Saturday, September 24, 2005-->Web posted at: 9/24/2005 1:11:13Source ::: IANS
Guwahati: The ruling Congress party in Assam has sounded the poll bugle ahead of next year’s assembly elections by hinting at the possibility of a pre-poll alliance with minority Muslim political parties.
“We are not ruling out the possibility of an alliance before the elections with Muslim or other minority political parties having secular and progressive credentials,” Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
Muslims in Assam, who account for about 30 per cent of the state’s 26 million people, have for decades been at the centre of electoral politics with the community holding the key in at least 40 of the 126 assembly constituencies. The Congress is worried this time with at least 12 influential linguistic and religious minority groups led by the Assam chapter of the Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Hind trying to float a political party. The Muslims and the Bengali-speaking linguistic minority voters in Assam were traditionally Congress supporters.
The decision to form a political party by the minority groups in the state comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in July to repeal the controversial Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) (IMDT) Act. The 22-year-old IMDT Act is now being replaced by the Foreigners Act of 1946.
Under the IMDT Act, the onus of proving one’s citizenship rested on the complainant rather than the accused, while it is just the reverse under the Foreigners Act. Assam Jamiat Ulema president Badruddin Azmal had gone on record saying the religious and linguistic minorities in Assam would not vote for the Congress as the party failed to defend the IMDT Act from being repealed.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
CONGRESS IS MAIN ENEMY OF MUSLIMS : AHMAD BUKHARI
From our correspondent 24 September 2005
LUCKNOW — Jama Masjid Naib Imam Ahmad Bukhari has said the Congress is the main enemy of the Muslims, not because it has done nothing for the community but because of its back-stabbing policies.
Bukhari, who was in the state capital on Thursday, said that Muslims should prefer regional parties in the state to ensure the defeat of communal forces and the Congress should be their last option.
Showing his disenchantment with the Congress, Bukhari said even the BJP was better then the Congress for it always attacked from the front. "The Congress has always hit Muslims on the back and, therefore, is worse than the BJP," Bukhari said. The Naib Imam was all praise for BSP and its leader Mayawati. "Mayawati has set an example for others by doing a lot for the backwards and Dalits.
Not one Muslim leader in power has done anything for his community," said Bukhari adding that the Samajwadi Party and the Congress had taken the Muslim support for granted to defeat the BJP. Backing the stand of Uttar Pradesh Governor T.V. Rajeswar, the Naib Imam said that no one should be allowed to become the pro-chancellor of Maulana Ali Jauhar University. Bukhari termed Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan's stance of becoming the life-long pro-chancellor of Jauhar University as improper. "I have serious doubts on the intentions of Azam Khan as to whether he wants the creation of a university or only wants to politicise the matter," he said.
LUCKNOW — Jama Masjid Naib Imam Ahmad Bukhari has said the Congress is the main enemy of the Muslims, not because it has done nothing for the community but because of its back-stabbing policies.
Bukhari, who was in the state capital on Thursday, said that Muslims should prefer regional parties in the state to ensure the defeat of communal forces and the Congress should be their last option.
Showing his disenchantment with the Congress, Bukhari said even the BJP was better then the Congress for it always attacked from the front. "The Congress has always hit Muslims on the back and, therefore, is worse than the BJP," Bukhari said. The Naib Imam was all praise for BSP and its leader Mayawati. "Mayawati has set an example for others by doing a lot for the backwards and Dalits.
Not one Muslim leader in power has done anything for his community," said Bukhari adding that the Samajwadi Party and the Congress had taken the Muslim support for granted to defeat the BJP. Backing the stand of Uttar Pradesh Governor T.V. Rajeswar, the Naib Imam said that no one should be allowed to become the pro-chancellor of Maulana Ali Jauhar University. Bukhari termed Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan's stance of becoming the life-long pro-chancellor of Jauhar University as improper. "I have serious doubts on the intentions of Azam Khan as to whether he wants the creation of a university or only wants to politicise the matter," he said.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
HINDU NATIONALIST BJP OPPOSE QUOTA FOR MUSLIMS
GUWAHATI, Sept 20 – The opposition Hindu safro-nazis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reiterated its strong opposition to any move to grant reservations to members of the Muslim community. The party has accused the Congress of indulging in muslim appeasement.Addressing a press conference in the guwahati today state BJP president Indramoni Bora said that the three-day visit of a high level committee headed by retired Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajinder Sachar to study the socio-economic condition of the Muslims in the state, is yet another instance of the Congress’ vote bank politics.The BJP’s state executive committee, that is meting at Tinsukia ( the city which is known for non assamese people living in great number i.e the biharis ) for three days, starting September 23, will discuss issues of this nature and decide on the party’s strategy for the ensuing Assembly elections in the state. Meanwhile, the BJP is all set to woo the influential tea community in the state keeping an eye on the elections. The party has lined up three star campaigners to garner the support of this community. Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda, his predecessor Babulal Marandi and former Union Minister Joel Oram will visit the state soon to meet with the members of the community and win their support. The BJP has demanded that the puja bonus of the workers be paid at least a week before the Durga Puja celebrations.Bora said that the victory of the BJP in the next elections in the state is a certainty. He said that the Congress will bite the dust in the next elections that will be hard fought.
It is worth mentioning that BJP - in Axom is base upon the votes of the non assamese i.e , the bangladesi hindus , the biharis , the nepalis . In 1991 the bangladesi hindu refugees from barak valey have voted two Member of parliament .But on later days with the help of another anti muslim party AGP with their mentor P K Mahanta join hands and got the support of the assamese hindus . So , now a days in Axom , one can see the rise of hindu fanatic ideology of the north . The assamese hindus should have to sane the divisive ideology of the safro-nazis BJP , eitherwise there cannot be peace in northeast .
Afdal : email prevet@gawab.com
It is worth mentioning that BJP - in Axom is base upon the votes of the non assamese i.e , the bangladesi hindus , the biharis , the nepalis . In 1991 the bangladesi hindu refugees from barak valey have voted two Member of parliament .But on later days with the help of another anti muslim party AGP with their mentor P K Mahanta join hands and got the support of the assamese hindus . So , now a days in Axom , one can see the rise of hindu fanatic ideology of the north . The assamese hindus should have to sane the divisive ideology of the safro-nazis BJP , eitherwise there cannot be peace in northeast .
Afdal : email prevet@gawab.com
Bias threatens Muslim careers
By Momo Chang, STAFF WRITER
A Muslim engineer who works at a leading technologycompany is called a terrorist by his co-workers andtold that on Halloween he should dress as one.A teacher at a vocational college tells a Muslimstudent who wears a hijab, or head scarf, that she isnot allowed to wear it, and if she does no Americanwill hire her.A pilot tells a Muslim employee at an airline companyhe looks like a terrorist.These are all accounts of workplace harassmentdocumented by the Council on American-IslamicRelations in California. The report shows that 18percent of harassment incidents occur at theworkplace, second only to occurrences at governmentagencies at 19 percent, many of which are alsoemployment-related cases.According to the most recent U.S. Equal EmploymentOpportunity Commission report, charges ofdiscrimination against Muslims — or those perceived tobe Muslim, such as South Asians — has doublednationwide from 1,100 to 2,168 since Sept. 11, 2001,given a similar time span.Jennifer, whose name has been changed because shefears retaliation at work, recalls her experience inthe months after 9/11."When my mom and I walked by our co-workers, theystarted chanting, 'terrorist, terrorist,'" she says.She was 18 at the time and working the graveyard shiftwith her mom at a Fremont-based computer company. Shehad been in the country two years, taking collegecourses and working part-time jobs.She said her co-workers also called her "bin Laden'sdaughter" and her mother "bin Laden's wife." When shehad henna painted on her hand — a symbol ofcelebration — during Eid, one co-worker asked, "Isthat bin Laden's blood?" She said even if herco-workers were joking, she asked them repeatedly tostop making comments, but they continued. She quit herjob soon after.The most common types of employment discriminationagainst Muslims include name-calling, job terminationand denial of religious wear or other accommodationsfor religious practices, said Shirin Sinnar, attorneyat San Francisco-based Lawyers' Committee for CivilRights.Jennifer also recalls another incident, months after9/11. She had interviewed at a bank in Fremont twiceover the phone, and was told to come in person to signher paperwork. She has a typical American-soundingname — and wears a hijab.When she arrived, she was asked several times by themanager, "Are you Jennifer? Are you the one I spoke toon the phone?"The manager then told her she would give her a call.Two weeks later, Jennifer received a letter in themail stating they had hired someone else. She is sureit's because of her head scarf, though it's difficultto prove.Some groups affected by 9/11 discrimination are notMuslim, but perceived to be "terrorists" because ofvisible difference in dress. Many Sikh men have faceddiscrimination because they wear turbans and have abeard, an image often linked to bin Laden."In our communities, historically, we have seen hugespikes in hate crimes after major events that havetranspired in the Middle East," said Kavneet Singh,western regional director of the national SikhAmerican Legal Defense and Education Fund.And certain communities continue to feel the backlashof 9/11, even now. A recent study shows that peoplewith Arab or South Asian-sounding names may not evenget their foot in the door. Among all ethnic groups,Arab Americans and South Asians fared the worst inemployment hiring in the Bay Area, according to theBerkeley-based Discrimination Research Center.Identical rsums were sent out in 2003 to temporaryemployment agencies, and while the fictitious "HeidiMcKenzie" received a 37 percent response rate,"Abdul-Aziz Mansour" received only 23 percent."One of the big implications of all this is thatmanifestations of anti-Muslim sentiments are also seenin hiring," said Siri Thanasombat, program manager atthe DRC. "Even at the first gateway to jobopportunities, these anti-Muslim sentiments are comingthrough, just because you have a name that isethnically identifiable or a name that isthreatening."Backlash from 9/11 hasn't cooled off because of theworld climate, such as the war in Iraq and the recentLondon transit bombings, all associated with Muslimsor those perceived to be Muslim, says Safaa Ibrahim ofCAIR-San Francisco Bay Area."The climate around the world impacts public opinionhere, creating backlash against certain ethnic andreligious groups," she said.Joan Ehrlich, district director of San Franciscoregion's EEOC, acknowledged that an increase inreports could be due to efforts by the EEOC to reachout to Muslims, South Asians and Middle Easterners,and an increase in awareness of rights as groups suchas the ACLU and CAIR educate communities hit by 9/11backlash.At the same time, Ehrlich says EEOC under counts thenumber of actual incidents, because employees fearbeing blacklisted from jobs or being seen as atroublemaker. Like sexual harassment, discriminationagainst religion or race is less likely to bereported, Ehrlich said. And communities under scrutinyby the government may be wary of any governmentagency."The numbers don't tell the whole story becauseobviously, people don't trust the government, so mostpeople only come forward in extreme circumstances,"she said.Contact Momo Chang at mchang@angnewspapers.com.
A Muslim engineer who works at a leading technologycompany is called a terrorist by his co-workers andtold that on Halloween he should dress as one.A teacher at a vocational college tells a Muslimstudent who wears a hijab, or head scarf, that she isnot allowed to wear it, and if she does no Americanwill hire her.A pilot tells a Muslim employee at an airline companyhe looks like a terrorist.These are all accounts of workplace harassmentdocumented by the Council on American-IslamicRelations in California. The report shows that 18percent of harassment incidents occur at theworkplace, second only to occurrences at governmentagencies at 19 percent, many of which are alsoemployment-related cases.According to the most recent U.S. Equal EmploymentOpportunity Commission report, charges ofdiscrimination against Muslims — or those perceived tobe Muslim, such as South Asians — has doublednationwide from 1,100 to 2,168 since Sept. 11, 2001,given a similar time span.Jennifer, whose name has been changed because shefears retaliation at work, recalls her experience inthe months after 9/11."When my mom and I walked by our co-workers, theystarted chanting, 'terrorist, terrorist,'" she says.She was 18 at the time and working the graveyard shiftwith her mom at a Fremont-based computer company. Shehad been in the country two years, taking collegecourses and working part-time jobs.She said her co-workers also called her "bin Laden'sdaughter" and her mother "bin Laden's wife." When shehad henna painted on her hand — a symbol ofcelebration — during Eid, one co-worker asked, "Isthat bin Laden's blood?" She said even if herco-workers were joking, she asked them repeatedly tostop making comments, but they continued. She quit herjob soon after.The most common types of employment discriminationagainst Muslims include name-calling, job terminationand denial of religious wear or other accommodationsfor religious practices, said Shirin Sinnar, attorneyat San Francisco-based Lawyers' Committee for CivilRights.Jennifer also recalls another incident, months after9/11. She had interviewed at a bank in Fremont twiceover the phone, and was told to come in person to signher paperwork. She has a typical American-soundingname — and wears a hijab.When she arrived, she was asked several times by themanager, "Are you Jennifer? Are you the one I spoke toon the phone?"The manager then told her she would give her a call.Two weeks later, Jennifer received a letter in themail stating they had hired someone else. She is sureit's because of her head scarf, though it's difficultto prove.Some groups affected by 9/11 discrimination are notMuslim, but perceived to be "terrorists" because ofvisible difference in dress. Many Sikh men have faceddiscrimination because they wear turbans and have abeard, an image often linked to bin Laden."In our communities, historically, we have seen hugespikes in hate crimes after major events that havetranspired in the Middle East," said Kavneet Singh,western regional director of the national SikhAmerican Legal Defense and Education Fund.And certain communities continue to feel the backlashof 9/11, even now. A recent study shows that peoplewith Arab or South Asian-sounding names may not evenget their foot in the door. Among all ethnic groups,Arab Americans and South Asians fared the worst inemployment hiring in the Bay Area, according to theBerkeley-based Discrimination Research Center.Identical rsums were sent out in 2003 to temporaryemployment agencies, and while the fictitious "HeidiMcKenzie" received a 37 percent response rate,"Abdul-Aziz Mansour" received only 23 percent."One of the big implications of all this is thatmanifestations of anti-Muslim sentiments are also seenin hiring," said Siri Thanasombat, program manager atthe DRC. "Even at the first gateway to jobopportunities, these anti-Muslim sentiments are comingthrough, just because you have a name that isethnically identifiable or a name that isthreatening."Backlash from 9/11 hasn't cooled off because of theworld climate, such as the war in Iraq and the recentLondon transit bombings, all associated with Muslimsor those perceived to be Muslim, says Safaa Ibrahim ofCAIR-San Francisco Bay Area."The climate around the world impacts public opinionhere, creating backlash against certain ethnic andreligious groups," she said.Joan Ehrlich, district director of San Franciscoregion's EEOC, acknowledged that an increase inreports could be due to efforts by the EEOC to reachout to Muslims, South Asians and Middle Easterners,and an increase in awareness of rights as groups suchas the ACLU and CAIR educate communities hit by 9/11backlash.At the same time, Ehrlich says EEOC under counts thenumber of actual incidents, because employees fearbeing blacklisted from jobs or being seen as atroublemaker. Like sexual harassment, discriminationagainst religion or race is less likely to bereported, Ehrlich said. And communities under scrutinyby the government may be wary of any governmentagency."The numbers don't tell the whole story becauseobviously, people don't trust the government, so mostpeople only come forward in extreme circumstances,"she said.Contact Momo Chang at mchang@angnewspapers.com.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Ramadan a month for renewing one's relationship with
By Aziz JunejoSpecial to The Seattle Times
Early next month, Muslims the world over will standoutside just after sunset and gaze upon the westernskies in search of the crescent of a new moon, whichwill mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.Unlike Hanukkah and Christmas, Ramadan is not so muchthe observance of some past, great event, but ratheran entire month for intense spiritual reflection — atime for more than 1 billion Muslims to renew andstrengthen our relationship with God. Ramadan is thethird Pillar of Islam, and the name of the ninth monthoccurring within Islam's lunar calendar. It ischaracterized by strict fasting and the controlling ofall desires from predawn to sunset, a time of extraprayers, polished manners and good deeds. If one doesthis in complete devotion to God, her or his sins willall be forgiven.Fasting is intended to help teach Muslimsself-discipline and self-restraint, and I learned thisat an early age. I was reminded of those years onerainy evening last month when I ran into a childhoodfriend at the Safeway parking lot in West Seattle. Ina soft voice he said, "Aziz, I'm Brad — Brad Larsen.You remember me?" We had not seen each other in morethan 20 years, but he still looked like Brad, and overthe course of talking he mentioned he had been readingmy columns.The subject of Ramadan arose, and he recalled how somekids at our grade school had made fun of me when Ifasted, and that this had always bothered him — howthey put food under my nose, eating right in front ofmy face while others waved their lunch as they walkedby me. He had admired my willpower and ability to staycalm, and was impressed with my commitment to fast andto practice my religion.During my childhood, Mom would always wake us childrenup before Dad. We would drag ourselves down to thedinning-room table every morning, usually about 3a.m., and when Dad arrived we would take our morningmeal, called "Suhoor," together. Scrambled eggs withonions and tuna fish, chili and fresh baked biscuits,or fresh pocket bread, yogurt and a little sugar aremy most memorable breakfasts, some I still observetoday.Later, at sunset, we would break our fast with a mealcalled "Iftar." It usually started with dates andwater, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad,peace be upon him. After a ritual prayer, we wouldhave special Ramadan foods such as humus, samosas,curried lentils and Basmati rice, and a special dailydessert, because Ramadan is a month of exoticdesserts.During dinner, our parents would often engage us in adiscussion about the suffering of the poor or the hardtimes of their generation, to help us appreciate whatwe had. We never gorged ourselves during Ramadan, andI remember it as a month of great spiritual familytime.Muslims also believe it was during Ramadan that Godbegan revealing the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, soI spend much of my free time during Ramadan readingthe Quran, both in Arabic and English, captivated bythe deeper meaning of its verses.My children see Ramadan as a time of joy in the houseand around the community. They put colorful lights onthe ceiling of their bedroom and take great joy inmaintaining their fast while helping my wife with thespecial Ramadan meals.My father, may God bless him, would often spend thelast 10 days and nights of Ramadan in solitarydevotion, retreating to the Idriss Mosque nearNorthgate in a ritual called "I'tikaf," a completededication to the peaceful worship of God. We believeI'tikaf to be a time of intense spirituality, whenbelievers are surrounded by angels, the gates ofheaven are open, and God's blessings and mercy areespecially abundant.Muslims are sad when the month nears its end, as onenever knows if one's life will continue — whether wewill again experience the joys that have brought uscloser to each other, and ultimately to our creator,God the Compassionate, the Merciful.Aziz Junejo is host of "Focus on Islam," a weeklycable-television show, and a frequent speaker onIslam. He and four other columnists — Pastor MarkDriscoll, the Rev. Patrick J. Howell, Rabbi Mark S.Glickman and the Rev. Patricia L. Hunter — take turnswriting for the Faith & Values page.Readers may send feedback tofaithpage@seattletimes.com
Early next month, Muslims the world over will standoutside just after sunset and gaze upon the westernskies in search of the crescent of a new moon, whichwill mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.Unlike Hanukkah and Christmas, Ramadan is not so muchthe observance of some past, great event, but ratheran entire month for intense spiritual reflection — atime for more than 1 billion Muslims to renew andstrengthen our relationship with God. Ramadan is thethird Pillar of Islam, and the name of the ninth monthoccurring within Islam's lunar calendar. It ischaracterized by strict fasting and the controlling ofall desires from predawn to sunset, a time of extraprayers, polished manners and good deeds. If one doesthis in complete devotion to God, her or his sins willall be forgiven.Fasting is intended to help teach Muslimsself-discipline and self-restraint, and I learned thisat an early age. I was reminded of those years onerainy evening last month when I ran into a childhoodfriend at the Safeway parking lot in West Seattle. Ina soft voice he said, "Aziz, I'm Brad — Brad Larsen.You remember me?" We had not seen each other in morethan 20 years, but he still looked like Brad, and overthe course of talking he mentioned he had been readingmy columns.The subject of Ramadan arose, and he recalled how somekids at our grade school had made fun of me when Ifasted, and that this had always bothered him — howthey put food under my nose, eating right in front ofmy face while others waved their lunch as they walkedby me. He had admired my willpower and ability to staycalm, and was impressed with my commitment to fast andto practice my religion.During my childhood, Mom would always wake us childrenup before Dad. We would drag ourselves down to thedinning-room table every morning, usually about 3a.m., and when Dad arrived we would take our morningmeal, called "Suhoor," together. Scrambled eggs withonions and tuna fish, chili and fresh baked biscuits,or fresh pocket bread, yogurt and a little sugar aremy most memorable breakfasts, some I still observetoday.Later, at sunset, we would break our fast with a mealcalled "Iftar." It usually started with dates andwater, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad,peace be upon him. After a ritual prayer, we wouldhave special Ramadan foods such as humus, samosas,curried lentils and Basmati rice, and a special dailydessert, because Ramadan is a month of exoticdesserts.During dinner, our parents would often engage us in adiscussion about the suffering of the poor or the hardtimes of their generation, to help us appreciate whatwe had. We never gorged ourselves during Ramadan, andI remember it as a month of great spiritual familytime.Muslims also believe it was during Ramadan that Godbegan revealing the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, soI spend much of my free time during Ramadan readingthe Quran, both in Arabic and English, captivated bythe deeper meaning of its verses.My children see Ramadan as a time of joy in the houseand around the community. They put colorful lights onthe ceiling of their bedroom and take great joy inmaintaining their fast while helping my wife with thespecial Ramadan meals.My father, may God bless him, would often spend thelast 10 days and nights of Ramadan in solitarydevotion, retreating to the Idriss Mosque nearNorthgate in a ritual called "I'tikaf," a completededication to the peaceful worship of God. We believeI'tikaf to be a time of intense spirituality, whenbelievers are surrounded by angels, the gates ofheaven are open, and God's blessings and mercy areespecially abundant.Muslims are sad when the month nears its end, as onenever knows if one's life will continue — whether wewill again experience the joys that have brought uscloser to each other, and ultimately to our creator,God the Compassionate, the Merciful.Aziz Junejo is host of "Focus on Islam," a weeklycable-television show, and a frequent speaker onIslam. He and four other columnists — Pastor MarkDriscoll, the Rev. Patrick J. Howell, Rabbi Mark S.Glickman and the Rev. Patricia L. Hunter — take turnswriting for the Faith & Values page.Readers may send feedback tofaithpage@seattletimes.com
General Strike In Manipur
The Milli Gazette (online edition); September 17, 2005
Imphal: All Manipur Muslim Students' Organisation (AMMSO) has called 48 hours general strike with effect from 13th sept.'05 midnight (0.00hrs) to 15th sept.'05 midnight (0.00hrs) with the following demands :Manipur Muslims have been demanding the implementation of the Mandal Commission since the Union Government decision in 1994. The Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) is about to conduct state services examination without waiting for the government's announcement. The present Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh had assured the house that he would definitely implement the reservation for OBCs [Other Backward Classes] including Muslims before the aforesaid examination. But the MPSC announced the conduction of the examination without waiting for the Chief Minister's reservation announcement. Hence AMMSO decided to launch a state-wide general strike protesting against the government's apparently deliberate inability to either ask the MPSC to postpone the examination or come out immediately with the reservation policy. The strike has already commenced since midnight today. And as per latest information due to severe police action 48 persons have been seriously injured. A total of 52 persons have been arrested so far by the police. Some of the injured persons are in critical condition. Anwar HussainGeneral SecretaryAMMSOImphal, Manipurimd_md123@yahoo.co.uk [14 Sep 05
Imphal: All Manipur Muslim Students' Organisation (AMMSO) has called 48 hours general strike with effect from 13th sept.'05 midnight (0.00hrs) to 15th sept.'05 midnight (0.00hrs) with the following demands :Manipur Muslims have been demanding the implementation of the Mandal Commission since the Union Government decision in 1994. The Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) is about to conduct state services examination without waiting for the government's announcement. The present Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh had assured the house that he would definitely implement the reservation for OBCs [Other Backward Classes] including Muslims before the aforesaid examination. But the MPSC announced the conduction of the examination without waiting for the Chief Minister's reservation announcement. Hence AMMSO decided to launch a state-wide general strike protesting against the government's apparently deliberate inability to either ask the MPSC to postpone the examination or come out immediately with the reservation policy. The strike has already commenced since midnight today. And as per latest information due to severe police action 48 persons have been seriously injured. A total of 52 persons have been arrested so far by the police. Some of the injured persons are in critical condition. Anwar HussainGeneral SecretaryAMMSOImphal, Manipurimd_md123@yahoo.co.uk [14 Sep 05
Muslim Students to Study Sexuality in Singapore
SINGAPORE, September 19, 2005 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – A textbook focusing on sexuality and emotions for Muslim teenagers will be introduced in Islamic religious education classes in November at mosques and private centers, Singapore’s largest Muslim body confirmed Monday, September 19.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) is putting out the book as part of a bid to jazz up religious instruction, the khaleej Times online reported Monday.
The book, with “X-rated” on its cover, and workshops are aimed at discussing previously taboo issues with religious teachers.
They are part of a revamp of religious education for Muslim youth.
Sexuality education is an integral aspect of becoming an adult, Farah Mahamood Aljunied, head of the council’s Islamic Education Strategic Unit, told The Straits Times.
It enables students to discuss such issues as boy-girl relationships in a religious framework, she said.
The approach aims to further convince Muslim teenagers to abstain from premarital sex, the paper said.
Farah added that several religious centers in Middle Eastern countries have open question-and-answer sessions with experienced teachers.
Thirteen mosques and nine centers in Singapore plan to offer the program including the book, the paper added.
From an Islamic point of view, sex education means informing a young man and woman about how to satisfy sexual desires innate in them according to the laws established by Almighty Allah, IOL fatwa section reads.
It is natural that such kind of education must exist in the Muslim societies since it aims, originally, at teaching a Muslim the morals of Islam and its rulings, it added.
Training
The council is also training instructors to be more approachable and engaging.
“Ask your friendly trainers those X-rated questions that you’ve always wanted to ask,” the course textbook urges.
“Just remember to keep it decent and proper, all right?”
MUIS was established in 1968, when the Administration of Muslim Law Act came into effect in Singapore .
It advises the President of Singapore on all matters relating to Islam.
Chief among its other functions are administration of mosques, distribution of Zakah and issuance of fatwas.
Singapore lies in southeastern Asia and is mainly islands between Malaysia and Indonesia .
Muslims in the country number about 450,000 to 500,000, making around 14 to 15 percent of the population.
Chinese make 76.7% of the population, Malay 14%, Indian 7.9%, and other 1.4%.
Chinese Buddhists are the majority, followed by Muslim Malays, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Taoist, and Confucianist.
Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but was separated two years later and became independent.
It subsequently became one of the world’s most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is the world’s busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe , according to the CIA’s Fact Book.
It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices. Its economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in electronics and manufacturing.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) is putting out the book as part of a bid to jazz up religious instruction, the khaleej Times online reported Monday.
The book, with “X-rated” on its cover, and workshops are aimed at discussing previously taboo issues with religious teachers.
They are part of a revamp of religious education for Muslim youth.
Sexuality education is an integral aspect of becoming an adult, Farah Mahamood Aljunied, head of the council’s Islamic Education Strategic Unit, told The Straits Times.
It enables students to discuss such issues as boy-girl relationships in a religious framework, she said.
The approach aims to further convince Muslim teenagers to abstain from premarital sex, the paper said.
Farah added that several religious centers in Middle Eastern countries have open question-and-answer sessions with experienced teachers.
Thirteen mosques and nine centers in Singapore plan to offer the program including the book, the paper added.
From an Islamic point of view, sex education means informing a young man and woman about how to satisfy sexual desires innate in them according to the laws established by Almighty Allah, IOL fatwa section reads.
It is natural that such kind of education must exist in the Muslim societies since it aims, originally, at teaching a Muslim the morals of Islam and its rulings, it added.
Training
The council is also training instructors to be more approachable and engaging.
“Ask your friendly trainers those X-rated questions that you’ve always wanted to ask,” the course textbook urges.
“Just remember to keep it decent and proper, all right?”
MUIS was established in 1968, when the Administration of Muslim Law Act came into effect in Singapore .
It advises the President of Singapore on all matters relating to Islam.
Chief among its other functions are administration of mosques, distribution of Zakah and issuance of fatwas.
Singapore lies in southeastern Asia and is mainly islands between Malaysia and Indonesia .
Muslims in the country number about 450,000 to 500,000, making around 14 to 15 percent of the population.
Chinese make 76.7% of the population, Malay 14%, Indian 7.9%, and other 1.4%.
Chinese Buddhists are the majority, followed by Muslim Malays, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Taoist, and Confucianist.
Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but was separated two years later and became independent.
It subsequently became one of the world’s most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is the world’s busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe , according to the CIA’s Fact Book.
It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices. Its economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in electronics and manufacturing.
Indian Muslims seek Malay status to enjoy privileges
KUALA LUMPUR (AP) - A minor political party of Malaysian Indian Muslims wants the government to recognise them as Malays - the country's main ethnic group, which enjoys privileges under an affirmative action programme - a senior official said Monday.
The Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress submitted a memorandum to the government over the weekend, asking that more than 400,000 Indian Muslims born in the country be given Malay status, said party deputy president Syed Ibrahim Kader.
The government has not yet responded to the request.
Malays, who are Muslims and make up about 60 percent of Malaysia's 26 million people, receive preferential treatment in business, education, government jobs and other fields under a programme launched in 1970 to improve their economic lot.
Syed Ibrahim said a Muslim who can speak the Malay language and practise the Malay culture is regarded as a Malay under the federal constitution.
"Indian Muslims adopt all three elements. We speak the Malay language and we follow all Malay customs. We want the government to give us Malay status so we can enjoy the privileges," Syed Ibrahim said.
The Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress submitted a memorandum to the government over the weekend, asking that more than 400,000 Indian Muslims born in the country be given Malay status, said party deputy president Syed Ibrahim Kader.
The government has not yet responded to the request.
Malays, who are Muslims and make up about 60 percent of Malaysia's 26 million people, receive preferential treatment in business, education, government jobs and other fields under a programme launched in 1970 to improve their economic lot.
Syed Ibrahim said a Muslim who can speak the Malay language and practise the Malay culture is regarded as a Malay under the federal constitution.
"Indian Muslims adopt all three elements. We speak the Malay language and we follow all Malay customs. We want the government to give us Malay status so we can enjoy the privileges," Syed Ibrahim said.
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