sajmal86's blog

Campaign to improve the image of Islam

A campaign has begun in order to improve the image of Islam after a recent poll by YouGov revealed that more than half of British people associate Islam with terrorism and violence.

"Inspired by Muhammad" aims to promote Islam as a peaceful faith, and the positive contribution it has on British society. Posters of Muslims with captions read: "I believe in rights for women... so did Muhammad" will be seen at bus stops, Tube stations and even on London Cabs.

A YouGov poll found that 58% of the British population surveyed associated Islam with extremism, 50% associate it with terrorism and 68% feel the religion encourages the repression of women.

TV presenter and Islam convert Kristiane Backer is one of the many faces of the campaign.

Israel vents fury at Gaza aid ship

When entering Israel's borders it should read, "enter at your own risk". Whether by sea, land or air, todays actions by Israel clearly highlight the urgent need of action by the world and US on how Israel continues to defy internationa law.

Once again with more than ten people dead and dozens injured we witnessed that Israel is willing to use great force whatever the circumstances. This attack on a flotilla aid convoy was not just a provacation but a clear sign of violation of International law.

Cairo: City of a Thousand Minarets

As the aircraft steers towards the runway in Cairo, the sun beams through the small window accompanying my seat. From above I can vividly see minarets reaching out into the skyline from the hundreds or so mosques that line the streets of Cairo.

Onto the road, the city is no longer at a distance and it soon becomes apparent this ancient city possesses something unique.

Yalla Yalla! Come on shouts the traffic warden as I try to battle it out to get through the traffic onto the other side in order to reach the hotel.

As I get closer a young boy barely old enough to care for himself grabs my arm and attempts to escort me to a nearby café, as he ran all the way just for me, I accept but do not go until I check into the hotel, so then he waits outside.

The Veil: Human right or violation of women

There has been much controversy surrounding the wearing of the Muslim veil in Europe. Since France's controversial plan to implementing fines on any women in breach of the public order wearing a veil.

To many the aesthetics of a Muslim Woman wearing a veil are not welcome, her face his hidden, all facial expressions that are a vital part to conversation are hidden away. It may be to no surprise that such a move banning the veil was coming.

Victory or defeat: Is Israel Impune over its treatment of others?

First it was the infamous war and onslaught of Lebanon in 2006 not to mention the many previous wars Israel has had with its neighbours.

Then Gaza and now the embroiling dispute with Britain on the killing of the Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh in Dubai supposedly carried out by Mossad and his crew.

The assassination emphasises that still Israel and the Palestinians are in a state of perpetual war. Israel has always been a state within a state its reputation dwindled by the treatment of Palestinians and disregard for mercy.

Shaped by War: Photographs by Don McCullin

Imperial War Museum
Manchester

Don McCullin is renowned for being one of the greatest war photographers of our time. For most of his life he has been travelling the globe deep into the most dangerous and horrifying situations on earth, taking images of the victims of war, massacres and the destitute. As you enter the exhibition McCullin’s images are not just pictures they portray a world deeply distressed in the harshest of times. One of his most famous pictures is called "Shell Shocked US Marine Vietnam" in which a bedazzled US soldier is grasping a rifle, his eyes seem to be looking at the camera in fact they are acutely lost far beyond the camera lens. The image is a profound and ghastly example of the perils of war and its effect on the human mind.

Shaped by War: Photographs by Don McCullin

Imperial War Museum
Manchester

Don McCullin is renowned for being one of the greatest war photographers of our time. For most of his life he has been travelling the globe deep into the most dangerous and horrifying situations on earth, taking images of the victims of war, massacres and the destitute. As you enter the exhibition McCullin’s images are not just pictures they portray a world deeply distressed in the harshest of times. One of his most famous pictures is called "Shell Shocked US Marine Vietnam" in which a bedazzled US soldier is grasping a rifle, his eyes seem to be looking at the camera in fact they are acutely lost far beyond the camera lens. The image is a profound and ghastly example of the perils of war and its effect on the human mind.

Should learning Arabic be mandatory for Muslims?

Most of the more than one billion muslims world over can read the Quran to an extent, and gather its meaning from translations, but many have questioned the authenticity of translations although they can provide the overall meaning they in most cases are not literal translations.

Throughout the 25 Arabic speaking states, all people must learn Modern Standard Arabic, in so that they can understand news, and speak formally when necessarilly and of course understand the Quran. We must also realise for the Arabs themselves the Quranic Arabic is not easy even for them as native speakers.

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