Off Beat News

MuslimSister —

Al-Azhar okays controversial book about Prophet Mohammed

Book, published in 1837 by Reverend George Bush, portrays Prophet Mohammed as 'imposter'.

The highest authority in Sunni Islam approved a book describing the Prophet as an "imposter" and Muslims as "locusts" that the Egyptian press continued Friday to attribute to the US president's great grandfather despite denials from Washington.

"The Al-Azhar Institute for Islamic Studies approved the book titled 'The Life of Mohammed, founder of the religion of Islam and of the Empire of the Saracens'," Egyptian newspapers announced on their front pages.

The book was published in 1837 by Reverend George Bush, whom Egyptian newspapers - including state-owned publications - have consistently presented as the current US president's great-grandfather.

But the government-run Al-Ahram daily said it had approved the book's publication "because it is a piece of documentation that paints a lively picture of the life of Prophet Mohammed."

Publication of Reverend Bush's work had initially been rejected by Al-Azhar and the turnaround puts an end to a year-long controversy.

An unnamed Al-Azhar official quoted in the official Al-Akhbar daily denied rumours that the publication was the result of US pressure.

"Al-Azhar does not bow to any pressure, whether foreign or local, when it comes to matters related to Islam," the cleric said.

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MuslimSister — Wed, 8 Mar 2006 - 10:21

Family may provide evolution clue

Five siblings from Turkey who can only walk on all fours could provide science with an insight into human evolution, researchers have said.
The three sisters and two brothers could yield clues to why our ancestors made the transition from four-legged to two-legged animals, says a UK expert.

But Professor Nicholas Humphrey rejects the idea that there is a "gene" for bipedalism, or upright walking.

A BBC documentary about the family will be shown on Friday 17 March.

Professor Humphrey, from the London School of Economics (LSE), says that our own species' transition to walking on two feet must have been a more complex process that involved many changes to the skeleton and to the human genetic make-up.

However, a German group says a genetic abnormality does seem to be involved in the siblings' gait.

Series producer Jemima Harrison said the programme's producers were moved by the family's "tremendous warmth and humanity".

BBC Two's The Family That Walks On All Fours is broadcast on Friday 17 March at 2100 GMT

BBC NEWS

*DUST* — Wed, 8 Mar 2006 - 10:56

just read that on the BBC website... interesting. :?

btw those 5 siblings have 13 more brother and sisters (who walk normally)!! :shock: mashaAllah. 🙂

MuslimSister — Thu, 9 Mar 2006 - 16:13

Good behaviour scheme for teens

Well-behaved teenagers are to be rewarded with a so-called "good behaviour card" to spend on sport and leisure, under plans being unveiled.
Chancellor Gordon Brown wants to give 13-19 year-olds up to £25 a month to keep them "off the streets", as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

But youngsters who repeatedly misbehave will have their cards withdrawn.

"The hardcore will not get it. This is for the decent, well-behaved young people," the chancellor told the BBC.

Hanging around

The scheme is among a number of measures to improve services for young people, including giving them a say on how youth budgets are spent in local authorities.

The plans include the provision of "professional coaches" for badly-behaved teenagers to keep them out of trouble.

Mentoring schemes, to give advice, guidance and work experience in 180 secondary schools are also to be set up.

The vouchers will be piloted in Bolton, Cambridgeshire, Camden, Durham, Lincolnshire, Liverpool, Nottingham, Suffolk, Sunderland and Tower Hamlets

BBC NEWS

You — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 - 16:22

School is 'unable to plaster cut'

A parent has spoken of his anger after his wife had to go to their daughter's school to put a plaster on when staff said they were not allowed to.

Julie Scott, 38, was called by staff at Uphill Primary School near Weston-super-Mare, after her daughter Emily, 9, cut her finger.

The school said strict guidelines meant they were not allowed to give plasters.

The head says the school is to review their interpretation to make sure they take a "common sense approach".

Mrs Scott travelled the short distance to the school, bandaged up her daughter's finger and left a box of plasters by her desk in case of any "further mishaps".

Staff at the school told Mrs Scott that local council guidelines meant they were unable to put the sticking plaster on Emily's cut finger. ...

BBC News

The world is going crazy.

Angel — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 - 17:17

^^Thats mad.

I read in the metro last week how this guy was fined £50 for throwing junk mail in the "public bins" cuz apparently you cant throw your domestic rubbish in public bins. lol thats a joke!

I can understand the boy being fined for using the F word but this hmm!

*DUST* — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 - 18:19

Angel^^Thats mad.

its old news. its been years since school nurses were no longer allowed to plaster kids' cuts (coz apparently some kids are allergic to em) :roll:

MuslimSister — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 - 21:11

UK newspaper accused of fanning flames of Islamophobia

The University of London Union is considering banning the sale of the Daily Mail following reports its sister paper, the Mail, on Sunday had been trying to bribe students to spy on their Muslim colleagues.

The weekly was said to have offered student journalists 100 pounds (USD 170) to pose as Muslims and secretly record any meeting of Muslim societies in an attempt to report claims of Islamic radicals being active on campuses.

According to the London Student magazine, two reporters from the Mail on Sunday have been trying to bribe students into such undercover activities, including at Imperial College and the World Rival Society at Queen Mary's.

"This is further proof that sections of the media are fanning the flames of Islamophobia," the president of the World Revival Society, Rezaul Rana, was quoted as saying.

Rana criticized the underhand tactics of "sensationalist and polemicist journalists" as chasing false and juicy stories in the hope of making quick money.

"At a time when Muslims are being depicted as the `enemy within', what the media ought to focus on is to remove the misconceptions and prejudices about Muslims, who live here and continue to contribute to British society immensely," the society's president said.

MuslimNews

Sirus — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 - 22:57

Hook's son is MC Hamza

JAILED cleric Abu Hamza’s terrorist son is spreading words of hate — as a rapper.

Mohammed Kamel Mostafa’s song lyrics rant about waging Jihad (holy war) and carrying weapons, and praise banned Middle East terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas.

In one he raps: “I was born to be a soldier, Kalashnikov in my shoulder, peace to Hamas and Hezbollah, that’s the way of the lord Allah . . . we’re Jihad through, defend my religion with the holy sword.” He also sings of his Islamic “brothers” who vowed to die for Allah.

Mostafa, 24 — dubbed MC Hamza by his henchmen — has played venues ranging from Wembley Arena to Oxford University.

He launched Islamic group Lionz Of Da Dezert last year — and is now aiming for solo success.

from The Sun

Omrow — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 - 21:50

Renowned Bird Flu Expert Warns: Be Prepared

Dr, Robert Webster - March 14, 2006

"I personally believe it will happen and make personal preparations," said Webster, who has stored a three-month supply of food and water at his home in case of an outbreak.

Frightening Warning

"Society just can't accept the idea that 50 percent of the population could die. And I think we have to face that possibility," Webster said. "I'm sorry if I'm making people a little frightened, but I feel it's my role."

http://www.abcnews.go.com/WNT/AvianFlu/story?id=1724801&page=1

Angel — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 - 23:28

Drug trial four 'are conscious'

Another two are in a critical condition and under sedation but have shown early signs of responding to treatment, said Dr Ganesh Suntharalingam.

The men suffered multiple organ failure within hours of taking the TGN1412 drug at a research unit based at Northwick Park Hospital in north-west London.

Full Story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4815780.stm

On of the guys head had swollen three times its normal size :shock:

I would never do that for 2 grand but they didnt know what was coming i guess..

You — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 - 01:32

The thing about drugs is some always has to go first.

No matter how much care is taken, there will be a point where a trial will need to be carried out to see wether the drug is dangerous.

Otherwise people will be treated with medication, and later find out the cure was not worth it...

...and its better to have such a clinical trial than a free 'donation' of medicine to africa. And that does happen. Alot. I had a friend who did pharmacology who touched on this subject. And a copuple of others who did pharmacy, but did not go professional due to companies carrying out trials via donation.

African countries are starting to catch on though. Why do you think some American food aid is rejected even at times of famine? its always GM crops that are donated. I guess they are too scared of lawsuits if they tried them on US citizens...

Sirus — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 - 04:08

Drive to reduce forced marriages

A drive to reduce the number of forced marriages of British citizens is due to be unveiled.
The campaign by the government's Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) is backed by actor and writer Meera Syal and former EastEnders star Ameet Chana.

More than 250 cases are reported to the FMU each year, most of which involve links to south Asian countries.

A decision by the government is also expected soon on whether to outlaw forced marriages.

The new drive will include poster and television campaigns and radio and press adverts.

These aim to increase awareness of issues surrounding forced marriages and encourage young people affected by them to seek help.

BBC

Omrow — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 - 13:22

Salam

Some sad news.

Humphery has died. He was a muslim.

He passed away yesterday.

Humphery and the Prime Minister's wife, Cherie Blair did not get along.

He must have done something to her.

Since last month, she could not, any longer,
tolerate Humphery staying in her home.

She had him evicted from Downing Street.
He was thrown on the streets and there he died homeless.

She was very cruel to him. She is a Blair Witch.
It was very difficult for poor Humphery to
survive in the cold. How could she do that to him.Humphery.

Omrow

Sirus — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 - 03:34

Madrasas could follow Catholic lead

The Muslim Parliament lobby group is calling for Islamic madrasa schools in Britain to adopt comprehensive policies to stop child abuse.
The madrasas, typically attached to mosques, operate in much the same way as church Sunday schools, offering children instruction in the Koran during evening and weekend classes.

Muslim Parliament head Dr Ghayasuddin Siddiqui believes Britain's Muslim community could fall victim to the torrent of abuse allegations that have dogged the Catholic Church and other Christian churches in recent years.

The Catholic church in England and Wales tackled the paedophile scandals by commissioning a report from Lord Nolan, a law lord.

equanimity — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 - 03:47

Fresh Prince

Madrasas could follow Catholic lead

The Muslim Parliament lobby group is calling for Islamic madrasa schools in Britain to adopt comprehensive policies to stop child abuse.
The madrasas, typically attached to mosques, operate in much the same way as church Sunday schools, offering children instruction in the Koran during evening and weekend classes.

Muslim Parliament head Dr Ghayasuddin Siddiqui believes Britain's Muslim community could fall victim to the torrent of abuse allegations that have dogged the Catholic Church and other Christian churches in recent years.

The Catholic church in England and Wales tackled the paedophile scandals by commissioning a report from Lord Nolan, a law lord.

its about time, i just feel bad that there is a need for this :roll: , those imams should be beaten, burnt and hung :evil:

Sirus — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 - 10:42

lol i 4got to link the full article. Bbc website...

*DUST* — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 - 11:14

Ghayasuddin Siddiqui strikes again... :roll:

Sirus — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 - 15:12

*DUST*Ghayasuddin Siddiqui strikes again... :roll:

who is he? and what he done before?

madiha — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 - 22:59

OmrowSalam

Some sad news.

Humphery has died. He was a muslim.

He passed away yesterday.

Humphery and the Prime Minister's wife, Cherie Blair did not get along.

He must have done something to her.

Since last month, she could not, any longer,
tolerate Humphery staying in her home.

She had him evicted from Downing Street.
He was thrown on the streets and there he died homeless.

She was very cruel to him. She is a Blair Witch.
It was very difficult for poor Humphery to
survive in the cold. How could she do that to him.Humphery.

poor humphrey

Omrow

MuslimSister — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 - 15:50

Muslim girls don sporting jilbabs

Girls in a refugee camp in northern Kenya have started playing volleyball for the first time thanks to specially designed sportswear for Muslim women.
Some Muslims believe girls should wear a jilbab - a traditional Islamic dress - which hampers agility.

Sports wear company Nike worked with the girls to find something appropriate and presented the designs last year.

Initially camp leaders renounced the outfits, but the girls have now convinced them of their suitability.

The UN refugee agency's Olivier Delarue, who saw one of the first volleyball matches, said the girls had a choice of outfits and went for the most traditional.

There's a lot of harassment and problems from the community because of the culture. Playing sports gives the girls a break from their daily life," says Adar Osman Horar, a female community leader in Dadaab.

It also encourages them to continue with their education as the sports activities are linked to the schools, she explained.

Nike, which has been supporting educational projects in the camps for the past three years with UNHCR, sent four designers to the field last June to research designs.

Anything that showed the shape of the body was out of the question, plus it had to be comfortable for playing in the heat.

Mr Delarue says the traditional leaders, who had at first rejected them, were eventually won round.

"They were convinced that indeed the world was moving forward and they had to adjust their thinking as well," he said.

BBC NEWS

You — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 - 15:52

wow!

Nike actually did somethign positive? :shock:

*DUST* — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 - 16:14

Adminwow!

Nike actually did somethign positive? :shock:

yea - shocker! :shock: lol

the jilbab doesnt 'hamper agility' at all though. :roll:

You — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 - 22:00

They are functional.

besides noone looks their best when exercising.

I am sure they will release a pink version soon...

:twisted:

You — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 - 18:18

Chips are down for sleepwalk chef

A former chef who cooks chips and omelettes in his sleep has spoken of his desperation to find a cure before he sets his house on fire.

Rab Wood, from Glenrothes in Fife, is worried that he could burn his house down during his sleepwalking sessions.

The 55-year-old, who has been sleepwalking since he was 14 years old, said it is making his life a misery.

His wife Eleanor said she is constantly alert at night with worry about what her husband is going to do next.

It has been estimated that between two and 4% of adults in the UK sleepwalk. Experts at the Edinburgh Sleep Centre have said that if both parents sleepwalk then their children have a 60% chance of inheriting the disorder.

Children with one parent who sleepwalks have a 45% chance of it running in their genes while there is a 22% chance if neither parent sleepwalks.

Mr Wood said the problem almost led him to his death while on holiday.

He said: "I have had a near miss, I was on holiday in Spain and I was nine floors up in a hotel.

"During the night I got up and started sleepwalking before trying to climb over the balcony.

"Just as I got my leg over the banister my wife pulled me back.

"My wife says she used to be able to sleep on a bed of nails but since she married me she can't sleep very well, she's got to be alert all night.

"I can put chip pans on, I put all the lights on during the night and the TV up loud and this is all in my sleep."

The former chef said he can also rustle up omelettes "to perfection".

"My wife says I should plug the Hoover in when I'm sleepwalking and do the housework."

'Limb twitching'

Chris Idzikowski, of Edinburgh Sleep Centre, said Mr Wood should look at his alcohol and cigarette consumption. Mr Wood had confirmed that he was a smoker and "likes to drink the odd can of beer".

Dr Idzikowski said: "We reckon that sleepwalking is a closet disorder amongst adults so that's why we are not sure of the numbers who suffer from sleepwalking.

"The facilitators are overtiredness, alcohol, cigarettes and sleeping pills, which all prevent the brain from waking up.

"The triggers for a sleepwalking episode are not breathing properly and limb twitching.

"There is also a strong genetic link with sleepwalking.

"Mr Wood needs to cut down his smoking, alcohol and regularise his sleeping."

BBC News

Its very interesting, but those perentages do not add up for me.. minimum chance of sleep walking is 22% according to them, but at he same time they say only 2 to 4% really sleep walk...

I doubt there are many others who can cook in their sleep though....

You — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 - 20:02

I have been known to do it onc or twice.

But I never cooked.

That is class.

*DUST* — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 - 20:05

AdminBut I never cooked.

That is class.

lol yea, i guess that reflects on his hobby. but then again i dont think i ever sat up and sleep-read a book. 😂