Participate in the First World Conference for the Foundation to "know" Technology and Education in Fayoum

Participate in the First World Conference for the Foundation to "know" Technology and Education in Fayoum

I received an invitation to participate in the First World Conference of the Foundation to know to raise awareness of technical education in Fayoum on Sunday, October 23, 2011, which will be attended by Regional Director for Google Egypt, North Africa and Wael potter, Held theater the great Palace of Culture Fayoum, and also hosts the U.S. Michelle Fleming director of partnership programs students Company American Microsoft, and Khalid Bramawi Musrawi site editor, Muhammad Musharraf Abualsaud Supplement technological Egyptian newspaper today.

And start the conference from nine in the morning It is worth mentioning that the goal of establishing an institution to know to raise awareness of technology and education is the establishment of international conferences in the field of technology, and converse in these conferences world figures, and their goals also work sessions in the computer and the importance of Internet centers of information technology in youth centers in villages and help young people aspiring to create his technological and continue the global youth work sites

Translated by Google

 

How Prophet Muhammad Handled Criticism

How Prophet Muhammad Handled Criticism

By: Heather Shaw*

Criticism can be tough to deal with for even the most humble of people, particularly if it is unfair or lacking in tact. Like a knife, it often causes deep, festering wounds and divides the closest of friends.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), however, was exemplary in his ability not only to accept criticism humbly, but moreover, to use it to achieve positive results.

Stories and lessons

One day, a Jewish rabbi, Zaid ibn Sanah, came to demand the payment of a debt that the Prophet owed him. He violently pulled the Prophet's cloak from his shoulder and addressed him rudely, saying: "You, son of Abdul-Muttalib, are dilly-dallying."

Umar ibn Al-Khattab, one of the Prophet's Companions, was incensed by this and reproached Zaid saying: "O Enemy of Allah, do you talk to the Messenger of Allah and behave towards him in this manner?! By the One who sent him with the truth, had it not been for the fear of missing Paradise, I would have beheaded you with my sword!"

The Prophet, however, kept smiling and said to Umar: "This man is entitled to better treatment from you. You ought to have advised me to repay the loan promptly and asked him to make his demand politely."

Then, turning to Zaid, the Prophet said: "There are still three days before the appointed time for repayment." At the same time, he asked Umar to repay the loan and give Zaid 20 measures in excess of that which was owed to compensate for his threatening attitude towards Zaid.

In this incident, the Prophet Muhammad showed no defensiveness. In fact, it was known about him that he would never become angry for his own sake; rather he would only become angry for the sake of Allah if one of Allah's limits had been transgressed. 

Aishah, the Prophet's wife said: "The Prophet never took revenge for himself unless the honor of Allah was violated. Then he would take revenge for the sake of Allah." (Al-Bukhari)

By not allowing the issue to become personal, he was able to rationally evaluate the criticism and affirm his responsibility for paying back the debt in a timely manner. Even though he was not late in paying back the debt, his reaction not only resolved the issue, but it also achieved a result that would have never been achieved, had he reacted defensively.

When Umar went to Zaid to repay the debt and the compensation, Zaid asked, "What is this?" Umar responded: "The Messenger of Allah ordered me to pay it to you because I frightened you."

Umar then asked him what had made him speak to the Prophet in such a manner. Zaid answered,

O Umar, I had seen all the signs of prophethood in the face of the Messenger of Allah except two: that his patience precedes his ignorance and that the harsher you are towards him, the kinder and more patient he becomes. I have now seen these two signs and I hold you, O Umar, as witness that I accept that there is no true God worthy of being worshipped except Allah alone, my religion is Islam, and Muhammad is His Messenger. I also hold you as a witness that half of my wealth — and I am among the wealthiest people in Madinah — I give for the sake of Allah to the entire community of Muslims. (Al-Haythami)

In another incident, after a battle, the Prophet started distributing the booty among the people. The first to receive booty and the ones who obtained the greatest number of shares were the people who had recently embraced Islam.

As soon as he had given the new converts, Prophet Muhammad ordered Zaid ibn Thabit to fetch the booty and summon people. Then he designated the shares that would be given to the people.

This distribution was carried out according to a wise policy. However, not everyone recognized and appreciated this. Some of the people of Madinah started objecting to the shares they were allotted.

The complaints began to take the form of accusations until Saad ibn Ubadah went to the Prophet and said:

"O Messenger of Allah, this group of the Ansar (the people of Madinah) are upset regarding the distribution of the booty. You have allotted shares to your own kinsmen and given many gifts to the Arab tribes, leaving the Ansar with nothing."

The Prophet asked Saad: "O Saad, what do you think?"

Saad replied: "O Messenger of Allah, you know that I am just a member of this group."

The Prophet said to him: "Bring your people to me."

At this point, one might have expected the Prophet to reproach them for having doubted his justice in distributing the booty, or to chastise them for their bad assumptions about him. Instead, when the people had gathered, Prophet Muhammad faced them and he thanked and praised Allah. Then he said to them:

"I have been told that you are angry with me. Didn't I come to you when you were astray and Allah guided you? You were poor and Allah gave you wealth. Weren't you foes and Allah made you love one another?"

"Yes," they answered, "Allah and His Messenger are better and more gracious."

Then he said, "What prevents you from replying to the Messenger of Allah, O Ansar?"

They said: "What should be the reply, O Messenger of Allah, while to the Lord and to his Messenger belong all benevolence and grace."

The Prophet said:

"By Allah, I would have testified to the truth of your answer if you had answered: 'You came to us belied and rejected and we accepted you; you came to us in a state of helplessness and we helped you; a fugitive, and we took you in; poor and we comforted you.'

"O people of Al-Ansar, do you feel desirous for the things of this world by which I have sought to incline these people unto the Faith in which you are already established?

"Are you not satisfied, O people of Al-Ansar that the people will leave with ewes and camels, while you will go back with the Messenger of Allah to your dwellings?

"By Him in Whose Hand is my life, had there been no migration, I would have been one of the people of al-Ansar. If all the people would go through a valley and path, while the people of Al-Ansar were going through a different valley and path, I would go through the valley and take the path of the people of Al-Ansar.

"O Allah! Have mercy on the people of Al-Ansar, their children, and their children’s children."

The people wept until tears rolled down their beards as they said: "Yes, we are satisfied, O Prophet of Allah with our lot and share!"

Being a prophet, he owed no explanation to anyone, however, his foresight and compassion guided his manner of addressing the situation.

Rather than chastising them for doubting his justice in distributing the booty, he realized their human need to understand the reasons behind his actions, and he understood the true underlying cause for their anger which is their feeling of rejection.

Although on the surface it appeared that the reason for their criticism was the inequality in the distribution of the spoils, the Prophet assumed the best of his Companions and realized that they needed reassurance of his love and care for them, and not that they actually believed that he was unjust.

For us to learn

Muslims today can benefit from the example of the Prophet in his manner of dealing with criticism. His manner teaches us to always assume the best, be humble in all situations, and only become angry for the sake of Allah.

Likewise, it is important to understand the person who is criticizing, in order to separate the message from the means of expression. Then, the issue should be rationally evaluated. If it appears that the criticism is valid, the person who is being criticized should do his best to resolve the issue; if not, he should calmly explain his point of view, while expressing his understanding and appreciation for the other party's concern.

Truly the example of the Prophet is the best example that we should strive to emulate.

http://www.islamonline.net/en/IOLIslamics_C/1278408713036/1278406708820/IOLIslamics_C

*Heather is an American Freelance Writer residing in Egypt.

Hijrah and the Annual Plan By: Hussein Alaskalany

Hijrah and the Annual Plan By: Hussein Alaskalany

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In spite of the passage of long days, months and years, the Hijrah (Prophet's emigration from Makkah to Madinah) remains an overwhelmingly inspiring event, from which old and modern scholars did a god job deriving lessons.

I do not claim to have read all works written by great scholars on the subject. However, I could comprehend some lessons and could, through Allah's help and guidance, benefit delightfully from their deep wisdom and enlightening knowledge. In fact, I want here to focus on a very important aspect, i.e. Hijrah and planning for the new year. Although many scholars have dealt with this aspect at length, I aim at making a conjunction between it and our daily life.

Actually, the Prophet's plan for the Hijrah and subsequent events was a plan for a whole stage of Da'wah (call to Allah) and the whole extended Ummah not only for one year, one individual or a single tribe. Nevertheless, we here propose the possibility that each of us can work a plan for himself, his family and even for his Ummah.

Frequently Repeated Question

The question that is constantly urgent is: what to do this hour or this day? The answer gets more urgent with the passage of months to reach the climax by the end of a year and the aspired for beginning of another. Allah the Almighty said, "And We have appointed the night and the day as two Ayat (signs etc.). Then, We have made dark the sign of the night while We have made the sign of day illuminating, that you may seek bounty from your Lord, and that you may know the number of the years and the reckoning. And We have explained everything (in detail) with full explanation." [Al-Isra', 12].

What are we today during the coming year?

In fact, this leads us to a more difficult question: what did I do during the last year or years? No doubt, some of us has done well while others, undoubtedly, feel regretful because they have not done good and that things would have gone better in case they had been well-planned for.

In order not to cry over spilt milk, let us together start new white pure pages. To make these pages snow-white, let us start them with lines of asking Allah to forgive us, guide us to well-manage our affairs and to reform our affairs.

Our urgent ten-point plan proposed!

Since a student in the high school, I was used to try to work out an annual plan by the beginning of every AH or AD year. Although very simple, the plan would clearly express my needs and ambitions in the respective stage. I can remember that I once arranged in a plan to be a regular reader of a certain Islamic monthly magazine, to read certain books on various cultural fields and to save some of my daily pocket money to help me enforce the plan terms.

Knowing that many readers excel the author in the field of working out and how to process plans, I view it is inevitable for any simple but purposeful plan to include one of the following aspects.

First: The faith aspect

How is and how was your relationship with Allah? Do you want for this relationship to go on this way, or perhaps you want to upgrade it? Thus, your plan in this regard should include to what extent you contemplate on the Qur'an, perform Qiyam (night prayer) and say Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). This is in addition to the average of performing prayer in congregation and stressed acts of Sunan (supererogatory prayers). Anyway, be keen to always start and end your day with asking for Allah's forgiveness.

Second: The Da'wah aspect

In fact, this is the fruit of the faith aspect. The saying goes, "Only full containers that overflow." In other words, you may not successfully call others to Allah unless your heart is full faith in and sincerity with Allah. Only then you can feel your responsibility of guiding others. In this regard, you should always ask yourself whether you perform your due Da'wah (calling to Islam) work.

Third: The knowledge aspect

By this aspect I mean scientific specialization, whether studying in a certain scientific institution or learning from a certain scholar. How much knowledge you acquired in your specification? How much you plan to acquire? Have you prepared the necessary time and effort? To this effect, Yahia bin Ma'in said, "Knowledge may not be acquired indefatigably."

Fourth: The cultural aspect

This aspect is wider in scope than the knowledge aspect although less specialized. By this aspect I mean the materialization of the sentence "know something about everything". What news will you pursue? What general books you will read? What do you know about current issues on the spot? Be sure that enhancing this aspect will help you make proper decisions.

Fifth: The health aspect

By this aspect I mean running medical investigation and regular check even if you suffer from no disease. Although some people might consider it of minor significance, the actual fact proves that many diseases might be symptomless in the beginning and then develops into a more serious state – we ask Allah to safeguard us all – bearing in mind that we live an era of radio activity and all kinds of pollution. Hence, I view it is inevitable to run regular check even if of a high cost. Under this aspect is also included caring for personal hygiene and suchlike matters.

Sixth: The financial aspect

What is your plan and steps to develop your financial ability? In fact, being wealthy is not bad. In this regard, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "It is very good that a righteous man has righteous money. (1) " However, this does not conflict with being ascetic, for real asceticism means that worldly means be in one's hand not in one's heart. Thus, it is unobjectionable to work out a plan to develop your financial ability so that you can make good use of the bounties Allah conferred upon you.

Seventh: The job or vocational aspect

Each of us has to have clear job ambitions and has to develop his faculties through relevant specialized training courses. To the same effect, one has to care for and develop one's tendencies and skills and promote one's capabilities, which might result in increase in one's productivity and cause one to lead a happier and more comfortable life.

Eighth: The family aspect

While preparing the annual plan, one should never overlook one's family (wife and children). One should plan to promote them on both scientific and educational levels so that they might shift into a better state. As for unmarried persons, this aspect will be represented in the plan within the preparatory stage, in the sense of seeking a good wife or trying to complete the marital bond in case one is engaged. Such a person should work out a plan with realistic steps fitting his standard of living. 

Ninth: The relatives aspect

This aspect is wider in scope than the family aspect, which extends to include one's nearest of kin and in-law relatives. Actually, this aspect is very important, bearing in mind that maintaining the ties of kinship is an Islamic fundamental. In fact, I would like to tell that I consider maintaining the ties of kinship a financial resource in accordance with the Hadith that reads, "Anyone who desires the expansion of his provision or to have the best of his life prolonged, should maintain ties of kinship. " (2)

Tenth: The social aspect

It is more wider in scope that the two previous aspects (family and relatives) as it includes all acquaintances, neighbors and work colleges, each being liable to certain duties. This aspect also includes those whom we contact through the internet or any other modern communication media. It is inevitable to regulate contacting them and to deal with them kindly as they are absolutely effective in our lives.

Planning connected to reliance on Allah

Although very simple, the aforementioned points, undoubtedly, include all human life aspects. In order to put them into a practical realistic plan, much time and effort are needed so that they might be fruitful, if Allah so wills.

Taking all means into account as possible, we should never forget full reliance on Allah, being constantly fully connected to Him and asking Him frequently to guide us to that which pleases Him.

I would like to conclude quoting a statement of Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ghazali, "There are how many plans that, although properly and perfectly worked out, are vulnerable to be overpowered by unexpected circumstances, which forces them to fall within the scope of Divine Wisdom. In fact, everything happens within the limits of the Qur'anic verse that reads, 'And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not.'(3) " [Yussuf, 21]

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(1) Related by Ahmad and is judged to be authentic by Shu'ayb Al-Arna'ut

(2) Related by Al-Bukhari

(3) Muhammad Al-Ghazali, Fiqh Al-Sirah, Al-Shorouq edition 2003, P 127
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Translated by Ahmad Abd Al-Munim

Two Types of Hijrah By Dr Ragheb Elsergany

 By Dr Ragheb Elsergany

Hijrah (emigration) to Allah the Almighty is a lofty notion of faith and one of the greatest sacrifices one can ever offer in order to gain Divine Satisfaction.

Hence, Allah promised to reward plentifully and raise high the degrees of those who migrated. Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) said, "Those who emigrated in the Cause of Allah and after that were killed or died, surely, Allah will provide a good provision for them. And verily, it is Allah Who indeed is the Best of those who make provision." [Hajj, 58]. He also said, "And as for those who emigrated for the Cause of Allah, after suffering oppression, We will certainly give them goodly residence in this world, but indeed the reward of the Hereafter will be greater, if they but knew!" [Al-Nahl, 41]. He, moreover, said, "… so those who emigrated and were driven out from their homes, and suffered harm in My Cause, and who fought, and were killed (in My Cause), verily, I will remit from them their evil deeds and admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); a reward from Allah, and with Allah is the best of rewards." [Al 'Imran, 195].

Actually, the great reward is deserved for the great sacrifice offered by one, who, in favor of Divine Satisfaction, supporting his religion and raising high the flag of Islam, left their country, home and property.

The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) set for us the greatest examples in this respect. Leaving behind stories of the highest level of sacrifice, they left Makkah and fleeing with their religion to Madinah. One great example is Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), who emigrated with Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) sacrificing his money which he spent in Allah's cause. In this regard, Ibn Is-haq reports Asma' bint Abu Bakr to have said, "Embarking on the Hijrah with the Prophet (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr took away with him all his property, amounting to five or six thousand dirhams. My grandfather, Abu Quhafah, who was blind came to us and said, “I think Abu Bakr has deprived you of his property as well as his person”, but I replied, “By no means, grandfather. He left us a great deal.” Then I took some stones and placed them in a hole where my father used to keep his valuables, and covered the hole with a cloth; and I took hold of my grandfather’s hand, saying “Lay your hand upon this, grandfather.” When he had done so, he said, “There is no harm; if he has left you this, he has acted well; it will suffice you.” But in truth, he had left us nothing, and I dissimulated to ease the old man’s mind.’[1]"
Another brilliant example is that of Suhaib Al-Rumi, who, giving us a narrative of his emigrant, said, "The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “I saw in a dream that I was migrating from Makkah to a land in which there are date-palms, and I thought that it was al-Yamaamah or Hajar, but it turned out to be al-Madeenah, Yathrib…”" Suhaib Added, "When the Prophet gave permission for his followers to migrate to Madinah, I resolved to go in the company of the Prophet and Abu Bakr. The Quraysh however found out about my intentions and foiled my plans. One cold night, I pretended I had some stomach problems and went out repeatedly as if responding to calls of nature. My captors then said one to another, 'Don't worry. Allah is keeping him busy with his stomach.' They became relaxed and sleep got the better of them. I quietly slipped out as if I was going to the toilet. I armed himself, got ready a mount and headed in the direction of Madinah. When my captors awoke, they realized with a start that I was gone. They got horses ready and set out in hot pursuit and eventually caught up with me. I then asked them, 'Would you be interested in some gold in return of my journey out?' When they said yes, I told them to dig under the door-threshold; they would find gold there. (Having given away that) I left the town and joined up with the Prophet (peace be upon him) who had not yet moved from Quba'.

On seeing me, he said, "Your transaction has been fruitful, O Abu Yahya. Your transaction has been fruitful." He repeated this three times. I then said: "By God, no one has come before me to you, Messenger of God, and only JibriI (Gabriel) could have told you about this.[2]"
Accordingly, Hijrah constituted a great step in the long way of struggle to spread Islam. The term "Hijrah" is therefore very dear to, and is highly estimated by, all Muslims.
In fact, a revival of the term "Hijrah" has currently taken place in the Muslim world during the few last years. However, waves of Muslim emigration nowadays do not particularly reflect an attempt to raise high the religion. Rather, a Muslim might leave his country for another in search for means of sustenance, an emigration whose destination might be Madinah itself as was in the earlier Hijrah. Nevertheless, today's emigration is not as sincere as the earlier one; an emigrant aims, in the first place, at searching for money, which is not unlawful, in fact, in case it is lawfully gotten. However, such an emigrant should not deceive himself claiming that he emigrates in the cause of Allah. The fact that such a person is willing to leave Madinah for another city in case a better job is offered is a support of my suggestion. Therefore, Qur'anic verses and Hadith highlighting the excellence of Hijrah may not be applied to such cases unless one leaves his country mainly fleeing with his religion even if the salary is less and circumstances are harder.
More sorrowful is the wave of Muslim emigration to Western countries in search for better financial circumstances, higher standard of living, knowledge, personal freedom or marriage.
In fact, all the abovementioned reasons for emigration are unobjectionably permissible to be sought after. What I mean is that they are not included under the Hijrah as defined by Shari'ah (Islamic Law). This can find support in the Hadith that reads, "(The rewards of) deeds depend upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what he (or she) has intended. So, whoever emigrated for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, then his (or her) emigration was for Allah and His Messenger; and whoever emigrated for the sake of worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, then his emigration was for what he emigrated for.[3]"
The phrase "then his emigration was for what he emigrated for" indicates that emigration for a worldly reason such as marriage is not unlawful. "The context gives a negative notion of one who emigrates solely for a woman to marry. As for one who emigrates both for the sake of Allah and to marry, he will receive a reward less than that received by sincere emigrants. The same applies to one who seeks to marry, which is absolutely permissible, he will be deserving of reward in case a valid intention such as seeking chastity is prompted.[4]"
Nevertheless, emigration motivated by worldly reasons may not take place through encroaching upon relevant laws in targeted countries. Actually, some youths, obliged under local harsh living circumstances and having no respectable job while officials are heedless of their sufferance, try to sneak into other countries without having relevant authorization. In fact, breaking the laws of such countries is unlawful according to the Shari'ah, which respects regulations laid down by whatever state so long as they do not run counter to the Shari'ah rulings. Thus, those youths have to search for a legal way to leave.
Actually, I am fully aware of the harsh living circumstance people suffer. No doubt, responsible for this situation are those in authority who do not fulfill their duties toward their peoples and even contributed to their sufferings in service of their own personal interests. Definitely, they will be held accountable before Allah for such a crime. Anyway, I say to those who might run the risk of imprisonment, displacement in best cases if they could arrive and death sinking into the sea trying to break the laws of other countries, "You should seek another means for making a living and never despair, for, verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong." We pray Allah to make better Muslims affairs in this world and admit them to Paradise in the Hereafter.
Dr. Ragheb ElSergany
[1] Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah Al-Nabawiyyah, 1/488

[2] Related by Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak, 13/176. Al-Hakim said: the chain of narrators of this Hadith is reliable although Al-Bukhari and Muslim did not relate it.

[3] Related by Abu Dawud in his Sunan, 6/437

[4] Ibn Hajar Al-'Asqalani, Fat-h Al-Bary, Chapter on Bad' Al-Wahy, 1/2

Swiss Minarets: Complain Muslims to Allah?

By: Hussein alaskalany

With the increasing tone of antagonism toward Islam, the four-minaret Switzerland grew to be a new stage of fanaticism and bias against Muslims through the last referendum that resulted in banning minarets.

In fact, under such an open enmity everything is expectable. What was guaranteed by the European freedom in the past is now banned. Actually, freedom has many other fields apart from adopting Islam as a religion!

Undoubtedly, Europe became a fertile land for hostility against any thing Islamic, bearing in mind the huge efforts exerted by anti-Islam thought leaders who have dominance over all mass media and inadvertence of Muslims who only consume the products of others. Examples can be found in banning Hijab in France, murdering Dr. Marwa Al-Sherbini and, last but not least, banning building mosque minarets in Switzerland.

The story from the beginning

Back to the story from the very beginning, we find that mutual relations between Muslims in Switzerland (native Swiss or immigrants) and non-Muslims is based on mutual respect, peaceful existence and assurance. 40 years ago, spread of Islam was growingly increasing in Switzerland – which perhaps was the main factor that irritated those who hate Islamic rise and dominance. According to a census published on islamonline.com, the Muslim population in Switzerland was estimated as 17.000 in 1980 AD, which rose to 65.000 in 1990 and exceeded 300.000 by the beginning of the new century. However, it is now estimated as 400.000 or more.

Along these years, no fanaticism or bias on the part of the Swiss was registered against Muslims, with the exception of very few inconsiderable cases reflecting very low percentage, based on opinion polls.

A shift in dealing with Swiss Muslims

However, it did not take very long before this very low percentage increased in an astonishing, amazing and interesting manner.

Considering the reasons behind this astounding shift of the Swiss attitude toward Muslims in Switzerland, we will find out many reasons foremost of which is the massive propaganda practiced by mass media against any thing Islamic.

Bearing in mind that mass media in Arab countries bias their citizens against other Arab countries regarding trivial matters, Western mass media bias their citizens against Islam and Muslims. We can now even see posters supporting banning minarets in Switzerland where mosques are depicted as rockets ready to be launched and explode all surroundings. Actually, this is more an actual fact lived by the Swiss than mere a biased imagination. Hence, the referendum required constitutionalizing the ban on building mosque minarets as a measure aiming at – according to them – keeping peaceful the relation among different religious groups.

Referendum to decide on minaret ban

Amidst such dark atmosphere, people being fully convinced of Islam's danger on their lives and the future of their children, a referendum to decide on minaret ban was conducted. The ban was approved by 57.5% of the participating voters and thus a ban was imposed on constructing new minarets in the country. More astounding, 42.5% of voters did not approve the referendum - a positive indicator - in spite of huge efforts exerted by extremist right wing and cooperating parties. It is, in fact, interesting that such a good percentage was not negatively affected by the anti-Islamic propaganda in Western mass media. Actually, such a percentage is apt to increase or decrease based on Muslims efforts in and outside Switzerland to change the Western stereotype of Muslims.

In fact, Muslims within and outside Europe are required to exert great efforts to change such a stereotype. In this regard, it is enough for Muslims to exert only as much efforts as they can, for we cannot even dream of exerting as much efforts as those exerted by Westerners to promote their ideas.

However, merely watching and just paying lip service will have the effect of adding to the loss.

Reactions ranging between denial and positive measures

Reactions of the Muslim and Arab world and the international community toward minaret ban in Switzerland ranged between denial, condemnation, denunciation and demanding financial boycott of Swiss banks mainly funded by Muslim and Arab capitals. Actually, the last one is the required practical reaction standing for an economical threat which will be taken into consideration by the Swiss. Thus done, the Swiss will be on their guard against taking any action against Muslims in their country bearing in mind the likely harm of their national economy.

The role to be played by everyone

There are some practical roles that each of us can play totally or partially in order to change the current situation. Below are some of them:

First: Self-reform through changing one's conduct to the better according to a practical plan so that one might be qualified for the responsibility of conveying the pure message of Islam to the whole world.

Second: Making use of all possible means, which are many, to contact Westerners in an attempt to convey to them the true Islamic message.

Third: Financially and physically backing all efforts aiming at conveying the true message of Islam to Westerners. This takes place through supporting information and Da'wah (Islamic call) media that plays such a role and also through translating books highlighting sublime aspects of the Islamic civilization.

Fourth: Giving a practical example to others through commitment to morals advocated by Islam, which is most effective. Thus, they should see only our good conduct as practiced by our Muslim ancestors who spread Islam all over the world through the truthful moral image they exhibited.

In fact, there are many other roles to be played. Moreover, any of us can, through good intention and stern determination, innovate very effective and important roles.

Final word

Once you see a minaret in the country or the place where you live, you should feel gratitude to Allah. You should also remember your Swiss brother who are so biased against that minarets raising high the voice calling people to Allah are banned. Moreover, beware lest minarets complain you to Allah. Let this motivate you to play your role toward yourself and Muslims. Will you play your role?

By: Hussein alaskalany

Translated by Ahmad Abd Al-Munim

Egypt and Algeria: Hajj season is a reconciliation opportunity

By: Hussein alaskalany

Eid Al-Adha this year, 1430 AH/ 2009 AD, coincides with the tension that arose between the two Muslim Algerian and Egyptian peoples. In fact, these two peoples have a common history of deep love and strong unity. Moreover, both peoples are characterized by stern commitment to religion and keenness to observe Islamic fundamentals as possible in spite of conspiracies woven against them. However, it seemed that conspiracies began to fructify having been promoted by artists and footballers.

How astonishing and ridiculous!

Amazingly, foreign occupation or colonization did not succeed in severing the ties of love, unity and compassion connecting Muslim peoples to each other. However, biased, weak-willed and ill-intentioned people speaking in a Algerian and Egyptian false patriotic language managed to achieve objectives occupation forces could not achieve. They managed to sow the seeds of discord, which is the main fruit to be reaped. Fierce grudge and hate now filled the hearts of both parties. It even happened that some intellectuals say very sorrowful words. As for masses, we need not mention to what extent of tension they have reached due to media frenzy. In fact, all this resulted from ignorance and ill-mindedness and paying attention to insignificant issues while neglecting significant ones.

I do not like to add fuel to the fire through giving mention of examples of shameful behaviors I have seen and heard myself. Actually, such behaviors are shocking and heart-breaking to true believers, even to those of minimum cultural level and to those aware of conspiracies aiming at having people concern for insignificant matters and making them retarded in all walks of life.

In fact, time was opportune for the Zionist entity to declare the highest level of schadenfreude through offering to intermediate between the two sister countries to settle the dispute. It seems that Muslims unity is something important to Jews!

Amid this poisonous and dark atmosphere, Allah conferred a great bounty on Muslims, i.e. the season of Hajj, the great season that comes only once in lifetime. This time the opportunity comes after the troublesome events lived by Algerians and Egyptians.

Hajj season came to draw the attention of forgetful Muslims to the fact that it is inevitable that Muslims, regardless of their places, languages and colors, have to be one united Ummah and that there are more serious issues than football to unite them.

Hajj season came once again to stress the fact that the tie connecting Muslims is more stronger than to be severed by a leather-made football kicked by feet of some young men. It is sorrowful that thousands watch a football game, not to mention millions watching TV, neglecting everything else and concentrating wholeheartedly and completely enthusiastic on the so-called "round witch" which I call the "blown up leather piece".

Dear Egyptians,

Dear Algerians,

Dear all Muslim peoples,

The tie connecting us, religion, is much more powerful than any other tie.

It is the Islamic tie,

… the tie of faith.

It is indeed too strong to be weakened by a game or sport.

It is, undoubtedly, too strong to be weakened by souls filled with grudge and hate and are far away from religion.

Dear furious Egyptian youths,

Dear enthusiastic Algerian youths,

Let us all calm down, for the case in hand is too simple to be a cause of conflict between Muslim brothers.

Let us make use of these days we live, and hopefully of all our days, to strengthen love, fraternity, brotherhood and compassion ties, in respond to the command of Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). Allah (the Exalted) said, "And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur'an), and be not divided among yourselves," [Al 'Imran, 103].

I ask Allah to unite the hearts of Muslims in general and those of Egyptians and Algerians in particular। I also pray Him to guard us against Fitnahs (trials) both known and secret। May Allah's peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.

By: Hussein alaskalany

Islamstory website interactive department manager

Translated by Ahmad Abd Al-Munim