Friday 28 February 2014

Homophobia & Freedom of Speech - Hamza Tzortzis (Official Clarification)



Hamza Andreas Tzortzis has been accused of being homophobic and equating homosexuality with paedophillia. This is a misrepresentation of Hamza’s beliefs.
  • Firstly, Hamza adopts the Islamic – as well as the predominant view of most religious people in the world – that homosexual practices are sins in the eyes of God. Please note that having a homosexual disposition is not considered sinful.
  • Secondly, Hamza does not call for the hatred, violence or discrimination towards the homosexual community. He has family members who are homosexual and his treatment towards them is one of cordiality and this is in keeping with the Islamic ethic of maintaining the ties of kinship.
  • Thirdly, Hamza believes that homosexuals are human beings with spiritual needs too, and strongly advocates warm dialogue and discussion between religious people and the homosexual community.
  • Fourthly, in a blog post Hamza wrote a few years ago he explained the philosophy behind objective timeless moral values, and argued that changes in our moral norms based upon societal shifts in our moral thinking can lead to moral absurdities such as condoning peadophillia, not once did he equivocate homosexuality with any other practice. The points he raised were theoretical and highlighted an issue in moral philosophy that has been discussed by thinkers for centuries. David Hume, Emmanuel Kant and Nietzsche are just names on the list of western philosophers that have discussed the points Hamza has raised.
In summary Hamza does not call for any aggression and hatred towards anyone. He believes in helping humanity spiritually and philosophically, and he would never behave unjustly with them as this would be a major sin in Islam.
From: http://www.hamzatzortzis.com/clarifications-and-responses/clarifying-my-views-on-homosexuality/

Respect to Hamza Tzortzis

Those who get up and take action are likely to be misunderstood by someone and come in for criticism fairly or unfairly. Those who sit at home and don't do anything for the deen are not going to be subjected to the same scrutiny. Hamza acts and tries his best sincerely for God Almighty. Respect to the brother. People who are Non-Muslims can respect him too.

Convert to Islam

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

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Thursday 27 February 2014

THANK YOU KATY PERRY! - DARK HORSE MUSLIM RESPONSE - LDM



Do you want to convert to or learn  more about Islam:http://www.thedeenshow.com/

Email: yahyasnow@yahoo.co.uk

Hieroglyphs Affirm the Historicity of the Qur’an

ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD PHARAOH
Advances in our understanding of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs have shown that the Qur’an’s use of the term ‘Pharaoh’ is historically accurate.
The word ‘Pharaoh’ is a title that originates from the Egyptian term ‘per-aa’, literally “great house”, describing the royal palace. Historically, however, “Pharaoh” only started being used as a title for the king much later in Egyptian history, during the New Kingdom period. 
Read more here:

Know the truth about Muslims and Taqiyah!

There is a constant stream of Islamophobes (haters) carping on about how Muslims are allowed to lie to non-Muslims whilst appealing to something called “taqiyyah” (also spelled, “takiya” and “taqiyya”)

Rather than relying on shoddy hate sites/Christian missionaries to educate us about taqiyyah we shall rely on SCHOLARLY authority – largely in the form of R. Strothmann’s relevant section in “Shorter Encyclopaedia of Islam” (by H.A.R. Gibb and J.H. Kramers)  and Cyril Glasse’s Concise Encyclopedia of Islam

What is “Taqiyyah”, “Takiya”, “Taqiyya”?

 
This term is spelt variously; “taqiyyah”, “takiya” or “taqiyya”.

“Takiya (A.), caution, fear (see glossarium to Tabari S.V. T-K-A) pr kitman, “disguise” is the technical term for dispensation from the requirements of religion under compulsion or threat of injury.” [1]

“Taqiyyah (From the root word waqa “to safeguard”; “self-protection” and hence “dissimulation [in order to protect oneself]”).” [2]

So, taqiyyah (takiya, taqiyya) is concerning dissimulation due to force – i.e. when an individual is forced to conceal.

Sadly, Islamophobes and Christian missionaries – in order to obtain an unchecked platform and/or demonise Muslims – have misapplied this term in their exaggerated claims of “Muslims are allowed to lie to the unbelievers”.

At what level of force is Takiya (Taqiyyah, Taqiya) justified?

“But an individual is not justified in takiya nor bound to hidjra [emigration] if the compulsion remains within the endurable limits, as in the case of temporary imprisonment or flogging which does not result in death” [1]

So, this make a mockery of the Islamophobes’ general suggestions of “Muslims are allowed to lie to the unbelievers” as even under threat of imprisonment and flogging Muslims are not justified in takiya. The level of force which justifies oneself in takiya is that of an unbearable level.

Takiya (taqiyya, taqiyyah) and the type of lies…

One may ask, what type of “disguise” is allowed under takiya (taqiyyah, taqiyya)?

Let’s be clear about takiya (taqiyyah, taqiyya); “The principle of dissimulation of one’s religious beliefs in order to avoid persecution or imminent harm, where no useful purpose would be served by publicly affirming them.” [2]

So takiya (taqiyyah, taqiyya) is not used to convert folk to Islam nor is it used in Islamic text books or anything of such a nature. It is simply a form of concealment used to avoid persecution!

For further clarity, we are not talking about general, everyday fibs here, thus the ethical question of dishonesty is bypassed:

“The ethical question whether such forced lies are nevertheless lies, such a forced denial of the faith nevertheless a denial, is not put at all by one “who conceal himself” as he is not in a state of confidence which would be broken by lies or denial.” [1]

Sadly, our Islamophobic counterparts attempt to convince the gullible that takiya (taqiyyah, taqiyya) allows Muslims to lie (or conceal) about aspects of their faith (Islam) as well as lie in general.

Recently, Islamophobes were accusing Senator Keith Ellison of taqiyyah. Try learning what taqiyyah (takiya, taqiyya) is before accusing folk of it, you may just look less silly if you take this advice on board!!!

Famous case of Taqiyyah (Taqiyya, Takiya)

A common example of takiya (taqiyyah, taqiya) involves a Muslim (Ammar B. Yasir, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, p) being forced to worship idols and insult the Prophet of Islam. [1] [3]

The level of force the polytheists applied on Ammar bin Yasir can be imagined by Amr bin Maymoon’s statement, “The polytheists tortured Ammar with fire. [3]

“Abu Ubaydah bin Muhammad bin Ammar bin Yasir said: The polytheists seized Ammar and they did not let him off until he was forced to insult the Messenger of Allah and say good things about their deities [3]

Ammar bin Yasir told Prophet Muhammad (p) of what he was forced to say.

“The Prophet (p) said: “Say it again if they ask (i.e. force) you to do so”.” [3]

So, in order to avoid such torture the Prophet allowed Ammar bin Yasir to use “taqiyya”

If Jesus (p) had done the same, our Christian friends would have lauded it as an act of piety and mercy. Instead we see Islamophobes exaggerating this form of concealment in order to demonise Muslims. It’s a crazy old world!

Taqiyyah and the Shi’ites (Shia)

"It is, however, associated most closely with the Shi’ites who practiced taqiyyah systematically and widely during periods of Sunni domination to hide their beliefs from Sunni Muslims. "[2]

Obviously, if these Shi’ites felt they would have been persecuted for publicly announcing their shia beliefs, one can understand why they concealed (used taqiyya) their beliefs.

Is taqiyyah allowed in the Quran?

Our Islamophobic friends jump up and down in joy whilst proclaiming taqiyyah (taqiyya, takiya) is allowed in the Quran. Let’s analyse (via scholarship) the two Verses they cite.

Quran 16:106 and taqiyyah (taqiyya, takiya)?

Whoso disbelieveth in Allah after his belief - save him who is forced thereto and whose heart is still content with the Faith - but whoso findeth ease in disbelief: On them is wrath from Allah. Theirs will be an awful doom. [Pikthal translation of the Quran 16:106]

The reason for this verse is unanimously said to have been the case of Ammar b. Yasir, whose conscience was set at rest by this revelation when he was worried about his forced worshipping of idols and objurgation of the Prophet. [1]

The story of Ammar bin Yassir is relayed earlier in the article (see above).

Tabari says on Sura 16:106 (Tafsir, Bulak 1323 sqq.24.122): If any one is compelled and professes unbelief with his tongue, while his heart contradicts him, to escape his enemies, no blame falls him on him, because God takes his servants as their hearts believe [1]

The Quran’s (16:106) allowance of uttering disbelief whilst under extreme force is hardly justification for the outrageous smears the Islamophobes propagate.

Quran 3:28 and taqiyyah (taqiyya, takiya)?

Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Allah unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. Allah biddeth you beware (only) of Himself. Unto Allah is the journeying. [Pikthal translation of the Quran 3:28]

This Verse instructs Muslims to not take the unbelievers as patrons over the believers but does allow for this in the case of fear. Tuqatan is used here (a verbal noun of taqiyyah). Tafsir Jalalayn explains:

“unless you protect yourselves against them, as a safeguard (tuqātan, ‘as a safeguard’, is the verbal noun from taqiyyatan), that is to say, [unless] you fear something, in which case you may show patronage to them through words, but not in your hearts” [Tafsir Jalalayn – 3:28]

It is hardly something Islamophobes can latch onto as evidence for their demonization of Muslims as this Verse allows concealment (taqiyyah, taqiyya, takiya) in the case of fear (i.e. to avoid persecution). We are essentially back to where we started as initially stated on taqiyyah:

Takiya (A.), caution, fear (see glossarium to Tabari S.V. T-K-A) pr kitman, “disguise” is the technical term for dispensation from the requirements of religion under compulsion or threat of injury. [1]

Taqiyyah (From the root word waqa “to safeguard”; “self-protection” and hence “dissimulation [in order to protect oneself]”). [2]

Taqiyya is acceptable till the Day of Judgement

Ibn Kathir, a prominent authority writes, "Whoever at any time or place fears their [infidels'] evil may protect himself through outward show." As proof of this, he quotes Muhammad's companion, al-Hassan, who said, "taqiyya is acceptable till the Day of Judgment [i.e., in perpetuity]." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taqiyya

Islamophobes make a big deal out of Muslims believing taqiyya (taqiyyah, takiya) is acceptable to this very day and beyond. So what? There is NO issue here whatsoever.

Think about it, if, in the future, an extreme Christian/Hindu/Islamophobe put a gun to a Muslim’s head and asked him to denounce Islam in order to preserve his life would you really have qualms in the fact the Muslim would be allowed (according to Islam) to do so in order to protect his life?

Abraham (p) and taqiyyah

In the Biblical account of Abraham, Sarah and Pharaoh we notice Abraham (and Sarah) concealed the fact Sarah was his wife as he feared death:

When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live.
Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” [Genesis 12:12-13 NIV]

Where are the Christian Islamophobes to demonise Abraham, Sarah and the Bible? Nowhere!

Why are people not exaggerating this to mean the Bible allows Jews and Christians to lie to non-believers just as they do against Muslims in the case of taqiyyah? The answer is hypocrisy as Islamophobes work an anti-Muslim agenda assiduously whilst refraining from using the same absurd modes of exaggeration/deception against Christians and Jews!

The “Apostle” Paul and taqiyyah?

Paul, in Corinthians 19, was using a strange tactic to convert people. So strictly speaking, Paul did not practice taqiyya as he was not under threat of harm and his “concealment” was in the avenue of evangelism rather than that of self-protection. Paul was concealing himself as a Jew (to convert Jews), as a gentile (to convert gentiles) and as the weak (to convert the weak).

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.
21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.
22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. [Corinthians 9:19-22, NIV]

Of course, Christian apologists would extend explanation towards Paul’s strange actions in order to exonerate him of the allegation of deception but you can see why there is a potential cause for concern here – especially in the light of the numerous deceptive episodes involving Christian missionaries ever since Paul’s strange actions.

Why are our Christian Islamophobes not concluding Paul’s actions to mean all Christians can lie whilst evangelising folk?

I have caught Christian missionaries, on numerous occasions, lying to convert folk to Christianity. If you want to exegete this New Testament account to mean Christians are allowed to use deception whilst evangelising you will have a stronger case than that of the Islamophobes’ exaggerations on Muslim allowance of taqiyyah (concealment due to fear).

Lying about the Prophet Muhammad (p)

Islamophobes, in an attempt to obtain an unchecked platform, do suggest Muslims misinform (“use taqiyya”) about the Prophet Muhammad (p). This is an utter absurdity as it is a grave sin for a Muslim to misinform about the Prophet Muhammad as the Prophet stated:

Whoever lies about me intentionally shall take a place for himself in hell (al-Adhkar (y102), 510-12) [4]

In fact, presenting misinformation about the Prophet (p) was considered an extreme offense amongst early Muslim communities:

Habib ibn ar-Rabi’ said that it is disbelief to alter his [Prophet Muhammad’s] description and its details. The one who does that openly is an unbeliever. He is asked to repent. [5]

So much for the Islamophobes claims of “Muslims using taqiyyah” regarding Prophet Muhammad (p).

Conclusion

Taqiyyah (taqiya, takiya) is not something to be writing home about. To use this practice to brandish Muslims as untrustworthy (or to demonise them) is unscholarly and unjust.

If you do encounter an anti-Muslim bigot on the internet crying “taqiyya” (there are plenty about), please do send him/her away educated.

There are a number of Islamophobes who do make cash and political inroads out of demonising Muslims with all this exaggeration concerning taqiyyah (takiya, taqiyya) amongst other absurd claims concerning Muslims. These folk do influence other folk on the internet to propagate these misconceptions – thus it is our job to present the truth to counter the many anti-Muslims deceptions out there.

"During times of universal deceit telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act" - George Orwell


References

[1] Article by R. Strothmann, Shorter Encyclopaedia of Islam, H.A.R. Gibb and J.H. Kramers, Fourth impression, 1995, E.J. Brill Leiden. New York. Koln p. 561 - 562

[2] The Concise Encyclopaedia of Islam, Revised Edition, Cyril Glasse, Stacey International, 2001, p450-451.

[3] Men and Women around the Messenger, Sa’d Yusuf Abu ‘Aziz, Translated by Suleman Fulani, Darussalam, 2009, p. 286-287

[4] Reliance of the Traveller, Translated by Nuh Hamim Keller – Amana Publications, 2008, r8.0, p 747

[5] Muhammad, Messenger of Allah – Ash Shifa of Qadi Iyad, translated by Aisha Abdarrahman Bewley, Madinah Press, 2004, p. 387

Sharia Law against terrorism

Christians having dreams and converting to Islam


Learn about Islam

Email: yahyasnow@yahoo.co.uk
 

Wednesday 26 February 2014

Muslims Who Insult the Christian Belief in the Holy Spirit?

Sadly on the net we have Muslims who make comments about the Christian belief in the Holy Spirit and do not do so with sensitivity at all.

I've seen some deplorable comments coming from internet users assumed to be Muslim. At the end of the day, regardless of he insults we as Muslims endure there is absolutely NO excuse for Muslims or anybody else for that matter to insult the Christian belief of the Holy Spirit.

This is a very sensitive matter for Christians as per their teachings found in the Gospel of Matthew:

31 “Therefore, I tell you that people will be forgiven for every sin and insult to God. But insulting the Holy Spirit won’t be forgiven. Matthew 12:31


Yes some Christians do abuse Islam however we are not allowed to respond by insulting their faith. We as Muslims must endure the insults and respond in a manner which is Islamic and also wise. It's unislamic and unwise to insult the Christian beliefs in such a fashion. We as Muslims know how it feels to be insulted over the internet; we see it on a daily basis.

As Muslims we should remember that the fundamentalist Christians who are insulting us and our faith are doing so because of our belief in Jesus (p). This quote from the Gospels is apt:

Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. [Mat 5:11-12]

Do you want to convert to or learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com/

Email: yahyasnow@yahoo.co.uk

Spain, Jews first. Muslims to follow?

A proposed law will fast-track naturalisation of Jews whose ancestors were expelled 500 years ago. Now the descendants of Muslims who were ousted are also seeking the right to return


The Alhambra

The Alhambra in Granada, Andalusia, was built by Moors beginning around AD889, who officially stayed in Spain for several centuries. Photograph: Shaun Egan/Getty Images


Perched dramatically on a rocky mountain, the small city of Toledo overlooks a bend in the Tagus river. Within its maze of cobblestone streets are buildings that once housed mosques, churches and synagogues, hinting at the varied cultures that once called this medieval city home.
Earlier this month, about 50 miles away from Toledo, the Spanish government sought to strengthen its ties with one of these cultures, announcing plans to fast-track the naturalisation of Sephardic Jews, whose ancestors were expelled five centuries ago from Spain.
The bill, said the Spanish government, would "correct a historical wrong". The legislation has yet to be approved by parliament, but already consulates in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem said they have been flooded with requests for information. Up to 3.5 million people around the world are thought to have Sephardic – Hebrew for "Spanish" – Jewish ancestry.
Now the descendants of another group who figured prominently in Spain's colourful past – before also being expelled – say it's only fair that the same right of return be extended to them.
Shortly after banishing the country's Jewish population, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand turned their attention to Spain's Muslims, forcing them to covert to Christianity or face expulsion. The Muslims who converted, known as Moriscos, often did so in name only, holding on tightly to their customs and traditions.
In the early 1600s – nearly 120 years after Jews in Spain were told to leave – the Moriscos were also expelled. An estimated 275,000 people were forcibly resettled, the majority of them heading to Morocco, some to Algeria and Tunisia.

Convert to Islam

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com


Addiction to TV - Hamza Yusuf



Convert to Islam

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Muslim Ressponds to Richard Littlejohn

Jamal Harwood’s open letter to Richard Littlejohn

Executive Committee member of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain, Jamal Harwood writes an open letter in response to Richard Littlejohn’s anti-Muslim article published in the Daily Mail.
Dear Mr Littlejohn,
Peace be upon those who tread the path of guidance.
Thomas Jefferson may have been rather harsh, but was most likely on the money, when he said, The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers”.
Undoubtedly, February is la morte-saison when it comes to your Daily Mail column.  After all why would your readers want to learn about the political crisis in Ukraine, the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Syria or the flimsy economic recovery when they can get such a tolerant and liberal insight into a Muslim community day out to Legoland.
Of course, you are no stranger to controversy and let’s face it popularity comes before principles.  Take for instance your previous form in justifying the bombing of offices of the company that administers the London congestion charge.  Commenting on the letter bomber, you wrote, “we can all empathise with what drives him over the edge” [Daily Mail, 9 February 2007].  Clearly you are partial to certain types of bombing.
What amazed me is how the article managed to amalgamate female genital mutilation with Legoland Knights’ Kingdom, merge evening prayers with shopping mall bombings and combine virgins in Paradise with bacon sandwiches.  I am sorry to say, that the final result, was not the prettiest piece of journalism to emerge from the Daily Mail.
While clearly, by design, the article had racist undertones such as the jokes about ‘kofti kebabs’, the predominant theme that emerged was the danger that the public faces from Muslims who practice their faith.  The article sets out to leave the reader in no doubt that observant Muslims are a clear and present danger to Western societies.  You may have tried to veil this narrative behind jokes about Lego, grenades and bacon sandwiches, but it is nevertheless wholly apparent.
I thought (albeit briefly) about how to craft an intellectual response to your article but concluded that it is neither possible nor productive.  After all, even your readers must see that the article is a rant and does not merit a rigorous intellectual response.  I can merely surmise that your article is simply a reflection of the values that you hold dear; lies, half-truths, inaccuracies, prejudice and cultural imperialism.
The hypocrisy of your position is staggering and is worthy of mention:
  1. You malign the noble Islamic injunction of Jihad, in which wars are not fought for resources, jobs or empire, while you never utter a word against the West’s post-modern crusade against the Islamic people or expose the pernicious nature of Western colonialism.  If the motivation for Jihad were for other than truth and justice, Islam would have indeed died an early death.  Indeed, it is militant democracies such as the USA and UK whose hands are drenched with the blood of hundreds of thousands of civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  1. You insinuate that young Muslim children who go to Legoland on a day trip will be schooled in violence and aggression. Yet you ignore the societal playground in which violent video games, street gangs and the overall problem of crime is spiralling out of control at all levels, including investment bankers who rig markets (FX and LIBOR) and launder money for criminals and drug gangs (HSBC scandal) with little or no sanction.
  1. You poke fun at the Islamic rules related to the relationship between the sexes and the position to which Islam elevated men and women, yet you remain silent over the epidemic of domestic violence that blights Western societies, the sexualisation of children and the disease of individualism which has resulted in 5 millions Britons saying that TV is their main form of company. The Independent on the 25th May 2012 reported that, “Nearly half of young women in London were sexually harassed in public last year, with many forced to endure unwanted male attention on buses and trains, a new study shows”. Yet you poke fun at Muslim gatherings where men and women dress modestly and treat each other respectfully.
Let it be known that Muslims in the West:
  • Are willing and open to debate and discuss all of the claims you make and all of what you accuse Islam and the Muslims of.
  • Will not fall for the trap that seeks to divide Muslims into ‘moderates’ and ‘extremists’ and to conflate the widespread Muslim aspiration for Shariah and Khilafah with terrorism and militancy.
  • Are not interested in trading insults, half-truths and lies but will not remain silent in the face of such tactics.
We invite people of all faiths to participate in a robust intellectual debate, away from the pages of the Daily Mail and the tabloids, in an atmosphere of candour and geniality.
Finally, it is reasonable to suggest that if the Daily Mail has chosen to sell the newspaper by aiming for the lowest common denominator, it ought to abandon its tone of moral superiority.
“Say: ‘O mankind! Now truth has come to you from your Lord. So whosoever receives guidance, he does so for the good of his own self; and whosoever goes astray, he does so to his own loss; and I am not (set) over you as a Wakeel (disposer of affairs to oblige you for guidance)’.” [The Quran, Chapter 10, Verse 108]
Jamal Harwood
Hizb ut-Tahrir UK Executive Committee
 
Convert to Islam

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com

Muslim Responds to Katy Perry



London Dawah Movement responds to Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” video

London Dawah Movement responds to Katy Perry’s controversial song “Dark Horse” where the name of Allah (swt) in Arabic is burned.
In the video, the pop queen is seen dressed up as an ancient Egyptian Queen of magic and there is a consistent theme and lyrical reference to magic in the song.
Muslims have expressed outraged that Allah’s name was used in the form of a pendant worn by one of the protagonists in the video that was “burned”.
Petition
A petition has been launched which demands YouTube to take the video down. It has reached over 28,000.
The petition statement reads:
This petition is lodged in regards to Katy Perry’s music video ‘Dark Horse’; hosted by KatyPerryVEVO, on YouTube. The video is considered as highly controversial to its viewers as a result of its portrayal of blasphemy.
At 01:15 into the video Dark Horse; a man is shown being burned, whilst wearing a pendant (also burned) forming the word ‘Allah’, which is the Arabic word for God.
Such goes to show, that blasphemy is clearly conveyed in the video, since Katy Perry (who appears to be representing an opposition of God) engulfs the believer and the word God in flames.
This is the reason for lodging the petition so that people from different walks of life, different religions and from different parts of the world, agree that the video promotes blasphemy, using the name of God in an irrelevant and distasteful manner would be considered inappropriate by any religion
We hope that the video itself depicting such images is removed. Such acts are not condoned nor tolerated, we hope YouTube will remove the video.”
London Dawah Movement explains how we should respond to this video in accordance to Islam.
You can sign the petition by clicking on the following link:
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/youtube-to-remove-katy-perry-s-dark-horse-video-depicting-name-of-god-allah-youtube-to-remove-katy-perry-s-video-dark-horse-from-their-website?utm_campaign=buffer&utm_content=buffer7a697&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com

Convert to Islam

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com

Homosexuality in the West?

Fifty years ago, every state criminalized homosexual sex, and even the American Civil Liberties Union did not object. The federal government would not hire people who were openly gay or permit them to serve in the military. Police routinely raided gay bars. Only a handful of gay-rights organizations existed, and their membership was sparse. Most Americans would have considered the idea of same-sex marriage facetious.

Today, opinion polls consistently show a majority of Americans endorsing such marriages; among those aged 18 to 29, support is as high as 70 percent. President Barack Obama has embraced marriage equality. Last November, for the first time, a majority of voters in a state—in fact, in three states—approved same-sex marriage, and in a fourth, they rejected a proposed state constitutional amendment to forbid it.

How did support for gay marriage grow so quickly—to the point where the Supreme Court may deem it a constitutional right in 2013?

From: http://harvardmagazine.com/2013/03/how-same-sex-marriage-came-to-be

Monday 24 February 2014

Interview - Sheikh Mishari Rashid Al-Afsay (with Dr Ahsan Hanif)


Ghostbusters' Egon: Harold Ramis Dead At 69

 
Actor, writer and director Harold Ramis, best known for his work on hit comedy films such as Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day and Caddyshack, has died aged 69.
 
Ramis, who had been suffering from a rare illness for the past four years, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at his Chicago home on Monday morning.

http://news.sky.com/story/1216615/ghostbusters-egon-harold-ramis-dead-at-69

Convert to Islam

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com

Sunday 23 February 2014

For Mr Rogers...

http://bloggingtheology.org/

Age Requirements for Marriage with Parental Consent in 3 American States

Who can get married in New York?

Age Requirements

  • If either applicant is under 14 years of age, a marriage license cannot be issued.
  • If either applicant is 14 or 15 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents and a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the Family Court having jurisdiction over the town or city in which the application is made.
  • If either applicant is 16 or 17 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents.
  • If both applicants are 18 years of age or older, no consents are required.
  • One parent alone may consent to a minor's marriage if:
    • The other parent has been missing for one year preceding the application;
    • The parents are divorced and the consenting parent was given sole custody of the child when the divorce decree was awarded;
    • The other parent has been judged incompetent; or the other parent is deceased.
    • Parents, guardians or other people consenting to the marriage of a minor must personally appear and acknowledge or execute their consent before the town or city clerk or some other authorized official. If the notarized affidavit is made before an official outside of the State of New York, it must be accompanied by a certificate of authentication when the consent is filed in New York State.
From: http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/

New Hampshire: The law is complicated in New Hampshire. Individuals under the age of 18 may not marry in New Hampshire without parental approval and a judicial waiver. Brides must be at least 13 years of age and grooms must be at least 14 years of age before their parents can apply for a judicial waiver.
From: http://marriage.about.com/cs/teenmarriage/a/teenus_4.htm

As for California, it appears no age limit is given:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/table_marriage#g

'God Bless Jesus' - Jay Smith

Recently I said I heard a Christian say 'God bless Jesus'. I was called a 'liar'. Such is the incredulity at the thought of a Trinitarian Christian saying such ('God bless Jesus').

A Trinitarian Christian believes Jesus is God hence why one does not expect to hear people of that theology to say 'God bless Jesus'.

Well, who was this Christian who said? It was a Christian evangelist who preaches the trinity and wants Muslims to convert to Trinitarian Christianity



Convert to Islam

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com

Harvard Recognises Teaching of Justice in Quran

Harvard Law School, one of the most prestigious institutions of its kind in the world, has posted a verse of the Holy Quraan at the entrance of its faculty library, describing the verse as one of the greatest expressions of justice in history.

Verse 135 of Surah Al Nisa (The Women) has been posted at a wall facing the faculty’s main entrance, dedicated to the best phrases articulating justice: "O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well- acquainted with all that ye do."

Read more:
http://www.cair.com/press-center/american-muslim-news/12359-harvard-recognizes-quranic-verse-as-one-of-the-greatest-expressions-of-justice.html

Learn about Islam:http://www.thedeenshow.com

Friday 21 February 2014

Is Jay Smith Making Stuff Up About Tom Holland?

Jay Smith is an evangelist with a reputation for dishonesty. He has claimed that he inspired Tom Holland to write a book about Islam. The interesting thing here is that Tom Holland has DENIED this and doesn't know what Jay Smith is talking about.

Here is Jay Smith claiming Tom Holland shook his hand and said because of you I wrote this book:

<br />
Here is a screenshot of Tom Holland's comments rejecting Jay Smith's claim:



'Since I met him when we filmed him for a C4 documentary, and I'd already written my book by then, I don't know what he's on about'
The question here is, is Jay mistaken, doing an Ergun Caner or is Tom Holland in the wrong?

Jay, care to explain?

Convert to Islam

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com

Refuted: Another Foolish Argument Against Islam

It appears Islamophobic rabble-rousers on the internet have been distorting the reason behind Prophet Muhammad allowing his grandchildren (Hassan and Husayn, ra) to suck his tongue. [1]

Sadly, these folk have very little research behind them and even less desire for the truth. They have twisted these actions of genuine devotion and concern for these boys to reflect their debauched minds by accusing the Prophet of homosexuality.

Christian Missionaries Deliberately Misdirecting People




What is the actual reason behind the tongue-sucking?

The answer lies in Ash-Shifa of Qadi Iyad. The reason behind the tongue-sucking was to quench their thirst and help settle them down. We must remember this was an arid environment (desert) where water was scarce, thus loving parents/guardians did go to such lengths in caring for children:

He gave al-Hasan and al-Husayn his tongue to suck. They had been weeping from thirst and upon this they became quiet. [2]

This was a genuine act of devotion; had Jesus (p), Gandi, Guru Nanak or Mother Theresa carried out such an act of devotion to children they would have been praised for it. Sadly, this is not always the case for Prophet Muhammad (p) as malicious Islamophobes on the internet have dark agendas they are pursuing assiduously.

Outrageous Islamophobic spin on a genuine act of devotion!

Islamophobes who present Ahadith (narrations) of such a nature in order to promote the idea of homosexuality or child abuse should desist immediately as their spin amounts to nothing more than a fallacious and fanciful attempt at character assassination.

May Allah guide these people. Ameen.

Muslims and Non-Muslims should be alert…

If a hater does present a claim where this occurred between the Prophet (p) and his grandchildren or his daughter (Fatima) please realise there is nothing untoward and the action was a genuine act of devotion that any caring person would undertake for the betterment of the infants. Do not be swayed by such hollow and outrageous distortions.

We must also remember homosexuality is forbidden and sinful in Islam. [3]

The Prophet’s saliva

 Prophet even used to spit in the mouths of suckling children in order to satisfy them until nightfall [4]. Further examples of the blessings within the Prophet’s saliva are given in footnotes [5], [6].

Christian hater’s immature cross-dressing allegation is refuted

Become a Muslim today

Footnotes

[1] A couple of narrations Islamophobes erroneously “use” in their efforts to degrade and dehumanize the Prophet (p) and Islam:

Bukhari, 1183. It is related that Abu Hurayra said, "I never sae al-Hasan without my eyes overflowing with tears. That is because the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, went out one day and I found him in the mosque. He took my hand and I went along with him. He did not speak to me until we reached the market of Banu Qaynuqa'. He walked around it and looked. Then he left and I left with him until we reached the mosque. He sat down and wrapped himself in his garment. Then he said, 'Where is the little one? Call the little one to me.' Hasan came running and jumped into his lap. Then he put his hand in his beard. Then the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, opened his mouth and put his tongue in his mouth. Then he said, O Allah, I love him, so love him and the one who loves him!'" [Al-Adab al-Mufrad Al-Bukhari by Imam BukhariTranslated by: Ustadha Aisha Bewley] From - http://www.sunnipath.com/Library/Hadith/H0003P0046.aspx
Also:

Musnad Ahmed Hadith Number 16245, Volume Title: "The Sayings of the Syrians," Chapter Title: "Hadith of Mu’awiya Ibn Abu Sufyan": "I saw the prophet – pbuh – sucking on the tongue or the lips of Al-Hassan son of Ali, may the prayers of Allah be upon him. For no tongue or lips that the prophet sucked on will be tormented (by hell fire)

[2] Muhammad, Messenger of Allah – Ash Shifa of Qadi Iyad, translated by Aisha Abdarrahman Bewley, Madinah Press, 2004 pg 184

[3] Imam Dhahabi’s list of enormities (sins), p17.0 he writes, “…There is consensus among both Muslims and the followers of other religions that sodomy is an enormity…” [From the list of enormities presented in Nuh Hamim Keller’s translation of Umdat as Salik, Amana Publications, 2008, p17.0 (page 644)]

[4] He used to spit into the mouths of suckling children and his saliva would satisfy them until nightfall [page 184 in Ash Sifa of Qadi Iyad, Madinah Press, 2004]

[5] He spat in a well that was in Anas’ house and there was no water in Madina sweeter than it – Al Bayhaqi [from page 183 in Ash Sifa of Qadi Iyad, Madinah Press, 2004]

[6] This narration is unclear as to whether the blessings were within the saliva of the Prophet (p) or not but it is of benefit to mention:
In the hadith of Hanash ibn Uqayl we find, “The Messenger of Allah would give me a drink of sawiq (a kind of mash). He would drink first and I would drink last. I always found that it filled me up when I was hungry and quenched me when I was thirsty and was cool when I was parched”
[from page 184 in Ash Shifa of Qadi Iyad, Madinah Press, 2004]

Arabic word for cinema

سينما

Tony Blair Invited to Become a Muslim

People can be transformed. The opponents of the Prophet (p) were particularly vicious against Muslims. Hind actually bit into the liver of the Prophet's uncle, Hamzah, when he was martyred at the Battle of Uhud. However, she later became a Muslim, and hence became a Companion of the Prophet (p), a member of that special generation of humanity. In fact, she even narrated hadith which can be found in the well-known compilations. Repentance is a recourse that the Lord of the World's has given humanity. [p129, Purification of the Heart by Hamza Yusuf]

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com

Wednesday 19 February 2014

Islam: God of Hate, Barbaric Sharia, Intolerance & Oppressive to Women? - Kamal El Mekki

Islam: God of Hate, Barbaric Sharia, Intolerance & Oppressive to Women? - Kamal El Mekki

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF-QL02YFtA

Muslim Response: Denmark Bans Halal and Kosher Meat

Now is an opportunity for Muslims to educate people as to how much better halal meat is to any other meat. Muslims slaughter meat in the best manner - Allah's name is mentioned at the time of slaughter and the methodology for the slaughter is the most 'humane'. Please watch this video featuring two converts to Islam, Bilal Philips and Yusuf Estes, to learn about Halal meat (the best meat)

What is meant by halal food?



The principle behind Halal meat:

Taking the life of the animal in accordance with the instructions of God, mentioning the name of God and giving thanks to God.

We ask the Danish non-Muslims to support the Muslims at this time.

Denmark bans Halal and Kosher meat


Reported in The Independent:

Denmark’s government has brought in a ban on the religious slaughter of animals for the production of halal and kosher meat, after years of campaigning from welfare activists. The change to the law, announced last week and effective as of yesterday, has been called “anti-Semitism” by Jewish leaders and “a clear interference in religious freedom” by the non-profit group Danish Halal.

Danish people converting to Islam:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8vfO3q0P_o

Convert to Islam


Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Bart Ehrman v Internet Christian Missionary

An Assyrian Christian (Triple B) was playing the fool in a YouTube comment section. He was insulting Prophet Muhammad (p) due to him (p) being unable to read or write.

It was lost on the Assyrian Christian (Sam Shamoun aka Triple B) that in the process he was actually insulting the friends of Jesus (p). Bart Ehrman, a well known Bible scholar, informs us that lower class people in 1st century Palestine were likely to have been uneducated and illiterate.

The ignorant Assyrian Christian (Triple B) was challenged by the idea that Peter was illiterate too. Triple B began insulting and making his ignorance known. I wonder if Triple B thinks the scholar Bart Ehrman is a ‘mental misfit’ too?

Bart Ehrman uses Peter as an example and believes he was illiterate – in turn Ehrman believes Peter did not write 1st or 2nd Peter (he believes they were forgeries)

Bart Ehrman v Triple B
If the video does not play, please view the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk2vfZcMhLM

I hope Triple B repents for his insults and desists from such disrespectful and anti-Jesus behaviour in the future

James White v Usama Dakdok

Related

Is the Gospel of John reliable?

James White and defending the NT reliability?


Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com

" Bible came before the Qur'an " Argument destroyed | Dr. Shabir Ally

This is an argument that Muslims come across when discussing matters of religion with Christians, Dr Shabir Ally answers this argument. I hope the sincere Christians will take this on board and stop using such argumentation.




Invitation to Islam

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com
Email: yahyasnow@yahoo.co.uk

Monday 17 February 2014

Muslims Should be kind and benefit others

Jabir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The believer is kind and gracious, for there is no goodness in one who is neither kind nor gracious. The best of the people are those who are most beneficial to others.” [Source: Mu’jam Al-Awsat 5937
Grade: Hasan (fair) according to As-Suyuti]

عَنْ جَابِرٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْمُؤْمِنُ يَأْلَفُ وَيُؤْلَفُ وَلا خَيْرَ فِيمَنْ لا يَأْلَفُ وَلا يُؤْلَفُ وَخَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ
5937 المعجم الأوسط للطبراني
المحدث السيوطي خلاصة حكم المحدث حسن
 
Taken from:
http://www.dailyhadithonline.com/2014/02/11/hadith-on-kindness-the-best-people-are-those-who-are-kind-and-benefit-others/

Invitation to IslamJesus taught people to do the Will of God (Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com
Email: yahyasnow@yahoo.co.uk

Nicki Minaj Invited to Islam

Nicki Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj, is speculated to be a Christian. I'd like to invite her to become a Muslim. Islam is a religion which honours women unlike the music industry which pressurises women to move away from the natural and become sex objects for viewers of music videos. Allah does not judge a person based on their hair texture or skin tone. Allah is our Creator. He created us all and to Him we shall all return. Allah sent to mankind messengers (amongst whom were Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, Abraham, Noah and others pbut). We must worship Allah alone.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions.” [Source: Sahih Muslim 2564]

Invitation to Nicki Minaj and others to convert to Islam

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com
yahyasnow@yahoo.co.uk

6 Great Converts To Islam

Western Scholarship and Quranic Preservation and Gospel Preservation

Here is a clip which I pulled of Bloggingtheology.org's Paul Williams who is succinct in mentioning that modern Western scholarship recognises the Quran to have been preserved. Aside from this, Paul Williams touches on the preservation (or lack of) around the Gospels




NON MUSLIM SCHOLARSHIP’S TESTAMENT TO THE PRESERVATION OF THE QUR’AN

Here are just a few examples of non-Muslim religious and textual scholars who testify to the preservation of the Qur’an:
A.T. Welch, a non-Muslim Orientalist, writes:
“For Muslims the Qur’an is much more than scripture or sacred literature in the usual Western sense. Its primary significance for the vast majority through the centuries has been in its oral form, the form in which it first appeared, as the “recitation” chanted by Muhammad to his followers over a period of about twenty years… The revelations were memorized by some of Muhammad’s followers during his lifetime, and the oral tradition that was thus established has had a continuous history ever since, in some ways independent of, and superior to, the written Qur’an… Through the centuries the oral tradition of the entire Qur’an has been maintained by the professional reciters (Qurraa). Until recently, the significance of the recited Qur’an has seldom been fully appreciated in the West.” [26]
Leading Orientalist Kenneth Cragg reflects that:
“…this phenomenon of Qur’anic recital means that the text has traversed the centuries in an unbroken living sequence of devotion. It cannot, therefore, be handled as an antiquarian thing, nor as a historical document out of a distant past. The fact of hifdh (Qur’anic memorization) has made the Qur’an a present possession through all the lapse of Muslim time and given it a human currency in every generation, never allowing its relegation to a bare authority for reference alone.” [27]
Quotes taken from Many Prophets, One Message
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pause for thought

Have you ever stopped to think about all those Christians prior to the 19th century discovery of Codex Sinaticus who used to believe the last 12 verses of Mark were inspired by God and part of the Bible (they had similar beliefs about John 7:53-8:11 and that version of Luke 23:34). NOW you and other modern day Christians will claim those Christians of the past believed in forgeries/errors.

You have no guaranty that this will not happen to you in your life time (i.e. a new MSS discovery is made and a passage is denounced as an unauthorised addition).

Jesus taught people to do the Will of God (according to Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. 

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com
yahyasnow@yahoo.co.uk

Christian says God bless Jesus

I heard a Christian say ' God bless Jesus'.

Foolish Christian Argument 'that Quran Teaches Earth is Flat' Back-fires

Usama Dakdok spreads the false flat earth claim about the Quran. It's turned around on him. Refuted via a clip of Dr Jamal Badawi


This video is also uploaded here


I was in a discussion yesterday with a young Muslim struggling with his faith. He mentioned that he had read from sources critical to Islam that the Quran clearly contradicts known facts and represents the world-view of its time (7th century CE). And of the most blatant examples, according to him, was that the Quran clearly preaches that the world is flat. Now, I have said and firmly believe that the genre of 'scientific miracles in the Quran' that we all grew up reading is in fact a dangerous genre, because it reads in 'facts' where no such facts exist, and because it posits one's faith on a purely scientific basis (so that when 'science', which is ever-evolving, might seem to contradict the Quran, this will lead to a weakness of faith). Nonetheless, to claim that the Quran preaches that the world is flat is an outrageous claim. In fact there is unanimous consensus amongst medieval Muslim scholars to the contrary.

Ibn Hazm (d. 1064 CE), wrote over a thousand years ago in his book al-Fisal, "I do not know of a single scholar worth the title of scholar who claims other than that the earth is round. Indeed the evidences in the Quran and Sunnah are numerous to this effect" [al-Fisal, v. 2 p. 78].

Ibn Taymiyya (d. 1328 CE), someone who is typically accused of literalism, wrote that there is unanimous consensus of all the scholars of Islam that the world is round, and that reality and perception also proves this, for, as he writes, it is well known that the Sun sets on different peoples at different times, and does not set on the whole world at the same time. In fact, writes Ibn Taymiyya, it is truly an ignorant person who claims that the earth is not round. [Majmu al-Fatawa, v. 6, p. 586]. And there are many others scholars, such as al-Razi, who wrote on this subject, and I do not know of any medieval scholar who held another view.

All of this shows the necessity of gaining Islamic knowledge from reputable sources, and from verifying anything you read from the people of knowledge.


From Dr Yasir Qadhi's FB

Murder Rates in Muslim Countries Compared to Non Muslim Countries.

Is Limited Atonement Doctrine Taught Clearer than the Trinity Doctrine in the New Testament?

Synoptic Gospels and the Idea of a Pre-Existant Jesus?



Tovia Singer: Does the New Testament Teach Jesus is God?

Why Islam




Invitation to IslamJesus taught people to do the Will of God (Mark 3:35) in order to become his brothers, mothers or sisters. A Muslim means one who submits to the Will of God. Do you want to become a brother of Jesus? If yes, become a Muslim. Now is the time.

Learn about Islam:
http://www.thedeenshow.com
Email: yahyasnow@yahoo.co.uk