Some Interesting links

I found these links very interesting, they can answer some of your questions about islam.

http://islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=263

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/050425/25roots.htm

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/050425/25global.pdf

I hope you will find them usefull.

What is the Qur'an?

"It is the final revelation of the will of Almighty God's to all of mankind, which was conveyed through the Angel Gabriel, in Arabic, to the Prophet Muhammad in its sounds, words and meanings. The Qur’an, sometimes spelled Koran, was relayed to the Prophet's companions, which they memorized verbatim, and which has been publicly and continually recited by them and their successors until the present day. In short, the Qur'an is the book of guidance from God par excellence. The Qur'an is still memorized and taught by millions of people. The language of the Qur'an, Arabic, is still a living language to millions of people, so unlike the scriptures of other religions, the Qur'an is still read in its original language by countless millions of people. The Qu'ran is a living miracle in the Arabic language; and is know to be inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact. God's final revelation to mankind, the Qur'an, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Qur'an, in contrast to many other religious books, was always thought to be the Word of God by those who believed in it, i.e. it wasn't something decreed by a religious council many years after being written. Also, the Qu'ran was recited publicly in front of both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities during the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The entire Qur'an was also completely written down in lifetime of the Prophet, and numerous companions of the Prophet memorized the entire Qur'an word-for-word as it was revealed. So unlike other scriptures, the Qur'an was always in the hands of the common believers, it was always thought to be God's word and, due to wide spread memorization, it was perfectly preserved. In regards to the teachings of the Qur'an - it is a universal scripture, and it is addressed to all of mankind, and not to a particular tribe or "chosen people". The message that it brings is nothing new, but the same message of all of the prophets - submit to Almighty God and worship Him alone. As such, God's revelation in the Qur'an focuses on teaching human beings the importance of believing in the Unity of God and framing their lives around the guidance which He has sent. Additionally, the Qur'an contains the stories of the previous prophets, such as Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus; as well as many commands and prohibitions from God. In modern times in which so many people are caught up in doubt, spiritual despair and "political correctness", the Qur'anic teachings offer solutions to the emptiness of our lives and the turmoil that is gripping the world today."

The release of more innocents

Today the April 21, is the birth day of prophet Mohammad(pbuh).
All the Muslims people in Mosul are celebrating this anniversary.
There were a big official celebration in the governorate of Nineveh, transported by the Iraqi media (Al Iraqia; TV Nineveh).

The governor of Nineveh announced in his speak, in this occasion, the release of 110 prisoners who were arrested for suspicion of being terrorists and found to be innocents later on.

For the first time in Iraq (I guess) a responsible authority in Iraq apologize frankly in a publics and in front of the TV lens, to the prisoners, telling them they are arrested by mistake. And this mistake can happened in a circumstances like this.
He asked them to cooperate with the policemen in controlling the peace in the city!

This speaks received acceptance from all the audiences.

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD RELIGION part two

WHAT ARE THE "FIVE PILLARS" OF ISLAM?

1. THE DECLARATION OF FAITH - "There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God."

2. PRAYER - Muslims perform five obligatory prayers each day. Islamic prayers are a direct link between the worshiper and God. Islam has no hierarchical authority or priesthood. A learned Muslim chosen by each congregation leads the prayers.

3. ZAKAT - One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and that wealth is held in trust by human beings. Zakat, or charitable giving, "purifies" wealth by setting aside a portion for those in need. This payment is usually two and a half percent of one’s capital.

4. FASTING - Every year in the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from first light until sunset. The fast is another method of self-purification.

5. PILGRIMAGE - A pilgrimage to Makkah, or Hajj, is an obligation for those who are physically or financially able.

TERMS AND CONCEPTS

Allah - Allah is the Arabic word for "God." It is the same word Arabic-speaking Christians use when referring to God. Allah is not the "Muslim God" but is the same God worshipped by Christians and Jews.

Muhammad - The last of the prophets beginning with Adam. The term "Mohammedanism", which is used in some books, implies that Muslims worship Muhammad. This is not so. God instructs us in the Quran about him: "Muhammad is no more than a Messenger. Many were the Messengers who passed away before him..." (3:144)

Fundamentalist - Muslims view the label "fundamentalist" as stereotypical and ill defined. Muslims also object to the use of terms such as "radical" and "extremist." These terms lack definition and are seen as pejorative. More neutral and objective terms include "Islamist" or Islamic activist." If the person in question is involved in a criminal act, name that act, not the faith of the person who commits the crime.

Muslim/Arab - Not all Muslims are Arab, just as not all Arabs are Muslim. In fact, Arabs are a minority within the Islamic world. According to modern usage, "Arab" is a linguistic, no t an ethnic, designation. An Arab can be Christian or Jewish.

What do Muslims believe about Allah?
1. He is the one God, Who has no partner.
2. Nothing is like Him. He is the Creator, not created, nor a part of His creation.
3. He is All-Powerful, absolutely Just.
4. There is no other entity in the entire universe worthy of worship besides Him.
5. He is First, Last, and Everlasting; He was when nothing was, and will be when nothing else remains.
6. He is the All-Knowing, and All-Merciful,the Supreme, the Sovereign.
7. It is only He Who is capable of granting life to anything.
8. He sent His Messengers (peace be upon them) to guide all of mankind.
9. He sent Muhammad (pbuh) as the last Prophet and Messenger for all mankind.
10. His book is the Holy Qur'an, the only authentic revealed book in the world that has been kept without change.
11. Allah knows what is in our hearts.

These are some of the basic guidelines Muslims follow in their knowledge of God:

1. Eliminate any anthropomorphism (human qualities) from their conception of Allah. His attributes are not like human attributes, despite similar labels or appellations.
2. Have unwavering faith in exactly what Allah and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) described Allah to be, no more, no less.
3. Eradicate any hope or desire of learning or knowing the modality of His names and attributes.
4. Belief totally in all the names and attributes of Allah; one cannot believe in some and disbelieve the others.
5. One cannot accept the names of Allah without their associated attributes, i.e. one cannot say He is Al-Hayy - 'The Living' and then say that He is without life.
6. Similarity in names (or meanings) does not imply similarity in what is being described (referents). As a robotics arm differs from a human arm, so the "hand" of Allah is nothing like a human hand, His speech is nothing like human speech, etc.
7. Certain words are ambiguous or vague in their meanings, and thus may be susceptible to misinterpretation. Only those meanings that are in accordance with what is specified by Allah and His Prophet (pbuh) are accept

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD RELIGION part one

This post has been chosen from "Masjid Annur Islamic Center" publications.

-WHAT IS ISLAM?

It is the same truth that God revealed to all His prophets throughout history. Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life.

-WHAT DOES ISLAM MEAN?

The Arabic word "Islam" simply means "submission", and derives from a word meaning "peace." In a religious context, it means complete submission to the will of God. "Allah" is the Arabic word for God, which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike.

-WHO ARE MUSLIMS AND WHAT DO THEY BELIEVE?

The followers of Islam are called Muslims. They believe in One, Unique, and incomparable God. They believe in the Day of Judgment and individual accountability for actions. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus. God’s eternal message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on them all).

One becomes a Muslim by saying, "There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God." By this declaration, the person announces faith in all of God’s messengers.

There are an estimated 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. No more than 20 percent of Muslims live in the Arabic-speaking world. The country with the largest Muslim population is Indonesia.

A new Government

During the last few days, there were a negotiation to form the new government. Yesterday they announce the name of the new president and his two deputies. Today they announce the name of the prime minister.

The president is Dr. Jalal al Talbani. A Kurdish from Al-Sulaimaniya. He is the boss of one of the Kurdish parties, who were fighting the Iraqi government before the occupation (insurgents).
I don't have too much knowledge about him, but one thing I didn't like, before few weeks he appeared on the TV in an interview, he said about the Iraqi flag "We will not allow for the Iraqi flag to be lifted on the land of Kurdistan".
Now we will see if he allow the flag to lift over all Iraq, or not??.

The prime minister Dr. Ibrahim al Jaafari. He is a doctor , graduated from the same college as I, but one year after me. He was very good guy, polite and honest. His talk on the TV is very encouraging, he looks very calm, educated, and neutral.
He says they will chose the ministers to different ministries according to their qualification and their fitness to the position. Which exactly what every body want.

The coming days will show the announcement of the rest of the government.
We hope it will be the end of our problems.

We need your prayers.