tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53616883862384506132024-03-13T19:54:03.763-07:00My World ViewThis blog brings to the world my views on global affairs as soon as I express them in writing!!!!Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-53890139471313261802013-03-30T17:31:00.000-07:002013-03-30T17:31:25.424-07:00UK welfare system: a security at dignity’s expense?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7861655869055539" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.7861655869055539" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next week will see start of <a href="https://www.gov.uk/benefit-cap">a new welfare regime</a> - perhaps the most serious in the history of our welfare state. Much talked about is the issue of “<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21321113">bedroom tax</a>”. But the question that has been haunting me for some time is “is our welfare system a security that we get at the expense of our dignity?”</span></b></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UK has a fine history. No I am not unmindful of the turbulence and evils that has crept up on many occasions over the centuries. But broadly speaking, of all the developed nations, our UK society and system is a lot more robust, accommodative and tolerant. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/08/welfare-state-1942-2013-obituary">Our welfare state, borne out of a concern for the society’s needy, is a genuine arrangement to ensure dignity for all</a>. The recent debate, however, seems to undermine this notion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/owen-jones-hatred-of-those-on-benefits-is-dangerously-out-of-control-7763793.html">For months, if not years now, a section of powerful politicians together with their media and “civil society” partners were arguing that our welfare system undermines the hard working,</a> struggling middle class. There were talks, passionate assertions, that for many welfare dependency is a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1119155500"></span>lifestyle choice<span id="goog_1119155501"></span></a>. For me, I found these arguments disgusting, disingenuous and ultimately distressing.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">No doubt, our welfare bill is too high and at times of austerity, perhaps too large to sustain. But our welfare state does not provide a lifestyle of luxury or even relative ease for the </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">beneficiaries</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Much of the benefit system, as I understood it, was designed to ensure a minimum standard of living for everyone. The principle was that in 21 Century UK no one should be forced to live below a certain level. A laudable and indeed admirable aim.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What the notion meant is that if you did not work, state would provide support to ensure you are able to lead life at that level, if you are working but your salaries are not sufficient to adequately maintain yourself and family, state will step in to fill the gap. If, on the other hand, you earn enough to have adequate level of lifestyle, state will leave you to fend for yourself. This addresses several misleading notions that has been created - that only those out of work or employment are eligible to benefits. Nothing is more untrue than this. For example, majority of the people who claim housing benefits are not unemployed. In London for example, your household income could be as high as £30k per annum, and depending which part of London you live and how large your family, you may still receive housing benefits. This is in recognition that whilst 30k salary may be higher than average, it is still not sufficient to ensure adequate accommodation for many in London given the costly housing market - both rental and buying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the government proposals and the changes that are coming are true to the message given by the ministers, it is hardly believable that benefit for working people will increase. What appears to be the case is that benefit paid to the lowest, most vulnerable in our society will see a real time and significant reduction in their income. Housing benefit caps and now the bedroom tax will do precisely the same. Whilst, at simplistic level, this make sense, sadly, it puts us as a nation to shame. We appear to be saying that as a nation that led the light of civilisation for centuries will noW backtrack on the dignity we historically afforded to our poor, vulnerable and voids. We are saying that no matter how inhumane, if you are unable to work and earn your own living, you have to accept an inhumane and inadequate living. The fact that it is inhumane is just tough luck. We seem to disregard the need for protecting dignity of those who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of being at the mercy of the state. We seem to be shutting the doors of possibility to children being raised and being born to those families.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It seems, our politics and politicians are taking us back through to a journey where Britain shall only afford dignity to those who have and not to those who have not. We it seems are becoming a nation of oiling the riches and condemning the society’s vulnerable. A sad thought indeed.</span></div>
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Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-1020016912359120582012-11-28T10:25:00.000-08:002012-11-28T10:25:51.053-08:00Accept to be bullied, we’ll support you! So says our William Hague to the Palestinians<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Israel-Palestine is perhaps the longest running and the most significant of International Conflicts of our time. Not only Middle East peace and stability depends on it, world peace, prosperity and stability rests on an amicable solution to the Middle East problem too. From the global super-power, the United States of America (USA) to Europe, Russia and other regional powers are equally involved. In fact, probably no other conflict has ever raised so much emotion as does this.<br />
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With Palestinians set to move for greater recognition and topping their status at the UN, certainly global powers, like the UK, is keen not to be seen to be on the wrong side. In desperate move, therefore, they push to save face with their ally, Israel, while maintain their influence over others. But the bottom line is, Israel has shown to be a blood thirsty aggressor with little regard for international law. As recently as early this month, we have seen yet again the eagerness on Israel’s part to wipe out an entire nation that is already under siege. Irony is, when the some self-appointed leaders of the world justify Israel’s heavy-handedness citing that Israel is under an existential threat from her neighbours, what they overlook, and I say deliberately, is that only Israel of any states in the modern time have demonstrated consistent willingness to subjugate neighbouring states, threatened their viability and deliberately obstruct their emergence as Independent nations though they have those rights at international law.<br />
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Coming back to my heading, I was ashamed, as a British Citizen, to see our Foreign Secretary, Mr William Hague, to come up with this most absurd line of reasoning – provide guarantee to return to negotiations unconditionally and assurance that you [Palestine] will not seek to extend Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) – and we [UK] will support you. Shame that despite our claim to be a nation of values, justice and fairness, our Mr Hague adopts the most unjust, unfair and irrational line. When ever you have seen justice requiring the oppressed providing guarantees?<br />
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I am afraid, my emotions like millions of other people, rise fast when it comes to Israel-Palestine/Middle East Conflict issue. But I shall refrain from making it too long. Let recite though this – Islamists are enemies of west, so we have heard, therefore prevent them from coming to power. But today, North Africa is ruled by the so called Islamists. West is keen to be in bed with them. We heard, Hamas was terrorist, so strangle them, but they are thriving, once PLO was terrorist organisation so was Mandela and his ANC. But justice may take longer to emerge victorious, but it certainly is the ultimate victor. Palestinians have a just cause and a rightful claim for which they have paid heavy price. Make no mistake, some day they will emerge as an Independent, viable and proud nation. Question is, are we ready to be on the part of justice or not? For Israel, the question is even more significant – Is Israel ready to accept a just settlement to the Palestinian cause or is it going to continue acting in its self-destruction? Only time will tell who ultimately has the wisdom to make the right, just and fair choice!<br />
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</div>Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-1786376638624812202012-09-12T18:10:00.000-07:002012-09-13T02:37:59.701-07:00Death of US Ambassador in Libya must not be met by knee-jerk response<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>Controversy over a film allegedly insulting the prophet Muhammad (peace by upon him) <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/12/muhammad-film-reaction-middle-east">sparked demonstrations</a> most notably in Egypt, Libya and <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/protesters-angered-by-an-anti-islam-film-storm-the-us-embassy-in-yemeni-capital-sanaa/2012/09/13/09918b64-fd80-11e1-98c6-ec0a0a93f8eb_story.html">Yemen</a>. In <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/11/egypt-protest">Egypt, the demonstrators stormed into the US Embassy</a> but no casualty, while in <a href="http://www.arabnews.com/us-ambassador-killed-benghazi-assault">Benghazi in Libya, the demonstrators fired rockets into the US Embassy killing, among others, the US Ambassador to Libya</a>. Both these incidents are utterly disgraceful, wholly unnecessary, outrageous and must be condemned in the strongest terms. The respective governments of Egypt and Libya must also take responsibility for failing to understand the mood of their respective population, or rather a segment of their population and putting in place adequate measures to ensure security of the diplomatic establishments.<br />
When I first flagged a news item on Facebook with my status indicating my disapproval of the storming of Egyptian Embassy, I was told that I was being naïve and not sufficiently understanding the hurt caused. Do not get me wrong, in recent years there seems to be an escalation – deliberate in my view – of materials designed to offend, insult, humiliate, provoke, outrage and incite anger among the world’s Muslim population. Too often, Western governments have put a blind eye and regularly defending such actions as necessary and essential in democratic society in the name of freedom of speech, thoughts and expressions. But the truth, as we all know, is that Islam and Muslims have been dominating the global airwaves in media, politics and international relations. Most of the time they are given airwave for the wrong reasons. Due to naivety, ignorance and often prejudice of many leading global media establishments – none, it’s worth noting, are driven and inspired by Islamic faith – put up coverage which are at best flawed, insensitive and often insulting. Take the Channel 4, the British Broadcasting organisation, who recently aired a “documentary” which questions the very historic foundations of Islam. While we ought to respect the right of creative minds to speculate, a documentary must be a documentary based on evidence, reason and logic. Unfortunately, the program on Channel4 lacked all of it. This shoddy, irresponsible, half-cooked mockery of history will not be tolerated about any other religion and particularly of the Jewish religion. Yet, this is normal when it comes to Islam and Muslims. Moreover, it appears clear that the broadcaster now <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/sep/11/channel-4-cancels-screening-islam?newsfeed=true">cancelled the screening of further work</a> on the series citing security threats received without providing any specifics or obtaining Police Advise. It seems not unreasonable to at least suspect that Channel 4 is capitalising on the prevailing anti-Muslim hatred and is fuelling such hatred for its own ego, commercial or other gains.<br />
Therefore, let me be very clear – Freedom of expression should not and must never be an instrument or a cover for bigoted, prejudicial and phobic mind to insult, humiliate, undermine or otherwise cause hurt in the minds of people simply because of the faith they are associated with. Such action is utterly condemnable. <br />
Does this mean that people can be so outraged that they may storm Embassies and kill diplomatic stuff? Of course not. Violating diplomatic establishment is a violation of international law and is also a violation of Islamic values, spirit and practice. What has happened in Benghazi and previously in Egypt are wrong and a disgrace no matter how sincere and innocent the motive behind the demonstrators were.<br />
The question then is, what should the response be to such horrific development? Brining killers to justice, making those violating diplomatic premises account for their wrong action and learning lesson to ensure such incident can never happen again are right things to do. The two governments involved are relatively new and are still finding grounds beneath their feet. Understandable, that they may have lacked the right capacity, mettle and expertise to pre-empt the situation or to contain it. However, lesson must be learnt and this must never be allowed to happen again.<br />
It must also be said that while the acts of violence are inexcusable, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/sep/12/libya-democracy-benghazi-murders">this must not be used to undo the changes that has taken place in the Middle East</a>. This should not impede the development of closer relationship between parties in the Middle East. It is encouraging to see that <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/12/obama-vows-justice-libya-attack">President Obama strikes, broadly speaking, a conciliatory, measured and wise tone</a>. That indeed is the right way. However, to conclude that this shows the danger the “Islamists” presents, and that a Western style secular government is the answer and therefore set up programs to achieve this is wrong and will be counterproductive. In the instance matter, there will be temptations to wrap up sooner, kill a few more, perhaps use the unmanned spy planes to locate and assassinate suspect will be completely the wrong thing to do.<br />
Our hope is that newly liberated societies understand that freedom has a price and that to uphold freedom they need to pay a premium which often is restrain, calm and measured expression of anger. No matter how outraged we feel, we must learn to reflect, ponder and strategies. The purpose of anyone’s response in the circumstances must be to address the problem, bring about solutions with very little interruption.<br />
We hope that restrain prevails and that parties find an amicable solution.<br />
Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-75932285905634637032012-08-27T07:36:00.001-07:002012-08-27T07:37:50.867-07:00The Problems Facing Muslim Nations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>I was lured into reading an article by its name, <a href="http://www.arabnews.com/columns/problems-facing-muslim-nations">“The Problems Facing Muslim Nations”</a>, published at the Arab News, a leading English Daily in Saudi Arabia. I thought perhaps a person with insight of the Muslim Countries’ affairs would shed light on identifying key factors adversely affecting growth, prosperity, pluralism and good governance within the Muslim land. However, I was disappointed. In fact, disappointment perhaps is an understatement. The author not only failed to grasp the challenges facing the Muslim nations, his analysis of the issues are frankly demeaning, dispiriting and devoid of realism.<br />
In brief, the piece identified five issues – education framework not fit for purpose; our obsessions with the past; like for abstract at the expense of concrete; obsession with angels, demons, God and satan and finally, lame and illogical dislike for arts.<br />
When one read the article and the five factors identified, it becomes apparent that the writer feels that the Islamic faith as it is practiced by the most is responsible for much of the backwardness, irrationality, illogicality and superficiality. He feels that much of our nations’ adherence to the faith is blind, literal and therefore not rational and logical. Of course, he was at pain to stress that Islamic faith need not to be blamed, and no harm can arise from study of faith but it just needs not to be at the expense of others.<br />
For a start, the author fails to understand the Muslim nations even on the basics. While Saudi Arabia, presumably the country of the Author and may be Iran, are the only two exceptions where faith may have some kind of dominance in the governance of the state. Countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt and Turkey, nations with most Muslim population, enjoy a political culture and class in which faith has very little direct and visible effect. People with real authority and power who has been dominating policy making and state operation are predominantly western educated, secular minded and often with little visible devotion to faith. Why then have they not adopted the curriculum, created the context for recognition of the present as oppose to dwelling in the past? As for the love of arts, we know that many of these governments had almost irrational degree of love for art – music, film, fine art etc. There is also no evidence to suggest that these governments were threatened by the “religiou fanatics” to the extent that they had to compromise in their policy making. Other than in Afghanistan, none of the other nations had much rational fear of being ransomed by religious fanatics.<br />
The argument thus that faith and a blind obsession with it is at the heart of our demise is nothing but an irrational, illogical assertion without factual and evidential basis. Further, it serves to the prevailing global policy to scapegoat faith, and in particular Islam. It also overlooks the reality on the ground.<br />
Now that it is clear I disagree with the piece, what then are the issues with Muslim nations? Well this is too big a question to be answered in one article by a small individual like me. However, I shall seek to briefly identify several factors that I think are important.<br />
Firstly, education curriculum, practice and framework in our countries are a problem and no, not because of their obsession with religion, far from it. The problem at the heart of our educational systems are two fold – firstly the lack of a conceptual basis which does not provide a vision behind our educational strategies and secondly, and perhaps as a consequent of the first, that our education’s emphasis is not on analytical, critical and intellectual development of the students. Curriculum in most Muslim countries seems to emphasise on recollection, memorisation and not on critical evaluation, analysis and problem solving. This is true of the science, arts and religious curriculum. Shockingly, this is true at all level of education – primary to the university level.<br />
The second challenge in the Muslim countries is a lack of culture to debate competing ideas. Muslim countries are notoriously polarised along political and ideological lines - whichever ideology we hold dear, we reject the notion that others are also entitled to hold their own ideology. As a result, the secular minded rejects any notion that faith and those with an ideology inspired by faith has a stake in the affairs of the state and vice versa. <br />
Third and final issue that I would highlight is the lack of patronage of religion by the state. I know some will find it surprising and many may well see that it is the opposite. But that is not so. Yes, there are states that provide huge funds and influence to religious institutions and scholars. But my point is that state should take a pro-active role in creating an environment in which scholars, students and public take an active interest in exploring faith in its totality, engage in debates and open discussions where difference is respected, celebrated and not condemned. That will only happen if states provide patronage to research based on religion which seek to explore finding answers to modern questions that Muslims and non-Muslims alike are facing. This will create a level playing field in which dogmatic, literalist and traditionalist scholars will not dominate exclusively the sphere of religious decision making.<br />
But at the heart of all the above must be a realisation that faith, as a separate, independent and parallel entity to daily life cannot exists and must not exist. From an Islamic perspective, faith is intertwined with a person’s belief, action and though process. Attempt to separate state from religion, Islam from life, is an artificial separation which will only create confusion, chaos and often disunity. The question that ought to be at the top of our mind-set is how we can be true to our faith while embrace the spirit of innovation, creativity, objectivity and pluralism. After all, Islam has championed these values for centuries while the present western civilisation was in darkness.<br />
Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597346.109196499999996 -23.650817 64.6469055 16.778871tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-53026355742308168982011-01-31T05:42:00.000-08:002011-01-31T05:45:36.951-08:00Thirst for Freedom has sparked....Egypt has spokenOnly days earlier the world observed the momentous revolution unfold in Tunisia ending the iron rule of Ben Ali, one of the cruelest dictators of our time. The people of Tunisia made history through their sacrifice to achieve freedom. The world was ecstatic, celebrating embracing the Tunisian outcome. Joy and happiness caused tears in many eyes; people simply were amazed and overwhelmed.<br />Young souls like mine have seen no revolution in our life time, not one which made an impact. Tunisia was enough to quench our thirst for excitement to see people in thousands march for freedom and to break the shackles of oppression. We had it in Tunisia, we were over the top. But God had different plans; he had more than Tunisia in mind. Soon after Ben Ali fled, people in Egypt rose to the challenge to attain freedom. They gathered in their fitting Liberation Square. They chanted, laid before the barrels their lives, bloods shed but they did not waiver, they stood firm.<br />In Egypt now a revolution unfolding: ordinary men and women, children and elderly all took to the street defying the gas, gun, tanks and fighter jets. The harsher the dictator’s organs roared the louder the people chanted: Go Mubarak Go, leave Mubarak leave and so forth. They have shown their determination and courage, they continue to strive for freedom. And no doubt, the freedom shall come and the people will prevail over the ill fated Mubarak’s monstrous regime.<br />But it seems just as the people rise, just as the spirit is up and just as we begin to experience euphoric push for freedom, there are those busy creating divisions and sensing conspiracies. The ‘world leaders’ from Washington to London and beyond, the rulers fail to see the goodwill of people and their desire for freedom. They struggle to speak for truth, justice and fairness; they struggle to say enough is enough to the dictators.<br />Saddam was kicked out wasting our money, lives and resources in defiance of long established laws. Yet event today we see the warmongers justifying their criminal acts using the cause of freedom. Yet why isn’t the regimes in Washington, London and beyond able to say publicly “Mubarak, we think your time is over, you must leave, leave now?”<br />As the sun begins to tilt toward west, marking the beginning of the end of yet another day, let us pray that it will return after darkness, let us pray that the sun rising tomorrow in Egypt, over the beautiful Read Sea and the amazing river Nile, it will whisper Egypt, congratulations, you are now free, you have freedom.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-90313256593108702332010-12-25T10:38:00.000-08:002010-12-25T10:40:02.761-08:00Some events, thoughts on the year about to end!It's been long many weeks, perhaps months, since I last blogged here. Not that I lost interest, nor is it because I have little to write neither is it that I wish no more to write. In fact, never more than the last few months have I felt more willing and urge to write, to blog and share thoughts. Unfortunately though, life had many twists, many surprises and many "known unknowns" and "unknown unknowns" which necessarily kept me busy to the extent that despite increasing sense of urge I seldom had time to surf these pages, to populate them.<br /><br />But as the year 2010 draws to an end, I could not but resist the temptation to write here. So I look back at some events/incidents/experiences which will have profound impact in defining me.<br /><br />I enlist some key events and will seek to write something about each one of them though not necessarily today:<br />July 16, 2010 finally started working in the field of Law<br />July 21, 2010 - left Birmingham to settle for now in London<br />August (can't remember precise date: I knows its a shame) appeared for the first time as advocate (well rather as legal rep)<br />October 3, 2010 - made chair of the Membership Committee of the MCB<br />November (can't remember exact date but I think 12) - first TV appearance for MCB<br />November 16, 2010 - key note address at a conference in the Commons on Prevent<br />November 30, 2010 - call to the bar by the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn<br />December 11, 2010 - Key note address at an Islamophobia Conference<br />December 21, 2010 - First meeting of the membership committee under my chairmanship<br />Some of the above of course would sound trivial to some of you, but each one of these has important and profound meaning to me for reasons which will become apparent to you all soon. But now, sadly, I am called and must leave the net. S many be a little later, may be tomorrow or next week I will begin to write about each one aforementioned.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-6756739914527380572010-05-31T03:49:00.000-07:002010-05-31T03:51:09.810-07:00Israel's cruelty unleashed on board freedom flotilla will embolden the peace MovementThis morning we woke up to hear that Israeli invaded Freedom Flotilla, a convey of ships carrying aid to Gaza, a besieged nation in Palestine. As many as 19 people are reported to have been killed and dozens other are injured. The convoy was 90 miles away from Gaza and were on international water when in the darkness of early morning the Israeli forces landed on board the ships from helicopter.<br /><br />Reaction from the International community has been rather slow and insufficient though Turkey called summoned Israeli Ambassador in Ankara and called for an emergency UN meeting, Greece cancelled her joint military exercise with Israel, Germany and France condemned the Israeli act while EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner called on Israel to open all of Gaza's borders to allow necessary and essential aid.<br /><br />The media, though slow but are now surely covering the event with BBC firing some probing questions on the Israeli Officials. Although notably little representation of the Peace Movements involved are aired other than their press statement.<br /><br />19 brave men and women may have died, their convey did not reach the Gazan shore and International Community did not show the sense of outrage it ought to have shown. However, the determined and conscientious people on board Freedom Flotilla and all those who supported the preparation and launch of this great initiative can and must take satisfaction that their objective is not fully suppressed. Israel looks visibly shaken by the event and are struggling to answer for their actions. US-British government though remained largely silent, there will be intense pressure on both these governments to do something about the blockade. The people of both these nations are in solidarity with the pain and suffering of the Palestinians and will be even more so after today. Only last week we have seen Michael Mansfield QC, a leading lawyer of our country, writing in the Guardian calling for some tough actions from the UK Government.<br /><br />Israel has acted in gross violation of International Law, brutally killed 19 noble and brave souls, maintain the death trap on Gaza, stood firm on its commitment to create worlds largest open prison and living recreation of Nazi Concentration Camp and provoked anger in the minds of millions, brutally killed. It has not met the necessary response yet, one it so badly deserves. But, the coverage of its shameless invasion and blood thirsty attitude towards those on board Freedom Flotilla will undermine its strength and standing at home and abroad greatly.<br /><br />Heinous Israeli act will strengthen the resolve of all those fighting for justice and freedom for the Palestinians and will be embolden to commit to more Freedom Flotilla like actions.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-53965610821585949302010-03-25T18:12:00.000-07:002010-03-25T18:14:21.153-07:00A leader fit for the TimeBritish Muslim community comprises of diverse ethnic, social, economic and political groups coming from many parts of the world. But at its heart, our community still is one that lags behind in education, health, employment, socio-political engagement. Our leadership in the community still held by largely first or second generation immigrants who are often unable and perhaps unwilling to fully comprehend the challenges of our time. Not surprisingly, often some confident and rather 'unclassic' ambitious individuals take a swipe at our leaders controlling mosques and community organisations.<br />However, the reality is this: our elders, religious and community leaders have done a great deal. They lived in conditions where took their turn to sleep, worked hard to earn pennies and went out for bathing. Yet, they have set an excellent example of philanthropy. Hundreds of mosques across the country are largely their contributions. It is them who has given a voice to us when we had none, a place to gather when we had no where to go. They have limitations and served their purpose but we must positively assert their rights to be recognised for the goods they have done.<br />Of course, many Muslims have made success of their lives reaching senior positions in government, private corporations and businesses. In achieving success, they have gained important skills and experiences. Their experience and knowledge can play important role in the advancement of our community. We need to engage these successful people in manners which will build a happy and effective partnership between the traditional grass root community leaders and professionally successful people of our community.<br />Challenges we face in going about our daily lives are multi-facet. And every day these challenges become more complex in nature. Organisation like the MCB is in place precisely to identify these challenges and to find ways to not just face them but to keep up to date with their changing nature. However, ultimately, the MCB is an organisation of the Muslim Community. The strength of MCB is the strength of its constituent communities. As a result, MCB needs to keep its constituents happy. For this reason, new leadership of MCB needs to be one who has a track record of meaningful involvement within the community while reasonably able to understand and deal with the challenges posed at us by external entities. To lean stronger in one direction would mean loosing the other yet we need to succeed both in facing the challenges before us while also keeping our constituents faithful and confident on us.<br />The MCB will have its 11th AGM on the 20 June this year. In this AGM we must find a new leader, one who is capable of capturing the mood of the Muslim Community. He must be able to articulate the concerns and aspirations of the Muslim Community to the mainstream society in fighting against anti-Muslim hatred, discrimination in employment, inadequacies in education and the alarming health concerns.<br />Finally, we are a community bound together by a common faith. We have many traditions but our foundation is one. We have many opinions but our fundamental sources are same. We are a community identified, above all, by our commitment to our faith. It must, in my opinion, be a condition that our leaders ought to have sound knowledge and understanding of our traditions, our sources of inspiration.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-6795628419164279352010-03-13T07:13:00.000-08:002010-03-25T18:11:40.682-07:00Misplaced optimism over US Anger on IsraelJoe Biden, the Vice President of the US, has expressed his displeasure at the latest plan by an Israeli Local Authority to build hundreds of new settlement homes in the Occupied East Jerusalem. In particular he criticises the timing of the declaration hinting at its effect on the eminent resumption of peace initiatives. Yesterday, the US State Department let it known through the press that Mrs Clinton has expressed her displeasure at the plan while talking to the the Prime Minister of Israel. It must be noted however, that Mr Biden appreciated the response of Mr Netanyahu, who criticises the local Jerusalem Municipality which approved the plans.<br />Given the close relationship between US and Israel and the strong political influence that Israel enjoys in the US, this latest expression of displeasure by the two major figures of US Administration come as surprise to many. Already, some commentators has began to express hope that perhaps time has come when US may be just about willing to harden up over Israel. They hope that US will finally show courage and free herself from pro-Israeli bias to bring genuine pressure on Tel Aviv to play fair.<br />However, this apparent harshness of US and the glimmer of optimism seems to be misplaced and premature, to say the least. For Israel has expressed no desire to call of the announced plan to build new settlement homes neither has the US demanded that it must stop. Furthermore, the Palestinian side remains divided and deeply engaged in internal power-fighting. The Global community, in particular EU and US is taking advantage of the disunity on the Palestinian sides to further their own ideological and hegemonic interests.<br />There are, of course, other more pressing issues which would make is almost impossible to reach a settlement. Million of Palestinians remain in refugee camps for three generations or perhaps even more denied of minimum standards of life. No body seems to be concerned of their conditions nor willing to play fair on their rights to return. The Palestinian Authority is weak and frail, totally dependant on the Masters in Washington, Brussels and Riyadh. Israel, for their part, is determined not to recognise Israeli Arabs living in Israel as equal to other citizens let alone allowing any more return to their homeland. The world community, for its part, seems to be too happy to forget the Palestinian refugees for now. That leaves aggrieved Palestinians convinced that only armed struggle can ultimately ensure justice for the oppressed and occupied people of the Holy Land of Palestine.<br />In the light of the situations on the ground, given the geo-political dynamics of our world and considering the complexity of the issue, a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in harmony, peace and prosperity seems ever more illusional. Indeed, I, like many others, are now convinced that two-state solution is in fact impractical thinking and has always been an unrealistic expectation. Besides, a two-state solution defies established values of humanity, civility and justice. What's more is that two-state solution is an insult on the good people of Israel and Palestine where Jews, Christians and Muslims has lived for centuries in peace and harmony.<br />If a solution is to be achieved in the Middle East Conflict which we must, we need to redefine our values and re-formulate our strategies. We need to commit ourselves to achieving justice, human dignity and freedom for all people of the divine land. We then need to insist all the players that they accept these values and commit to them. Those who fail to live up to this demand must be confronted in all ways necessary. What this practically means is that we need to recognise the legitimate expectation of people to get back their own land, ensure equality of all citizens, establish system of governance representative of all people. Only then and then alone will we find a solution to a problem which has spanned over almost a century.<br /><br />Published on <a href="http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?page=detail_news&news_id=95513">The Financial Express </a>on 20 March 2010.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-60829610725645457512010-01-16T07:42:00.000-08:002010-01-16T07:43:06.593-08:00Ban on BurkaUKIP becomes the first political party in the UK to call for a total ban on Burka. They argue that Burka has no place in the British tradition and is not compatible with British values. Furthermore, they also shows the audacity to say Burka has no basis in Islam.<br />UKIP calling for a total ban on Burka is not surprising at all. This is not the first time that they have expressed their 'Muslim hatred' openly and I am sure that this will not be the last. What does surprise, however, is their confidence in such strategy to win them more votes in modern Britain, in particular the appeal of such policies within the working class British people.<br />For me personally, the call by UKIP to ban Burka should ring alarms in the mind of all reasonable people of this Island. For this shows how weak our major political parties has been in addressing the hate elements of our society. Larger, mainstream parties has allowed cheap but successful political propaganda to overtake principle of equality, justice, freedom of speech and belief. The failure of the mainstream has made it fashionable in modern Britain to be hateful of others openly. Instead of creating a climate where xenophobes, racist and fascists will feel uncomfortable and shaky in expressing their hateful views, certain of our political class allowed these hatemongers to flourish. Even organizations like BBC has given fascist movements like BNP a kind of legitimacy which earned them credible standing in the views of many.<br />The big question, of course, is not the failure of our political parties. It seems that the lies, half-truths and more importantly hatred of Muslims are likely to grow. This is because the mindless thugs of the likes of UKIP, BNP and others who are the true affront to our British values of democracy and freedom are ever more confident in their political activism. The ideological bankruptcy of the larger political parties allowed these tiny ugly spots of our society to gain popularity. We therefore need a strategy to deal with it in a manner so that we can engage the wider population of our country. We need to engage in meaningful and intellectually rich debates.<br />There are organizations like the MCB who are working very hard to ensure Muslim voices are being heard. They are working to challenge the hallow and prejudicial views of these new Nazis. But their work needs to be complemented by others at organizational and individual levels. There needs to be a serious rethinking of our strategies too. Only when we will have a more coherent, better thought set of strategies to engage the masses effectively, we may hope to defeat these xenophobes.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-25794215788885281472009-12-17T08:18:00.000-08:002009-12-17T08:19:10.833-08:00Shame on Our GovernmentThirst for controversy, desire to test limits and audacity to defy international law is nothing new for the Israeli Government. It does not surprise me when they come out speaking in the most arrogant terms. What struck me however, are the eagerness and unbelievable drive of certain of our leaders to provide shields for the cruel, inhumane and racist government of the illegal state of Israel.<br />When a court in the UK issued an arrest warrant, most people knew it will never be carried out. However, even the symbolic importance was enough to cheer many. For once, general public in the UK felt at least some part of their state was neutral to the Israeli bias and had the courage to challenge their act of war crimes.<br />However, if we had reasons to be very happy at the decision of the court, we now have reason to be ashamed of yet again for the act of our government. It is unprecedented that for one single decision affecting Israel, ministers of the likes of Milliband showing a strong, open and unequivocal desire to change a long standing legal principle of our land. People will have issues with certain legal principles, but on this occasion government seems to be keen to change a principle which all right minded people will agree to be fair, just and proper.<br />This latest act of our government put us to shame. We as a nation must refuse to provide cover for the war crimes committed against the innocent men and women of the largest open prison on the planet. It is time that we demand Israel to free the air, sea and land blockades of Gaza to allow for the Gazans to go about their daily lives. It is right that we shall insist on the freeze of Israeli settlement. It is time that we pressure the Zionist regime in Israel to face up to their barbarity implicated upon the oppressed people of the Palestine. But instead, to come out in such manner as our ministers have done to support Livni is yet another expression of ugly, unreasoned, illogical and utterly unacceptable support of our government and we, the citizens, must condemn this.<br />The attitude of the British and most ex-colonial powers have been unacceptable for some time. Their arrogance and 'superiority complex' have been evident in their dealing most recently at the Copenhagen summit. For far too long they have prevented our beautiful world to be fair. Certain powers of our civilisation have openly and covertly often prevented our planet to offer equal opportunity for all people, all nations and all races. It is only recently however, we began to gather momentum and acquire courage to challenge them. The latest saga in the UK may look different in nature from the outset, but at the core they are fundamentally the same: old colonial powers still want to dominate the world in ways that suits their needs, meet their interests. Supporting Israel keeps open the doors of conflict, providing opportunities to these governments to exploit Middle Eastern resources, dominate global policies and politics.<br />Now that we have the momentum, the courage and stomach to challenge the 'super powers', given that the people in these countries yarn for a better future for all and keeping in mind their desire for justice and equality world over, we must continue to fight them with our utmost strength until the time is right to claim that we have a more equal and just world.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-73894866878494376862009-09-01T18:24:00.000-07:002009-09-01T18:25:19.637-07:00What to write?It’s been a very long time since I last wrote on my blog. There have been a number of reasons for this. Of course I’ve written pieces since my last post on this blog, but never really managed to find required motivation and time to publish those pieces on the blog.<br /><br />Today, end of my first day of becoming barrister and the beginning of second day, I ponder on the need for having such blog as this? Why should I have this blog? Why would people read it?<br /><br />I ask these question for two primary reason: first to renew and review my effort in this for the simple reason that I genuinely want this effort to be of some use to me, a positive element in some way, the second reason is to remind those who take the travel to read this blog, the context and the purpose of the blog.<br /><br />Looking back in time, I remember clearly the day I started this blog. The idea was to use this as a tool to express my self, my thoughts and ideas. At times, this blog was aimed to serve as a way of expressing my frustrations, reservations etc. But I was clear too that the primary readership, in my mind, was me, yes me. I write here to comfort myself, to calm, to sharpen, to express myself in manner that I see fit at the time of posing.<br /><br />However, I understand with time people come to read this blog, I have asked some people to visit the site too. This has been out of an expectation that people would be less judgemental. But more fundamentally, those visiting shall trigger the cause for further intellectual stimulation on issues raised in my writing thus creating opportunities for intellectual sophistication of my thoughts and that of the others.<br /><br />I continue to see my blog as an useful tool to further ones experiences and expressions in ways which are not possible using other means. Blog is not about presenting perfect vibes, sophisticated linguistic skills or even master piece pf PR. Blog is a vehicle to express one’s feeling as and when such feeling comes in manner that it naturally comes out at that moment without refinement of grammar, thought process, PR spin etc. it is the concept and the content that matters not how and when it is expressed.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-21633378221779803462009-04-16T16:52:00.000-07:002009-04-16T16:54:17.579-07:00In the footstep of our ProphetDa’watul Islam UK and Eire arranged their annual family gathering at the Markfield Conference Centre with a timely theme – Muhammad (PBUH) the Rahmatullil Alamin (The mercy to the mankind).<br />Being there in the company of so many families who gave up their long weekend to come the event has been an experience to remember for life. I found my presence to help me up lift my spirit, renew my commitment and revitalise my strengths.<br />At a time when Islam and Muslims are under fire from almost all quarters in most part of the world, Muslims has nothing but to hold firm in their faith and hope for the mercy of their lord. But it is not easy to hold firm with belief in Allah. Reminding ourselves of the struggle of our leader, guide and prophet, Muhammad (PBUH) and to study and practice his teaching is indeed a major force in strengthening our resolve and empowering our faith. I thus thank the organisers for hosting such a wonderful event and pray to Allah that he rewards the organisers and the participants enormously.<br />We need the re-empowerment of our faith, renewing our commitment of course first and foremost to stay firm on our ground and to protect ourselves, the individuals. But more importantly, the study and practice of our prophet’s lives and teachings must encourage and embolden us to be active in our communities. We need to blend into society to become part of it and to change it in ways which will eradicate all notion of injustice and bring prosperity and happiness. This is important given the time and circumstance in which we live in. Not just misguided few individuals, even our government throwing unreasonable and unnecessary challenges which could potentially have devastating consequences. It seems apparent that much of these challenges are deliberate and designed to undermine the unique presence of the Muslim communities.<br />But the challenges we face are nothing new. They may change in kind but fundamentally they remain same: results of ignorance and to some extent prejudice about and towards Islam and the Muslims. This ignorance and the prejudice are issues we need to deal with without fear. We need to hold our ground firmly and be determined to see them through. First step in facing these challenges is to know our society in which we live and to learn about its good and not so good characteristics. Our social problems affect us and we must as a matter of religious duty address these issues. Such is the essence of Islam. Allah says in the Quran that our prophet was like of people from within the community who used to feel aggrieved at by the grievances of his community and joyous at the happiness of his people. Can we say the same about ourselves?<br />Of course it means little to say we ought to become fully part of the society and to feel for the issues of the society. What I mean in practical term is that we need to engage ourselves on the affairs of our society on a daily basis to clearly demonstrate our commitment to the society. Our acts must be of the kind that it beyond doubt demonstrates our feeling and genuine sincerity to our people. We need to engage to better the economic, education and social condition of our people regardless of their race, gender or faiths. Our engagement must be inspired by our faith and our expectation must be to gain the satisfaction of our master, Allah, the almighty.<br />For our friends who may not share our faith but feel for us and desire us to be proud member of this society, they must live up to the challenge of the current time. Their friendship must be not merely to provide leap service to our community but to go beyond words and practically work to safeguard our interests. Claiming to be our friend is of little use to us of such friendship does not materialise into shaping policies which genuinely reflects the desire of our community. We are not seeking to be special. We are aspiring to be equal: to be citizens with unique faith, culture and creed who are collectively committed to make our society better, stronger and more cohesive.Remembering our prophet, studying his message and seeking to follow his footstep should inspire us to be proactive in our societies and to go beyond usual lines and work hard tirelessly to make our society significantly better.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-44594366406643464842009-02-24T08:57:00.000-08:002009-02-24T08:58:26.596-08:00Tackling ExtremismAn International Conference is being held in Dhaka to discuss strategies to address ‘extremism’ attended by experts from the South Asian region as well as Singapore and Norway.<br /><br />From the outset, I respect and appreciate such initiative and, with sincerity and goodwill, such initiative may bring much needed coherence in the strategies of governments in the South Asia and the wider world in dealing with Terrorism. But this optimism I find difficult to hold for practical reasons.<br /><br />Terrorism now is a global phenomenon and the Western powers have taken much interest on the matter. It is only to be commended that the powerful nations are putting together huge amount of resources to deal with an issue of such importance. However, a closer look and careful analysis of the strategies, actions and outcomes of work by these nations to counter terrorism reveals little to have confidence. In fact, what analysis of most known counter-terrorism reveals is at best ignorance or at worst, prejudice towards a certain belief.<br /><br />Terrorism, when resulting from sheer greed and criminal mindset, is a simple and straightforward issue which needs to be dealt with harshly. Such terrorism exists in many countries, especially the underdeveloped countries like Bangladesh. We are not, however, talking of such terrorism. The kind of terrorism that global community now a day talks about often, if not always, relates to resentment and reaction of people who for one reason or another feel aggrieved. Grievances caused by injustice, prejudice and hatred may result in a kind of resentment leading to terrorist activities which cannot be defeated through guns and bullets. Such terrorism requires pragmatism and sophisticated understanding of the issues backed by sincere desire to eradicate injustice. Only when the rights of all people can be restored, dignity and respect for individuals enshrined in the social fabric and rule of law established will the sense of resentment eventually disappear and the ‘good hearted’ individuals will return to normal life. Those that remain committed to the paths of violence and destruction may continue but will loose munitions for recruitment and retention which will ensure the end of such thugs and criminals.<br /><br />On the backdrop of this understanding let us focus on the issue of terrorism in the context of Bangladesh. The current government pledged to form a South Asian task force to coordinate response of the governments in the region regarding the issue of counter-terrorism. But such initiative is only at its primary stage and lacks in details as admitted by the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh at the Terrorism conference. Further more, the actions of the government seems to be half hearted, if not dubious. In one hand they seem to claim to be genuinely committed to eradicate extremism on the other, they are pursuing a path of violence and political harassment of opposition. Mass scale attacks on the political activists of the opposition parties will create anarchy and give rise to resentment, just the kind of environment where terrorism flourishes.<br />The issue of ‘war crime’ during the Bangladesh’s Independence struggle is also relevant here. It is an issue resolved many years ago by the founding fathers of our nation. The present government itself made no serious attempt in the past. It seems to be clear to everyone except the diehard supporters of the government that the move to try the so called war criminals is politically motivated and is orchestrated to ensure political advantage for the ruling party and their allies. It is reasonable to conclude for this reason that any move to try the ‘war criminals’ will only act to divide our nation, exactly the kind of things that aid the growth of terrorist network. Besides, the present government has only been in power for just over a month and has already failed to impress the right minded citizens of their genuine desire to play by the rules.<br /><br />To deal with terrorism must be a priority. But any strategies and action must be proportionate to the threat and realistic. It must also be free from political motives and must genuinely be aimed at building a respectful society where citizens are brought together by a common sense of identity and values. No action of divisive nature can ever bring peace. Violating core values of human dignity, individuals’ right and political suppression can never be good strategies for countering terrorism.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-34686759650360464432009-01-10T14:33:00.000-08:002009-01-10T14:36:29.176-08:00The Decree: Part 2<div align="center"><strong>The ‘Kindered’, the Miskin and the Wayfarer</strong></div>AS I write today we witness the massacre of our brothers and sisters in Palestine by an aggressive and arrogant enemy, Israel who are supported by the global super powers. The chaotic and heart breaking brutality have moved many of us to the extent that we have been very generous to donate thousands of pounds to help the people of Gaza. It is around this theme that I wish to write the second part of my writing. The first part was published in the last issue titled: Worship Allah alone and be Kind to the parents.<br />Islam, I argued in the last article, is a code of life. It is not a mere religion affecting certain aspect of our life, but in fact, Islam is a way of life which encompasses and ought to control all aspects of human affairs, if one is to claim to be Muslim. Such acceptance of Islam which genuinely drives us in all our affairs shall bring peace and happiness. It is for this reason that Islam is termed to mean submission and peace i.e. though total and unconditional submission to the will of Allah, one may gain peace and tranquillity in life here and hereafter. But this concept of total submission is vague and meaningless unless explained in more details giving clear guidelines about practical aspects of our lives. The first and most important aspect of human life is the relationship between parents and children. IN the last issue, I have outlined Islam’s view about this noble relationship clearly spelling out the dos and don’ts. In this article I move on to the next set of principles that Allah outlines in the Qur’an. He says:<br />“And give to the kindred his due and to the Miskin (poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayatin (devils), and the Shaitan (Devil - Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord”<br /> (The Quran 17:26, 27)<br />Human relationship is extremely important in building a peaceful society where mutual respect, tolerance and justice form the core. After the parents, the most important people are the relatives, neighbours and those we come across in our daily lives, the wayfarers, who we meet at work, during travelling etc. Each of these categories of people has a right on us. As Muslims, we are fortunate because Allah, the most powerful, have told us what are the rights that they have on us. He outlines the laws of inheritance for example in another part of the Qur’an where Allah outlines how our estate should be distributed once we leave this earth. If we follow what Allah outlines for us, this will make us happy, help us avoid being involve in conflicts, avoid hard feelings etc. When we fail in doing so, we may suffer from loss of bonds, anxiety, insecurity and many other issues. Those of you who are aware of your relatives, friends and other having property etc in your country of origin you must have come across the stories where the relatives there occupies the entire property depriving the actual owner his rightful ownership and control. This kind of incidents are not far and few but in fact very common which often result in severing ties with otherwise close relatives and of course the stress and mental torture. Why this happens? Answer is simple: we fail to follow the guidance offered to us out of kindness by our Lord, Allah the Almighty. This is with regards to our kinsmen, those with whom we have blood relations. But Allah here outlines another category of people who have right on us: the Miskin or people in need.<br />We are familiar with the concept of Zakah which we normally give to the poor at the end of Ramadan. But besides, we have a responsibility to offer our support and help to the needy at all times. Of course our support must be proportionate to our ability. We must be generous but generosity does not mean that we ought to accept poverty and hardship for ourselves by giving to poor. Generosity is about being kind and big hearted resulting in donations and kind words when we have the ability to do so. When we have the mean to be generous but we chose not to be, Allah warns us. He says:<br />“And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift), so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty”.<br />(The Qur’an 17:29)<br />Clearly from the verse above we can see that Allah encourages us to be generous when we can and not be miser, nor he wants us to be so generous that we invite severe poverty for ourselves. When Allah says ‘do not do’ something, it becomes and obligation for us to avoid doing that thing: for if we fail in our obligation decreed by our Lord, we are indeed among the most unfortunate ones.<br />Living in the UK, we do not often come across people who are so poor that they need our generous financial support. But we come to know millions of people from around the world of people via various charities and media who are in dire need of support where a pound of our contribution can feed a family for one whole day. We have the ability to spare some money and we can reach to them through numerous organisations. It would be utterly unacceptable for us not to contribute towards their plight. Given the killing spree prevailing in Gaza at the moment by the Zionist war mongers, we ought to extend our generosity and donate abundantly.<br />I soon shall conclude, but let me make two other points which I have indirectly touched upon. Allah points to two kinds of people who he dislikes: the spendthrifts who he said to be the brothers of Devil and the misers. Dealing with spendthrifts, those who waste money or abuses it, it may be helpful to remember that in the UK billions of pounds worth of food is being wasted every year. Think about this, a billion pound can change a poor country, yes one whole country. So with the money we waste on food which we do not eat, we can change the lives of the millions of destitute people, orphans and others. We all should therefore be extra vigilant and be not a wasteful person. For if we become among the evils, we are doomed to go astray.<br />For the misers, who are stingy and not spend at time of need despite having the ability, Allah indeed dislikes them, and those Allah dislikes are doomed to be failure too. So the message today is that we must guard the rights of others on us and be kind to the needy. We need to widen our heart to the greatest length possible. If we do so, Allah says:<br />Truly, your Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (for whom He wills). Verily, He is Ever All-Knower, All-Seer of His slaves. (The Quran 17:30)<br />May Allah enlarge all provisions for us, Ameen! (To be continued)Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-15756021933417855702008-12-27T06:52:00.000-08:002008-12-27T06:53:31.642-08:00New Dimension to Global PoliticsOnly two days ago the UK officials and parliamentarians were outraged by the decision of a TV channel to broadcast alternative view of the most powerful Middle Eastern leader for the benefit of the viewers to make their mind in a free society. The core argument supporting their outrage was the ‘potential danger’ that individual leader posses to Israel. Of course some attempted to attribute crimes such as genocide and mass killing to him but of course little hard evidence they had to support such assertion. The bigotry, prejudice and very one sided political understanding was clearly present in the reaction of those officials and politicians, however, there was one hope too which was that at least these people are against injustice and shall come to the aid of the suffering, oppressed and helpless people wherever they may be.<br />Now that the Zionist war machine brutally humiliate a nation, subjugate an entire human civilisation and ruthlessly kill dozens, surprisingly these voices for justices are remarkably silent. Perhaps their silence is not so surprising if we dig a little deeper into discovering their true identity. They are united in their love for the Zionist war machine in Israel, they are blind in their support for Zionist oppression and they are united in their hatred of Arabs. For they are unable or perhaps unwilling to accept Palestinians as having any right to exists, perfectly happy to deny all sorts of human rights to these Arabs and wholeheartedly supportive of killing these people.<br />More importantly however, their attitude is no different from that of the majority of western leaders in positions to make a difference. They are fearful of freedom for people, flourishing democracy that offers real choices and potentially challenges the status quo of a very one sided concept of western democracy. Such fear instilled deep inside their heart guard them from the influence of reason and logic and make them ignorant of the concept of justice yet have the audacity to claim to be civilised. Such are the states of many of our leaders. Let us hope that in a new year we will be better equipped to distance ourselves for them and pave the way for a new dimension to global politics, a trend underpinned by spirit of justice, freedom and equality for all human.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-47073423859933424042008-11-23T12:20:00.000-08:002008-11-23T12:21:25.771-08:00The Spirit of our Father, IbrahimOnly few in human history truly deserve to be called the greats. These are the people who, through their activism and utmost sacrifice, brought profound change in human existence. One such greatest personality, among the best of Humanity, is our forefather, the father of the greatest faiths, Ibrahim. Soon we shall celebrate Eid-ul-Adh’ha commemorating his extraordinary journey in the way of Allah, the almighty.<br />Ibrahim as a boy was curious in the world around him. He was dissatisfied with issues and practices in his society and wanted to know for sure who his master was. In his extraordinary journey, he proved his determination to find truth and his absolute commitment to truth. One such great example is his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismael, for the pleasure of His Lord, the Lord of this universe, Allah. But what the remarkable story of Ibrahim hold for us is really this: to be a Muslim is to truly submit oneself to the will of Allah the almighty even if that means sacrificing the most valuable of things for him.<br />Of course in principle we agree and express our desire to commit such act. But in reality that is far from the case. What we often fail to realise is that although we may in rhetoric express such willingness, we fail in most obvious of our acts, to be truthful, honest, trustworthy, reliable and sympathetic to fellow believers. For minor worldly gains, petty political, socio-economic interest, out of many false senses of pride, we indulge in plotting, misleading, mishandling, deliberate misguiding and backstabbing of our brothers, sisters. These, above all, are signs of our weak faith, the shortcomings of our human minds. They are the indicators of our position in the ‘ladder’ of Taqwah. Keeping true to the spirit of our father, Ibrahim and being consistent with our previous great occasions, Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, on this Eid we must resolve to improve ourselves, strengthen our Imaan and renew our commitment to our faith, our people.<br />Eid-ul-Adh’ha is a great moment of joy in many ways. For it offers the opportunity for millions of Muslims from across the world, of many cultures and races to come together as a whole, one community of brotherhood. This moment of nationhood identified by our faith, Islam, is a great inspiration and shall drive us to move forward in purifying out heart, restructuring our life and remodelling our relationships with our brothers. May Allah grant us forgiveness, accept our efforts and guide us in the right paths, the path of the Sirat-al-Mustaqim, Amen.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-59914683705694277212008-09-14T15:25:00.000-07:002008-09-14T15:26:46.800-07:00Dangerous PrecedenceThe war on terror and the ‘strategic partnership’ between US and Pakistan in that war enters a new era. With Musharraf gone and the US strike in the Frontier province of Pakistan, a new phase seems to be under way. This is an important development signalling a major shift in international policy.<br />The war on terror resulted from the barbaric attacks on the twin towers in New York changed the dynamics of global geo-politics. Suddenly the established legal rules of respecting the integrity and sovereignty of Nation seems to have disappeared. The Invasion of Iraq, in the view of many authoritative figures, was an illegal war violating international laws. Now we see the mastermind of such gross violation, the single super-power of the present time, deliberately intrudes into yet another sovereign nation, Pakistan.<br />We wish not to doubt the sincerity of US authorities and accept that they are doing whatever is necessary to curb the rise of militancy and as such are hitting on all positions deemed safe heaven for the militants. We assume that US is not necessarily violating the territorial sovereignty of Pakistan and merely trying to be effective in their war by strategically targeting specific terror cells which incidentally happened to be in the Pakistan. Even with such acceptance and assumption, can we accept too that this act of the US is responsible and beneficial in their pursuit of the terrorists masterminds?<br />The reality is that the US, ever since the end of cold war began to feel confident in asserting its authority in international issues unilaterally. Their assured position of singular superpower offered them confidence which soon transformed into a kind of arrogance which reached its zenith at the time of Iraq invasion. The destruction caused in Iraq and the continued violence effectively marked the end of normal sovereign Iraq that we have known. The death toll of innocent civilians in Afghanistan, too, has long passed the US loss suffered in the twin tower. More shockingly, despite all of this, the world in which we live in is no more safe than it used to be, in many ways grown to be much more dangerous.<br />In truth, our world is now divided in three camps: one lead by the new-cons where significant proportion of the western population is induced to believe that somehow military might ought to be used to suppress the rise of ‘Islamic Extremism’ regardless of the legal position and the potential damage it may do to the international rules and law. The other camp, suffering the brunt of US arrogance feeling angry and aggrieved who are determined to fight the war with US regardless of their clear inferiority in strength. They are contempt to hate US and everything to do with US. Then there is third group of people, perhaps the majority, who genuinely are concerned about our world and yearns for a better solution but are either confused or marginalised.<br />The US leaves a dangerous legacy for the Human civilisation. The people of Pakistan and their friends across the world will feel aggrieved and shall seek revenge in whatever form they can. This will create another state detracted from ensuring better life style for its citizens and devoted to balance the competing factions of militant groups. The militant groups will find an increased population of aggrieved people to recruit from and the cycle of violence will continue. We just hope that the last 7 years of bloodshed and lost lives will force US administration to pause and look critically at its policies. We hope that US will follow a path of peace and stability by respecting international law and pursuing strategies not defiant of commonsense.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-1744105521465379742008-04-26T14:17:00.000-07:002008-04-26T14:18:01.677-07:00The Decree<div align="center"><br /><strong>Part Two: The Parents</strong></div><div align="center"><br />Worshipping Allah is the most important aspects of a Muslim. But it is only the beginning of an Islamic life. But Allah has given us guidance about our entire life and decreed us to follow his guidance in dealing with our life. Our life starts from our birth made possible through our parents. To have guidance about life means we must be guided to treat our parents as they should be. Our life starts with the family and family begins with our parents, then siblings, wife and children and the chain continues. Allah so beautifully spells out the guidance for us in that order. Right after he decreed us to worship him, he told us how to treat our parents. He says: ‘and that ye be kind to parents’ though it does not stop there. Generally, we all behave well with our parents. While we are young, dependent upon them, we have little choice but to be kind and respectful towards them. The trouble often starts when we begin to become stronger, more ‘important’ then them and they with the effect of age becomes weaker, less able. Once they reach old age, it presents us with difficulty. Their weaknesses may cause us loose our patience. Allah warns us with clear guidance of how we should treat them. He says: ‘Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour’. Allah is so full of wisdom, so kind, he spells out even how we should show our kindness and respect for our parents. He clearly states that we must not show our displeasure, anger or dissatisfaction even to the slightest. At all time, we must show utmost honour for them and do nothing that can mean otherwise.<br />Allah of course understand our weaknesses. After all he is the most powerful, the doer of all things. Unless he empowers us with the strength and patience necessary, we are bound to fall short. Hence He tells us the way to seek his help in our affairs with our parents: And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood”. If we pray to him in the way he taught us, Inshallah he will bestow upon us his mercy and enable us to be in the right path, the Path to salvation. May Allah forgive us all and empower us with the necessary strength of character. Amen.<br />2:208 ‘O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.’<br />[To be continued]</div>Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-19933829401294366142008-04-22T14:18:00.000-07:002008-04-22T14:20:37.356-07:00The Decree<div align="center"><strong>Part One: Worship Allah Alone</strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">5:3 ‘… This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion… .’<br />Islam is a complete and perfect code of life on which the favour of Allah is bestowed upon (5:3). The perfection of our faith as the way of our life naturally means that it offers us guidance for our life encompassing all aspects of human existence. The Qur’an being the revealed book, the guide for the pious ( 2:2), live up to its claim. Here, in a series of writing, I will attempt to look at some of the decrees of Allah the most powerful. Allah the lord of the universe states:<br />17:23 Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.<br />17:24 And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood."<br /><br />Allah the most magnificent clearly defines our relation with him, spells out his expectation of us as one would expect. We as the creation of our lord shall worship him alone and none else. Although this assertion is clear and we all, I am sure, feel that none of us disagree or disregard this decree of our Master, nevertheless, we must pause to ponder upon this point with much attention. A review of scholarly contributions in expelling the meanings and messages of the Quran, a clear picture emerges of this statement: ‘worship Allah and none others’ includes acting in manners so that our actions, whatever it may be, do not contradicts with any of the qualities of our lord, Allah the almighty. As an example, one of the characteristic of our lord is that He is the provider of our living. It is often possible for us to forget that and feel we earn our living. What we do is merely attempt to shoulder the responsibility needed to be discharged before Allah can grant us our living and nothing more. So if one behaves or feels in ways which places another person or thing is of the importance to determine his living by means of providing income, his action shall be seen in contradiction with the decree of our lord: ‘Worship Allah alone and none other than Him’. This is just one example. Similarly, in our attitude with others, with events and issues of our life, we need to be responsible, committed and hardworking. But ultimately we must feel and believe that it is Allah who determines the outcome of events and issues of our life.</div>Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-72954239252206018822008-04-01T11:15:00.000-07:002008-04-01T11:17:33.605-07:00To be a Muslim<strong>Part 6: The One GOD:</strong><br /><br />(read part1, Part2, Part3, Part4 and Part5)<br /><br />Central to the Islamic faith is the belief in one supreme being, the faith in Allah, His oneness. Centrality of this belief indicates that for one to claim being Muslim must first gain thorough knowledge of the concept of Allah in Islam based on the Quran. The meaning and significance of the concept of Allah in Islam is so wide and profound that it is beyond the scope of any one writing to capture. Nor is one individual blessed with the immense knowledge and understanding necessary to undertake such task. I shall therefore limit my discussion to some of the key elements of the concept.<br />The belief in Allah demands a certain mindset, specific practices and clear conditions being accepted. First and foremost is to accept Him as the one and only one of his Kind. One who created the earth, the heavens and everything else that makes the universe(s). Only one entity alone has the supreme authority over everyone else, all other thing, that one entity is our Lord, Allah the most powerful. This belief marks the beginning of ones journey in Islam.<br />But this acceptance of Allah as the one supreme authority, the ultimate entity who is the creator, sustainer and master of everything that exists is often difficult to explain in the fullest. To understand the implication in real is even more difficult. But the Most Kind, Most Merciful and Compassionate lives up to his name even on this aspect. Allah the almighty has told us His most beautiful names each of which signifies a specific quality, an attribute of Him. To understand our Lord one must understand these beautiful names and their meanings. To show complete and perfect acceptance of the authority of our lord it demonstrate that our actions in every steps embed the necessary implications of such names that defines the Most Magnificent. Below are some of the ninety nine most beautiful names:Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-65136204250247158892008-04-01T11:03:00.000-07:002008-04-01T11:04:16.401-07:00Arab Unity for Global StabilityLast week some of the Arab leaders gathered in Syria in the latest round of meetings held by the Arab League, an organisation of Arab nations found to forge unity between the member states. Even before the event started, it was marred with news of boycotts by various key players. The meeting of the remaining leaders therefore created little hype in media and other circles.<br />After the formation of United Nation and the successful partnership of European nations in the European Union, many other alliances were formed with great ambitions. Some of these alliances were born out of a strong desire to counter opposing political blocks, some with genuinely honest and sincere commitment to develop meaningful inter-state partnership to break new grounds. Today however, barely any of these institutions of Nations other than the European Union plays any meaningful part in the affairs of the lives of those living within the geo-political arena of those organisations. Yet at the present climate, given the wars, environment and many other important issues, should have been the perfect one for many of the international organisations to play vital role on shaping the future of our world.<br />The Arab league from the perspective of the global peace and stability should have had an important role to play. If the league was able to work and managed to get the member states to take the organisation seriously, it could have played the most influential rule with potential to become the dominant voice at the international level. The question is though why, despite the similarity in language and culture unique to the Arab states only, it has failed to realise its dream to unite the nations under the umbrella? Here I shall seek to find some answers.<br />Perhaps the most successful institution of the modern nation states is the European Union. Despite many centuries old hostilities between prominent states and huge differences in language and even culture EU managed to function in manners unique in world history. Today EU is one of the largest economic blocks which speak as one voice on issues of vital importance to the advancement of national interest. Despite political and social challenges, EU has successfully brought her leaders to unite on one platform for the interest and benefit of their collective nations. Some may argue that this success has been made possible due to EU’s financial and technological sophistic which makes the membership of the organisation worthwhile. But such argument sounds unconvincing as it fails to explain the coming together of nations previously being involved in destroying one another. The fundamental reason has been that in the post world war error and with decreasing power of the monarchs, Europe managed to define itself with a common philosophy. Call it secularism or democracy or both, the reality are that the EU member states share a common political ideology which unites the states to act as one voice at the world stage.<br />The Arab states that formed the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League and other inter-state organisations may have had a moment goodwill that sprung the desire of coming together to work as one group of nations; they neither had the political unity nor common interest. It may even be argued that neither of these states had been able to define their political identity therefore unable to come up with long term strategies. The inability of these states to define their political identity and the subsequent failure in identifying their national objectives made them vulnerable to outside influence. As a result, although these nations gained independence, they remained largely influential by various old colonial masters.<br />The reason behind analysing the issues at play which made it impossible for these organisations to function is to come up with a remedy. The Arab states are located at a strategically important part of our planet blessed with significant reserve of natural resources. In fact it may be argued that the life line of global energy supply is offered by some of these states. Moreover, these states also represent the greatest challenge to the survival of human race as a peaceful civilisation. For political and religious reasons, Arab states occupy perhaps the central position in global politics and are therefore capable of defining future world. A united platform of Arab nations is the need of our time to challenge the status quo that exists. For the sake of global security and stability we need the Arab nations to be able to have common social, political and cultural goals. The leading nations of our world need to understand and work towards those objectives.<br />At present the divided Arab states may be offering some relief to the global powers as it allows them to influence as they will, but it is costing our world far too much in lives and other aspects unsustainable for long. To prevent further spread of civil unrest, political instability and the end of global peace, the entire globe should act to facilitate understanding between the Arab states. Such activism will result in a stable, secure and prosperous world whose future would not be almost predictable.Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-50719469751888421552008-03-17T19:24:00.000-07:002008-03-17T19:33:05.478-07:00To be a Muslim<div align="center"><strong>Part Five: Defining Islam</strong></div><p><br />[Click on <a href="http://uniqueworldview.blogspot.com/2008/01/to-be-muslim.html">Part One</a>, <a href="http://uniqueworldview.blogspot.com/2008/01/to-be-muslim_18.html">Part Two</a>, <a href="http://uniqueworldview.blogspot.com/2008/03/part-three-understanding-our-faith.html">Part Three </a>and <a href="http://uniqueworldview.blogspot.com/2008/03/to-be-muslim.html">Part Four </a>to read teh previous post on this series.]<br /><p><p><br />In the lines written as part of this series of posts, the underlined objective has been to understand what it means to be a Muslim. To be more precise, what are the elements of one beliefs, what practicalities are involved in becoming a Muslim and how does that affect our personal, familial and social existence, the relationship with others. But of course Muslim are those who believe in Islam. In other words, the followers of Islamic faith are the Muslims. So it right that we at this stage attempt to define Islam:<br />Literally speaking, Islam is to mean peace, submission. Islamically, it is a set of believes, values and practices which one undertake as an expression of their submission to their lord, Allah and through this they gain peace, tranquillity and success. So to define Islam we must understand three different elements of Islam:</p><ul><li>The believes,</li><li>The Values, and</li><li>The practices</li></ul><p>Of course a closer look at these three will reveal that what Islam really means is that it is a complete code of life which dictates the living of those who believe in it. In other words, Islam is a way of life that Muslims follow, or in the context of many Muslims today, suppose to follow. So to speak about Islam, its believes, values and practices, is to speak of all aspect of human life, issues that affects humanity on a daily basis. Such discussions will be long and will require huge amount knowledge, resources and thinking. In fact, it would be fair to say that such discussions in any one collection is almost impossible. For this reasons here I shall restrict defining Islam in terms of looking at its some of the most fundamental believes resulting in some of the core values and the subsequent implications in life, the most common practices.</p><p>[To be continued]</p>Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-59606627846361271112008-03-13T13:09:00.000-07:002008-03-13T13:16:17.618-07:00To be a Muslim<div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Part four: Understanding our Faith (continued)</strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">[Click to read <a href="http://uniqueworldview.blogspot.com/2008/01/to-be-muslim.html">Part One</a>, <a href="http://uniqueworldview.blogspot.com/2008/01/to-be-muslim_18.html">Part Two</a> and <a href="http://uniqueworldview.blogspot.com/2008/03/part-three-understanding-our-faith.html">Part Three </a>of this series]</span></div><div align="center"><strong> </div></strong>Clearly I have asserted that the post colonial era provided with opportunities for Muslims to regain their lost confidence and educate themselves about their heritage, culture and history. This has given rise to a new generation committed in their faith and confident in their belief. They no longer accept the unnatural divide between the national, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">socio</span>-political life and that of their religious one. Islam is not a religion practiced merely at the private premises of individuals hidden from the masses, rather, Islam is a faith that encompasses whole of human life, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">socio</span>-economic political, all aspects one may think of affecting humanity, the human civilisation. A new generation well versed in the arts of modern society, fully aware of their faith no longer concedes to the half-hearted and dubious arguments that seeks to leave Islam out of human society and attempts to reclaim their faith to dominate their affairs, all aspects of their life. The privileged classes in the Muslim world and indeed their allies in the ‘free world’ finds this development unacceptable as it threatens to deprive them of their grips in the societies in which Muslims are a significant force. But to understand the this struggle and to digest the facts and reasons involved, one first needs to understand the fundamental tenets of Islam and its implications in the real world. In other words, what are the core beliefs of a Muslim and what is the impact of such faith?Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361688386238450613.post-39529676082567766692008-03-09T06:24:00.000-07:002008-03-09T06:34:16.987-07:00To be a Muslim<strong>Part three: Understanding our Faith</strong><br /><br />[This post follows two prior posts which can be read by clicking on <a href="http://uniqueworldview.blogspot.com/2008/01/to-be-muslim.html">Part One</a> <a href="http://uniqueworldview.blogspot.com/2008/01/to-be-muslim_18.html">Part Two</a>]<br /><br />Let us, as I am speaking from the perspective of a Muslim, not be apologetic but confident in fighting the bigotry, ignorance and xenophobia so strongly embedded in the social fabric of our world. It is not faith, not Islam and most certainly not the Muslim identity responsible for the evils of our present world. We do not accept nor shall we ever accept the Islamophobic assertion made so commonly in the ‘civilised’ and ‘free world’. But for us to be confident and fight vehemently against the outrageous positions adopted by the global masters and to expose their vulnerabilities, we need to understand our faith, our identity.<br />At the core of our understanding of Islam lies the rejection of classification of Muslims in categories stated above. There can never be extremist, intolerant, terrorist Muslims. Muslims are of just one kind who are the ‘witness upon mankind’ made to be the nation of ‘moderation’. We are by default a nation of the middle path who rejects extremism, victimisation, intolerance etc. our faith have no room for bigots and xenophobes who are determined to diminish the human values. Our faith teaches us to be part of a global nation, caring, compassionate, participating, responsible and all other attributes that can be assigned to the ideal citizens of a nation, a global community. Our responsibility, commitment and goodwill is not just towards the fellow Muslims but to our neighbours, fellow citizens, friends, colleagues, wayfarers, all people around us regardless of their faiths, gender, race etc. Islam’s message transcends beyond humanly classifications of society and people and includes the whole of humanity, the entire mankind. Faith in our lord, believing in the message that our prophet has brought is for the entire mankind and is aimed at creating harmonious society where prosperity, peace and mutual respect will flourish.<br />Of course, following my assertion, the claims made of our faith will give rise to obvious questions as to why then are Muslims globally so unruly in places, irresponsible, ignorant, illiterate, intolerant etc? the answer is again very simple which requires us neither to be extremists, isolationists nor apologetic. Although the fundamentals of Islam is still preserved, the Quran and sunnah is intact to this date, the teachings of Islam has been eroding from Muslim life for centuries. The era of colonisation and the suppression that saw the decapitation of Muslims globally forced Muslim institutions, social orders and political authorities disappear over time. Consequently there remained Muslims, maimed, persecuted, deprived and demonised who neither had the opportunity nor the mean to learn about their faith. Most centres of Islamic learning we see in our local community have sprung up in the last century. Deprived of the central political and judicial authority, Islamic faith have grown to be the football which is kicked around as necessary by the various interest groups, the sections of human society. Then in the era of geographical nation state there has been a renewal of Islamic identity, a revival of Islamic spirit. These Islamic spirit is giving rise to increasingly committed and confident Muslims demanding their faith to take up central place in their life. Unfortunately this development has been seen as a threat by the prevailing global powers, including the rulers in predominantly Muslim states. The fear of loosing political power and the identification of Islamic block as threat lead to actions and reactions which causes exploitation of people’s emotion and ignorance to further political interest of various groups which leave us to the present state.<br />(To be continued)Seekerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704975798212697602noreply@blogger.com0