by Ishtiaq Ahmed There is a screaming silence from the custodians of Islam — the ulema — on the execution of Jaspal Singh, probably because he was not a Muslim. The Muslim masses have not taken to the streets in protest because they have been conditioned to protest only when something is perceived to be anti-Islam The barbaric, appalling beheading of Jaspal Singh — one of the three Sikhs who were taken hostage by the Taliban — has shocked decent, peace-loving people all over the world. Two versions are in circulation. One that their families failed to pay the huge … Continue reading A time to purify Islam by culling the political mullah?

Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal made some very  interesting remarks during Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Saudi Arabia. He said that Pakistan is a “friendly country” and Saudi Arabia was “worried” about the rising tide of extremism there. One would like to remind Prince Faisal as to the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in fuelling religious extremism in Pakistan. Being the custodian of Islam’s holy places, Saudi Arabia has great reverence in all Muslim countries. Add to it petro-dollars and the ‘reverence’ increases manifold. Pakistan has been a close ally of the Saudis for a … Continue reading Saudi doublespeak!

A respected Islamic scholar will publish a seminal fatwa tomorrow that unequivocally condemns terrorism and warns suicide bombers that they will “go to hell” for their attacks. Pakistani-born Shaikh Dr Tahir ul-Qadri is launching his fatwa in London as part of a drive to combat the power of jihadist rhetoric on the web and provide English-speaking Muslims with an authoritative theological explanation detailing why terrorism is not permitted. Although numerous fatwas condemning terrorism have been released by scholars around the world since 9/11, Shaikh Dr Qadri’s 600-page ruling is both significant and unusual because it is one of the few … Continue reading Islamic scholar says suicide bombers will ‘go to hell’

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL—In an announcement highly anticipated by sex fans around the world, Tiger Woods told a small gathering of reporters, family, and lovers Friday that the most dominant fornicator on the planet would soon return to sex. “Not being able to get out there and have sex has really been tough on me,” Woods said. “I’ve missed it. I love fucking with all my heart.” Woods said that during his brief time away from sex, he couldn’t stop thinking about one day resuming his daily regimen of sexual intercourse with random women who look vaguely like his wife, … Continue reading Tiger Woods Announces Return To Sex

What to think about Microsoft’s browser ballot screen, which started to be rolled out today? Is it no big deal? Some suggest that people will see yet another dialogue box appear within Windows and simply ignore it. But I tend to agree with those that think this marks the moment where Microsoft’s dominance over the browser market is effectively over. I just spoke to a number of experts for their thoughts. But Sheri McLeish, an analyst at Forrester, the research firm, summed it up nicely. She told Tech Central: Honestly, I can’t see Microsoft digging out of this hole quickly. Their biggest challenge … Continue reading The browser ballot: the end of Microsoft’s dominance

The world’s most powerful investors have been advised to buy farmland, stock up on gold and prepare for a “dirty war” by Marc Faber, the notoriously bearish market pundit, who predicted the 1987 stock market crash. The bleak warning of social and financial meltdown, delivered today in Tokyo at a gathering of 700 pension and sovereign wealth fund managers. Dr Faber, who advised his audience to pull out of American stocks one week before the 1987 crash and was among a handful who predicted the more recent financial crisis, vies with the Nouriel Roubini, the economist, as a rival claimant … Continue reading ‘Buy farmland and gold,’ advises Dr Doom!

People around the world have been covering themselves from head-to-toe in brightly coloured powders in celebration of the Hindu Holi festival, or festival of colours, which marks the arrival of spring. The Indian city of Mumbai today exploded with a riot of pink, red, green and yellow as revellers took to the streets and temples to cover each other with the abir pigment. The Holi, which dates back to the seventh century, traditionally takes place on the day of a full moon in the month of Phalgun (March in the Gregorian calendar. The colours represent the triumph over evil in … Continue reading HAPPY HOLI – Colour runs riot at Hindu Holi festival

Sheikh Salman al-Oadah I went on an outing with my children. Our main intention was to swim and for the children to have their fair share of recreation and of my quality time. It was also a chance fir me as a father, to have my rightful share of the joy of being with my children, for truly we need our children as much as they need us, if not more. I found myself busy on that day with all sorts of little tasks – like making sandwiches, setting the picnic table, and handing out sweets. It was a beautiful … Continue reading The Many Facets of Happiness

Imam Zaid Shakir- Thomas Friedman: Prisoner in a Glass House In a recent New York Times Op-ed entitled “www.jihad.com”, Thomas Friedman states that Muslims lack the moral courage to condemn the murderous outrages of “jihadi” extremists. Part of the reason for this moral failure, in his view, is because the West has not demanded that Muslims take responsibility for their societies, beginning with a strong condemnation of their violent extremists. Without such a condemnation, coupled with concerted action, America’s efforts to rebuild the Muslim world in her image will prove a futile endeavor. Mr. Friedman posits that very few Muslim political … Continue reading Muslims are challenging Extremists – Its time you challenged your own extremists!