Colonel Amiruddin Sahab-Bayan in South Africa-English.mp3

Found at bee mp3 search engine ]]> http://www.ustaadkhan.com/ustaadkhan/1702/feed 0 http://www.ustaadkhan.com/ustaadkhan/1535 http://www.ustaadkhan.com/ustaadkhan/1535#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:29:42 +0000 Asad http://www.ustaadkhan.com/?p=1535

Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard says he is retiring from Jyllands-Posten the newspaper that published his cartoon of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Danish cartoonist whose Prophet Mohammed caricatures ignited violent protests in the Muslim world announced on Monday he is retiring with hopes of damping down the danger to himself and fellow journalists.

Kurt Westergaard said he felt it was time to end his 25-year career at Jyllands-Posten, which first published the cartoons in September 2005 that led to protests against Denmark and the newspaper and threats on the cartoonist’s life.

“I do not want anymore to pose a danger to the security of the daily and its employees, and I want simply to do something else,” said Mr. Westergaard, who turns 75 next month.

In January, he was the victim of an attempted murder by a Somali man at his home near the central-west town of Arhus. He escaped by locking himself in the bathroom behind a reinforced door. Since then, he has been under police protection.

“I hope that my departure will help reduce the level of threats against the Jyllands-Posten,” Mr. Westergaard told AFP.

The cartoons, including one featuring Prophet Mohammed wearing a turban shaped like a bomb with a lit fuse, sparked protests in January and February 2006 that culminated with the torching of Danish diplomatic offices in Damascus and Beirut and the death of dozens of people in Nigeria.

In 2008, around 20 Danish newspapers reproduced the drawings triggering further protests in Muslim countries including Sudan, Egypt, Pakistan and Indonesia.

Mr. Westergaard has been on leave from the newspaper for security reasons since last November after two men were arrested in Chicago with plans to attack the newspaper.

As for his future plans, he said he no longer wants to draw cartoons but is looking to exhibit other artworks, in particular watercolours, at a gallery in the city of Skanderborg.

Hope you all know about the Denmark newspaper who made fun of our holy Prophet PBUH and till now they do not regret… let us make them regret for good….The Danish Ambassador, Prime Minister and Denmark National Channel; all are trying to do something just to stop the boycott by Muslims since last month through which their losses have reached 4 billion Euro. If we continue to boycott Denmark products 7 months more it could reach around 80 billion Euro’s loss. Believers do not let this message stop in your PC. Please forward this text to as many Muslims as possible …. Can’t u spare 15 minutes in order to spread this message among Muslims …. ASAP? REMEMBER THE 
PROPHET (SAW) MIGHT ASK YOU ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT,’ WHAT DID YOU DO 
WHEN THEY MADE FUN OF ME? HOW DID YOU DEFEND ME?’ 

7-up drink, LEGO, Cadbury chocolates, Hall Chewing gums or any product with barcode no. starting with 57 

Please convince all Muslims to circulate this to Muslim ummah to banHolland/Danish made products. 

JAZAKALLAH KHAYR( MAY ALLAHREWARD YOU Inshallah)

“Any depictions of the prophet are considered blasphemous by Muslims,” readily reported Aljazeera.net English. The above statement is meant to fully summarise the reason behind the outrage that arises in Pakistan and other parts of the Muslim world whenever some provocative “artist” decides to express his freedom of expression and “expose” Muslims as anti-democratic.

Such a simplistic interpretation of such an intricate issue.

There is no denial — and no shame — in the fact that most Muslims hold their prophet in the highest regard. Despite the continued decrease in the number of faithful in increasingly secularised Western societies, Muslims are clinging even tighter to their faith. However, while the outrage over the latest transgression by some Facebook user and his “Everybody Draw Mohamed Day!” may appear as a straightforward news story (that of Western values versus Muslim “narrow-mindedness”) the true underpinnings of the outrage is suspiciously missing.

The naïve depiction by Western media makes it easy for “freedom of expression” enthusiasts to condemn Muslims for yet again failing the democracy test.

The latest Facebook episode is a remake of the same old story. Some ill-intended “artist”, under the guise of freedom of speech, takes on a confrontational mission, knowing fully the response such an act would generate, and perhaps the lives that would be lost. The Muslim masses, predictably, respond through angry protests, burning flags, denouncing America, Israel, Zionism, Facebook, YouTube and so on. Strangely, the very governments that are considered US allies tend to be on the forefront of condemning the “blasphemous” provocations. The Muslim masses are thus exploited on all fronts: by the media, by anti-Muslims, by rightwing forces in the West, and their own governments.

This, in turn, gives more ammunition to the Islamaphobes who constantly try to fan the flames in order to validate their racist perception of Muslims. The likes of Daniel Pipes, Alan Dershowitz, and other “experts” invade our TV screens and take on the responsibility of lecturing the world on Islam. They use the same reductionist and racist language that they have utilised for years in the guise of academic jargon.

Why, though, are these “academics” and “intellectuals” eager to discredit Islam? And why are Muslims playing right into their hands?

It behoves us all to remember that some of those who champion freedom of expression are selective in their advocacy. Freedom of expression becomes important when the holiest symbols of Islam and its prophet are paraded, ridiculed and stereotyped. However, these very advocates are enraged when the opinions being expressed are inconsistent with their own agenda, which is overtly militant and hegemonic, and refuses to take into consideration any honest opinion on Israel and its war crimes against Palestinians. One needs only repeat the way that the respected South African Judge Richard Goldstone, himself Jewish, was depicted for pointing out the horrendous crimes committed in Gaza during Israel’s most recent war. More, these individuals seem completely oblivious when Muslims are denied the right to express their own values. When, for example, was the last time a rightwing fanatic stood up for a Muslim woman’s right to cover her hair or face?

It must be said, however, that discrediting Muslims and Islam is not a random strategy. It is very much in tandem with an overriding agenda that has occupied the thinking of many rightwing and Zionist ideologues for years, especially following the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the rising of anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim fervour in various Western countries. The aim is to dehumanise Muslims, to make them seem less civilised, and thus less worthy of equal human rights. In other words, Muslims cannot be treated using the same standards that apply to Westerners, because they have failed to subscribe to Western values. The angry protests in Pakistan are supposedly proof of this. This makes war easy and sanctions morally justifiable.

Why are Muslims playing right into this scenario? Actually, they are not, although it would seem otherwise. The fact is, many Muslims nations are caught between two layers of oppression: that of outsiders — wars and occupation, interference in their countries’ affairs, all forms of humiliation and exploitation — and internal pressures — corruption, oppression and denial of rights, including, yes, freedom of expression, speech, assembly and democracy itself. These rights are also denied by the very countries that are seen as “pro-American”.

Under these external and internal pressures, Muslim societies embrace even tighter their everlasting Islamic symbols. Islam, for many Muslims, represents more than just a way of life and an answer to unworldly questions. It also provides a sense of hope, and it helps to maintain a level of solidarity and societal cohesion. The harder people’s lives become, the more impoverished, oppressed and abused, the stronger their faith grows.

Considering all of this, insulting Islam, depicting the prophet in degrading (or any other) ways, bashing Islamic symbols and values is equivalent to denying Muslim masses their last and only chance at dignity and hope.

Those who are under the impression that Muslims are opposed to freedom of expression are only seeing a small part of the picture. Those versed in history understand that it was Muslim advancements in science, art and literature, and their most impressive translations of the great works of ancient civilisations, that allowed Europe to bask in the sun of its Renaissance.

Moreover, those who are sensible enough to see the big picture will understand that when a Pakistani woman chants “Death to Facebook” — as pitiful and confusing such a phrase may sound — she is not actually referring to a social networking website. Far from it, especially since numerous Muslims have utilised Facebook to share their own ideas with the rest of the world. What the woman is chanting against is the manipulation of freedom of expression to further humiliate her people. She is standing in solidarity with European Muslim communities who are under a most intense attack on their civil rights and liberties. She is angry at the war in Afghanistan, the constant bombing of innocents in Pakistan, the occupation of Iraq, the rape of women and the parading of naked prisoners, the siege on Gaza. She is angry about the Western double standards regarding democracy, about her own oppression and her people’s misfortunes. And so much more.

Members of religious groups and students from various organisations have been protesting over the last one-week to register their anger against the shameful act.

“The founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg is a Jew and this has been done on purpose. It’s not the first time, as previously such blasphemous caricatures have been published in newspapers abroad,” a protesting student, Amna told Daily Times.

She added, “We are ordinary people, we have never intended to harm anyone, yet these people have used a social networking site to hurt the feelings of millions of Muslims, which is totally unacceptable.”

An American cartoonist, Molly Norris from Seattle, drew an irreligious caricature in April to protest against the decision of the US television channel Comedy Central to cancel an episode of the popular show South Park over its blasphemous depiction of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). In her cartoon, Molly satirically proposed May 20 as the day to draw such sketches.

The page quickly turned up on Facebook but Molly, writing on her website, said she had nothing to do with it. The page has been condemned by youngsters, students, the Punjab Union of Journalists, celebrities and musicians alike. They have demanded that the responsible people should apologise for this immoral act.

Decision appreciated: The PTA decision to ban Facebook in Pakistan and its related sites has been appreciated by citizens, but they have made it loud and clear that the people responsible for this act need to apologise.

Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said the issue of caricatures had already been raised at the Council for Human Rights, the Organisation of Islamic Conference and the United Nations General Assembly. “Now Facebook is being used to do the same thing and it is not acceptable at any level. We are looking forward to bring like-minded countries together on this issue and form a strategy to seek apology from the responsible people,” he said.

A Muslim solution: However, it’s about time that Muslim computer experts came forward and designed a website similar to Facebook so that millions of Muslim users switch to it, he added.

Protesters in major cities of Pakistan Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and Peshawar spent last Friday shouting “Death to Facebook”, “Death to America” and burnt US flags.

But surprisingly and in contrast with the past, the religious leadership, which organized the processions, could not attract big gatherings for the protests.

Around 4,000 people came in the streets to protest against the facebook and Youtube in Karachi, 3,000 turned up in Lahore, around 500 gathered in Multan, up to 400 appeared in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and 250 showed up in North-Western City of Peshawar. In Lahore, protesters burnt US, Norway, Sweden and Denmark flags. In Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and Peshawar, people blocked main roads and shouted death to face book, America and Western Media, which humiliated the holly prophet.

“We have to show unity in this war of the present time,” remarked Farid Ahmed Paracha, a central leader of main opposition religious party Jamaat-e-Islami. “We should tell America that this is the final battle and we are ready to win it,” he told the gathering in Lahore. 

“This facebook and Youtube are being used negatively against Muslims and to humiliate our holly prophet, we warn USA and the whole west they should avoid such practice otherwise a new war will start,” said Mirza Hassan, a college student in Rawalpindi.

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) also restricted more than 450 links besides completely banning Facebook and YouTube after a court decision for restricting all Internet sites carrying blasphemous material.

But there are also many people who think that protesting against such acts was not a right way to handle this situation.

“What will be impact on facebook, USA, and the west if we block our own roads and create a panic in our own country? We should simply accept their offence and prepare ourselves to beat them technically in all the areas,” said Hasan Nasir, a young computer engineer.

A debate has also been started among the members of civil society discussing the justification of ban. Hundreds of e-mails have been generated on the popular e-mail groups including the media groups to argue for or against this ban.

“We always turn up for non-issues. This is true that they have hurt us, but halting the life in our own country satisfies their aims. We should openly face this and try to respond it by concentrating on our jobs and taking our Muslim Ummah up to their level in economic and social departments. Then we should leave them behind in all other departments and take our sweet revenge,” said Mubarak Ahmed, operator at an international call center.

“My Prophet is above all these things and criticism. His personality is far above of all of this. I don’t care who is making what kind of caricatures of him. He is blessing for the whole world and I love him from the core of my heart. His blessings are for the entire world and his critics will meet their destiny on the doomsday, me or anybody else has no need to worry,” commented Tariq Zia, social officer at a local NGO.

Assalāmu ῾alaykum wa Rahmatullāhi Wabarakātuh

The issue of Facebook and their latest antics against our Beloved Muhammad sallallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam has angered and frustrated the Muslim Ummah. The reaction of the Muslim Ummah in the face of such blasphemy is appreciated. This malevolence is not foreign to Islam and the Muslims. During the time of our beloved Muhammad sallallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam , individuals like Ka’ab Bin Ashraf , Abu Lahab, his wife and others were also guilty of defaming our Prophet sallallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam. Their fate is known to all.
Our responsibility as Muslims and lovers of our beloved Muhammad sallallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam is as follows:

1. To delete Facebook accounts and any other media that deems it acceptable to disrespect our beloved Rasoolullah sallallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam and never to reactivate them again.

2. To inform others of the above as well.

3. Deleting facebook is one form of expressing our love for Rasoolullah sallallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam . However, objective love of Rasoolullah sallallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam is to inculcate his teachings in our life.

4. Make dua for guidance of the involved individuals.

لو كان حبك صادقا لأطعت

إن المحب لمن يحب مطيع

Had your love been true, then you would have surely obeyed him

For indeed, a lover is most obedient to his beloved

Let’s prove our obedience!!!

Wassalāmu ῾alaykum

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Dārul Iftā, Madrasah In῾āmiyyah

The page was removed Thursday after one of the moderators had his e-mail and Skype account hacked into, and his personal data revealed, according to a post on the page on Saturday. The moderator then got scared and deleted the page, a blog, and e-mails, according to the post.

“This is another scare tactic from the Islamic extremists,” the post said. “We won’t fall,” it added. The moderator who removed the page has however backed out, according to the post.

The page had over 108,000 fans and over 11,700 photos posted on Saturday. Though the Facebook users who created the page put it back up Saturday, some users in India were able to access it for only a brief time before their access was once again blocked. Meanwhile access to Facebook as a whole continues to be blocked in Pakistan.

The page “Everybody draw Mohammed Day!” invites users to post caricatures of Prophet Mohammed, which led a court in Pakistan to order the site to be blocked.

There were also a large number of protests on the streets of Pakistan on Wednesday and Thursday, objecting to the page.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday ordered operators to block Facebook on Wednesday until further orders. It also ordered YouTube to be blocked on Thursday for displaying “sacrilegious” content. It said it had also blocked over 450 links on the Internet that contained derogatory material.

“Facebook has not taken any action on this page,” a spokeswoman for the company said earlier on Saturday. The company had said on Thursday that it would not rule out making the content that Pakistan objected to inaccessible to users in Pakistan.

When dealing with user-generated content on global Web sites, there are occasions where content that is illegal in one country is not, or may even be protected, in another, Facebook said on Thursday. Most companies, including Facebook, approach this issue by preventing certain content from being shown to users in the countries where it is illegal, it added.

The PTA has said it would welcome contact from Facebook and YouTube to resolve the issue.

Fashion designer Melih Kesmen reads inside a mosque in Witten. His modern brand of Islamic clothing, Styleislam, was born from outrage over the Mohammad caricatures in Denmark three years ago

Whether at his office, on the streets of Frankfurt, or on the music stage, rapper Fouad As-Idi, has no qualms wearing a T-shirt with a special message: “Terrorism has no religion.”

“The motives are super both for Muslims and non-Muslims,” says Mr. Idi, a Moroccan-Italian Frankfurter better known as his stage name, Sayfoudin “It’s a message that speaks to everybody.”

The T-shirt is a product of Styleislam, a new brand of Muslim fashion that has been sweeping through the streets of Europe. Mixing Islamic themes with hip-hop culture in a collection of 35 T-shirts, casual wear, and accessories for men and women, Styleislam products have one main message: Being Muslim and being modern go together.

“T-shirts are a bridge, they are a means to establish a dialogue with mainstream society,” says Melih Kesmen, Styleislam’s creator, whose parents left Turkey in the 1960s to help Germany rebuild its infrastructure after the traumas of World War II. “Our goal is to strengthen the identity of European Muslims, to say that we are a part and parcel of this society – and have been for a long time. And to say that being Muslim can be cool, too,” says Mr. Kesmen from Witten, an industrial city in northwestern Germany.

Styleislam was born out of Kesmen’s outrage at the Mohammad caricatures in Denmark three years ago. “I couldn’t believe that in the name of the freedom of expression, the world was bashing a religion,” says Kesmen. “It can’t be that we always have to be in the position to justify ourselves when only 1 percent of Muslims are radical.”

Unlike thousands of Muslims who resorted to violence to vent their frustration, Kesmen used his creativity, by designing a T-shirt with something special written on it: “I love my Prophet.”

No sooner was he out on the streets with his T-shirt that people started stopping him, asking questions, convincing him of the power of fashion in making people think, and of the existence of a market for his fashion.

Today, his idea has evolved into a designing firm with eight full-time employees selling Muslim fashion with Islamic themes in the world’s four corners, from the United States to Western Europe, from Canada to Turkey. Some T-shirts are for women. One, for instance, refers to the head scarf: “Hijab – my right. My choice. My life.” Others preach tolerance. “Jesus & Muhammad / Brothers in Faith.”

Styleislam sponsored the first tournament of Germany’s Muslim Basketball Association in Frankfurt last year. The players’ T-shirt reads: “Ball Against War!”

“But for us, it’s more important when ordinary people wear the T-shirts and walk around – in the subway, on the streets – when they make their presence visible in society,” Kesmen says.

“We are fighting against the ‘They and Us’ mentality. It is nonsense to say ‘They, the Muslims, and we, Europa,’ ” Kesmen says. “My message is that there is no contradiction in being European, German, and Muslim at the same time.”

One T-shirt at a time, his message seems to be heard.

Just the other day in Frankfurt, rapper Sayfoudin’s co-workers came in with a Styleislam T-shirt, too. It said, in big black letters, “Salam.”

“Salam,” for peace.