexander the Great's armies from Bactria (now Balkh, in northern Afghanistan). They built Greek cities at Taxila and Pushkalavati (Charsadda) and introduced their language, art and religion in the country of Gandhara. Their language lasted more than 500 years and their art and religion had considerable influence on the Gandhara Civilization. The most powerful of the Bactrian Greek ruler was Menander (mid-second century BC). The Graeco-Bactrian rule lasted for only a century.

The Sakas

After the Graeco-Bactrian, Pakistan was divided into several small Greek Kingdoms who fell prey to the great wave of Scythians (Sakas) who migrated on an extensive scale. They were the nomads of North Iran. Sakas overthrew the Greek rulers and established their control all over Pakistan. The Sakas settlements were so vast that Pakistan came to be known as Scythia. Gandhara became the center of the Saka domains, and Taxila was chosen the capital. The Sakas or Scythians were tall, large framed and fierce warriors. They were splendid horsemen and expert in lance. Sakas were followed by the powerful Parthians from east of the Caspian Sea, in about 20 AD.

The Kushans

The Kushans from Central Asia established the Kushan Empire in Indus Valley. The third king of this dynasty Kanishka was the most successful ruler. His reforms earned him fame. Like his predecessors he also took active interest in Buddhism. Kushans made Peshawar their capital. The Kushans period is considered the golden age of Pakistan and brought great wealth and prosperity to the region with the development of the Silk Route to China. It came to be known as Kushana-shahar, the land of the Kushans. It was the Kushan kings who gifted the national dress of shalwar(shirt), kamiz(trousers) and sherwani to Pakistan.

After Kanishka's death, his successors failed to keep the Empire intact. The result of which was that some of its parts were captured by Sassanians of Persia. In the 4th century a new dynasty of Kidar (little) Kushans came to power and established their capital at Peshawar. At more or less the same time Gupta Empire came in to power in the neighboring country of India and annexed a vast area of the sub-continent yet it did not went beyond Sutlej and did not included Kashmir. So during the Gupta period, Pakistan was in the hands of Kushans and Sassanians.

White Huns

The Huns were the nomad tribe of China's western borderland who after conquering Central Asia and Iran invaded Pakistan from Central Mongolia. Their chiefs were called 'Khans'. The particular branch of the Huns, which came to Pakistan, is known as Epthalite or White Huns. One of their mighty rulers was Mehar Gul whose capital was Sakala (present Sialkot). They killed Buddhists and burned all the monasteries. Their conquest completely eliminated the Gupta regime. The origin of majority of the Afghan-Pathan tribes and Rajput and Jat clans of Punjab and Sind, according to modern scholars, are descendents from White Huns. The fall of the Hun rulers resulted in emergence of petty kingdoms which caused deterioration in political, social and economic condition until Muslims came in the scene.

Arab Invasion

During the Rajput's period in north India i.e., 7th to 12th century AD the light of Islam penetrated into this part of the world. Islam arrived in Pakistan from two directions, south and north. In 711 an Arab expedition under a 20 year old Syrian Muhammad Bin Qasim arrived by sea to suppress piracy on Arab shipping and established control of the sub-continent as far as north of Multan and built up a kingdom of Al-Mansurah in Sind. Mohammad bin Qasim conquered Sind and ruled it for about three years before being recalled and killed. After Mohammad Bin Qasim's departure, Muslim rule got confined to Sind and southern Punjab only. However, from this period onward Pakistan was divided into two parts for a long time; the northern one comprising of the Punjab and NWFP and the southern one comprising of Multan, Sind and Balochistan under various Muslim rulers.

The Turks

In 10th century AD, Turkish descendents having their capital at Ghazni attacked this region. They migrated from central Asia and played a prominent part in the political life of the sub-continent for about 200 years. The Ghaznavids, a Turkish dynasty which rose in Afghanistan, succeeded the Arabs and under the leadership of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, established Muslim rule in the sub-continent. Sultan Mahmud of Ghaznah or Mahmud Ghaznavi, son of Turkish King of Ghazni namely Sabuktgin invaded Pakistan from the north. Gandhara, the Punjab, Sind and Balochistan all became part of the Ghaznavid Empire, which had its capital at Ghazni, in Afghanistan and later at Lahore.

With the arrival of Muslims Turks also came the Sufis and dervishes from Central Asia, Iran and Afghanistan who through their teaching spread the message of Islam all over the country. Some of them are Sheik Ismael, Syed Ali Hajveri, Ganj Shakar, Moeen-ud-Ajmeeri, Nizam-ud-Din Oliya, Baha-ud-din Zakiria and Khawaja Moeen-ud-din Chishti. It was due to these pious saints and Sufis that Islam spread to the entire length of the sub-continent. The city of Multan became famous as the city of Saints. Though Ghaznavid rule in Pakistan lasted for over 175 years but Mahmud did not annexed any area beyond Ravi. He contented himself with the annexations of the Punjab only. He was neither a robber nor tyrant as written by some historians. His reputation as a great patron of culture and literature has remained undiminished to this date. It was under his patronage that the well known epic Shahnama was written by Firdawsi.

The Ghaznavid Kingdom came into conflict with the rulers of Ghor who destroyed the city of Ghazna reducing it to ashes. Ghors were Oghuz Turks of Ghor in Afghanistan. Sultan Muhammad of Ghor and his slave lieutenant Qutb-ud-din Aybak raided sub-continent and captured Delhi in 1193. Ghori was a brave soldier and able administrator but not as brilliant as Mahmud Ghaznavi. However, Ghori left a lasting impact on the history of India. He is reputed to be a mild and benovelant man and a just ruler. He had not any heirs. He trained his slaves in warfare and administration. It was Aybak, one of his slaves who became his successor after Ghori's assassination in 1206.

After the death of Ghori, his slave Qutab-ud-Din Aybak established the first Turkish Slave Dynasty (1206-90), which lasted for over 300 years. Aybak was the most trusted general of Muhammad Ghori and was given the administrative control of some of the conquered lands. He initially made Lahore as the capital but later moved to Delhi thatswhy the slave dynasty is also referred as the Sultanate of Delhi. However Aybak's reign was short lived (5 years) and he was succeeded by nine other slave kings. Among his successors, his son-in-law, Iltutmish (1211-36), Raziyya Sultana (1236-1239) and Balban were the most famous. Balban is remembered for his strong centralized government. With his death, the dynasty declined and the final blow came in a form of a Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji. The Sultanate period brought the greater part of the sub-continent under its control and established Muslim Rule on firm grounds.

The Sultanate period also saw the rise and fall of 4 other dynasties in rapid succession: the Khiljis (1290-1320), the Tughlaqs (1320-1413), the Sayyids (1414-51), and the Lodhis (1451-1526). The Khiljis were Turks by origin but had resided in Afghanistan so long that they were no longer regarded as Turks. They took control of the sub-continent in a form of a coup. Among them the Alao-Din-Khilji, was the most famous as he had a great impact on the history of India. He was efficient, imaginative and strong ruler. The Khilji Empire lasted for 30 years. The Khiljis were succeeded by the Tughluqs who consolidated the Muslim rule and revived the empire. The Tughluqs restored the public works of utility such as forts and canals and reestablished law and order. The Sayyids and the Lodhis followed next and their rule remained till 1526 when Babur founded the Mughal Empire.

The Mughals

'Mughal' is the Persian translation of the word 'Mongol' from which we get the English word 'mogul' meaning 'tycoon'. The Moguls were the last of the Mongols. In the 16th century, Zaheeruddin Mohamed Babur, the first Mughal Emperor and a descendent of Tamerlane and Genghis Khan, raided the Punjab from Afghanistan and defeated Ibrahim Lodhi, at the historic battle of Panipat and founded the Mughul Empire. Babur was succeeded by his son, Humayun in 1530. Humayun was ousted by the Sher Shah Suri, who ruled the empire until his death in 1545. Humayun who went into self exile in Persia returned and regained the throne in 1554 but died two years later. He was succeeded by his son Akbar. Akbar was the greatest of the Mughal Emperors and ruled the longest period. He improved the centralized administrative system and was a great patron of art and literature. Mughal art and architecture reached its height under Akbar's son Jahingir reign, and later under his grandson Shah Jahan. They left a heritage of magnificent mosques, palaces, tombs, forts and gardens which can still be seen in Lahore, Multan, Jehlum and other places. Auranzeb succeeded Shah Jahan and who ruled from 1658 to 1707. He was a pious man and an efficient administrator. With the death of Auranzeb, the great Mughal Empire (1526-1857) disintegrated.

In 1739, Nadir Shah of Persia invaded the region and after his death Ahmed Shah Abdali founded the kingdom of Afghanistan in 1747. Then in the early 19th century, the Sikhs pushed the Afghans back to the Khyber Pass. Ranjit Singh, the famous Sikh leader made Lahore his capital and ruled from 1799 to 1839. The Sikh rule collapsed under the British and thus ended the Muslim rule in the subcontinent. However it should be noted that unlike Britishers "Muslim rule in India was established by immigrant elite. The Muslims didn't rule India from a distant homeland, nor were they members of a dominant group within the Indian Social community".

The British Period

The British arrived as merchants with the British East India Company at the beginning of the 17th century and gradually became involved in Indian politics and finally, after the battle of Plassey in 1757, began to conquer the sub-continent. By 1843, Sind was completely in their control. They defeated the Sikhs in 1845 and 1849 in Anglo-Sikh War.

After the First War of Independence in 1857 (also known as the Sepoy Mutiny), the British Government took direct control of Pakistan. This marked the beginning of the British Raj (British Rule), and in the name of Queen Victoria the British continued to expand their empire. Hunza on the Chinese border was the last area to fall into British hands, in 1891; only Afghanistan and some western most areas of Pakistan continued to remain outside their control. They demarcated the Durand Line in 1893 to separate Pakistan from Afghanistan. The British had a strong influence on modern Pakistan. They not only introduced their administrative and legal systems, but also brought with them their culture, language, art and architecture, some of which can still be seen in Pakistan today.

The Struggle for Pakistan

After the unsuccessful First War of Independence in 1857, the British determined to suppress and weaken the Muslims, whom they held mainly responsible for the uprising. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (1817-98) made one of the first attempts to restore Muslim status by founding the Aligarh Movement. Muslims formed a political party with the name of Muslim League under the chairmanship of Nawab Salimullah Khan in 1906 at Dhaka. Yet it was only when Jinnah assumed the leadership of Muslim League in 1936 that it became a dynamic, national organization of the Muslims.

In 1930, a Muslim poet and a philosopher Dr. Muhammad Iqbal proposed the creation of a separate Muslim state for those areas of the subcontinent with a Muslim majority. His proposal was adopted by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a British trained lawyer and Pakistan's first head of state. This idea of a separate Muslim state in the sub-continent to be called Pakistan took the form of a resolution adopted by the Muslim League in 1940 at its Lahore session. This was the Lahore resolution that came to be popularly known as Pakistan Resolution. The philosophy on which it was based is called Two Nation Theory, which emphasized on the individuality of Hindus and Muslims stating that these two nations have their own civilization, culture, historical heritage and religion due to which they can not live under a single country. This provided the basis for Pakistan.

The British realized that they would have to relinquish their hold upon the sub-continent so on 20th February 1947; the British Prime Minister Mr. Lord Atlee announced that the British Government would hand over the power of the sub-continent to its natives. It was finally agreed that the sub continent should be partitioned and the power will be handed over to the two states at Independence on the mid-night of 14th and 15th August 1947. Thus the Muslims struggle under the dynamic leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah bore fruit; the sub-continent won Independence from English and Pakistan was created as a sovereign and independent Muslim state on 14th August 1947.

It was decided that Pakistan would comprise the eastern (present Bangladesh) and western (present Pakistan) wings of the country. The Muslims living in Indian region had to migrate to Pakistan. This migration was accompanied by terrible violence and bloodshed not to mention various problems of division Pakistan had to face in the hands of uncooperative Indians.

Independent Pakistan

The world has always known two different countries and cultures in the sub-continent; one based on the Sindhu or Indus (Pakistan) and the other on the Ganges Valley (India) known as Bharatvarta. The Sindhu country with its Harappan Civilization had its control from Rupar on upper Sutlej to the lower reaches of the Indus on the Arabian Sea, the territory now covered by Pakistan. The Sindhu Land was always notable for its independent existence, completely detached from Gangetic Valley or India.

Moreover, Pakistan as an independent country always looked westward and had more cultural, commercial and political connections with the Sumerian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Turks than with the Gangetic Valley. During the 5000 years of Pakistan's known history, Pakistan remained part of India for a total period of 711 years of which 512 years were covered by the Muslims period and 100 years each by the Mauryan (mostly Buddhist) and British periods. Pakistan had remained either independent or part of powers at west and its attachment to India was only an exception.

This may be the reason that there is barely any Hindu architectural influence in Pakistan and instead of Hinduism; Islam shapes the lives of most Pakistanis. Moreover, Hindus themselves have always regarded Yavanas (the inhabitants of Pakistan) in those days as impure and outside the limits of Aryandom. So Pakistan as a part of India is a weak theory having no historical grounding. It was indeed the famous Two Nation Theory formulated by Iqbal and realized by Jinnah that led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

Notes:

[i] Called 'Indus Valley' by John Marshall, Mohenjodaro and the Indus Valley Civilization pp.i-iii (London, 1931), and 'Harappan' by Stuart Piggott, Prehistoric India (London: Pelican Books, 1950), p. 132.
[ii] Quoted in Ancient Cities of the Indus, Gregory L. Possehl (ed), Carolina Academic Press, New Delhi, 1979, pp. 105-107.

References:

1. Dani A H. Pakistan: History through the centuries. [Online] [Cited 2009 April 2] Available from: heritage.gov.pk/html_Pages/history1.html
2. Shaw I. Pakistan Handbook. The guide book company Ltd. Hong Kong. 1989.
3. Abdulla A. The historical background of Pakistan & its people. Tanzeem Publishers. Karachi. 1973.
4. Possehl G L (ed). Ancient cities of the Indus. Carolina Academic Press. New Delhi. 1979.
5. Rahman T. Peoples & languages in pre-Islamic Indus Valley. [Online] [Cited 2009 April 2]. Available from:
inic.utexas.edu/asnic/subject/peoplesandlanguages.html
6. Haroon A. Muhammad Bin Qasim to General Pervaiz Musharraf: Triumphs, tribulations, scars of 1971 tragedy & current challenges. KRL Post Office Box 502. Rawalpindi. 2000.
7. Piggot S. Pre Historic India. Penguin Books. 1950.
8. Akhtar R (ed). Pakistan Year Book 1974. East & West Publishing Company. Karachi.
9. Elliot H M & Dowson J. The History of India as told by its own historians: The Muhammadan Period. Vol. 1. Trubner & Co. London. 1867-1877.
10. P.M Holt, Ann K.S, Lambton & Lewis B(eds). The Cambridge History of Islam: The further Islamic Lands, Islamic Society & Civilization. Cambridge University Press. 1970.
11. Hardy P. The Muslims of British India. Cambridge University Press. London. 1972.

Lebanon's New War

Are you watching the news? It's easy to look at the fighting between the Lebanese Armed Forces and Fatah al-Islam in Lebanon and dismiss this as the usual hodgepodge of conflict associated with the Middle East. After all, we've been seeing this for years. Or have we?

There is something distinctly different between this latest battle and past conflicts in Lebanon. Past conflicts have usually involved a strong Israeli element. But the latest incidents are the first involving a Sunni element that many claim is an offshoot of Al-Qaeda. Whether or not Fatah al-Islam is affiliated with Al-Qaeda isn't clear. Everybody in the region has different views on who supports them. According to the press, Anti-Syrian groups claim that the group is backed by Syrian intelligence. Other media reporting claims it's an offshoot of al-Qaeda. Every group seems to have a different opinion on both its origins and its purpose, and the various allegations only serve the agendas of the parties making them. The constant finger-pointing only muddies the issue, a scene reminiscent of the Bosnian conflict.

What cannot really be argued is the fact that Fatah al-Islam serves al-Qaeda's purpose, intentionally or not. By taking the fight up in Lebanon Fatah al-Islam has put a different challenge to the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples and has brought Lebanon to the very brink of civil war. Al-Qaeda leaders are licking their chops at the prospect, hoping for a polarization of Shia and Sunni groups into their respective camps to justify their future actions in Lebanon, under the guise of defending Sunnis and their faith.

Lebanon is faced with the ever-growing challenge of remaining secular in the face of pressure to polarize along religious lines. The role of the Shias and the Sunnis is a bit obvious. But the immediate challenge is for the Lebanese Armed Forces to step up and quell the conflict. The predominant Shia political and militant group, Hizbollah, has its finger on the trigger waiting for the Lebanese military to fail in rounding up Fatah al-Islam and putting down Sunni militant groups. If the Lebanese military fails in this respect Hizbollah, which enjoys the monetary and logistical support of Iran, will step up and stake a claim as the defenders of Lebanon, providing a significant boost in the popular support they need to sweep into power, either by political means or via civil war. The true challenge is faced by the Lebanese military, to rise to the challenge and crush a direct threat to Lebanon's status as a secular society. If they are unable to do so, get ready to watch the fireworks.

Author is a 42 year old Canadian with a working background in military affairs, experience in politics etc

Ottoman Empire

Ottoman, Fun Vienna, Selim I and Mehmed II

1299–1923.
This country was founded by the Children Uthman and 36 people led by the sultan, before he collapsed and split into several small countries. Empire is the center of interaction between Western and
East for six centuries. At the peak of his power, the Ottoman Empire was divided into 29 provinces. With Constantinople (now Istanbul) as its capital, the empire was considered
as the successor of the previous kingdoms, such as the Roman Empire and Byzantium. In the 16th century and the 17th, the Ottoman Empire became one of the strengths
The main world with a strong navy.
Eroded the power of the Ottoman Empire gradually in the 19th century, until finally completely collapsed in the 20th century. After World War I ended, the Ottoman government to accept defeat in the war, suffered a setback in the economic field.

Hajj - The High Maintenance Journey

Several years back when I was privileged to respond to the call for the Hajj, I realize, I was caught more in the torrent of emotions to touch, feel and live the holy sites (ziyarat) than to perform the fifth Article of Islam. Swept on to a precipitate reaction, perhaps while deciding to perform the pilgrimage I had perceived only part of the situation. Without much knowledge, thought and application of mind when I was required to acquaint myself with the real essence ('whys' and the 'wherefores') of the Hajj, the emphasis was laid mainly on performance of Manasik-e-hajj. I returned home, with the title but not with the key as 'to how to emerge cleansed of sins' and 'live life hereafter innocent of devilish tendencies'.

Years after performing the Hajj pilgrimage my bubbling enthusiasm and attendant excitement have since run out of steam. I do say Salah (nimaz) five times. In fact, I recite Koran as well and perform most of other Haqooq-ullah regularly. My performance and dealings with the people (Haqooq-ul-ibad) have however largely failed me to save my Hajj.

With all the razzamatazz of excitement and publicity, the emotionally charged Hajjis as usual are set to proceed for the holy journey. Do these future Hajjis understand that living life (during and after pilgrimage) is not a cakewalk? Do they realize that it calls for toil, sacrifice, and that Taqwa and not the thanday thanday deen - reading Nowfals, reciting Koran and Darood---alone will help them save their Hajj? In the following paragraphs I have penned down my experience about the essence of the Hajj pilgrimage, perceptions, misconceptions and the reasons why many of us fail to save our Hajj.

The artistry of a wordsmith fails to describe the choked passion of the Hajj pilgrims. Best of the writers would find it difficult to narrate the "drenched -in-devotion" and "drowned-in-supplication". There is no emotion, for a Muslim, to equal the first sight of the Kaa'ba. There is also no feeling close to the sense of complete submission that overtakes him when his forehead touches the ground, as he prays to the Almighty Allah. Desire to touch, feel, and live the holy places: walk: and live where Prophet Mohammad (pbh) and his followers once lived and the place that witnessed several great Islamic events is overpowering.

Performance of the Hajj is the story of monotheism and strict obedience to Allah. It is the journey of love, rituals and a prayer aimed at tracing the saga of Prophet Ibrahim (pbh) and is personal one. While Purity, prayer, humility and faith are implied in the pilgrimage, the pilgrims are supposed to dedicate themselves to worship and prayer as also the denial of worldly vanities and the rejection of evil in thought, word and deed.

During the journey, the pilgrims are expected to decide to purify themselves and throw stones symbolically on all the devilish tendencies. The thought being directed from physical to spiritual the best of the provisions required for journey is right conduct, which is the same as the 'Fear of Allah' or in other words 'Taqwa'. They shall now on live life free of devilish tendencies and ensure that their dealing in terms of Haqooq-ullah as well as Haqooq-ul-ibad are in tune with the Quran and Hadith. As it involves high maintenance, the question is, 'are they able to save Hajj?'

Obsessed by the passion to own a jazzy high label parker pen (based on inadequate knowledge) when the nine - something (brat) grows blind to arguments, he digs heels not to take denials. His papa has sufficient knowledge and comprehension about the fate of the buy. Therefore he proposes cost effective alternatives. The hapless father soon finds himself dragged down to bed rock by thousands and odd rupees. The passion of the little darling ebbs away soon. He soon chucks out the pen as junk, nib broken. Buying decision with inadequate idea and poor knowledge/comprehension invariably ends in fiasco.

In the days preceding the Hajj they as the kindled passions run very high, drenched in devotion and drowned in supplication, the prospective Hajjis embody all the feelings of penitence and remorse for their sins. The guilt of unprepared-ness / undeserved-ness is overwhelmingly high suggestive thereof as if the piety and devotion are greater during the pre - Hajj days than in the aftermath of performing the Hajj. For the first few days of their stay in the holy land most of the pilgrims remain drenched in devotion so much so that they may even conjure visions of dying (the privileged) death in the holy places. To them their passion of touching, feeling and living the holy places and clinging to the Kaa'ba, performing countless tawafs, kissing Hajre - Aswad, closeting themselves in Riyaz - ul-Janat at Medina, saying Nowfals and reciting holy Quran and so on has come true.

But then the hapless pilgrims with the passion referred to above soon bring themselves to the feeling that they have had their fill and therefore their enthusiasm is suddenly on wane. As they find themselves leisurely they are soon found whiling away their (plenty of) disposable time in the markets shopping gifts for their near and dear ones (the frenzied souls panic themselves into using every trick to evade payment of excess baggage and custom duty and that may even include chosing to surrender the ZamZam water as excess baggage). In their shopping spree the urge to kiss the Hajre-Aswad and say Salah (nimaz) in the sacred Hateem is at low ebb. The last minute dash would find them saying Nimaz in the outskirts of the Haram. Those who prefer to say Nimaz in their hotel rooms, claim to be saving time in going to and fro the Haram. The faithful that earlier fantasized about dying the much-cherished death turn volte-face. As they are on to throw stones on the Jumarat in Mina, the stampede that occurs in the nearby gives them scares of death. Should there be some Fatwa they will evade the very important Hajj Manasik of throwing stones (symbolically on all the devilish tendencies) on the Satan.

Years after performing the Hajj pilgrimage when the bubbling enthusiasm and attendant excitement run out of stream people may keep on saying nimaz (Salah), reciting Quran, and performing most of other Haqooq-ullah regularly. They may still be expecting (even demanding) that the people should respect them for their title. In retrospect it is their performance and dealings with the people (Haqooq-ul-ibad) that speak volumes why the bubble bursts and why is it difficult to save the Hajj. For a Hajji living life is not a cake walk. He is got to take care of his title. And that involves lot of toil and sacrifice and not just "THANDAY THANDAY DEEN' - i.e., reading Nowfals, reciting Quran and giving/reading sermons.

As the pilgrims finish the Hajj, many of them have not the slightest doubts about returning home as new born - sins washed away. They are enamoured of their newly earned title. In the frenzy of the visions conjured (of people receiving them with grand welcome and joy) many of them soon forget to remember the post Hajj performance required of them - earlier the frenzied pilgrims on the way to the holy land had devoted themselves to rehearsing the Hajj rites, reciting Quranic verses, saying Salah, and humbly and pleadingly praying Allah to forgive them. In the fit of remorse for having lived a life of sins - unpardonable and unutterable - some of them had broken down several times.

During the 4-5 hours long journey in the plane on return, a large number of the pilgrims have no time and desire even to thumb through a single page of the holy Quran gifted away to them by the Saudi authorities at the airport. Some do not remember even to offer Fajr. The arrival lounge at the airport is filled with the brouhaha of the freshly arrived Hajjis with the contradicting body languages. While a large number of the ostensible title holders (achievers and performers) are busy parading their newly earned title, the cleansed lot (that is actually emerged as newborn) filled with remorse hide themselves behind the crowd. The freshly returned Hajjis, clad in the snow white outfit, excite envy of one and all. They are received like the holy of holies. The devotees visit them in droves to get their blessings. In their frenzy some of them may not hesitate even to kiss the feet of the Hajjis that according to the former have had great honour of touching the soil that 'house' the Rozat-ul-Aqdas. Exalted to the skies their status suddenly raises to the level of something divine and sacred. Burning curiosity of the faithful to know about the holy pilgrimage gets the Hajjis charged. With eyes bathed in tears they ramble about the Hajj and the piety till the last syllable of recorded time.

For some days the freshly returned Hajjis would get visions of the Ka'aba every time they stand up to offer Nimaz (Salah). As the Muezzin shouts, it reminds them of the stentorian, breath taking Azaan that resounds through the holy Harams to fill up the atmosphere and tear hearts of the faithful apart. But then the enthusiasm (in most of the cases) soon starts running out of steam. As the honey moon is over the hapless Hajjis find themselves again exposed to the worldly vanities/desires. Avalanched by the concerns like wordly comforts/luxuries, money, ostentatious displays, offices, promotions children's education, their career and the like, the poor fellows find it difficult to save their Hajj.

While asleep in the Holy mosque at Maka'h some one experiences in his dream that the heavy rains have caused flood in the Masjid-il-Haram. In the deluge that a hundred or so of pilgrims have been caught, the latter swim in vain to reach ashore the House of Allah. A handful of swimmers alone make Ka'aba safe.

As if cleansing of sins and emerging like a newborn were a rarity, what are cleansed in the process on the other hand may be the handful virtues (like penitence and humility) that the pilgrims possess before leaving for the Hajj. Ironically enough the cargo of sins that the pilgrims bring to the holy place for cleansing may be carried back by them when they return home. In fact, the way Hajji talks and deals with people suggest what he has done in the Hajj.

The assumption of the social influence and respect is suggestive as if of some powers rubbed off by God on them. In effect the behaviour of some may smell something like that of the Hajji who is begged of alms by a blind man. The former hands him the red-hot earthen piece from with in the fire pot. The knee-jerk reaction to the action is the reply received from the blind man. 'Are you a Haji?

Interestingly those who bestow honour on the pilgrim also layout boundaries, mark peripheries and watch his Post Hajj actions/dealings keenly. Given the chance, they do not hesitate to treat his conduct as also the acquired title beneath contempt. The Hajj is no picnic. It is a highly demanding pilgrimage fraught with great risk. The Hajj can make you and unmake you. Visit to Ka'aba would give Sahaba, the companions of the prophet Muhammad (pbh), and other pious people a scare lest they should sin against the (unwritten) code of conduct. They would leave the holy place as early as possible.

Performance of the Hajj is a story of monotheism and strict obedience to God. Purity, prayer, humility and faith are implied in the pilgrimage. As already the pilgrim is supposed to dedicate himself to worship and prayer and the denial of vanities. While the Hajj is the journey of love, rituals and prayers aimed at tracing the saga of Prophet Ibrahim (pbh), and is a personal one, it is connected with the rejection of evil in thought, word and deed. It is aimed at purifying the pilgrim. Symbolically the latter throws stones on the entire devilish tendencies. He shall now on live life free of devilish tendencies and ensure that his dealings in terms of Haqooq-ullah as well as Haqooq-ul-ibad are in tune with the Quran and Hadith. He will make all his efforts to save the Hajj----the Pilgrimage that involves high maintenance.

Students seeking admission in the institutions of higher learning world over are required to take 'aptitude tests'. The tests have been devised to assess the comprehension, communication, problem-solving, and reasoning and data sufficiency abilities of the applicants. As a part of the policy to maintain reputation of higher standards of learning a majority of these schools/institutions admit only those applicants who score high in these tests. Maka'h and Medinaare the places of great learning in the Islamic world. The former houses Ka'aba, the House of Allah, towards which the faithful gravitate. It also boasts of being the birth place of Prophet Muhammad (pbh). Medinais the place where Prophet Muhammad (pbh) lived and practiced his religion. It was here that men of great learning with hardly any parallel in the history learnt and taught the message of peace, equally, and humanity to the world. Pilgrimage to these high profile institutions of learning/repute calls for assessment of the abilities of the prospective pilgrims, be it the comprehension, reasoning, faith, conviction and devotion. The pilgrims need advance training as also hard work to acquire high proficiency (score) in understanding the very fundamentals/essence of Hajj---- purity, humility, self sacrifice and faith are implied in it. Remembering, reciting and parroting Quranic verses and performing Manasik-e-Hajj and other rituals won't alone do. It is a high maintenance journey involving great efforts and caution. The right conduct, that is, the Fear of Allah, (Taqwa) is the ultimate purpose of the 5^th article of Islam----the Hajj. May Allah bestow on every Hajji the sprit of Allah fearing, the Taqwa-----Amen.

For Allah does not disappoint the expectations of His quests presenting themselves in the holy land, the Satan understands that this is the heaven for sinners as their dedication and devotion can get them cleansed of their sins. He makes use of lures to distract the hapless pilgrims' attention/devotion. While his success rate is far below normal in the Haram, many a weak - kneed pilgrim however get ensnared. For example, the moment they offer prayers in the Haram, the poor fellows feel drugged with sleep. They may give in to the sudden urge to go toilet. Alternately some may enter into (useless) discussions with the fellow pilgrims or may even fall sick.

Swine Flu Threatens Hajj - Pilgrims Banned From Saudi Arabia

The only country in the world that requires that international travelers receive the bacterial meningitis vaccine is Saudi Arabia. This is to protect the Saudi public, not the individual traveler. Bacterial meningitis is a serious and contagious illness.

Millions of Muslim pilgrims will head to Mecca this year for the the Hajj pilgrimage this November. Muslim travelers all over the world will roll up their sleeves for the bacterial meningitis vaccine before departure, but there will be far fewer pilgrims than in years past.

There will be fewer Muslim travelers this year because of concerns of 'swine flu' (H1N1) in Saudi Arabia. About 2000 Saudis are infected with H1N1, including 16 fatalities Fear and hysteria are spreading throughout the Muslim world. Iraq and Iran have already banned travel to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah ceremony during the current holy month of Ramadan. Businesses in the Mecca and Medina regions are now suffering, as Ramadan was historically a very profitable month for them.

Last month, Arab health ministers banned children, older citizens and those with medical conditions from attending the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca this November. Depending how 'swine flu' plays out in the coming weeks, various governments may widen the ban on the Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj is the fifth pillar of the Islam faith and is a solemn obligation of all Muslims. It must be performed at least once by every Muslim who has the health and means to do so. The H1N1 pandemic has wreaked medical and financial havoc throughout the world. It may also prevent observant Muslims from keeping the faith.

Obama's Muslim Background

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has launched a tirade against John McCain, claiming he and his campaign are behind reports tying him to the Muslim faith.

Obama, a committed Christian today, was born to the Muslim faith and raised as a Muslim in his early youth, though he did not actively practice his religion.

Obama's ties to Islam is hereditary,he was born Muslim, his father was a Muslim, according to Muslim law, the religion is passed paternally. His fathers name Barack Hussein Obama is an Arabic name. The name Barack is a derivation of the horse that took the prophet Muhammad on his flight into heaven. Obama's father disappeared soon after his birth, however , he was raised by his white mother and her second husband, an Indonesian, who was also Muslim.

Obama attended a Catholic school in Indonesia, however he was registered as a Muslim. He was required to spend time praying with Muslim students and studying the Koran.

Though Obama biological father disappeared from his son's life soon after he was born and traveled to his native Kenya, he was raised by his Kansas-born mother and her second husband, an Indonesian who was also a Muslim.

Obama has described his mother as a Christian, but Newsweek recently noted she had eschewed her parents' faith in favor of secular humanism.

A close boyhood friend of Obama Zulfin Adi said Obama was a Muslim, he went to the mosque.

Obama's first-grade teacher at a Catholic school, Israella Dharmawan, said: "Barry (Barack's nickname) was Muslim. He was registered as a Muslim because his father was Muslim.

In the third grade, Obama transferred to a public school, where he was also registered as a Muslim. At the school, Muslim students attended weekly religion lessons about Islam.

Some of these details have been confirmed by Obama himself. In his autobiography, Dreams From My Father," Obama mentions studying the Koran and describes the public school as "a Muslim school."

Earlier this year,an Obama spokesman stated Senator Obama has never been a Muslim, was not raised a Muslim, and is a committed Christian.

But these statements are no true.

Everything suggests Obama was born a Muslim, to a nonpracticing father and for some years had considerable Muslim influence from his Indonesian stepfather.

Contrary to what Obama suggests, several pro-Obama sources have confirmed that he has many ties to Islam, through his upbringing, friends and associates.

His campaign states he never prayed in a mosque, untrue. There is proof that he did otherwise. No matter how much he tries to spin it, the facts are there.

26 percent of Americans believe he has Muslim ties.

Umayyads

Area Umayyad (brown), Spain and Ibn Rushd

This dynastic name derived from the name of the Umayyad ibn 'Abd ash-Shams, great-grandfather of the first Umayyad caliph, ie Muawiya I. Expansion is stalled at the time of Caliph Uthman Ibn
Affan and Ali ibn Abi Talib resumes. Sea Fleet successfully entered Constantinople, now Istanbul, and even to India in the east and managed to enter Spain in the West.

Celebrations in Morocco

There is no doubt that every nation has its own occasions to celebrate, to express its happiness and its desire to preserve its heritage, and Moroccan society also celebrates many occasions in order to realize that purpose. These celebrations have a symbolic sense in which one can notice a perfect fusion between Islamic symbols and Amazigh symbols. In this article, I will mention some Moroccan festive occasions and traditions that are practiced in this country.

Moroccan families celebrate their children's life from their birth to their marriage. First of all, there is the Sabee or Sboa, which is celebrated on the 7th day of the birth of a child, when the father cuts the throat of a sheep for a daughter and of two sheep for a son, and then gives a name to the child. Then, the parents invite all their friends and neighbours to share in their happiness for the naming of this new family member. Next, they celebrate L'khtana, when their son circumcised. In the past, this operation used to be carried out by a person called L'hajjam, but now the child is usually taken to the doctor in order to avoid all dangers or complications. After that, the parents organise a big party to celebrate this important event.

We also have the Syam L'ouel, which means "the first day of fast", when parents prepare a special meal for their child, consisting of honey, dry fruits, cakes, etc. They take their child, who is considered as a bride or a groom, dressed in his or her traditional clothes, to the photographer in order to take some pictures as a keepsake. All these celebrations are organised on this special day to make the child ready to practice easily this important Islamic pillar.

In addition to that, Moroccan society celebrates many other special days, such as the Aid Al Adha or the Aid L'kbir, which is considered to be the greatest religious occasion for all Muslims, when all the people go in the morning to attend the special prayer that is organized on this day. Then they come back to cut the throat of a sheep, after which they prepare the boulfaf from the sheep's liver and all the members of the family eat together. In the afternoon, families exchange visits at other family members' places.

Last but not least, there is the Achoura day, which is celebrated a month after the Aid Al Adha, when the mothers prepare couscous with 7 vegetables and the children practice some traditions like Baba Aichor. Also, the parents buy some games and toys for their children and women also buy some traditional musical instruments (such as the ta'arija, the bandir, etc.). In this particular occasion, we can notice the cross between what is religious and what is cultural and traditional.

So, Moroccan celebrations are a perfect opportunity for Moroccans to be reconciled with each other and to exchange visits in an atmosphere full of love, tolerance and solidarity. Also, Moroccan festive occasions will give you the chance to discover the Moroccan popular culture, which is an excellent mixture between different cultures and reflects the variety and the richness of Moroccan cultural heritage in all domains.

The Eid Festival

Mainly called Eid, Eid-Ul-Fitr (Arabic: Feast of the Breaking of the Fast), Eid is also called Idul Fitri (Indonesia); Shemai Eid (Bangladesh); Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Lebaran (Malaysia); Ramazan Bayrami (Turki).

Eid is a festival that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. This year, Eid will be celebrated on 2nd October. Celebrated in many different ways depending on the country, some rituals are common to the festival including prayer, exchanging gifts, charity, and visiting near and dear ones.

During the fasting month of Ramadan, followers of Islam observe a very strict and hard to practice fast and take part in pious acts like forgiving those who have hurt them, giving food, gifts etc to charities or poor people, and forging stronger blood bonds. A time of deep spiritual renewal, Ramadan is a chance for all followers of Islam to seek the blessing of the Allah and seek His forgiveness of their sins. At the end of the 39 days fast, Muslims from the world over being a 3-day celebration to mark the end of the fasting period and this is called Eid Ul Fitr.

Eid ul Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the next month after the Ramadan according to the Islamic calendar. Recognized for the various festivities, celebrations, and rituals, Eid is a time to reunite with family and friends and renew and forge new bonds.

Just as in other Islamic countries, Eid in Pakistan is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm. When the new moon is sighted the people break their 29/30 days fast and enjoy a hearty and rich meal, wearing their best and newest clothes but not before reciting Takbir and offering special prayers to praise the Allah. Lasting 3-days, Eid ul Fitr is also called 'The Lesser Eid' (Choti Eid) as compared with Eid Ul Adha, which lasts for a period of 4-days and is termed as 'The Greater Eid' Bari (Eid).

Typically, people wake up very early, offer the first 'Namaz' or prayer and then eat a small meal to start the day. After this, they visit the mosque or any other large open area (in their neighborhood) to attend the specially organized congregational prayers. These Eid prayers (salah) are short and mostly followed by sermons (khutba) followed by the forgivingness and mercy prayer (dua). Once completed, all Muslims greet and hug each other as a goodwill gesture and love. After these special prayers are complete, it's time for merriment and the 3 days long festivities that are observed in every home. During this time, people also visit their relatives and friend and thank Allah for blessings.

Eid ul-Fitr is a happy occasion with significant religious meaning, celebrating the accomplishment of enhanced devoutness. It is a day of pardon, moral victory, peace, fellowship, sodality and unity. Muslims commemorate not just the end of the Ramadan month, but also thank Allah for giving them self-discipline and strength. It's generally a time of sharing, giving, and forgiving. It's a time to enjoy what you have, to dress in holiday clothes, spend time with family, and in all this always thank God for his benevolence and love.

Dynasty 'Abbasid

The Islamic Caliphate that ruled in Baghdad, Iraq right now. This Caliphate rising power after defeating the Umayyad dynasty from all except Andalusia. The Abbasids established by the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad's uncle was the youngest, Abbas. Developed over two centuries, but slowly faded after the rise of the Turkish soldiers that they form (Mamluk). Fall of the total in the year 1258 due to attacks by the Mongols led by Hulagu Khan, who destroyed Baghdad and did not leave one bit of knowledge gathered in the library of Baghdad.

Common Ground For Christians, Jews and Muslims

Islam teaches regard for ancient Biblical prophets and it has many views and practices in common with Judaism and some with Christians...

These include their dietary code. They abstain from pork as taught in the book of Leviticus. They do not smoke--"You shall not commit murder" (of yourself) nor do they drink alcohol--"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise," Proverbs 20:1. Islam also regards homo-sexuality as wrong. They believe in the sanctity of marriage, in not lying or stealing, nor murdering innocent people.

They also share the common belief that Abraham was tested by God and asked to sacrifice his son who was spared by a ram that was caught in a bush and sacrificed instead of his son.

Islam celebrates this in the feast of Al-Adha and it has a similarity to a Jewish and Christian practice. Islam teaches that it was Ishmael that Abraham was asked to sacrifice. The Bible says it was Isaac.

Because the Bible has a depth of meaning, perhaps we can find additional insights that would help us to see which is true, for much depends on truth or facts. Islam reveres Daniel as a prophet. His book has a vision for "the time of the end," Daniel 8:17.

The vision is about a ram pushing west, north and south. This angers a goat that flies from the west and subdues this militant ram, breaking both its horns.

Gabriel, an angel from heaven, tells Daniel the two horns on the ram represent the kings of Media and Persia, but since this is about "the time of the end," we would say it's about Iraq and Iran. Daniel 8:20.

Looking back, we can see that this (Muslim) ram got its horns caught in a Bush. One horn (Saddam) is already broken. The imagery suggests sacrificing a Muslim ram spares Isaac's descendents (Israel) in the time of the end.

In the vision, Islam is represented by a ram--a more noble creature than a goat in the Bible. And those who adhere to the non-militant teachings of Islam may be better than Christians or Jews who do not live up to biblical teachings that should unify us.

Muslim Holidays - Explaining the Two Major Islamic Holy Days

There are only two universally accepted holidays in Islam. By universal, I mean both Sunni and Shia Muslims celebrate them equally. These two holidays are Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha.

First, let me break down the terminology.

- The word "Eid" in Arabic, just means "celebration" or "festival."
- "Fitr" means "breaking the fast" and "Adha" means "sacrifice."

Therefore, Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast and Eid ul-Adha means the Festival of the Sacrifice. Eid ul-Fitr takes place after the month of Ramadan ends. Ramadan is the month of fasting for Muslims. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims must fast every day from dawn till dusk. This obligation is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Muslims celebrate the end of the month of Ramadan with Eid ul-Fitr, hence the name. Eid ul-Adha takes place during the Hajj season. The Hajj is a pilgrimage Muslims must make to the Kaaba in the city of Mecca in modern day Saudi Arabia. All Muslims are required to complete this journey at least once in their lifetime if they are able to. The Hajj is also one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

During the Hajj, the pilgrims sacrifice a sheep. Both the Old Testament and the Quran mention a story where Abraham was ordered to sacrifice his son by God. Jews and Christians believe this son was Isaac, but most Muslims believe this son was Ishmael. When Abraham showed he loved God enough to sacrifice his son on command, God ordered a sheep be sacrificed instead and spared Ishmael. The sacrifice in Hajj is to commemorate this event. And Eid ul-Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice, also celebrates this event.

Both Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are celebrated in similar fashion.

Muslims start the day early and go to a common meeting place, usually a mosque or open field. There they make a special prayer followed by a short sermon from the Imam (leader). They then gather for special meals, meeting with family and friends, and giving charity and gifts. The only difference is that during Eid ul-Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice, it is common for a sheep, goat, cow, or camel to be slaughtered as well. While there are other holidays celebrated by Muslims, none of them are as universally accepted as Eid ul-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr.

The Power of Moroccan Gastronomy

Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the most eminent cuisines in the world, because it has an international dimension, due to its richness and its variety. Moroccan cuisine is the result of many influences, including European, Amazigh Berber, Arab, Moorish, etc. In this article, I will focus on what is specific to Moroccan cuisine and I will mention some Moroccan meals, cakes, and some kinds of bread.

What is specific to Moroccan cuisine?
Moroccan cuisine is very famous, especially because Moroccan people rely on natural sources.
First, we should note that the majority of Moroccans use natural oils, such as olive oil and argan oil, which can not be found in any place in the world. Also, the use of spices such as salt and pepper, ginger, turmeric, saffron, paprika, cumin, cinnamon or white pepper is essential to Moroccan gastronomy.

Moreover, Moroccan people prefer to use aromatic plants and natural herbs like onions, garlic, basil, parsley, green coriander, marjoram, mint, grey verbena and za'atar especially with tea and as decoration.

Moroccan cuisine also uses different kinds of meats: chicken, lamb, goat's meat, beef, camel, etc. Also, thanks Morocco's geographical position, there is a great variety of fish that plays an important in Moroccan cuisine and gives Moroccans a chance to concoct numerous meals in which fish is the most important element.

What are the most famous Moroccan meals?
In Morocco, you will get the chance to enjoy many meals:
First, we have couscous, which is one of the most famous Moroccan meals. It is the favourite meal for the majority of Moroccans on Friday's lunch and on the night of achoura (a month after the "aid al adha").

There are many kinds of couscous. For example, there is the couscous with seven vegetables, couscous with kourdass, sugary couscous or seffa, etc. Also, the Moroccan traditional tajin can be prepared with fish or different kinds of meats (chicken, lamb, goat, beef and camel) or vegetables. Adding to that, there are many other Moroccan meals, like attanjya, pastilla, baddaz, skewers, etc.

Some kinds of traditional Moroccan bread
There very different types of traditional bread in Morocco. The best known bread is the one from tafarnout, which is prepared in a traditional way with the use of a traditional oven that is build from clay. But there are also many other kinds of Moroccan bread, namely the r'ghayef, l'mlawi, l'harcha, l'batbot, etc.

Some famous Moroccan cakes
In Morocco, you can enjoy different cakes and sweets, such as l'briouat, which consists of puff pastry stuffed with almonds and perfumed with rose-water. We also have the kaab el ghouzal or "gazelle's horn", which is prepared with kind of puff pastry with almonds. There are many other cakes, like el fekkas, l'ghroueyba, e'chebbakya, el bahlawa, etc., whose main ingredients are almonds and nuts, orange blossom water, honey and sesame.

Is Islamophobia in Europe Leading to Another Holocaust?

After the tragic murder of Dr. Marwa el-Sherbini, the majority of Egyptian newspapers had given broad coverage to her death, describing the veiled woman as a "martyr" and suggesting that the killer was motivated by a hatred of Islam.

I saw also that it has been too long since Egyptian bloggers came together under the same banner, but that crime was a good reason for them to unite again, condemning international media for ignoring such incidents against Muslims in the West

People also used Twitter, the blogs, Facebook and Youtube to spread this news and expressed their thoughts about what happened.

So we saw a Facebook group called "Marwa Al-Sherbini, we will always remember you", which drew an astonishing 1,403 members within hours.

The majority of comments stated that Marwa el-Sherbini was the latest victim of fanaticism, hatred and Islamophobia in Europe.

It is very easy to understand the anger that the murder of Marwa el-Sherbini in Germany has provoked in Egypt, but there were some questions in my mind, which I didn't have an answer too:

Is Islamophobia in Europe leading to another holocaust?

Can "the clash of civilizations" be avoided if we realize that intercultural dialogue and mutual respect is the only way forward?

Is there any inherent tension between the secular-liberal order of "modern" Europe and the more "traditional" model of society associated with (Muslim) migrants?

The enlargement of the European Union has brought new opportunities for many, but it also creates new divisions and inequalities. The borders of Fortress Europe have moved but the inhumane migration and asylum policies are still tightening up. In the difficult international climate stereotypes are reinforced and the fear of the "other" is a serious problem in Europe today.

I posed these questions to some experts to know the answers, and I was lucky to interview Riem Spielhaus (a German researcher in the field of Islamic studies, and teaches at the South Asian department of the Institute for Asian and African studies at Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin) who replied: "I do not use the term Islamophobia for many reasons. To me it seems to be brought to actually be a good descriptive term. That means it starts from people being afraid from Islam, which after terrorist acts being conducted in the name of this religion is an understandable reaction and even many Muslims feel insecure in this context though they know it is not the heart of the religion that creates violent acts of hatred.

However being afraid (phobic) needs to be separated in description and analysis from the much more grave feature of performing acts of violence and insinuating hatred by different means. Another aspect we need to discuss in Europe is that Muslims feel excluded from parts of societies be it because of their religion or because of lack of education or economic power. This all leads to the conclusion that reality needs a more complex approach with which the term Islamophobia does not cover.

So, I rather speak of people who feel unease when confronted with Muslims or Islam, of exclusion of Islamic communities and Muslims in society in diverse ways and of anti- Muslim or anti-Islamic discourse. Finally and this seems to be the case in the shocking events in Dresden last week, there have been several acts of violence conducted against Muslims and Islamic places like mosques, and for the first time a family has been robbed of its mother, wife and daughter and even of the life of an unborn child just because she was Muslim.

- Is Islamophobia in Europe leading to another holocaust?

I have been thinking a lot about this question and I am shocked by the question itself - to be honest. NO! I do not think so.

Spielhaus doesn't believe and doesn't hope that the current situation in Europe could lead to another holocaust.

"To ask this question to a Muslim living in Germany to me seems to be rather cruel or is showing that the one asking doesn't know much about the holocaust. We can at no place in Europe today see something even by far similar to the machinery connected to the extinction of Jewish life in Europe during the Second World War.
However, the unimaginable brutality of the third Reich in Germany and the exclusion of Jewish Germans in European history before that should be a strong reminder that any exclusion of people because of ethnicity, background, color of skin or religion should not be tolerated or ignored but needs to be countered by a strong statement of the civil society." Continued Spielhaus.

"Even though many Muslims in this country and in Egypt might be worried about the reluctance of officials to comment on the recent events, Germany is characterized more by what its engaged citizens are saying and therefore the communal statement of Jewish and Muslim leaders together against any hostility against Islam and Muslims has an important relevance that cannot be underestimated." She said.

During the last days members of nearly all German parties made strong statements against hatred of Islam and urged the German government to take action against anti-Muslim sentiments and acts like the one that happened in Dresden.

Many may believe in intercultural dialogue as a promised way to dispel the myth of the "Clash of Civilizations," but such a dialogue should go through different challenges and examinations to prove it so.

So can "the clash of civilizations" be avoided if we realize that intercultural dialogue and mutual respect is the only way forward?

Riem Spielhaus: The 'dialogue of civilizations' is reflecting and perpetuating the same dichotomy that Samuel Huntington has introduced into global policy with his influential thesis. Clashes and conflicts are as I believe only to be overcome, if people accept each other as equals in their citizenship and their engagement for mutual understanding and the enhancement of societies, neighborhoods, the environment and the human kind. Some people draw the strength for their engagement from religion, others find other sources that drive them but this is a difference that needs to be respected if the aim is the same.

But is there any inherent tension between the secular-liberal order of "modern" Europe and the more "traditional" model of society associated with (Muslim) migrants?

No! Question rejected! These simplistic ideas of Muslims and immigrants being something strange or/and other to Europe are leading to exclusion and alienation. Many Muslims in Europe are first of all Europeans, European by birth, conviction and citizenship AND Muslim by faith. Many problems that we are facing today are resulting from some European societies and countries of origin identifying Muslims with immigrants and thereby not as parts of the societies they live in though many especially young Muslims are longing to be accepted as Germans, French or British. Media coverage, political debates and academic writing that perpetuates the exclusion of Muslims in narratives, which situate them outside European for instance by stigmatizing them as immigrants societies are contributing to a discourse of exclusion. We all need to ask ourselves the question: When does immigration stop? In which generation? Isn't the fourth enough?

Then she continued: "I can not answer the question what 'Islam' in Europe is - the statement is to broad to carry any meaning. Either Islam is a revelation - than it is the same everywhere but people are shaping its practice and understanding. Or you understand Islam as the way Muslims live their religion - an understanding that I do not share - but find rather confusing. But in this case replacing 'Islam' by 'Muslims' or 'Muslim life' seems to make sense.

So Muslims in Europe seem to be in their majority moderate. Not all Muslims seem to be religious though - please have a look at the Religion Monitor for answers to the question. It carries a lot of interesting information and it is just too late to rewrite them. You might find a good approach to grasp the term 'religious' because it is actually hard to describe what it means. And this survey gives a good interpretation of the term and it covered the answers of 3000 Muslims in Germany..."

On the other hand Dr.Abdeslam Maghraoui the Associate Professor of the Practice of Political Science and Core Faculty in the Duke Islamic Studies Center defined Islamophobia as the fear, hatred, resentment towards Islam, Islamic cultures, and peoples. It is often irrational but reasonable individuals may also exhibit symptoms. Islamophobia is based on the belief that Islam and Muslims are violent, uniform, backward, and resist modernity.

Then he added that Islamophobia has been gaining a lot of influence and it is much more widespread than we think. The recent elections to the European Parliament show that right wing extremist parties in many countries in Europe (Spain, England, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Germany...) have a strong popular base. These parties are anti-immigrant, anti-Arab, and definitely anti-Muslim. Still, I don't think that another Holocaust in Europe is likely.

He also pointed out that Intercultural dialogue is important but often not enough. I attended many intercultural dialogues and interfaith discussions that are frank and polite. But once you leave the conference or the meetings another reality hits you. With dialogues, there is a need to emphasize civic rights and duties, the relationship between citizenship and culture/religion, the limits and possibilities of multiculturalism. These are extremely important issues, especially for Muslims leaving in the West.

"In principle, there should be no contradictions. Liberal democracy claims to be culturally neutral among different cultures, religions, and races. The United States is the most advanced in this regard. Europe is far behind as citizenship is still (informally) includes cultural components. A Muslim born in Europe is less likely to feel part of Europe if he/she lives according to Islamic principles. The problem is that Muslims express or live their spiritual lives differently. Some are moderate; others are conservative; yet others may embrace extreme versions or interpretations of Islam. The problem is that outsiders (or non-Muslims) are not always capable of distinguishing different forms of Islam. So they are really confused. "Maghraoui said.

And he agreed that the overwhelming majority of Muslims living in Europe are moderate Muslims. For decades, millions of Muslims in France, Spain, Holland, Italy, the UK, and Belgium have been living peacefully. But racism has been a problem in many countries (France, Germany in particular).

And by asking him about the media role in promoting diversity and religious tolerance in Europe he replied: "The role of the media is to expose instances of racism, hatred, and Islamophobia. AND it is incumbent on the media to address the social problems within Muslim communities (women's rights, acceptance of religious difference, respect of the lifestyles of Europeans, etc...). It is not helpful to simply blame the Europeans or Muslim communities." He commented.

The Eid Festivals - Eid ul Fit and Eid ul Adha

The Muslim festival Eid-Ul-Adha is the Festival of Pilgrimage for Muslims. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah to mark the end of the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. This is a festival that recollects fundamental events in Muslim history; the call of Prophet Abraham for believers to visit the Kaaba he had built.

Basically Eid-Ul-Adha signifies a festival of obedience and sacrifice through following God’s commands and the spirit of sacrifice and dedication that Muslims harbor with fellow Muslims and other human beings.

The great patriarch, Abraham was so God abiding that he was ready to immolate his beloved son Ismael at God’s command. But God then acknowledged his obedience and sent a sheep to be sacrificed instead. Today believers donate to the poor and rejoice during Eid-Ul-Adha.

Eid-Ul-Adha starts with a usual bath wherein all members of the family seek each other’s forgiveness and pardon. There is a special congregational prayer organized in the mosque to recall the spirit of Abraham’s sacrifice.

Another joyous Islamic festival is the Eid-Ul-Fitr that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This is the day people thank Allah for their strength and self-restraint during their fast during Ramadan. The first sight of the new moon on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth Islamic month decides the date of Eid-Ul-Fitr and the start of celebrations.

The festival is also referred to as the ‘Festival of Fast-Breaking’ where you see a great rush in markets the day before the festival. This is when people shop for gifts, clothes and sweetmeats. Eid-Ul-Fitr also signifies the payment of obligatory charity, fitrah. Being the festival of charity, the poor, ailing and orphans are remembered and are relieved by Muslims who give donations, kindness and love generously.

The morning of Eid finds all Muslims attending morning players after which everyone wears their best. Men wear white kurtas, pants, surma, perfume and a white or colored topee to complete their attire. Women wear beautiful churidhars and shalwar kameez with embroidered shawls. After eating a special Eid preparation of milk, sugar and vermicelli, the male attend special prayers at the mosque.

The mosques are packed on Eid-Ul-Fitr where rich and poor stand together in front of their Creator to cement the bond of affection and brotherhood of Islamism by hugging each other and greeting ‘Eid Mubarak’. The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives and friends to exchange greetings and gifts. Children look forward to Eid-Ul-Fitr as they receive Eidi in the form of cash or gifts from elders. Radio stations play popular ‘Qauwwali’ while the television screens progams with Muslim flavor.

No Lid celebration is complete without Biryani. Its preparation is a part of the rituals of Lid that is transmitted from mother to daughter and master to disciple. Besides Biryani, meet and chicken Kababs, kulfis, faloodas, pulaos, Shawai and other delicacies are gorged after one month of restraint. All friends and relatives participate in the joyous, and traditional celebrations of Eid-Ul-Fitr.

Masjidil Haram in 2020

Tower Abraj Al Bait

Tower Abraj Al Bait is a complex of buildings located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia and is currently being built. This building complex designed by the architects of the Dar Al Handasah Architects and implementation of development carried out by the Saudi Binladin Group. The location of this tower is across the street from the Grand Mosque, one of the Muslim holy mosque.

Abraj Al-Bait towers built to accommodate the pilgrims of Hajj that more and more come to Mecca to perform the pilgrimage. Hotel business which grew to be developed in the city is also not independent of the number of these pilgrims. In addition, the Abraj Al Bait Towers is also designed to be able to accommodate up to 100,000 people.

Structure and Construction

There are seven towers with a tower called the Hotel Tower has a height of 6 towers above other diperkhususkan for apartments (hotel tower height is 595 m). Hotel Tower will be the seven-star hotel. The building was under seven towers 4 floors filled with shopping centers, conference rooms, and facilities other.

Construction of Abraj Al Bait Towers was started in 2004, and gradually, the seventh stage of this tower will be completed and the most recently completed of the seven towers are Hotel Tower. This building complex is expected to be completed in 2009 or 2010 and construction costs ranging dipekirakan U.S. 1.6 billion dollars.

Records

If the Abraj Al Bait Towers was successfully completed on time, it will be tallest structure in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East after the Burj Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and will be one of the world's tallest buildings.

Meanwhile, if the number of floors in the tower complex is calculated all, the total estimated floor of 1,455,000 m2 and will be building with the largest number of floors in the world, more than 470,000 m2 Aalsmeer Flower Auction, Aalsmeer, Netherlands who becomes the holder record to date.

This project will also put the clock on each side of the Hotel Tower. This hour long and 80 meters wide. The fourth hour will be installed at a height of 530 meters, which will make the biggest and highest clock in the world.