By Abdullah Hasan, on July 17th, 2009%
I had been intending to write something about the recent death of Michael Jackson and the lessons that can be learned from the events surrounding his departure. However, due to the day-to-day preoccupations of life, I was forced to abandon it. However, I finally decided that I must write what had been playing on my mind.
The society we live in made it impossible for us to escape being acquainted with Michael Jackson. He was everywhere: on TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, internet etc. To the non-Muslims he was the king of pop, an epitome of fame and success. To some he was just a brilliant artist, to others a Continue reading Remembering the King
By Nahid, on July 16th, 2009%
The news of Sir Edward Downes’ and his wife’s decision to end their lives at an assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland has once more brought forward a discussion on whether an individual should have the freedom and right to die at a time of their choosing, with assistance from others. Although I disagree with the notion, I understand the basis of the argument that the right to die should be as fundamental as the right to live.
This argument is usually put forward within a completely secular logic with no concept of a Giver/Taker of life, and no belief in an afterlife – where people are rewarded or punished, forgiven or chastised, elevated or debased according to the trials, tribulations and actions in this life. Theology aside, even those with their secular hats on have to admit that it’s difficult to see beyond the problems any change in the current law would cause. Here are just a few questions that pop to my mind: Continue reading Assisted suicide – what if…
By Guest Contributor, on July 15th, 2009%
I have been following the discussion on ‘Rethinking the Niqab in the West’ and I think we need to step back a little and refocus the discussion on the substantive point of the discussion rather than go off on tangents. In my view there are two points:
1. The wearing of the Niqab in the West; and 2. The right to wear or not.
On the first point it is absolutely clear from the Shar’iah that the Niqab evokes two (I’m leaving the shades of grey out) opinions. Some say it is fard or wajib and others say it is not. There is no way to resolve this difference and we should simply take it as a benefit and thank Allah. Continue reading The elephant in the room
By Amin, on July 13th, 2009%
It seems Abul Kalam was right when he suggested that Inayat would sue the Mail on Sunday for libel, who in turn would settle out of court – thus making him a nice little earner in these troubled financial times! The lowlives at the Mail on Sunday (pardon my French) have just issued a hilarious apology for that libel. It makes an interesting read, and just for the fun of it, I’ll try and read between the lines:
“On March 15 we suggested that Inayat Bunglawala’s stabbing an intruder at his home questioned his suitability as a Government adviser on terrorism.”
An Englishman’s home is his castle and he has a right to self-defence, unless you’re a ‘Moslem’ or a ‘darkie’ Continue reading Inayat Bunglawala’s nice little earner
By Amin, on July 11th, 2009%
Last week I gave my take on the reasons for the proposed ‘Burka’ ban in France. Whilst that was necessary, I did miss out on the other aspect of this proposed ban – what Islam actually says. Usamah Hasan was asked to provide a Muslim view on this, he is quoted as saying he has “some sympathy” with Sarkozy, and that Islam requires Muslims to “respect local customs”.
Firstly, it’s important to note that by ‘Burka’, what they really mean is the Niqab or the face-covering. More specifically, the style of Hijab which is traditionally worn by Malay, Somali and many North African Muslim women. In this style of outer-garment, even without the Niqab, very often it does look like a one piece kit – totally covering the woman. Hence the remarks about ‘tents’. Now add the Niqab to this, and you get the stuff of nightmares for the ordinary French (and many other Europeans). Continue reading Rethinking the Niqab in the West
By Nacima, on July 9th, 2009%
“It (Burqa) will not be welcome on French soil. We cannot accept, in our country, women imprisoned behind a mesh, cut off from society, deprived of all identity. That is not the French Republic’s idea of women’s dignity.” (President Sarkozy)
Walking into the office one morning, I was called over by one of my colleagues and asked what I thought of the situation in France. I gave my views and what followed was a stream of interesting discussions. Having to work in a small and somewhat pressurised office environment, when it comes to stating the obvious – my colleagues do not hold back. Continue reading Beauty and the Burqa
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