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 22 Nov 2008 @ 05:46
If the Islamic leaders would learn what Yoga really is, they'd never say it would mean a person is converting to another religion. How ridiculous they are. What Yoga might do is FREE the individual, put them in good condition physically and spiritually, so that they would begin to develop THEIR OWN SPIRITUALITY and connection with God, and yeah, of course Islamic leaders wouldn't want to lose control over their followers. Geesh. It's surprising that Islam, who puts so many demands on people (always adding more) allows ANYBODY to live.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia's top Islamic body on Saturday banned Muslims from practicing yoga, saying the Indian physical exercise contains elements of Hinduism and could corrupt Muslims.
The National Fatwa Council, which has the authority to rule on how Muslims must conduct their faith, issued a fatwa, or edict, saying yoga involves not just physical exercise but also includes Hindu spiritual elements, chanting and worship.
Council chairman Abdul Shukor Husin told reporters that many Muslims who practice the globally popular yoga failed to understand that its ultimate aim was to be one with a god of a different religion.
"We are of the view that yoga, which originates from Hinduism, combines physical exercise, religious elements, chanting and worshipping for the purpose of achieving inner peace and ultimately to be one with god," he said.
"It is inappropriate. It can destroy the faith of a Muslim," he said.
The Fatwa Council's decisions are not legally binding on Muslims, who comprise nearly two-thirds of Malaysia's 27 million people, unless they are enshrined in national or Shariah laws.
However, many Muslims abide by the edicts out of deference, and the council does have the authority to ostracize an offending Muslim from society.
The fatwa reflects the growing strain of conservatism in Malaysia, which has always taken pride in its multiethnicity. About 25 percent of Malaysians are ethnic Chinese and 8 percent ethnic Indians, mostly Hindus.
Recently, the council issued an edict banning tomboys, ruling that girls who act like boys violate the tenets of Islam.
The issue of yoga came into the limelight last month when an Islamic scholar expressed an opinion at a seminar that it was un-Islamic, prompting the Fatwa Council to step in.
Local newspapers have received several letters from Muslims, expressing indignation at the scholar's view, saying yoga is simply a way to maintain health and has nothing to do with religion.
There are no figures for how many Muslims practice yoga, but many yoga classes have a sprinkling of Muslims attending.
In a recent blog, social activist Marina Mahathir criticized the council for even considering a yoga ban, calling it "a classic case of reacting out of fear and ignorance."
"Yoga may have spiritual roots but most of us do it for the exercise, both for the mind and body," Marina wrote.
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19 Nov 2008 @ 07:47
"The latest rumor is that Barack Obama has offered the job of Secretary of State to Hillary Clinton. But, that's kind of sad, don't you think? I mean, think how close Hillary Clinton came to being the first female president of the United States. Her next job offer? Oh, a secretary." --- Jay Leno
Now you might have already heard who will be part of Obama's administration - lots of Clinton people. So much for this great change he promised. What is probably the nastiest thing going down is that if Obama does ask Hillary to be the Sec. of State, he is attempting to accomplish several things: appeasing the people who voted for her; but more likely trying to control her so that she cannot run for president next time, and that her political career goes down the drain. Hillary said that Obama was naive in his views on foreign issues and he knows she is the enemy. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer, eh Barack? Hillary, as Sec. of State, would have to abide by Obama's plans, not her own. She would simply be the mouthpiece for him. Would she want to do that? The diry campaign continues. I hope she turns him down. If she doesn't, I've had it with all of them and will no longer care what happens with any of them. (Not that I care much now, anyway.) More >
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14 Nov 2008 @ 13:26
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH GOD
People frequently ask me how I know what I know, how can I be sure about what I write, and how does one know the real God? I asked myself the same questions many years ago. Then I began my own search to find out who was who, what was what. I developed a relationship with my source, my higher self, my guides, friends in other dimensions, and my learning continues. I am confident in what I have learned thus far - I always question and get the proof I need to know that what I receive is authentic. It works for me and I trust my source(s).
Only when we have individually seen, touched, heard, tasted, experienced these things can we speak of them knowingly. And yet, is a challenge to find words to describe what we have experienced because it is SO individual. It is deep and occurs on many levels. It's nearly impossible to fully and justly describe these events in words. The heart feels. As always, each person must discover their own truths.
One event in my life stands out as a good example of what I have experienced in terms of how I actually saw and felt God, the Source, and realized I am a co-creator with God. It was so awesome. I wish to share it with you and do my best to describe it. But please know the full impact of what I went through cannot be felt by anyone else - it was my own experience. I don't ask you to believe it, either.
Over five years ago I was at a point in my life where I wasn't quite sure what my next step would be. A part of me felt I had done what I came here to do and I was ready to leave. Another part wondered if there would be more for me to do if I stayed. I asked over and over to see the Source for myself, see if I could go towards it, and watch what happens.
Several nights later my desire came true. I went into a very deep meditation, lying down this time, and asked for the Source. It was pitch black. Little by little, swirling colors appeared and a glorious, intensely bright dot of light began expanding in the center of my view. I watched the light grow larger and brighter, radiating energy outwards in all directions, and I began moving towards it. I felt the pull away from my body as I went further and further. I knew beyond any doubt that had I continued moving into the light I would have left my life on Earth. But that light felt so good! I just wanted to be with it.
This light wasn't a male or female; it was energy, light, vibration. It was everything. I got closer, closer, closer and suddenly a voice came out from the light. The light had a voice. It was both audible and telepathic. And what it said surprised the heck out of me!
The voice told me that in two weeks, and named the date, was the original date for my life contract to be up. In other words, that's when I had planned to physically die in this lifetime. Of course, I was stunned. Then the voice asked me, "Do you want to go on that day, or stay? The choice is yours."
This was serious stuff. I was put on the line. (Now I know that I had put myself on the line. By asking for the experience, I received it.) What did I really want to do? Rapidly, visions and emotions came to me - what was it I really wanted to do in my life and haven't yet done? Did I want to stay for my children? This wasn't the first time I had encountered this question...except the other times it was me wanting to depart and being told it was not yet my time to leave.
This was very different, though. This was the big cheese, the head honcho - the main Light, God itself. I could not fool this thing. I had to be as true to myself, and It, as I could be. Although I wasn't quite clear on everything I would be doing if I stayed, what came out of my mouth surprised even me! I knew I had more to accomplish. I answered the light Source, still slightly hesitantly, "I want to stay." The Source immediately commanded, "It is granted."
FLASH! I was back in my conscious body in total amazement of what had just happened. Was it for real? Could it be trusted? Yes - something told me this was not a joke. But, what if I really was going to die in two weeks? How would I die? Could I pick out my own way to go? What would I do? What I did was live my life feeling it may be the end of it here, and yet planning for the future in case I stayed. Not a comfortable feeling at all. Those two weeks were nerve wracking. Pins and needles time. At that time I told no one else about it.
The two weeks quickly arrived and the date I was to transition was upon me. Minute by minute, hour by hour, I watched the clock. I was still alive, still here. Even after midnight, I was not completely convinced that I was staying. But, the next day there was no doubt in my mind that I had truly transformed my life. I had changed my original departure plan.
Have you ever thought what that would mean to you: to be given the choice to leave or stay? To be so allowed and loved to that extent that whatever you decide to do is granted?! For years my guides told me that we are all co-creators and in charge of our lives. But until this experience, I didn't really appreciate what that meant. What a revelation this was for me. Our lives ARE completely in our own hands and we are unconditionally supported in our choices.
Not just our time of dying to the next life, either. Everything we do is our choice through desire. Even when we assume we aren't doing anything. Even when we are determined NOT to make a decision, we HAVE made a choice. The big question out of all of this is - CAN WE ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OURSELVES AND OUR CHOICES? Can we be more conscious of how, when and why we make decisions?
Look back at your own lives. Get out of feeling like a victim or martyr for this moment. Who do you feel made decisions for you? When did you feel you were completely in charge of your life, doing it your way? In retrospect, do you feel that it was really out of your hands at eny time? If you just accept this idea of having made each decision for yourselves right now, can you see the beauty and creative license and ability within yourselves? Can you see how each choice brought a new part of yourself to yourself, to others, of and to the universe? We don't need to blame anyone any more. We don't need to wait for anyone else's permission to do what we know is right for ourselves. We do have free will. How can we ignore the God that we are? Wow! Isn't it perfect?
One of my lovely spirit mentors, Dr. Peebles, says, "You are the paintbrush. Life is the canvas. Learn this, and you will never feel the victim again." When we realize the remarkable power that we have as creators and co-creators with the Source, WE CAN make all of our dreams come true. We can create our lives as a beautiful work of art of our own choosing. You don't have to take my word for it. Find out on your own. Ask the God within you.
© Copyright 1998 & 2002 E. Nora H. Amrani
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14 Nov 2008 @ 12:54
HILLARY CLINTON'S SPEECH AT THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
August 26, 2008
Hillary Clinton gave a riveting speech tonight, getting the crowd all fired up. She focused mostly on herself and why she was a candidate, what she gained out of it, and giving minimal attention to the Obamas but asking people to support him. Clinton spoke mostly about the legacy of women's right to vote - it was very effective. She gave a great jab to the Democratic Party by reminding them and all of the positives from her husband's presidency. She did accuse the Republicans of being responsible for outsourcing jobs but failed to mention that her husband opened up international trade to allow that to happen. Of course, her husband was very proud of her and their daughter (who introduced her mother). She didn't give the Obama camp what they really wanted. But she did have some fun lines - about how Bush and McCain will be meeting in the Twin Cities, and how appropriate that is because it's getting harder to tell them apart these days. She led people to believe that McCain would be just four more years of Bush. However, McCain is more middle-of-the road than Bush.
The main thing that came out of Hillary Clinton's brilliant and smart speech was that is showed that she STILL IS the best person for the job of President.
Clinton's speech just reminded me of how sad I have been that she was betrayed by our Democratic Party and is not our nominee. She did her job at this convention however she showed she's the one who should be the nominee, not Obama. The hysteria-indusing Obama isn't ready to lead any nation. Hillary is. May I remind the reader that Clinton got the majority of the popular vote, not Obama. Therefore, she should be the nominee. Why isn't it set up so that the person with the most votes gets to be president, and the one who came in second will be the VP? That way the people's votes count even more.
I'm very happy that Geraldine Ferraro is reminding people of the blatant sexism in this campaign against Hillary, that John Dean did not speak out, and that the Democratic Party is partly to blame for it, and the media is also to blame. I will not foget this and I do not forgive it. I spoke out at the time, as did other women, and we were laughed at or ignored. Some people actually had the nerve to criticize us for speaking out saying that we are too sensitive and are commenting on something not real. My ass it's not real. Therefore, they will have to deal with me not voting for Obama.
I'll bet Obama will give Hillary a position in his administration - something like Sec. of State, Attorney General, or Supreme Court Justice - for her conceding to him.
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13 Nov 2008 @ 21:56
Shariah-compliant banking, sometimes called Islamic banking, is growing in popularity in the Western and Islamic worlds. But critics say American interest in the system at a time of economic crisis is opening the door to increased Islamic influence in the American banking system. Worse yet, some fear the banks may be helping to finance international terrorism.
In Shariah-compliant banking, lenders may not charge interest and investors cannot make money from forbidden industries like gambling, alcohol, pork and pornography. Selling debt, devising derivatives and short selling are also prohibited, and investments must be closely tied to actual assets.
In the U.S., the Dow Jones Islamic Index tracks Shariah-compliant companies and funds, and funds have sprung up like the Amana Mutual Funds Trust and the Azzad Asset Management.
American investment funds, like those offered by TD Ameritrade and Charles Schwab, can invest in Shariah-compliant companies, and those companies can offer investments in American companies. Top holdings in the Azzad Ethical Midcap Fund, for example, include Western Digital Corp., Southwest Electric Co. and Apple Computer, Inc.
But allowing Shariah-compliant finance in the U.S. is green-lighting a seditious system that supports jihad, said Frank Gaffney, founder and president of the Center for Security Policy in Washington, D.C.
"If you understand what Shariah is, you understand that it is a pretty awful system. Not something that you'd want insinuated in your society and becoming a major feature of your economic system," Gaffney said.
"Shariah (Islamic law as dictated by the Koran) governs all aspects of life, from the personal practice of the faith to how you relate to your family to how you relate to your business partners, to your community ... all the way up to how the world is run, and it is all one seamless program. You can't say 'I'll take the personal pietistic practice ... and skip the beheading and the flogging and the stoning and the global theocracy,'" he said.
Punishments for some crimes under Shariah law include amputation and stoning to death. On Tuesday it was revealed that a 53-year-old Egyptian doctor had been sentenced under Shariah law in Saudi Arabia to 15 years in prison and 1,500 lashes for allegedly getting a Saudi princess in his care addicted to drugs.
But despite Islamic banking's association with Shariah's harsh practices, the U.S. government is taking an interest in it.
On Oct. 25, while on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Robert M. Kimmitt told reporters that the U.S. was interested in learning more about Islamic finance, and the Treasury Department held an "Islamic Finance 101" course in Washington on Nov. 6 to educate government officials on its ins and outs.
Islamic banking and investment products sprang up beginning in the 1970s when the Middle East experienced its first oil boom, and have been growing in popularity as oil prices soared in the past few years.
Yet it's unclear who is investing in Shariah-compliant mutual funds and other investments, Gaffney said. "An awful lot of them seem to be petrodollar-rich potentates and companies and royal families."
Nicholas Kaiser, fund manager at Amana Mutual Funds Trust in Bellingham, Wash., said that his company's Shariah-compliant mutual fund products are no different from any other religious funds and that the company carefully screens its investors.
"Our shareholders are American. We don't take money from non-Americans because of money-laundering laws. We have to know our shareholders and be sure they aren't engaged in nefarious activities. We screen and check and verify every shareholder," Kaiser said.
He disagrees with Gaffney's assertion that Islamic funds are a threat to the American way of life.
"We simply take people's money, invest it and give it back to them when they want it. We don't try and convert the country. We don't have any religious position. We aren't evangelical. We aren't zealots. We're money managers," Kaiser said. "I happen to be Episcopalian."
Azzad Asset Management declined to be interviewed for this story.
Estimates put the Islamic banking industry in the hundreds of billions of dollars. And while it's a small portion of the global finance industry, the Islamic sector is growing — by more than 30 percent in 2007.
A board of Shariah scholars determines which investments are compliant.
As Shariah law forbids charging interest, Shariah-compliant mortgages, like those offered by Devon Bank in Chicago and Guidance Residential, which operates in 23 states, are attracting pious Muslim buyers.
In one type of Shariah-compliant mortgage the bank buys a home and then either leases or re-sells it to the purchaser in monthly installments — interest-free, but at a higher price.
The bank's profit and the buyer's payments wind up being similiar to what they would be if the bank charged interest, said Ibrahim Warde, adjunct professor of international business at Tufts University.
"In the Koran there's a verse saying that making money from trade is good and making money from money lending is not, so basically whenever transactions are structured, they are sales transactions," he said.
Rachel Ehrenfeld, director of the American Center for Democracy, said that whether they're sound investments or not, conforming to Shariah shouldn't be American policy.
"We should not allow Islamic banking to continue and definitely not to flourish in this country," Ehrenfeld said.
"Muslims in the United States who want to conduct their business according to
Islamic banks can do it with mortgages ... but to allow Islamic banking as a rule to operate — it's our money and we shouldn't be abiding by Islamic laws. Period. I don’t want to have any kind of association with any laws that dictate wife-beating in Saudi Arabia," she said.
Ehrenfeld said that the practice of "zakat" — giving alms to the poor — while innocent on the surface can in fact be used to promote terrorism and the spread of radical Islam.
She said that that the money the Shariah banks give to charities goes to build madrassas and mosques and spread radical Islam and anti-American sentiment.
"They also send money to Hamas. They also send money to Al Qaeda," she said. "This is a huge Pandora's box. We don't know what the hell is going on with their charities ... even if nobody will say openly that they're giving money to terrorism."
In June, the Kuwait-based charity Revivial of Islamic Heritage Society was designated by the U.S. Treasury for providing money and material support to Al Qaeda, its affilitates and to acts of terrorism.
"It is illegal for anyone in the United States to provide funds to charities that have been designated by the Treasury Department as supporters of terrorism under Executive Order 13224. If the Treasury Department has information that anyone in the United States were engaged in such activity, we would take appropriate action," said Treasury spokesman Andrew DeSouza.
Warde, however, said that there is no reason to think that all Islamic financial institutions have terrorist ties.
"There are some people who equate all things Islamic to terrorism," he said. "Some people look at the world that way. We've seen that during the presidential campaign with the insinuations that Obama was a Muslim, therefore a terrorist. I don't think we should give much credence to that."
He said critics are not being fair to the system.
"People who don't like Islam and who are afraid of Islam would obviously not like the notion of Islamic finance. I'm not sure that those who hold this view necessarily know much about it, but it's some kind of visceral view that some people hold," Warde said.
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