By Saban Kardas Iranian Petroleum Minister Masoud Mirkazemi visited Turkey last week to discuss Turkish-Iranian energy cooperation. The Iranian oil ministry announced that during the visit a deal was concluded with a Turkish private energy company, worth US$1.3 billion to build a pipeline from Iran to Turkey. The projected 660 kilometer pipeline will be constructed within three years, allowing Iran to export 50 million to 60 million cubic meters (mcm) of gas daily to Turkey and Europe, by paying transit fees to Ankara. Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz clarified immediately that // <![CDATA[// <![CDATA[ //<![CDATA[ var m3_u = (location.protocol=='https:'?'https://asianmedia.com/GAAN/www/delivery/ajs.php&#039;:'http://asianmedia.com/GAAN/www/delivery/ajs.php&#039;); var … Continue reading Turkey ‘not party’ to Iran pipeline deal

IslamToday / Agencies 20 July 2010 Muslims in Germany who want to quit extremist movements will be offered help finding new jobs and housing under a program started Monday by Germany’s domestic intelligence service. An agency spokeswoman said that users would be guaranteed confidentiality and help with security measures if they were threatened by radicals. Germany began a similar programme for right-wing white extremists in 2001. The intelligence service estimates there are more than 36,000 Islamically-oriented extremists in Germany, but only a fraction of those are considered potentially violent. Participants and their family or friends can now find help via … Continue reading German Intelligence Agency Offers Help Hotline for Religious Extremists

Is Arabic the Language of Adam? or of Paradise? Ibn Hazm al-Andalusi [This article is a full translation of the fifth chapter of Ibn Hazm’s Ihkâm fî Usûl al-Ahkâm. It’s original title is: “The Origins of Language: Divine Providence or Human Codification”. It is presented here for the interesting points it makes about matters of general interest, and should not be taken as the final word on linguistic matters.] Regarding how languages came about – was it by divine instruction or by human codification – is a question that people have debated considerably. The correct view is that the origin … Continue reading Is Arabic the Language of Adam?

The Story of Zayd bin Amr bin Nufayl Sheikh Salman al-Oadah In the days before the advent of Islam, Arabia had become a corrupt environment, steeped in idolatry and injustice. There were still a few solitary individuals who adhered to the true faith established centuries ago in Arabia by Abraham and Ishmael (peace be upon them both). These people eschewed worshiping idols and all that idolatry involved. One of these people was Zayb b. `Amr b. Nufayl. He would never offer sacrifices to idols or eat carrion and running blood. He used to say: Is there one Lord or yet … Continue reading Zayd bin Amr bin Nufayl

Sheikh Salman al-Oadah People often deceive themselves by becoming show-offs under the pretense of making casual conversation. There are people who cannot sit with others without saying: “I did this and I did that… I spent so much in charity.” Sometimes they can be a bit more subtle – usually deceiving themselves more than those with whom they are speaking – saying things like: “Actually, I cannot stay up in prayer at night more than two hours…” or: “Unfortunately, I cannot cope with fasting every day, so I must suffice with fasting on Mondays and Thursdays…” By saying these things, … Continue reading Be Wary of Publicizing Your Good Deeds

Measuring the ‘Religiosity’ of Muslims Dr. Sâlih Ibrâhîm al-Sanî` Religion is a natural human need. It has been so since Allah created Adam and will remain so as long as there are people on Earth. People differ in their religiousness according to how closely they remain true to the natural religious disposition that Allah, in His mercy, has instilled in all human beings. Allah says: ” Then set your face upright for religion in the right state — the nature made by Allah in which He has made humanity.” [Sûrah al-Rûm: 30] He also says: “And (remember) when your Lord … Continue reading ‘Religiosity’ of Muslims

Sheikh Salman al-Oadah We know it is a duty upon every Muslim to call others away from sinful behavior, and to do so with wisdom, within the limits of our various abilities. The Prophet (peace be upon him) delineated these levels for us when he said: Whoever sees something wrong should change it with his hands. If he is unable to do so, then he should do so with his tongue. If he is unable to do so, then he should do so in his heart, and that is the weakest of faith.” [Sahîh Muslim] We also know that here … Continue reading Forbidding Wrong: a Duty upon… Sinners?

All the Rest Is Commentary By Susanne Strimling At the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan through July 30 is an exhibition called “All the Rest Is Commentary.” For this exhibit, Beth Grossman explores 12 Golden Rules from various world religions. She not only displays these rules, but engages people in conversations on topics related to the text in discussions called “table talks.” Grossman has used the metaphor of a tablecloth, as it represents the traditionally feminine aspects of society and because the table is a place where family and friends gather to discuss world issues such as religion, have general … Continue reading All the Rest Is Commentary