cerebrate

The following reminds me of the obsession with having enough savings that underlie our economic policies here in Singapore.

“The miser would argue that he hoards wealth to alleviate his fear of poverty.What is remarkable about this mindset is that the miser is never truly feels relieved of anxiety; a miser is constantly worried about money and devoted to servicing his worry.
…
The Prophet (s.a.w) once asked some clansmen about their leader. They mentioned his name and said, “But he is a bit of a miser.” The Prophet (s.a.w) said, “A leader should never be a miser.” And then he added, “Do you know of any disease that is worse than miserliness?”“

- Hamza Yusuf (2004), Miserliness in “Purification of the Heart” p25

Saudi Arabia’s legal system is based on highly sadistic, crude and tyrannical ideas. To help them mask their atrocities, they claim that their legal system is merely their own interpretation of the Sharia. This mask in turn, makes two things possible. First, tyranny reigns freely without serious criticism by those who can, if not deluded, effectively put an end to all of this. Second, Islam gets attacked by people who rightly see the tyranny that persists in the country.

Let us consider the case of a rape victim who may possibly be given 100 lashes (In 2007, a female rape victim was given 200 lashes). Now, it may at first seem absurd that a rape victim is being handed out a punishment. Well, because it actually is absurd. No. it is wrong. Plain wrong and anyone who says otherwise…..

And it is because of this – the legal system in Saudi Arabia, that some people have just given up on the law institution in the country altogether. This include rape victims. I mean, why would anyone file for a criminal charge against their rapist if all they are going to end up with is a 100 lashes on the body, and a jail sentence too?

So what happens therefore, is that rape cases are simply just not being reported. This in turn, keeps the official statistics of rape counts, low. This then gives out to people in other countries, especially Muslims, the impression that the sharia as per the Saudi’s interpretation – which entails subjugating women – is indeed a good thing as evident from the low crime rates. But alas, all these may just be mere illusions.

Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,-

Those who spend (freely)¹, whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men;- for Allah loves those who do good;

And those who², having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except Allah?- and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.

1 Another definition of the righteous (vv134-135). So far from grasping material wealth, they give freely, of themselves and their substance, not only when they are well-off and it is easy for them to do so, but also when they are in difficulties, for other people may be in difficulties at the same time. They do not get ruffled in adversity, or get angry when the other people behave badly, or their own good plans fail. On the contrary they redouble their efforts. For the charity – or good deed – is all the more necessary in adversity. And they do not throw the blame on others. Even where such blame is due and correction is necessary, their own mind is free from a sense of grievance, for they forgive and cover other men’s faults. This as far as other people are concerned. But we may be ourselves at fault, and perhaps we brought some calamity on ourselves. The righteous man is not necessarily perfect. In such circumstances his behaviour is described in the next verse.

2 The righteous man, when he finds he has fallen into sin or error, does not whine or despair, but asks for Allah’s forgiveness, and his faith gives him hope. If he is sincere, that means that he abandons his wrong conduct and makes amends.

- al-Imran: 133-135
with Yusuf Ali commentary

Dawud Israel wrote an interesting article titled, “Metaphors of the Muslim Plight in the West.” Here, he highlights the feelings of typical Muslims in the US whom he argues are in a state of directionless – where they hope to find guidance from others but do not know exactly where to go to. He also briefly acknowledge that there are overzealous Muslims around too but such Muslims are somewhat unappealing to many.

In any case, I think the article boils down to the question of, “What is Islam and how to be a pious Muslim in the context of the modern world?” A question that I think is asked by many Muslims at least subconsciously.

May I not be among the silent if I were to witness an oppression taking place!

“In essence, the goal of all the Tariqahs is one and the same, namely to cure spiritual maladies of the heart, elevate the spiritual status and ultimately gain closeness to Allah.” These goals are attained through “spiritual exercises” and it is to be noted that there are numerous types of exercises including dancing. And some Muslims quite rightfully, have find this problematic.

“The inherent permissibility or impermissibility of some of these exercises will rest upon the differences of the various Madhahib since some of these practices cross the boundary of a mere internal metaphysical sphere to the externally physical; thus, falling under the jurisdiction of the Fuqaha’. To present a brief example, the practice of hadrah, a type of spiritual bodily movement similar to swaying that some refer to dancing coupled with loud dhikr, is permissible for the followers of the Sh?fi‘? Madhhab since according to their ‘Ulama and Madhhab dancing is permissible with certain conditions.

Consequently, it will be permissible for the Shuyukh and Murids who follow the Shafi‘i Madhhab to participate in the hadrah. On the contrary, it will not be permissible for the Shuyukh and Murids of the Hanafi Madhhab to participate in the dancing or swaying of the hadrah since no form of dancing is permitted in the Madhhab unless one is overtaken by an uncontrollable state of ecstasy.”

http://www.askimam.org/NewsEvents/announcement.php?id=50

“The Messenger – The Meanings of the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan is aimed at drawing the meanings behind the Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w) actions. The focus therefore constantly shifts between the Prophet’s actions and the meanings of it. And at the end, the book conclusively brings the reader’s attention of the Prophet’s characters of love and sympathy towards others (among others).

Suggested by Khairul, the book is a great read, but I would not recommend it to anyone who is not familiar with Islam’s progress in its early stages. The reason for this is that the book is neither a historical nor a biographical attempt as Tariq pointed out. The constant shift between the description of the Prophet’s actions and the meaning behind it may actually confuse the reader who lacks knowledge of Islam’s early history. Nonetheless, it is an excellent book for what it is intended for.

In sum, I think the book is excellent for anyone who already has a basic idea of Islam’s history but is looking for the extra lessons that we may apply especially on a personal level, based on the meanings behind the Prophet’s (s.a.w) choice of actions. I’d end of by quoting something from the final chapter of the book.

“…throughout his life he kept listening to women, children, men, slaves, rich and poor, as well as outcasts. He listened to, welcomed and comforted them. An elect among the inhabitants of this earth, he concealed neither his fragility nor his doubts; in fact, God had, very early on, made him doubt himself so that he should never henceforth doubt his own need for Him, and shown him the reality of his failings so that he should seek His perfect Grace and remain indulgent toward his fellow human beings. He was a model not only through his qualities but also through his doubts, his wounds, and occasionally, as we have seen, his errors of judgment, which either Revelation or his Companions would point out.

However, absolutely everything in his life was an instrument of renewal and transformation, from the slightest detail to the greatest events. The Muslim faithful, believers of any faith, and all who study Muhammad’s life regardless of personal religious belief can derive teachings from this, thus reaching toward the essence of the message and the light of faith.”

(edited October 27, 2008)

Most biographies I’ve read about Muhammad (s.a.w) are often accompanied with biased exaggerations. It was therefore refreshing to have read Karen Armstrong’s “Muhammad”. It did not have similar overtones but yet, one cannot leave the book without being amazed at the Prophet’s (s.a.w) life.

Karen’s objective was to reflect the life story of Muhammad in the context of his overall vision for Arabia (his vision or mission was to establish a society where there are no injustice). And in light of this, she therefore, did not address the specificities that had no relation to Muhammad’s big project. Unfortunately, many have failed to see Karen’s objective and accused her for bieng biased because she ignored details about violent behaviours of the Muslims during the Prophet’s leadership and she has also ignored the violent references to Jihad found in the Qur’an. Obviously though, these criticisms are flatly ignorant of Karen’s aims. In any case, Karen had also left out numerous other references that could have painted Muhammad in a much more beautiful picture. If anything, Karen seem to argue that Muhammad lacked leadership capabilities. He had a vision, but he had no blueprint to show to his followers and was therefore not able to lead effectively.

A bias biography? Obviously not.

Anyway, enough of countering Karen’s critics. Now it’s time to hear Karen’s own criticism of contemporary Muslims in light of Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w) life.

Karen pointed out the religious schism in Islam is not surprising. The reason for this is because the early followers came to embrace Islam and followed Muhammad for very different reasons and they all had different political ideals. After Muhammad’s death, many went their own ways. And indeed, the first caliph – Abu Bakr, spent his entire caliphate period trying to abolish religious schism. He managed to maintain order and retain unity. But that was all he could do – maintain order. After his departure, things started to get chaotic as the next three caliphs were murdered for political reasons. Up till this day, this schism has not ended.

Karen implicitly argued that Muslims have failed to grasp Muhammad’s vision and thus, are not able to continue his mission – to end injustice to the world. Instead, what we have today is even greater injustice as Islam gets abused for political ends by Muslims and inevitably, the non-Muslims too.

Muslims believe that when Allah s.w.t announced the coming of a new creature called humans, the angels questioned the decision and claimed that humans will only create havoc and destruction. Allah s.w.t then replied that they knew not, what Allah s.w.t knew, and created humans anyway.

Satan was not too far from the picture. It swore to misguide humans for all generations so that they will face Allah’s wrath when they die.

It is perhaps unavoidable for Muslims to actually wonder if the angels were indeed right. I mean, look around us. We see people dying, people killing. We see people dying of starvation while rich men try to get as fat as they can. We hear stories of people crying for help but no one wants to help. We hear people get used by corporate elites. There’s also global warming and humans are to be blamed. We destroy not only our fellow species, but also our own planet and other creatures that live on Earth too. Everything’s just screwed and humans are the cause of it all.

Were the angles therefore right in thinking that humans are destructive?

(Post has been edited to correct mistakes as pointed out by fellow readers. Thank you!)

Matchmaking is a rather common practice in the past – at least among Singapore Muslims. And it certainly is not the same as modern day matchmaking.

In the past, parents choose a husband or a wife for their children when they think it’s about time their kids get married. Once a potential partner is found, the two male and female simply either agree or disagree. There’s hardly any ‘trial’ sessions – (read: no dating sessions).

Today however, matchmaking is popularly done by commercial organizations. And I find this amusing because we actually have to pay to be matchmaked even though there is the hgh possibility of being mismatched. Another diffrence between traditional matchmaking (by parents) and modern matchmaking (paid services) is that the candidates get to spend time with each other for as long as they like. Heck, they can go on being ‘potential life partners’ for decades without actually getting married for real.

In any case, it seems to me that most people today are reluctant to be matchmaked by their parents. And I think the main reason for this is ego. Yes, it’s plain and simple, people simply do not want their parents to matchmake because they they want to find their life partner on their own. This stems out from the mentality that if a person has to be matchmaked, then that person is probably a loser that no one wants to fall in love with. Definitely not good for the self-esteem (many would probably disagree with me – well, who wants to admit they are egoistic anyway?).

Being egoistic is actually not problematic for most people, but it certainly is problematic for practicing Muslims. The problem starts when (practicing) Muslim Singaporeans adhere to the strict Islamic conduct of “dating is impermissible.” When they restrict themselves to such a conduct while at the same time refuse to be matchmaked, they have effectively closed all avenues to find themselves a life partner. And when this happens, they get sort of mildly frustrated and annoyed. They want to get married because marriage is a highly encouraged act – a Sunnah. However, they seem they cannot do this for reasons that are not apparent to them.

In contrast to Muslim Singaporeans, I have come to know two Muslim men from South Asia, in their early 30′s, who are waiting for their marriage day. Their wife to be? Their mothers’ choice. And to them, my congratulations.

The infamous film ‘Fitna’ by Dutch politician Wilders is one that has been widely ridiculed for its lack or artistry and the fact that is is sheer amateurish.

The ‘film’ is basically a presentation of 5 Qur’anic verses linked together with scenes from terrorists acts and rhetorical speeches of Muslims. The point of this is to show that the Qur’an tells the Muslims to kill all non-Muslims. Of course, no one wants to see this happen. Therefore, Islam must be stopped – at least in the Netherlands.

Admittedly, the talk on Fitna is probably getting stale by now. Nonetheless, I feel the urge to to debunk the claims that verses in the Qur’an incite hatred.

And so, here goes…

Quoted verse #1
(8:60) And prepare against them what force you can and horses tied at the frontier, to frighten thereby the enemy of Allah and your enemy…

My comments:
In times of war it is only logical that the army should be well prepared. Additionally, soldiers should not be coward bastards who run and hide. This is true for every army that has existed throughout the history of the human race. Even war scenes in fictional films like Lord of the Rings have such concerns.

In any case, the ‘enemy’ mentioned in this verse is referring to those who have agitated fightings. This is evident in the verses that come before the (8:60). This therefore shows that Muslims should not be waging wars against others simply because they are non-Muslims!

The earlier verses

(8:56) Those with whom you make an agreement, then they break their agreement every time and they do not guard (against punishment).

(8:60) And prepare against them what force you can and horses tied at the frontier, to frighten thereby the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them, whom you do not know (but) Allah knows them; and whatever thing you will spend in Allah’s way, it will be paid back to you fully and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.

My comments: But this is not all. If the enemy decides to surrender or to offer peace treaty instead of coninuing with the war, then peace is indeed preferable. Even if the peace treaty is merely a plot to deceive the Muslim army, the Muslims should not reject the peace treaty. This is clearly stated in the verses after the verse 60.

(8:61) And if they incline to peace, then incline to it and trust in Allah; surely He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

(8:62) And if they intend to deceive you– then surely Allah is sufficient for you; He it is Who strengthened you with His help and with the believers.

Quoted verse #2

(4:56) Those who disbelieve in Our communications, We shall make them enter fire; so oft as their skins are thoroughly burned, We will change them for other skins, that they may taste the chastisement; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.

My comments: This is not an order for the Muslims to burn the skins of the non-Muslims. So, no issue on that. However, this verse do indeed seem to demonize the non-Muslims into creatures that are worth being tortured. But this is not true.

The verse is not referring to all non-Muslims. It is referring to pagan political leaders who are irresponsible and corrupt. This is clearly seen in the verse that came before the verse 56.

(4:51) Have you noted those received a portion of the scripture(Taurat and Gospel), and how they believe in idolatry and false doctrine, then say, “The disbelievers are better guided than the believers?!”

(4:56) Those who disbelieve in Our communications, We shall make them enter fire; so oft as their skins are thoroughly burned, We will change them for other skins, that they may taste the chastisement; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.

Quoted verse #3

(47:4) So when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then smite the necks until when you have overcome them, then make (them) prisoners…

My comments: Take notice of the first few words… “when you meet in battle.” The verse is not asking Muslims to go to the streets and slice off the throats of non-Muslims as and when they please!

In addition to this, when a war is over, the Muslims should set the captives free with no strings attached or they may demand ransom for their release. This is evident from the actual full verse.

(47:4) So when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then smite the necks until when you have overcome them, then make (them) prisoners, and afterwards either set them free as a favor or let them ransom (themselves) until the war terminates. That (shall be so); and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have exacted what is due from them, but that He may try some of you by means of others; and (as for) those who are slain in the way of Allah, He will by no means allow their deeds to perish.

Quoted verse #4

(4:89) They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends… but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper.

My comments: The verse is talking about hypocrites who only pretend to be Muslims but actually have resentments against the Muslim community. This may be observed from the verses that came before the said verse 89.

(4:88) Why should ye be divided into two parties about the Hypocrites? Allah hath upset them for their (evil) deeds. Would ye guide those whom Allah hath sent astray? He whom Allah sendeth astray, you shall by no means find a way for him.

(4:89) They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah’s way; but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper.

My comments: The verse that comes after this also shows us that this “kill them wherever you find them” is in the context of wartime. Those who continue to fight from within the Muslim community should be dealt with. But those who are afraid to fight, then the Muslims should not engage battle with them.

(4:90) Except those who reach a people between whom and you there is an alliance, or who come to you, their hearts shrinking from fighting you or fighting their own people; and if Allah had pleased, He would have given them power over you, so that they should have certainly fought you; therefore if they withdraw from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not given you a way against them.

Quoted verse #5

(8:39) And fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah

My comments: Again, as with the previous quoted verse, this is in the context of wartime.

(8:38) Tell those who disbelieve that if they cease (from persecution of believers) that which is past will be forgiven them;

(8:40) And if they turn back, then know that Allah is your Patron; most excellent is the Patron and most excellent the Helper.

Additional comments: The whole chapter “deals with the problems of the “Spoils of War”. The Quran says that these are not the spoils of war but the “Bounties of Allah” and proves this by showing that the victory at Badr (and in all other battles, too,) was won by His succour and not by the efforts of the Muslims. It also declares (in v. 40) that the war aim of the Muslims should be to eliminate all unfavourable conditions for the establishment of Islam and not to gain spoils.” (USC-MSA)

——————
See also:

1. A comment by iblog4islam at The Observers

2. ABC News: Quran Expert Interviewed by ABC News Reveals the Meanings Behind the Quranic Verses in the Film (ABC News should have provided a background profile of this expert to give the report credibility.)

A few days ago, I met up with an old friend on the bus. He was on his way back home after a hard day’s work at the office. He’s a clerk earning no more than $700 a month. Cheap labour? No, he’s actually serving the nation. It’s called National Service. It seems that he will be released from his obligatory duties in a few months time. From then on, he’d like to pursue a degree programme at a local university. However, sees some obstacles. He offered two of them, 1. his mediocre Diploma results and 2. the lack of financial support. Ahhh….. the classic case of lacking financial support. This is where things get interesting.

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In Singapore, the Malays need not worry about financial burden when it comes to education. A large sum of educational expenses are paid for by a Government body called MENDAKI. This special provision is only for the Malays since the Malays are seen as the indigenous people of Singapore. Besides this, Malays are also often portrayed as “lacking behind” and thus, they need all the help they can get to “catch up” with other members of the society. It is also important to note that MENDAKI identifies itself as an Islamic organization, albeit one that targets a particular race.

In any case, at first glance, you’d think that my friend would not have to worry about financing his education because he has all the characteristics of a Malay. He has a Malay name, he “looks Malay”, eats Malay food, speaks Malay, and does whatever a Malay is expected to do (whatever is a Malay expected to do anyway?). The only non-Malay about him is the word “Indian” printed on his Identity Card.

I can relate to all his woes. I have Indian on my Identity Card too. And the only “Indian” root I have is of my father’s father (i.e grandfather) from Pakistan. He married a local Malay Singaporean lady. My other grandparents are Malay. So technically, I am 1/4 Indian and 3/4 Malay. But we cannot have fractions or percentages as part of our race. We are either this race or that race. And since Singapore adopts a patriarchic system, my race is thus “Indian”.

And as Indians, My friend and I do not enjoy the privileges that other Malays enjoy. Why don’t we then get aid from the Indian support group? That is what they all say. The answer to this is in the fact that the indian support group aka SINDA provides educational financial aid only for pre-tertiary level. Beyond that, any Indian seeking financial support must be a Hindu. And I am no Hindu, neither is my “Indian” friend. We are Muslims, just like the Malays (in Singapore, the Malays are automatically deemed to be Muslims unless they officially declare otherwise).

And as Muslims, it hurts to see a fellow Muslim priotizing political concerns over the needs of another Muslim. In this case, a Muslim organization ignoring the needs of a Muslim simply because of racial issues. Is this not contradictory to the fundamentals of Islam, that there should not be any racial prejudices?

Lacking Behind

Let us now relook at the idea that the Malays are often being portrayed as ‘lacking behind’. Essentially, this means that the Malays are earning less in the labour market and have lower educational achievement.

Singapore Sociologist Chua Beng Huat, once pointed out that the significance of the Malays being portrayed as lacking behind is that they are made to priotize worldy materials when in fact, as Muslims, the Malays should be priotizing religious affairs.

I think he hit the nail on the head. But sadly though, I think the Malays are not willing to admit it. Malays are afraid to admit that pursuing worldly materials can in fact be contradictory to the pursuit of Allah’s pleasure. However, as a Muslim, I accept the idea that Islam does not forbid the pursuit of worldly materials. In fact, the two can coexist beautifully together. But this is not possible in Singapore. For instance, for the Muslim male employees and students, there is always the possibility of conflict between friday prayers and work/study hours. In fact, even normal daily prayers are sometimes neglected due to working hours that do not permit the Muslim to excuse oneself during working hours.

Strings Pulled

We have so far taken a look at
1. how a Muslim organization has taken priority of Government policy of race over a fundamental value in Islam – no racial prejudice.
2. the Muslim is made to priotize worldly materials over Islamic obligations.
and from these two scenarios, we can observe that these are essentially the result of the Government’s actions. That is to say, the Government are telling the Muslims who they are – they are Malays first, then Muslims – and what they should priotize – economic gains first then religious affairs.

And so it seems that the Singapore Muslims have their strings pulled in some matters. I can offer no solution to this problem except that we can only hope that one day, Muslims are given the freedom to define for ourselves, who we are and decide how we want to contribute to society. And for this, it is at least comforting to know that some Muslims have already decided for themselves how they want to contribute. For instance, the case of providing humanitarian aid to populations beyond the Singapore border. And so it is not really a dark picture but it is a picture that can be improved nontheless. We are losing out on a lot of possibilities if our strings are pulled.

———

Note: My critique is not against the mentioned organizations or the individuals working there. My critique is against the system that we are in. And that we are ‘blind’ to the social implications that these systems have.

We’ve all given half-hearted attention to our friends while complaining in our hearts, “Oh, I hope you stop talking. This is lame!”
Is this hypocrisy?

Nope. Not at all.
Check this out:

The word hypocrisy usually indicates pure evil. Hypocrisy is never something praiseworthy in any way whatsoever. The psychologists have defined it as showing a good face in order to achieve something bad and harmful.

So the hypocrite is never seeking something good, rather he is seeking to harm people and betray them and bring evil to them, and he achieves that by showing a good face and appearing to be loving and friendly.

Allaah says, warning against keeping company with hypocrites (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Take not as (your) Bitaanah (advisors, consultants, protectors, helpers, friends) those outside your religion (pagans, Jews, Christians, and hypocrites) since they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you. They desire to harm you severely. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far worse. Indeed We have made plain to you the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses) if you understand.

119. Lo! You are the ones who love them but they love you not, and you believe in all the Scriptures [i.e. you believe in the Tawraat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), while they disbelieve in your Book, the Qur’aan]. And when they meet you, they say, ‘We believe.’ But when they are alone, they bite the tips of their fingers at you in rage. Say: ‘Perish in your rage. Certainly, Allaah knows what is in the breasts (all the secrets)’”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:118-119]

The same applies to everyone who presents a friendly face to people and appears loving, when in fact he is seeking to harm them and do something bad to them.

…

As for the one who is polite, he does not wish ill to anyone and he is not trying to harm anyone either outwardly or inwardly, but he may show a friendly, cheerful and kind face in order to soften the heart of one who has a bad attitude, or so as to ward off his harm from himself or others, but without agreeing with him in his falsehood or supporting him in any way, either by words or actions.

…

From this it may be understood that hypocrisy means concealing ill will whilst making a show of goodwill in order to cause harm and evil. The one who shows a good attitude in response to bad treatment in order to remove evil is not a hypocrite, rather he is trying to put things right. Have you not heard the words of Allaah “then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend”? This is done in order to soften hearts, ward off enmity, extinguish the flames of hatred, create love and correct beliefs. This is how one makes friends and wins hearts.

http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20134

One contributing factor to the rapid development of the Muslim world is the use of paper.
Papers have always been cheap even since it was first invented in China. This made it an efficient and effective tool in disseminating knowledge.

Back then, the Western world was still stuck with using papyrus which are expensive and thus, impeded the recording of information and then sharing it around. This inevitably contributed to the slower development of arts and sciences in the Western Europe.

Today, paper is still abundant.
But at the same time, we have digital technology too.
Many people have suggested that papers would be replaced by computers soon.
But many have brushed off at such thoughts. It seems that papers are much too convinient too be wiped out anytime soon.

But then, this argument is not really productive.
The trick is not to ask whether or not it is time for paper to go away.
The question is to ask, how to best use both technology – paper and digital systems.
And the purpose is none other that to better the advancement of knowledge for the Muslims.

Currently, the forerunners of digital technology seems to be Extreme Aethists like Dawkins and Hitchens.
Both use the internet to preach, but at the same time, they write books.
So we can see here, the utilization of both technology.

Currently, individual Muslims have been embracing internet technology.
Typically, it is the setting up of blogs, websites and posting up video clips e.t.c….
While this is all great and dandy, it is not enough.
The Muslim academia has to get involved too.
They must utilise internet technology – to the fullest.

We can argue that we do have such instances occuring already.
SunniPath and Tajweed Podcast in English are a few examples. But I would likt to think that it would be even greater if the Muslim academia is extended to include other general subjects as well. The Mathematics, Sciences, Arts and all.

Why should we restrict the embrace of internet technology to just “religious” knowledge?
I think we can and should, embrace internet for the use of disseminating knowledge of all kind.
Only then, can we advance further.

Of course, talking and contemplating about the possibilities are easy.
Doing and implementing them is another thing altogether.
But hey, every action starts off with some fundamental ideas first.

[Add-ited: I am in no way saying that existing Islamic institutions are flawed and should be revamped. Everyone can't be doing the same thing right? There has to be specialized schools e.t.c. What I'm saying is the possibility of establishing new academic institutions that encompass a holistic outlook. I probably won't see this happening in the near future. I probably won't even see it within in my lifetime. But I think there will be efforts to move towards this holistic approach in the Muslim academia.]

The following was originally published last year for my school’s Current Affairs Club magazine called ‘VOICE’.

At the point of writing this article, it’s noon. My stomach is now grumbling, begging for my hands to throw a couple of cheeseburgers in to my mouth. Alas, I cannot do that. It is Ramadan, and as a Muslim, I am obliged to fast. That means among others, no eating or drinking, for about thirteen hours, from dawn to dusk.

Gladly enough, I know my stoamaching is a temporary affair. In a few hours, I will dine in with my family and have a sizeable meal. My stomach will be filled and the grumblings will stop.

But across the globe, not all those who are hungry are willing. They are deprived of food, shelter and healthcare. They live on the edge. Any small shortcomings such as flu can cost them their lives. Today, many of them can be found in Darfur.

One of the largest countries in Africa, Sudan can be divided into three regions. The North housing the Arab government, the South populated by Christians and Animists, and the West, Darfur is home to African Muslims.

2005 saw the agreement of a permanent ceasefire between the Government and southeren rebels, who opposed a nationwide Islamic law. Over twenty years of fighting finally ended. However, conflicts between the government and the African Muslims in Darfur continue to worsen since it started in 2003.

African Union (AU) peacekeepers were deployed in 2004 to help stabilise the region and protect civilians from Arab militias also known as the Janjaweed. However, the mission has been proven to be difficult.

Running out of resources, it has been proposed that the peackeeping mission be taken over by the UN. The proposal however, has been fiercely rejected by the Sudan government.

Today, the Janjaweed and other rebel groups have caused the deaths of over 200,000 people and more than 2 million displaced. NGOs such as UNICEF will not stay long in some areas, as fighting has been intensified recently, making the aiding suicidal. When that happens, tens of thousands of people will most likely die of starvation.

The next time I venture into the canteens of NTU, I know I am most fortunate to be able to choose the meals that I want. To be concerned about the tastiness of the meal is indeed a blessing.

More news and background stories of Sudan & Darfur:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/africa/2004/sudan/default.stm
http://www.genocideintervention.net/educate/darfur/news

Subhanallah.

While we awe at the wonders of the distant galaxies,
it is here on Earth, where our home really is.
But it is not Earth in itself that makes this planet our home.
It is the people.

Yes, unfortunately some people can be incredibly stupid and idiotic like Giuliani, Eric Cartman, and my sister’s Primary 1 teacher.
But as Gandhi tells us, “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty”.

” Remember when your Lord said to the angels: ‘Verily, I am going to place mankind generations after generations on earth.’ They said: ‘Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and thanks (exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You.’ Allah said: ‘I know that which you do not know.’ “
- Baqarah: 30

” Oh humankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured among you in the sight of Allah is the who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things) “
- Hujuraat: 13

It is well known that Islam’s golden age was a time where the sciences flourished.
But how was this possible and what are the factors that led to the eventual downfall of science within the Islamic empire?
As the title suggests, this article offers an interesting perspective that give answers to these questions.

The article is written by Dennis Overbye and was featured in “The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2002″.
New York Times has now made it a ‘freeware’.
So, go on, read the full article.

Excerpts:

…Muslims created a society that in the Middle Ages was the scientific center of the world. The Arabic language was synonymous with learning and science for 500 hundred years, a golden age that can count among its credits the precursors to modern universities, algebra, the names of the stars and even the notion of science as an empirical inquiry.

”Nothing in Europe could hold a candle to what was going on in the Islamic world until about 1600,” said Dr. Jamil Ragep, a professor of the history of science at the University of Oklahoma.

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Educational guidelines once issued by the Institute for Policy Studies in Pakistan, for example, included the recommendation that physical effects not be related to causes.

For example, it was not Islamic to say that combining hydrogen and oxygen makes water. ”You were supposed to say,” Dr. Hoodbhoy recounted, ”that when you bring hydrogen and oxygen together then by the will of Allah water was created.”

Poverty did not exist out of thin air,
but from political injustices; a man exploiting another man.

In the Agrarian Justice, Thomas Paine talked about the fact that poverty is the product of human actions. It is not a natural thing. In the Author’s English Preface, he said,
“It is wrong to say that God made rich and poor; He made only male and female, and He gave them the whole earth for their inheritance.”

200 years have passed since Thomas Paine’s Agrarian Justice. And yet, such inbalance distribution of natural resources still exist. And we are not talking about oil, gold or diamond. But basic biological needs – water and agricultural food.

Just take a look at what’s happening in Palestine:

“One and a half million people depending on the good will of the system that holds them under siege, depending on the diligence and hard work of the truck drivers and the Major’s cheerful few who stand with their clip boards all day sweating in the hot dusty desert while in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Gaza City and Ramallah, Cairo and Riyadh, Brussels and Washington the powerful deliberate and plot, self styled Olympian gods toying with the fate of mere mortals.”- Oxfam’s Gaza Blog: On the road again

On the Saturday that just passed, I went to a theme park. On Sunday, I went to the zoo. Free tickets, you see.
Anyway, on both trips, I realised that humans are remarkable beings.

Roller coasters and other “thrill rides” make us go hang upside down from the sky and feel all nauseous. We know how scary it is, hanging 10, 20 or even 50m from the sky. Yet, we are confident enough to experience all the thrill again and again.

Every time we ride one of these exhilarating rides, We literally surrender our lives to these gigantic machines. And on every time we ride them, these machines “submit” to us humbly. They don’t throw us off our seats and let us fall flat to the ground. They don’t spit us out like we do to the bitter spice.

The same can also be said of camels, cattles and elephants. They are bigger and stronger than us. But yet, we have managed to tame them and make them work for us. Truly, we humans are genuises, capable of making others submit to us.

“…and has made for you ships and cattle on which ye ride,
In order that ye may sit firm and square on their backs, and when so seated, ye may celebrate the (kind) favour of your Lord, and say, “Glory to Him Who has subjected these to our (use), for we could never have accomplished this (by ourselves),”
al-Qur’an: Az-Zukhruf (12-13)

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But sadly, sometimes we feel “godly”. This is when we start abusing animals and start building warheads. Incredibly, we can also see humans made to submit to other humans.

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You may download the above film, “Elephants Dream” in high quality format here:
http://orange.blender.org/download