Details have emerged of huge casualty figures in the Libyan city of Benghazi, where troops have launched a brutal crackdown on protesters.

More than 200 people are known to have died, doctors say, with 900 injured.

The most bloody attacks were reported over the weekend, when a funeral procession is said to have come under machine-gun and heavy weapons fire.

Read more @ BBC News

Umar (ra) died of the wounds three days later on Sunday, 7 November 644. Umar (ra) is reported to have left the following testament:

Be kind and generous to the Muhajirun and the Ansar. Those out of them who are good, be good to them; those who are bad overlook their lapses. Be good to the people of the conquered lands. They are the outer line of our defense; they are the target of the anger and distress of our enemies. They contribute to our revenues. They should be taxed only on their surplus wealth.

Be gracious to the Bedouins as they are the backbone of the Arab nation. I instruct you to be good to the Dhimmis for they are your responsibility. Do not tax them beyond their capacity.

Ensure that they pay the Jizya without undue inconvenience.

Fear God, and in all that you do keep His pleasure in view.

In the matter of people fear God, and in the matter of Allah do not be afraid of the people. With regard to the people, I enjoin upon you to administer justice with an even hand. See that all the legitimate requirements of the people are met. Be concerned for their welfare. Ensure the safety of their person and property. See that the frontiers of our domains are not violated.

Take strong steps to guard the frontiers. In the matter of administration do not prefer the rich to the poor. Be hard against those who violate the law. Show them no mercy. Do not rest content until you have brought the miscreants to book. Treat all the people as equal. Be a pillar of strength for those who are weak and oppressed. Those who are strong but do wrong, make them pay for their wrong-doings. In the distribution of booty and other matters be above nepotism.

Let no consideration of relationship or selfish interest weigh with you. The Satan is at large; it may tempt you. Rise above all temptations and perform your duties in accordance with the injunctions of Islam. Get guidance from the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Freely consult the wise men around you. Apply your own mind in difficult cases, and seek light from God. Be simple in your living and your habits.

Let there be no show or ostentation about you. Lead life as a model Muslim. As you are the leader of the Muslims, justify your leadership by being the best among them all. May God bless you.

Slaam,

I was just wondering, what your views were on eyes.

I mean not eyes in general, but about eyes speaking more than words.

I have heard from a Yiddish Proverb (don't ask me what that it) that eyes are the mirror of the soul.

Even I have been told that my eyes say more than my words.

What do you guys think?

Wasalaam.

Its the new question doing the rounds.

According to this article that is doing the rounds someone was able to decipher the recipe for coke from an old image of a book or something or other.

One of the ingredients listed is alcohol.

Does this make coke haraam?

Something that seems to have snuck up - the starting ceremony was today in Dhaka.

Will it be a carnival of cricket? Who do you think will win?

Do you even care?

Salam,

We are conducting a survey on how much people know about HIV. We would be grateful if you could complete it.

It can be found at the following link:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T7HP5KT

Inshallah, I hope you can help.

WS

Thats the name of the programme on BBC Three at the moment.
the guy doin the diggin is a radio presenter who himself is gay..

but he was talking to people who had been disowned by their family for coming out and one of the guys said "we are born guy, we will die gay".

Im remembering the post that someone put up on here about the muslim girl who came out and im thinking about what issues a muslim might face in such a siutation.

yes, homosexuality is haraam, but the refraining of it isnt as straightforward as refraining from lets say..alcohol because what is involved are a persons feelings, a lot more complex i'd say...(now let it be known that i dont support homosexuality before anyone thinks i do and starts ranting of on one)

what are the rulings on homosexuality under sharia law btw???

I chose this vid amongst others, but the one he does recently are so full of psychology (and funny). I like.

[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlXSMC-4OrQ]