The concept of haram Mosque in 2020

Town Makkah will continue to tear down the buildings around the Grand Mosque next week for the purpose of expansion and massive development in the Grand Mosque.

Major renovation that began galloping May 2008 on the orders of Abdullah, as the Custodian of the Two Holy Cities (Khadimul Haramain). King Abdullah wants to add 35% capacity of the Grand Mosque.

Mayor of Makkah, Dr. Osama Al-Bar, said that among the buildings to be demolished are the hotels in the Central Region. Some of them have been torn down last year by King Abdullah Extension Project to the Grand Mosque.

Al-Bar said that already some 1,000 buildings demolished. Al Bar also denied that the buildings in the district of Al Azizia also be demolished. According to him, in the region will only be held for the study of the eastern hemisphere.

The increase in area of Al Khansa and expand roads in the region had been in the plan, he said. Numerous roads will be opened in Malawi, including the main road that starts from the Tunnel King Fahd Road and ends at Al Masjid Al Haram before the Office of the Governor of Makkah. (tvone.co.id)

The project, expected for completion in 2020 it will absorb up to U.S. $ 100 billion (USD 920 trillion). Gelontoran superbanyak funds include the construction of skyscrapers, shopping centers, apartments, and new hotels in Mecca.

2020 Masjidil Haram Makkah Development [Video]

Makkah 2020

The idea of Umbrellas in Mecca isn't Good! We must experience the heat that prophet Muhammad pbuh did on his hajj!

Interest in Islamic Studies at the German University Rises

Islam plays an increasingly important role in public debate in Germany. In a Frankfurt university, students can learn about religion in a scientific way as part of an undergraduate program in Islamic theology.

Frankfurt Goethe University has introduced a bachelor's degree three years to study Islam, the first lecture in Germany. This program puts Islamic theology on an equal footing with Christian and Jewish theology in German universities. Their purpose is mentioned to provide students with academic and scientific approach to a topic of Islam.

Part of the initiative last year was promoting Islamic studies and the training of priests at German universities. But unlike other programs that the institution involved, Frankfurt university has not received additional federal funds for the program.

And signs of increased attention to Islam in Germany, more than 100 students have signed up for the first half in Frankfurt, Germany alone has a population of four are also Muslim.

But do not expect Islam is taught is as taught in universities in the Middle East or Saudi Arabia. Here, for Muslim students, Muslim theology was regarded as an opportunity to deepen their understanding of their own religion and culture in a rational and scientific.

"Usually, we hear about things in our own native language in mosques and Koran schools. Now we finally learn about all of it at a scientific level and in German," said Urbe tschi, 21-year-student program.

This degree program focuses on taking a scientific view on Islam and provide perspectives from within by using a professor of Islam.

Goethe University of Frankfurt has announced plans to expand the program in subsequent years, offers prospective students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Islam.

This news is quite encouraging among Muslims, that Islam continues to be studied in Europe, but we also do not get too excited, because this study could have been made to distort the true meaning of Islam, such as the plural occurs in universities in Indonesia. Many Islamic universities in Indonesia, but gave birth to liberal cadres who have even more damage to Islamic values. They begin to correct the Koran and study Islam not to seek the truth but to distort the teachings of Islam
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The fact that Yasir Arafat poisoned by Israel with thalium

A new investigation into the death of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has revealed that he had been poisoned by a lethal dose of thallium in his food or drinking water.

Former special advisor to Arafat, Bassam Abu Shareef, said the investigation conducted by British forensic experts had revealed that the late Palestinian leader was poisoned by thallium, IRNA reported on Tuesday.

Thallium is highly toxic. Cases of poisoning by the substance more commonly occur after oral ingestion.

Abu Shareef said he will soon present more information to an investigation committee probing into Arafat's assassination.

He has, however, refused to reveal the name of the investigative team, which conducted the research.

Arafat's advisor accused Israel of poisoning his leader through the food or drinking water that he received when he was under siege in his headquarters in Ramallah.

Arafat died of a mysterious disease in a French hospital on November 11, 2004.

Palestinian Refugees Submit four Thousand Dollars for Tsunami Victims and Merapi

Damascus (FM RDS) - As planned, despite living under Israeli occupation and terror, the Palestinian refugees in Syria and Gaza still managed to send aid to his brothers in the Mentawai Tsunami victims and victims of the eruption of Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta.

"We know, this amount is nothing compared the pain being experienced by our brethren in the Mentawai and Merapi. But take this as a sign of our love. We are one body. You're sick, we take a pain, as you feel sick when I saw our pain and suffering due to Israeli occupation, "said Ziad Mahmud Said, the Palestinian coordinator of international humanitarian assistance to the Friends of Al-Aqsa by phone on Friday (30/10) night .

Ziad from Gaza who is also Director of Al-Sarraa Foundation added, the donation was a result of the deliberations between the clergy and the Palestinians, both in the Gaza Strip and in Syria.

they are our brothers!!!

Assault Ship Humanitarian Assistance Celebration At Home Embassy of Turkey in Tel Aviv

Israel to the convoy attack videos

The attack on the ship who are members of the group Freedom Fotilla occurred in international waters near the Gaza Strip before dawn. In the attack, at least 19 passengers were killed and 36 support ships were injured.

After the incident, six foreign ships and their contents follows the passengers taken to Ashdod, Israel's port city. Reportedly, up to late last night, about 700 people who boarded the ships were still questioning the Israeli military.

There is some information about the casualties in the attack. The Israeli military said that 10 passenger ships flying its flag Mavi Marmara Turkey died. However, Israeli television station, Channel 10 TV reported that 19 passengers on the ship were killed and 36 others wounded in the attack.

Attack - Watch more amazing videos here

Israel protests over barbarism also occurred in various parts of the world

White House, Washington DC

Stockholm, Swedia

London, Inggris

times square, New York

Montreal, Canada

Volunteers from 50 countries participating in this mission under the coordination of Human Yardim Vakfi, Turkey. His mission to stop a military blockade of the political-economic-besieged Gaza and Israel that has been running nearly four years, and claimed thousands of lives. This ship is also carrying about 10 thousand tons of humanitarian aid.

Japanese artists with Arabic Calligraphy Specialties

Interest to Kouichi Honda arabic calligraphy began about 30 years ago when he worked in Saudi Arabia as a translator. Now, in addition to its popularity in Japan is increasing, Honda is also known as a calligrapher international arab. Calligraphy works exhibited regularly in Japan and has a rapidly growing student.

Honda's work is often applied in a bright background is not like the classic Japanese calligraphy written on a plain background or a pastel.

Honda studied Arabic in college, until the late 1960s when he took a job in Saudi Arabia as a translator for a Japanese company that makes a map for the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Kingdom of Japan. When he returned to Japan, he continued to practice what he had learned from the calligrapher who accompany the map-making expedition, in charge of writing the names of the sand hills and dry rivers in the map.

Specialists of Central Asia: Russia Becoming Islamic State in the Year 2050

The experts who concentrate on central Asian region, predicts that Russia will turn into an Islamic state in about 2050 years later. They hope that countries such as Egypt continued to embrace the Commonwealth countries of Russia with a population of Muslims who love and defend the values of Islam and Arab culture. From their country of birth has been well-known scholars in various fields of Islamic sciences, such as Imam Bukhari and Tirmizi, and other scholars, which has provided influence and contribution to the Islamic world.

Islamic russia
Mohammad Salama, a specialist in Central Asia and Russia in the Commonwealth headquarters seminar on Culture Abdul Mun'im Al Showi in Cairo with the theme, "State of Imam Bukhari and the latent wealth in it" says, dozens of academic reviewers in Russia have concluded, based on developments seen from Muslim countries are former Soviet, then later in the year 2050 the Russian state is predicted to be part of an Islamic state.

Developments that significantly happened in Russia, for example in terms of population, the number of Muslims in Russia has now reached 25 million people, ie 20% of the total population. The Orthodox church scholars who are in the country was reportedly worried, seeing the development of Islam that so rapidly, they even refer to Islam as a religion that threatened their religion esksistensi there.

Salama then added, since 20 years ago he continued to observe the development of Islam in Russia, since there are Muslims under the communist government and had a wonderful time restraints, such as the ban took Mushaf Koran, mosques in the lid, until finally now, Russian Muslims have had their rights properly. And Islam was now the second religion in the country.

Salama then talked about his efforts to spread Islam, he founded an Islamic University in Moscow, and what it teaches about the religion of Islam, including to the country's senior politicians, including the Pladimar Putin, Prime Minister of Russia now.

Egyptian Ambassador to Tajikistan; a Muslim country and former Soviet zeal to tell going there Islamic values, including the holding of the celebration of the birthday of Imam Abu Hanifa in the year 2009 and then, the local government then invited the scholars from various OIC member countries led by Sheikh Al-Azhar, they then entertained directly by the President of the Tajik, Ali Rakhmonov.
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"Mahligai Minang" Masjid Raya Minangkabau

West Sumatra Province, Indonesia wanted to make a mark in addition to land in West Sumatra in the Clock Tower Bukittinggi, then in a couple of years there will be a new land mark called "Mahligai Minang". This is the work of the architectural contest winners followed by 323 architects from several countries.

Minang Mahligai not merely a mosque, but an identity that will be centers of civilization, where one of the main building is the mosque building. That's where the blend of Islam and Minangkabau, by completing the building or room, among others; bangungunan room or educational institutions such as libraries, recreation vegas family, multi-purpose room that accommodates 3,000 people who could be used for seminars, performing arts, and so on.

islam4uk groups opposed afgan war dead body was brought home.

London, England (CNN) -- Britain is set to ban a Muslim group that recently caused outrage by proposing a demonstration in the town that receives the bodies of British war dead killed abroad, the Home Office said Sunday.

The ban would prevent Al-Muhajiroun, also known as Islam4UK, from having meetings or raising money. Attending a meeting or being a member of Al-Muhajiroun or Islam4UK would be a criminal offense, a Home Office spokesman said. The spokesman declined to be named, in line with government policy.

"Proscription is a tough but necessary power to tackle terrorism," said the Home Office, which is responsible for domestic security in the United Kingdom.

Two offshoots of Al-Muhajiroun, Al-Ghurabaa and Saviour Sect Group, were banned in July 2006.

The ban should come into force in a matter of "days, not weeks," the spokesman said. It would require approval from both houses of Parliament.

The group's leader, controversial British Muslim cleric Anjem Choudary, has been threatening to stage a march as a protest against the war in Afghanistan.

Choudary -- informed of the government's plans by CNN -- said the Home Office could not shut him down.

"We're not going to stop because the government bans an organization," he told CNN by phone. "If that means setting up another platform under another label, then so be it."

A ban "will just make the use of those names ... illegal, but Muslims everywhere are obliged to work collectively to establish the Islamic State and Sharia law in the UK or wherever they are -- those things can't change," he added.

Asked if he was surprised or disappointed by the decision, Choudary said "No, not at all, we expect this and much more than that."

His Web site appeared to have been shut down as of Sunday, apparently by Islam4UK itself.

In place of a full Web site, Islam4UK.com now contains only a new, relatively conciliatory letter posted Saturday and labeled "An Appeal to Families of British Soldiers to have an Honest Dialogue," and a note saying "Islam4UK Back Soon."

It was not clear when the Web site was scaled back.

Choudary drew headlines last week by proposing a march through the English town of Wootton Bassett.

The bodies of British war dead are traditionally brought to the town, near a Royal Air Force base, when they are returned to the country.

As hearses carry the flag-draped British remains, relatives and friends, along with local residents, line the streets of the town in scenes of public mourning widely reported by British media.

Choudary's proposal to march empty coffins through the streets drew fury and outrage.

The march would be illegal if the group is banned, the Home Office said.

Choudary himself "would have to renounce membership to avoid breaking the law," the spokesman said. "His group should cease to exist."

The decision to ban the group was made not only because of the plan to march in Wootton Bassett, the Home Office said.

Choudary has never announced a date for his planned march, and local police said he had not contacted them about it, as people planning marches are required to do before staging a demonstration.

But he published an open letter, "To the Families of British Soldiers who have died or who are currently in Afghanistan," on the Web site of Islam4UK on January 4. The group had earlier used a short statement on its Web site to announce its intention to stage the protest.

In the letter, Choudary accuses soldiers of "murderous crimes," and says the United States and United Kingdom are seeking to "establish their own military, economic, strategic and ideological interests in the region."

British and American troops are suffering "depression" as they realize "there is no real moral or ethic (sic) reason for them to murder innocent men, women and children to fulfill their politicians (sic) agenda," the preacher says.

The threat of the march prompted more than 725,000 people to join a Facebook group opposing it as of Sunday, a week after Choudary posted a letter online justifying it.

"The highway for heroes and wonderful people of WB do not deserve this march to happen," the group's home page says, in reference to Wootton Bassett. "This group can march anywhere it wishes in the country but have chosen WB to cause outrage & offense. Islam4UK is an extremists (sic) Islamic group and does not represent the Muslim community in this country."

Choudary signs his open letter "UK Head of Al-Muhajiroun," describing it as a British group which supports al Qaeda. Choudary spoke positively of Osama Bin Laden in the letter and in interviews with British media last week.

The new letter makes no reference to Bin Laden or his group.

"Many people in Britain are grieving for their loved ones who have died or who are injured, just as we too grieve the loss of the innocent men, women and children in Afghanistan at the hands of the US led alliance," the new letter says.

"In addition many people of Britain do not agree with the war and the oppression and injustice which is being perpetrated under the guise of fighting for freedom and democracy, just as we too want the British to withdraw their troops from Muslim land. With this common ground we must all demand that the British regime pull out from Afghanistan."

In the new letter, Choudary denies planning to march empty coffins through Wootton Bassett.

The Terrorism Act of 2000 gives the home secretary the power to ban groups if the punishment is "proportionate and based on evidence that a group is concerned in terrorism as defined in the Terrorism Act 2000," according to the Home Office.

According to the law, groups can be banned if they commit or participate in acts of terrorism; prepare for terrorism; or promote or encourage terrorism. The Home Secretary can also take into account factors such as specific threats posed to the United Kingdom or British nationals overseas and the extent of the group's presence in the UK.

The London branch of the moderate Islamic group Minhaj-ul-Quran International welcomed the Home Office announcement Sunday.

"We have always supported the idea of banning extreme individuals and extremist groups from working in this country and have for a very long time been frustrated that they have been allowed to infiltrate universities and mosques to promote a message of hatred with their anti-West agendas," said spokesman Shahid Mursaleen.

Founded nearly 30 years ago, and present in 90 countries, the group aims to promote religious moderation and a modern interpretation of the Quran.

"For too long a small group of extremists are trying to hijack Islam and British Muslims," Mursaleen said.

CNN's Jonathan Wald in London, England, contributed to this report.
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Business Ethics in Islam

Introduction:

A person can earn money by two means; one is agriculture and the other is business. If business is not done according to the ethics then there will always be inflation and shortage of goods. As it can be seen in the case of many commodities like wheat, sugar etc. It is due to the stocking in, speculation and the selfishness of some businessmen. The government has also become a trader itself, while the shariah has stopped the Islamic government from trading.

As it can be seen that business is an important part of life, the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "People get 9/10 of their daily bread by trade." Islam explains the concept of righteous trade by telling business ethics. If trade or any other thing is done against the morals and creed then this will lead to the bad end on the day of resurrection. Also by the law the person guilty of illegal business would end up no where. Islam emphasizes on the importance of the business ethics a lot. Allah says in the Quran, "they say that buying is also like interest but Allah has declared buying as permissible and interest as forbidden." And "When you buy or sell then make someone a witness of it." The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "If trade was not there then you would have become a burden on others." He also said that "A trader is the guardian of the means of daily bread and a keeper of the dignity of himself and other people." The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) encouraged the trust worthy traders by these words, "A trustworthy and truthful merchant shall be with the prophets and the truthful and the martyrs and the righteous." "God shows mercy to a person who is kindly when he sells, when he buys and when he makes a claim" The prophet emphasized on the truthfulness and the righteousness of the businessmen a lot. He said that "Verily, merchants shall be raised up sinners on the day of resurrection, except he who fears God, and is good, and speaks the truth."

Business and ethics

As Muslims, we have to adhere to ethical standards, not only in business but also in all aspects of life. Both business and ethics are interrelated. There is a reference to this point in the Qur'an, "For you in the Messenger of Allah is a fine example to follow." Allah Almighty says, "To the Madyan people (we sent) Shu'aib, one of their own brethren: he said: 'O my people! Worship Allah. You have no other god but Him. And give not short measure or weight. I see you in prosperity, but I fear for you the penalty of a day that will compass (you) all rounds. And O my people! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due: commit not evil in the land with intent to do mischief. That which is left you by Allah is best for you, if you (but) believed! But I am not set over you to keep watch!"

Prophet Muhammad was chosen by God to be His last prophet and messenger at the age of 40. Before that he was very much involved in business. He and his wife Khadija were both merchants. It is reported that he traveled to Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, and many other places in Arabia for trade. Some historians have also suggested that he probably traveled to Iraq and Ethiopia. From his early age, he was involved in commerce. He had a good reputation as a hardworking, honest, truthful, and very successful businessman.

Fair dealings in business

The Holy Qur'an and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) have made it clear that a Muslim must be honest and upright in his business and monetary dealing. Also the true Muslim should keep his word and fulfill his promises, shun fraud and avoid deceit and perfidy, encroach not upon the rights of others, nor take part in wrongful litigation. Also a good Muslim does not give false testimony, and abstains from making unlawful money as from usury and graft. According to Islam whoever is not free from these vices, is not a true believer but a renegade and a worthless transgressor.

And the Qur'an is rich with verses that confirm all this. Allah says in the Quran, "Eat not up each other's property by unfair and dishonest means."

Allah forbids all unclean and corrupt means of making money, such as, dishonest trading, gambling, and bribery. And the Holy Quran has explained and described such practices in many of its verses. He says, "Woe to those that deal in fraud, - those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure, but when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due. Do they not think that they will be asked on a Mighty Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the lords."

Another example is given in the coming verse, where Allah urges Muslims to be very particular about their trusts and about other people's rights. "Allah does command you to render back your trust, to those to whom they are due."

Major principles of fair business dealings

According to Islam, the following things must be avoided to commence fair business.

1. No fraud or deceit, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said, "When a sale is held, say, There's no cheating"

2. Sellers must avoid making too many oaths when selling merchandise. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said, "Be careful of excessive oaths in a sale. Though it finds markets, it reduces abundance."

3. Mutual consent is necessary. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said, "The sale is complete when the two involved depart with mutual consent."

4. Be strict in regard to weights and measures. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, "When people cheat in weight and measures, their provision is cut off from them." He told the owners of measures and weights, "You have been entrusted with affairs over which some nations before you were destroyed."

5. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) forbade monopolies. "Whoever monopolizes is a sinner."

6. Free enterprise, the price of the commodities should not be fixed unless there is a situation of crisis or extreme necessity.

7. Hoarding merchandise in order to increase the prices is forbidden.

8. Transaction of forbidden (Haram) items, such as intoxicants, is forbidden.

Fraud and dishonesty in business

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) has stressed the importance of honesty in most of his sermons, saying, "Remember, there is no faith in him who is not trustworthy; there is no place for him in religion who cares not for his pledged word or promise. He (PBUH) also said, "The signs of a hypocrite are three, when he speaks, he is false, when he promises, he fails; and when he is trusted, he plays false."

Condemning those who cheat in business Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has said, "He who cheats is not of us. Deceitfulness and fraud are things that lead one to Hell."

Once Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) came upon a heap of corn in the market of Madinah and thrust his hand onto it. His fingers felt damp. On being asked, the trader replied that rain had fallen upon it. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) observed, "Why did you not then keep (the wet portion of) it above the dry corn, so that men may see it? He, who deceives, is not one of us."

Thus traders who deceive by showing to customers a false sample or by concealing from them the defects of the product they're selling are not true Muslims in the judgment of Allah Prophet (PBUH) and, they are going to end up in hell.

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "The seller must explain to the buyer the defects, if any, in the quality of the article offered for sale. Should this not be done, the seller will permanently be caught in the Wrath of Allah."

In short, all manner of deceit and dishonesty in business is prohibited in Islam. The Holy Prophet has expressed his strong dislike for those who do so.

Bribery in business transactions

Bribery and usury, although might be practiced by mutual consent and agreement, are totally prohibited and forbidden. Those who are guilty of them have been condemned by Allah and His Prophet (P.B.U.H). Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "The curse of Allah rests on him who offers loan on usurious terms, and on him who receives, and on those who are witnesses to the transaction, and on the writer who writes the deed thereof."

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, "If a person made a recommendation for anyone in a just manner and gratified party gave him something as a gift (in return for it) and he accepted it, then he committed a grave error (meaning that it, too, is a form of bribery)."

Usurpation of another's property by force or fraud or dishonest litigation is even worse. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) made this clear, as he says, "Whoever occupies land belonging to another unjustly will be sunk into the ground along with the plot of land on the Doomsday till he reaches the lowest layer of the earth." And "He who acquires the property of a Muslim unjustly by taking a false oath (before an Officer) is debarred by Allah from entering Paradise and the Fire of Hell is made inevitable for him." Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) again, is reported to have warned a person who was very fond of entering into litigation with others in these strong words, "Remember, he who will obtain the property of another by swearing a false oath will appear as a leper before Allah (on the Day of Judgment)."

And, again he (P.B.U.H) said, "Whoever laid a claim on a thing that was not his is not of us."

Conclusion

The Prophet's general advice to all people was that, "What is lawful is clear and what is unlawful is clear, but between them are certain doubtful things which many people do not recognize. He who guards against the doubtful things keep his religion and his honor blameless, but he who falls into doubtful things falls into what is unlawful, just as a shepherd who pastures his flocks round a sanctuary will soon pasture them in it. Every king has a sanctuary, and God's sanctuary is the things he had declared unlawful." Before the Prophet invited his people towards Islam, it was his truthfulness and trustworthiness which had earned for Muhammad (S.A.W.) the glorious titles of "Sadiq" (truthful) and "Amin". Therefore, one must follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) in regard to business and all other aspects of life; to become a good Businessman and hence, a better Muslim.

Islamic Jewelry Trends Demystified

Trends for Islamic Jewelry have been on an all time rise for a few years now in a number of Muslim countries. During a recent visit to Dubai, I noticed an evident increase in the number of shops displaying gold and silver jewelry with beautiful Islamic designs and inscriptions. There was a gorgeous array of intricately designed pieces dusted with diamonds and a number of other precious gemstones including sapphires, rubies, emeralds, tanzanite, amethysts and many more. Also available in large varieties were fashion Islamic Jewelry objects at very reasonable and affordable prices.

Some pieces offered a cluster of gems embedded in gold to accentuate some calligraphically written names or sayings from the Holy Quran such as "Ayat-ul-Kursi" and the four "Qul". Others offered a single stone highlighted in a delicate framework setting with a mosque or other Islamic icons engraved in it. Some designer Islamic Jewelry was also available, lending style and uniqueness to those exquisite pieces at high prices for the wealthy and affluent.

The most popular item of Islamic Jewelry that was available at almost all stores, whether high end or low end, were variations of "Allah" pendants. These pendants came in all different sizes, shapes and metals. These dazzling pendants were the center of attention at all Islamic Jewelry stores, as they show devotion to the Supreme Being. These pendants are also considered to be a very prestigious form of gift, as it represents and signifies the blessing of Allah SWT upon the receiver. These "Allah" pendants can add decency and beauty to any type of outfit, regardless of the occasion it is worn at.

Another form of Islamic Jewelry that has gained popularity are the pieces with the hologram of the Kaaba. These holograms are available in pendants, bracelets, rings and watches, and are highly demanded in particular by the tourists of the area. These articles are very nicely crafted with a hologram of the Kaaba normally rotating inside them thus providing the owner with the privilege of looking at it and feeling closer to Allah SWT. These are considered a popular gift item to take back to various countries, as it is a specialty available mostly in the Middle Eastern countries. These are mostly available in fashion jewelry stores or at street vendor stands at quite inexpensive prices, which is another reason that they are highly common among vacationers.

As Islamic Jewelry has gained fame in the Middle East, it has also easier to find it online now. A number of Islamic store websites also offer a large range of fashion Islamic Jewelry and one of them is Islamic Impressions. Islamic Impressions offers a range of high-quality jewelry for their customers all over the world. In addition, designers have started creating websites for their "one-of-a-kind" pieces. Most customers prefer to buy diamond or jewel encrusted items from these designers at extravagant prices for their individuality and exclusivity. The socialites of Dubai are seen sporting these rare and distinct jewelry items at all the big events.

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.

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.

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.

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.