The Kharijites and their impact on Contemporary Islam

Shaykh Seraj Hendricks Much of the excesses and extremism that we observe today may be understood in terms of the origins and unfolding of Kharijism during the first few centuries of Islam. While a number of writers – both past and present – are of the opinion that this sect is extinct, others are of the view that its not. I share the latter view. The influences of this sect have always been present, in different guises and in varying degrees, throughout the history of Islam. But it appears to have gained a renewed momentum with the emergence of Muhammad … Continue reading The Kharijites and their impact on Contemporary Islam

Israel stokes holy row over mosque and makes Southern Baptists happier!

By Ramzy Baroud  Something sinister is brewing around and below Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem – it has all the hallmarks of a familiar Israeli campaign to strip the mosque of its Muslim-Arab identity. This time around, however, the stakes are much higher.  The status of al-Aqsa is unparalleled within the context of Muslim heritage in Palestine. It is also the third holiest Muslim shrine anywhere. Equally as important, it is a symbol of faith, resistance and defiance. Its story of struggle and perseverance goes hand in hand with the modern Palestinian struggle for rights, freedom and identity.  In a … Continue reading Israel stokes holy row over mosque and makes Southern Baptists happier!

Murdoch – The Murderer of Mother Earth?

The Murdoch Media Empire Has Cost Humanity Decades in the Battle Against Climate Change by: Michael Ashley, ThinkProgress /Truthout.org Michael Ashley investigates the national paper’s “seriously warped” op-ed policy in this extended excerpt. [R]eality becomes so distorted that The Australian was able tostate earlier this month, “it is in keeping with this newspaper’s rationalist pedigree that we have long accepted the peer-reviewed science on anthropogenic climate change,” while at the same time engaging in a campaign to misrepresent and distort climate science. Other editorials have made it clear that The Australian believes it is treating its readers as mature adults who should be able to make up their own minds … Continue reading Murdoch – The Murderer of Mother Earth?