Hajj Explained

Download Movie – Message of Islam – Part 1






Download Movie – Message of Islam – Part 2

By Afshan Khan

There has been quite a debate over the subject of whether the Islam is compatible or in contradiction with modern Democracy. Both the extremist and moderate Muslim and non Muslim scholars have expressed their views on this ever boiling issue. At this historical juncture of our times, when we are witnessing turbulence in large part of Muslim world whether it is in Afghanistan , Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, Syria, Yemen or the current Libyan crisis and Iraqi struggle with Democracy, this issue demands serious and more immediate thought and understanding, which can lead us toward a reasonable agreement, if not complete consensus.

There are certain facts which clears the shrouded argument of Islam as hindrance to Democratic process of Muslim countries.

The primary principal of Islam is the “Tauheed”, means unity of God and thus establishing the sovereignty of One God, thereby making the sharia as the code of governance. This idea which is the core basis for Islam clearly contradicts with any form of dictatorship. As sovereignty of one man directly contradicts with sovereignty of One God. As Islam strongly declares that all men are created equal in front of God, which means they have equal say in all affairs of governance, which is the core of “democracy”. Hence any kind of dictatorship is in complete clash with Islamic primary ideal, which is “Unity of God, not the Unity of State sovereign”; thereby making it clear that democracy is precursor for the doctrine of “Unity of God”.

Another striking fact that is “Compact of Medina (Medina Charter or Medina Constitution)”, which is a historical record proves modern democracy has roots in 7th century Islam. “The Compact of Medina”, which was drawn and established by prophet Muhammad {PBUP} upon his migration from Mecca to Medina includes Quraysh, Ansar, migrant and indigenousness Muslims as well Jews providing them equal rights and protections,

http://www.constitution.org/cons/medina/con_medina.htm.

One of the true test of democracy was the election of Khalifa Abu Bakar after prophet Muhammad’s {PBUP} death, to lead and guide the Islamic world. As prophet Muhammad {PBUP} had called upon his followers to choose the “Best Among You”, not his own kith and kin after him, to lead the Islamic world. This clearly makes prophet Muhammad {PBUP} the pioneer of democracy. The popular selection of Abu Bakar by majority had created the rift between the followers of Ali, who is closest relative of prophet Muhammad {PBUP} and the rest of Muslim tribes. Hence the result is Shia and Sunni rift. Election of Abu bakar as the first Khalifa after prophet Muhammad {PBUP}, not Hazrath Ali is the greatest testament of democracy in the Islamic world. It had completely ruled out any form of Monarchy or dictatorship which is based on divine rule of one family, which was widely prevalent in every corner of the world.

Furthermore Islam has been instrumental in the empowerment of women for the first time in the history of mankind. http://muslimsvoiceofamerica.com/blog/2009/04/taliban-false-soldiers-of-islam. Islam has clearly established the rights of the women through granting them, the right to inherit property and right to divorce, thereby establishing the equality which was hitherto unknown in any civilization.
This shows Islam has been the torch bearer of democratic ideals since centuries. Principles of equality, liberty, and justice are clearly inherent in Islam.

Now the questions arise, is the Islamic form of democracy is in tune with the western style of democracy? Can there be different variations or forms of democracy adhering to universal principles of equality, liberty, and justice? Which are clearly inherent in Islam. Most important question is, are we suppose to dictate and impose western form of democracy in every part of the world?

Arab and Western leaders met Libyan rebels in Doha on Wednesday, as part of a Libya contact group set up last month.

The delegates debated the issue of NATO’s role, recent peace initiatives and the possibility of arming Libya’s rebels.

The talks took place amid continuing miltary action … and fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Misurata….

Inside Story, with presenter Teymoor Nabili , discusses with guests: Nassif Hitti, the Arab League’s ambassador to Europe; Oliver Miles, a former British ambassador to Libya; and Waheed Burshan, a political strategist at the Transition Council on Humanitarian Issues.

Muslim American Woman on Hajj – CNN

CNN – Hajj Report

Hajj Explained

Federal Judge blocks a new amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution that targets Muslims

a huffingtonpost.com article

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Monday to block a new amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution that would prohibit state courts from considering international or Islamic law when deciding cases.

U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange handed down the order after an Oklahoma man filed a lawsuit claiming the amendment stigmatized his religion and would invalidate his will, which he said is partially based on Islamic Law, also known as Sharia Law.

“My constitutional rights are being violated through the condemnation of my faith,” said Muneer Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma. “Islam was the target of this amendment. This amendment does not have a secular purpose.”

The measure, State Question 755, was approved with 70 percent of the vote in the Nov. 2 general election. The judge’s order prevents the state Election Board from certifying the results of that vote, which it had planned to do Tuesday afternoon.

The order will remain in effect until a Nov. 22 hearing on a preliminary injunction.
Awad, a law school graduate who has not been admitted to practice in Oklahoma, was congratulated by Muslims and other supporters following Miles-Lagrange’s ruling. Between 20,000 and 30,000 Muslims live in the state.

“We’re confident in the case. We’re confident in the claims we are making,” said Awad, who filed the lawsuit Thursday. “Today’s ruling is a reminder of the strength of our nation’s legal system and the protections it grants to religious minorities.”

The measure’s author, Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, attended the brief court hearing and said afterward he was surprised by Miles-Lagrange’s decision.

“It thwarts the will of the people,” said Duncan, an attorney who was elected district attorney in the northern Oklahoma counties of Osage and Pawnee in the general election.

Duncan has said the constitutional amendment was not intended as an attack on Muslims but an effort to prevent activist judges from relying on international law or Islamic law when ruling on legal cases.

In 2007, Duncan rejected a Quran as a gift from a council created by Gov. Brad Henry, explaining that “most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology.”

The constitutional amendment was one of several on Oklahoma’s ballot that critics said pandered to conservatives and would move the state further to the right.

Among other things, Awad’s lawsuit alleges the measure transforms Oklahoma’s Constitution
into “an enduring condemnation” of Islam by singling it out and barring courts from referring to Islamic law. It also alleges it violates the First Amendment’s prohibition against laws regarding the establishment of religion.

Legal experts also have questioned the measure. Joseph Thai, a professor at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law, said the ballot measure is “an answer in search of a problem” and that there is no danger of international law or Sharia law overtaking the American legal system.

a huffingtonpost.com article