Rethinking Islam with Sultan Shahin

Islamic World News

16 Nov 2010, NewAgeIslam.Com

Muslim World Celebrates Eid al-Adha

US drone strike kills 20 militants in North Waziristan

Hindu Muslim Unity: Mosque serves as temporary Mandir for pilgrims

Pak national accused of recruiting Kerala youth for terror in Kashmir

Kurban Bayram conundrum in Turkey: To slaughter or not to slaughter?

US woman charged with terrorist aid

Religious leaders speak of justice and unity ahead of Eid al-Adha

UNSC doesn't list J&K as dispute

Kashmir is India's 'internal' issue: US envoy

Omission of Kashmir by Obama "not less important": Advani

Ayodhya verdict challenged in Supreme Court

Jamiat Ulama: Ayodhya verdict based on belief, not evidence

HC seeks Govt reply on sedition charge against Roy, Geelani

US to defer Afghan exit date to 2014

‘Spread radiant image of the Prophet’

Holy Kaaba gets new kiswa

It is in Pak interest to crackdown on terrorist groups: US

Obama sends Eid greetings to Muslims worldwide

Britain to pay compensation to Guantanamo detainees: Reports

426 terrorists tried to sneak into J&K this year: Antony

Hamas releases 80 prisoners in Eid al-Adha gesture

Two Christians among seven dead in Iraq unrest

Faithfuls ascend Mount Arafat

US throws water over India's hopes for UNSC seat

African Shia Islamic Movement Completes its Film production Center

Oklahoma Surprise: Islam as an Election Issue

Terror attack at CIA office foiled; suspect arrested

Terrorism forbidden in Islam: Grand Mufti

India set to shame Pak for ‘ printing’ fake notes

Iran woman with stoning sentence shown on state TV

Bangladesh: Mango tree nominated as national tree

3 'Lashkar' men handed over to Pak embassy

Hadith-e Kassa Memorization Contest Concluded in Imam Hossein’s Shrine

"Imamat and Leadership" renders in Kabul

The Tragedy of the Two Young Sons of Muslim Ibn Aqil

Imam Khamenei's Message to Hajj Pilgrims (1431 A.H.)

Arab analyst: US dictates its views to others

Iraqi Shoes With Obama's Face On the Soles +Image

Istanbul's Sabanci museum hosts award-winning Islamic artworks

Musharraf, govt officials given clean chit in BB murder case

Clinton defends US operations after Karzai criticism

WWII bomb found at new NATO HQ site

India pushes China to resolve stapled visa and other Kashmir issues

'Peace talks? They're misleading rumours'

Has NIA filed independent case against me: Kasab asks HC

Youngest pilgrim honored

HRC president: founding section in development plan proves women’s new status

Turkish film could further strain ties with Israel

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

----------- Muslim World Celebrates Eid al-Adha Ahmed Gamal 16 November 2010 Saudi Arabia (Mecca) - Muslims prepare for the upcoming religious holiday of Eid al-Adha, the “Celebration of Sacrifice,” also known as the Greater Eid, is an important holiday in the Muslim calendar. It marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, reports Global Arab Network. It takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, which will fall on Tuesday this year. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months & 10 days) after the end of the month of Ramadan, i.e. Eid-ul-Fitr. Ritual observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Muslims worldwide celebrate the holiday of Eid-Ul-Adha, which commemorates the trials of Prophet Ibrahim; his wife, Hagar; and his son Ishmael. The Hajj is the Fifth Pillar of Islam and therefore is a very important part of the Islamic faith. All physically fit Muslims who can afford it should make the trip to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, at least once in their lifetime. Every year, more than two million Muslims from more than 70 countries journey to the holy city of Mecca. They visit a shrine in the city known as the Ka’bah, built by Ibrahim and his son Ishmael at the command of God. Ka’bah is the direction where all Muslims around the world face while performing their prayers. The other four Pillars are: the testimony of faith, offering the five daily prayers, paying a certain share as charity and fasting the month of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Adha is a four-day celebration and in Muslim countries is a public holiday. It begins with Muslims going to the mosque for congregational prayers, dressed in their best clothes to thank God for all the blessings they have received and supplicate to him to guide them in their lives. It is also a time when they visit family and friends and exchange gifts. During Eid, it is obligatory to give a set amount of money to charity in order to help the poor buy new clothes and food so they too can celebrate. Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer in a large congregation is an open waqf field called Eidgah or mosque. Those Muslims who can afford, sacrifice their best domestic animals. The sacrificed animals, called U?hiyyah, have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice. The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid al-Adha by concerted efforts to see that no impoverished person is left without an opportunity to partake in the sacrificial meal during these days. During Eid al-Adha, distributing meat amongst the poor people is considered essential parts of this important Islamic festival. In some countries, families that do not own livestock can make a contribution to a charity that will provide meat to those who are in need. http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/201011148032/Culture/muslim-world-celebrates-eid-al-adha-on-tuesday.html ----------- US drone strike kills 20 militants in North Waziristan 16 November 2010 MIR ALI: A US missile strike destroyed a home and a speeding vehicle carrying insurgents near the Afghan border early Tuesday, killing at least 20 alleged militants, Pakistani intelligence officials said. The attack happened in the Bangi Dar village of North Waziristan, a tribal region that is a base for insurgents responsible for many of the attacks on US and Nato forces just across the border in Afghanistan. At least four missiles were fired, two at the mud-brick house and two at the vehicle. Four of the slain were in the vehicle while at least 16 died in the flattened home. The identity of the dead was not known, and agents were trying to get more details, said the officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity in line with the policy of the intelligence agency. North Waziristan has been the target of nearly all of the US missile strikes in Pakistan this year — a number that is around 100 and a major jump over previous years. US authorities want Pakistan to launch a military offensive in the region, but Islamabad has resisted, saying it has its hands full with army operations against insurgents elsewhere in the northwest. The Pakistani government publicly denounces the drone-fired missile attacks. It has asked Washington to transfer the technology to Islamabad so that the Pakistani army could launch such strikes on its own. http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/16/us-drone-strike-kills-seven-in-north-waziristan.html ----------- Hindu Muslim Unity: Mosque serves as temporary Mandir for pilgrims November 16, 2010 We Muslims believe in only one God,” said the mosque’s imam. But we respect all religions. KERALA, India (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Every year between 10- and 50-million men leave their villages and trek on foot to pay homage to the shrine of Lord Ayyappa at his mountain-top abode in Kerala’s Western Ghats. All pilgrims eat and travel together; and more remarkable still pray not only at the temple but also at the town’s mosque. They do this in memory of the legendary assistance given to Lord Ayyappa by a Muslim warrior named Vavar. “We Muslims believe in only one God,” said the mosque’s imam. “But we respect all religions. The Hindus respect Vavar, and we believe also that he was a great saint. So where is the problem? They believe what they believe. But if they come here we must be hospitable and make them welcome…The whole world is fighting about religion. But this is a place where you can show the light of peace, a place that brings all religions together. All human beings are equal here. There is a lesson here for everybody.” http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=213320 ----------- Pak national accused of recruiting Kerala youth for terror in Kashmir Ananthakrishnan G Nov 16, 2010 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Investigation Agency on Tuesday named Pakistan national 'Wali' Abdul Rahman as an accused in the case of recruitment of youth from Kerala for terrorist activities in Kashmir. He has been named as 24th accused in the case which hit the headlines after the death of four Malayalee youth in an encounter with security forces in the valley in October 2008. The dead were identified as Mohd Fayaz of Kannur, Abdul Rahim of Malappuram, Rimon alias Mohd Yasin - a convert from Christianity - from Ernakulam and Fayeez of Kannur. Wali, according to the NIA, carried out his operations from Hyderabad. Last week, the agency had indicated that it had hit upon evidence to suggest a Pakistan link to the case. Investigation revealed that Bangalore blasts case accused Tadiyantavide Naseer who is also an accused in the case had taken the youth initially to Hyderabad where they were prepared ideologically and then sent across the border for weapons training. The first hits came from Mohd Jaleel, a painter, who had received phone calls from the militants while they were caught in the encounter. He led the cops to Faisal, the man who had taken Mohd Fayaz from his home in September 2008 on the pretext of a job in Bangalore. Subsequently, it came to light that Faisal was one of the main recruiting agents for Lashkar-e-Toiba and is believed to have taken at least 300 men, mostly from Kannur, to Bangalore and Hyderabad for induction in terror. But the state government claimed that the figures were exaggerated. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pak-national-accused-of-recruiting-Kerala-youth-for-terror-in-Kashmir/articleshow/6935256.cms#ixzz15RVGSmod ----------- Kurban Bayram conundrum in Turkey: To slaughter or not to slaughter? MUSTAFA AKYOL November 16, 2010 The annual practice of putting millions of sheep and cattle to the knife in the name of honoring God is once again prompting debate in Turkey as the Kurban Bayram holiday begins Tuesday. Critics of the ritual sacrifice involved in the holiday, which is celebrated throughout the Muslim world, say the practice is outdated and fosters violence; they call for it to be reformed – or eliminated altogether. The age-old tradition, known as Eid al Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) in Arabic, has become controversial in Turkey as conservative immigrants from rural Anatolia have migrated to Istanbul and other large cities, where it is neither easy nor welcome to slaughter an animal on the street. Doing so creates “disturbing scenes” according to some urban Turks and Turkish media outlets that have been complaining about encountering animals, and their bloody remains, in unexpected parts of the city. Full report at: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=to-slaughter-or-not-to-slaughter-2010-11-15 ----------- US woman charged with terrorist aid 16 November 2010 SAN DIEGO: A California woman has been charged with conspiring to provide money and people to a Somali terrorist group to help carry out killings in the African nation, according to a federal indictment unsealed Monday. Nima Ali Yusuf, a 24-year-old permanent resident of the US, conspired in Southern California and elsewhere to aid al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked militia trying to create an Islamic state in Somalia, the indictment states. Federal prosecutors did not provide further details on the allegations. Since 2007, roughly 20 men have left Minnesota to fight with al-Shabab. Authorities said one became the first known US citizen to do a suicide bombing when he launched an attack in Somalia. Full report at: http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/16/us-woman-charged-with-terrorist-aid.html ----------- Religious leaders speak of justice and unity ahead of Eid al-Adha November 16, 2010 BEIRUT: Muslim and Christian clerics expressed their best wishes to the Lebanese Monday on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and hoped Lebanon would unite against possible dangers. Grand Mufti Mohammad Rashid Qabbani will deliver his Eid al-Adha sermon at the Mohammad al-Amine Mosque in Downtown Beirut Tuesday. Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid al-Adha starting Tuesday. Eid al-Adha marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and is celebrated in remembrance of Prophet Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son to God. Vice President of the Higher Shiite Islamic Council Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan called on Muslims to unite against lurking dangers. He spoke of Israeli threats and said “we should seek unity and exclude troubles from our internal scene so we can confront Israel as one front.” Full report at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=121613#ixzz1 ----------- UNSC doesn't list J&K as dispute Nov 16, 2010 NEW DELHI: An annual report of the UN Security Council to the UN General Assembly has once again dropped mention of Jammu and Kashmir, in keeping with a trend that started in 2006, leaving Pakistani diplomats crying foul. On Monday, Pakistan's envoy Amjad Sial told the General Assembly debating the annual report of the UNSC that the absence of the J&K issue was "inadvertent". However, while welcoming the UNSC report, Indian diplomats said the issue has not been part of any UNSC report since 2006. In 2005, then UN secretary general Kofi Annan declared that the "plebiscite" issue could not be enforced or self-implemented. In other words, Indian officials said, it was a "dead letter". Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/UNSC-doesnt-list-JK-as-dispute/articleshow/6931920.cms#ixzz15QBshEaV ----------- Kashmir is India's 'internal' issue: US envoy 16 November 2010 NEW DELHI: With Kashmir reportedly being excluded from the UN list of unresolved disputes, the US today said it was an "internal issue" of India and should be resolved bilaterally through negotiations with Pakistan. "This is an internal issue for India. It is a bilateral issue between Pakistan and India, to discuss term, scope, character and pace," US Ambassador Timothy Roemer said. He was asked to comment on UN excluding Kashmir from list of unresolved international issues. "The (US) President ( Barack Obama), I think was very articulate on this issue of Kashmir. This is an internal issue for India," he said on the sidelines of a function here. Roemer noted that during his visit, Obama had said that he encouraged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and people of India to engage with the government and people of Pakistan. Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kashmir-is-Indias-internal-issue-US-envoy/articleshow/6931394.cms#ixzz15QBxVmjC ----------- Omission of Kashmir by Obama "not less important": Advani November 16, 2010 Senior BJP leader L K Advani on Monday praised US President Barack Obama for his "superb" address to Parliament and noted that absence of Kashmir in his speech was "no no less important". In his latest blog titled 'A global partnership', the BJP veteran said that in the course of Obama's election campaign in 2008 he had remarked that "working with Pakistan and India to try to resolve the Kashmir crisis in a serious way would be among the critical tasks of my administration". "For all Indians, what he said was important, and heartening. But what he omitted to say, I think, was no less important. There was no mention of the word Kashmir in his speech," Advani said in a reference to Obama's speech in Parliament. Full report at: http://www.dailypioneer.com/296655/Omission-of-Kashmir-by-Obama-not-less-important- ----------- Ayodhya verdict challenged in Supreme Court November 16, 2010 The Allahabad High Court's Sep 30 verdict on the Ayodhya dispute was on Monday challenged by a petitiner in the Supreme Court. The appeal was filed by Mohammad Siddiq alias Hafiz Mohammad Siddiq on behalf of 90-year-old organisation Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH). Siddiq is the general secretary of the JUH, which had taken part in the country's independence struggle. The appeal raised 33 questions of law and facts seeking to be addressed by the apex court. A three-judge special bench of the high court had ordered division of the disputed 90 ft x 120 ft Ayodhya plot of land where the Babri Masjid once stood into three parts - one to Ram Lalla deity, one to the Nirmohi Akhara and one to the Sunni Waqf Board. The JUH questioned whether the high court while deciding the case travelled beyond the pleadings of the parties because in none of the suit there was any prayer for the partition of the site. Full report at: http://www.dailypioneer.com/296659/Ayodhya-verdict-challenged-in-Supreme-Court.html ----------- Jamiat Ulama: Ayodhya verdict based on belief, not evidence 16 November 2010 New Delhi: The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JHU), one of the parties to the Ayodhya title suits in the Allahabad High Court, on Monday moved the Supreme Court, contending that the core finding in the judgment “as regards the alleged place of birth of Lord Ram is based on the professed belief of Hindus and not on evidence,” and that such a finding was illegal. The first appeal, filed through lawyer Anis Suhrawardy, contended that the High Court while deciding the cases pertaining to the Babri Masjid “has travelled beyond the pleadings of the parties because in none of the suits was there any prayer for partition; therefore, the High Court ought not to have decided the suit like a partition suit pertaining to the land in question.” Full report at: http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/16/stories/2010111664711300.htm ----------- HC seeks Govt reply on sedition charge against Roy, Geelani November 16, 2010 The Delhi High Court on Monday sought a response from the Delhi Government as to why should criminal case not be registered against hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, writer-activist Arundhati Roy and Delhi University professor SAR Geelani for allegedly making anti-India speeches. Justice Hima Kohli has asked the Delhi Government to file its response by January 27 on a petition seeking initiation of criminal proceedings against asked the Geelani, Roy and others. Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Sugreev Dubey submitted that action should be taken against Geelani and others under the charge of sedition and other offences. Full report at: http://www.dailypioneer.com/296865/HC-seeks-Govt-reply-on-sedition-charge-against- ----------- US to defer Afghan exit date to 2014 Peter Baker & Rod Nordland 16 November 2010 The Obama administration has developed a plan to begin transferring security duties in select areas of Afghanistan -to that country's forces over the next 18 to 24 months, with an eye toward ending the American combat mission there by 2014, officials said on Sunday. The phased four-year plan to wind down American and allied fighting in Afghanistan will be presented at a NATO summit meeting in Lisbon later this week, the officials said. It will reflect the most concrete vision for transition in Afghanistan assembled by civilian and military officials since President Obama took office last year. Full report at: Hindustan Times ----------- ‘Spread radiant image of the Prophet’ By SIRAJ WAHAB, SYED FAISAL ALI & AMJAD PARKAR Nov 16, 2010 • Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh calls for end to injustice • Pilgrims seek mercy in Arafat plains • Stoning of Satan begins today ARAFAT: Nearly three million pilgrims on Monday stood on Mount Arafat, also known as the Mount of Mercy, and the plains surrounding it from where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave his farewell sermon more than 14 centuries ago. It was from here that the Last Prophet’s Companions set out across the four corners of the world preaching the simple message of Islam. The Prophet’s last sermon, simple and pure as it was, became the magnet for millions to join the fold of Islam. The Prophet preached about the oneness of Allah and talked about piety being the only barometer of one’s closeness to Allah. Full report at: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article192125.ece ----------- Holy Kaaba gets new kiswa By BADEA ABU AL-NAJA 16 November 2010 MAKKAH: The Holy Kaaba in Makkah was given a new kiswa, or covering, on Monday morning, a tradition that takes place on Dul Hijjah 9 every year. Officials from the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs took down the old kiswa and replaced it with a new one, which is made from pure silk at Makkah’s Kiswa Factory. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Kiswa Factory. The changing of the kiswa is done in a particular way with the new kiswa hung over the old one from the top and then the old one removed from underneath. The Kiswa Factory was built in Makkah about 74 years ago by the Kingdom’s founder King Abdul Aziz. A new kiswa is made every year by Saudis who work at the factory. The black kiswa is made with 670 kg of pure silk, and 150 kg of gold and silver thread that is used for sewing the Qur’anic verses. It is 658 square meters in size and consists of 47 pieces, each 14 meters long and 95 cm wide. It costs about SR16.8 million ($4.5 million). http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article192119.ece ----------- It is in Pak interest to crackdown on terrorist groups: US Nov 16, 2010 WASHINGTON: Observing that Pakistan itself has been the chief victim of international terrorism, a top US official has said it is in interest of Islamabad to crackdown on terrorist groups operating inside the country. "The President (Obama) was very clear that Pakistan itself has been the chief victim of international terrorism. And so it's very much in its own interest to crack down on these groups, which increasingly are operating as a syndicate and it's very difficult to really distinguish between them," assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, Robert Blake said here. "But they're also operating against American interests, not just in our homeland, but in places like Afghanistan and in the Mumbai attacks where six Americans were killed," he said in response to a question. Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/It-is-in-Pak-interest-to-crackdown-on-terrorist-groups-US/articleshow/6933668.cms#ixzz15QA9gU8z ----------- Obama sends Eid greetings to Muslims worldwide 16 November 2010 US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle extended good wishes Monday to the world's 1.57 billion Muslims ahead of the Eid Al-Adha religious holiday. WASHINGTON, Earlier, around two million white-robed Muslims converged at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabi as the Haj, the world's largest annual pilgrimage, peaked at the site of the Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) last sermon. "Michelle and I extend our greetings for a happy Eid Al-Adha to Muslims worldwide and wish safe travels to those performing Haj," Obama said in a statement. "This year, nearly three million pilgrims from more than 160 countries — including the United States — have gathered in Mecca and neighboring sites to perform the Haj rituals and stand together in prayer." Full report at: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article192179.ece ----------- Britain to pay compensation to Guantanamo detainees: Reports Nov 16, 2010 LONDON: The British government is expected to announce Tuesday it will pay more than a million pounds' (1.6 million dollars, 1.1 million euros) compensation to former Guantanamo Bay detainees. The cabinet office confirmed reports by the ITV News that the government would update lawmakers about high court actions brought by ex-prisoners, who claim British security forces were complicit in their torture. Bisher al-Rawi, Jamil el Banna, Richard Belmar, Omar Deghayes, Binyam Mohamed, Martin Mubanga all took action against the government, and the high court ordered the release of 500,000 related documents in July. Experts believe the government was keen to avoid a costly court case and the settlement was finally agreed after weeks of negotiations, with two lawyers acting as independent adjudicators. Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/Britain-to-pay-compensation-to-Guantanamo-detainees-Reports/articleshow/6933491.cms#ixzz15Q6fiKbI ----------- 426 terrorists tried to sneak into J&K this year: Antony Nov 16, 2010 NEW DELHI: Infiltration attempts across the Line of Control continue unabated, with as many as 426 Pakistan-trained terrorists having attempted to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir this year. Defence minister A K Antony on Monday, in a written reply to Lok Sabha, said 1,253 terrorists had tried to infiltrate into J&K over the last three years. While 168 militants were killed, the Army lost 37 soldiers in thwarting infiltration bids since 2008. "The Army has adopted a robust counter-infiltration strategy, which has an appropriate mix of technology and human resources put together to check infiltration effectively,'' he said. Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/426-terrorists-tried-to-sneak-into-JK-this-year-Antony/articleshow/6930966.cms#ixzz15QC283vg ----------- Hamas releases 80 prisoners in Eid al-Adha gesture 16 November 2010 GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories — Hamas on Monday freed 80 prisoners on the eve of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, a police spokesman said. In a statement, Ayman al-Batniji said the 80 prisoners, all convicted of petty crimes or participating in violent family feuds, were freed at midday, in the Gaza Strip ahead of the Tuesday start of the holiday. Another 100 detainees were given leave to visit their families for the festival, but have to report back to prison on Saturday, Batniji said. The prisoner releases were ordered by Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniya. Hamas has run the Gaza Strip since 2007, when it routed forces loyal to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and seized control. Full report at: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2010/November/middleeast_November317.xml&section=middleeast ----------- Two Christians among seven dead in Iraq unrest 16 November 2010 MOSUL, Iraq — Violence around Iraq killed seven people on Monday, including two Christians gunned down in their home in the latest in a spate of attacks targeting the minority community, security officials said. The gunmen escaped after the evening attack in an eastern neighbourhood of the main northern city of Mosul, police said. Last week, a spate of bomb and mortar attacks targeted the homes and businesses of Christians in the capital Baghdad, killing six people and wounding 33 and drawing international condemnation. Full report at: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2010/November/middleeast_November321.xml&section=middleeast&col= ----------- Faithfuls ascend Mount Arafat 16 November 2010 Nearly three million Muslims performing the annual Haj in Saudi Arabia climbed the rocky desert Mount Arafat on Monday, chanting that they have come to answer God’s call. The white-robed pilgrims began their ascent at dawn, covering the Jabal Al Rahma (Mount Mercy) at Arafat in an endless sea of white as their chants of “Labaik Allah” — or “Here I am, God, answering your calling” — reverberated. The climb is one of the cornerstones of the Haj, which is required from every Muslim at least once in his life. It is the site where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his last sermon, and Muslims believe on this day the doors of heaven open to answer prayers and grant forgiveness. Saudi Arabia’s, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh, called on worshippers in a midday sermon to espouse moderation and said Islam would survive what he described as attempts to defame the faith. Full report at: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/November/ ----------- US throws water over India's hopes for UNSC seat Nov 16, 2010 WASHINGTON/ NEW YORK: The US has cautioned against expecting any breakthrough "anytime soon" on the UN Security Council reforms, dampening India's hopes for a permanent seat just a week after President Barack Obama backed its quest for this prestigious slot. A top US official also clarified that Obama's endorsement of India for permanent membership in the UNSC during his visit to New Delhi was not a last minute decision, but had been well thought out. It was kept hush-hush, since the endorsement was a big news item, he said. "I would caution against expecting any kind of breakthrough anytime soon," assistant secretary of state Robert Blake told journalists in New York and Washington during a digital video press conference. Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/US-throws-water-over-Indias-hopes-for-UNSC-seat/articleshow/6934424.cms#ixzz15QiTewgY ----------- African Shia Islamic Movement Completes its Film production Center November 16, 2010 The Islamic Movement in Nigeria completes its Film Production center. Speaking at the Center on Sunday the 14th of November 2010, the Director of the IM Production , Malama Zeenah Ibraheem explains that the center shall undertake, among others, the production of films and translations into local language for wider circulations. (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The Islamic Movement in Nigeria completes its Film Production center. Speaking at the Center on Sunday the 14th of November 2010, the Director of the IM Production , Malama Zeenah Ibraheem explains that the center shall undertake, among others, the production of films and translations into local language for wider circulations. She further said the center has different parts such as production room or studio, rooms , kitchen and toilets. After the introduction she handed over keys of the Center to Team Leader. The IM Production as part of its work succeed in translating the popular film Ruhullah on the life and struggle of Imam Khomeini (QS) into local Hausa language. http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213317 ----------- Oklahoma Surprise: Islam as an Election Issue By JAMES C. McKINLEY Jr. 16 November 2010 OKLAHOMA CITY — Cory Williams, a Democratic state representative from Stillwater, expected his opponent in the recent election to label him a free-spending liberal allied with President Obama. He did not foresee that he would be accused of trying to subject Oklahomans to Islamic law. Mr. Williams was one of 10 Democrats who voted against putting a state constitutional amendment on the ballot that would forbid state judges from considering international or Islamic law in deciding cases. He considered the idea unnecessary, since the First Amendment already bans state-imposed religion. His Republican challenger sent out mailers showing him next to a shadowy figure in an Arab headdress. On the other side, the flier said Mr. Williams wanted to allow “Islamic ‘Shariah’ law to be used by Oklahoma courts” and suggested that he was part of “an international movement, supported by militant Muslims and liberals,” to establish Islamic law throughout the world. Full report at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/us/15oklahoma.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss ----------- Terror attack at CIA office foiled; suspect arrested By Munawer Azeem 16 November 2010 ISLAMABAD: A man carrying a bag containing explosives and addressed to a deputy superintendent of police was arrested on Monday when he was about to deliver the parcel. SSP Alam Khan said the man arrived at the CIA Centre in Sector I-9/4 and asked the guard at the gate to deliver the parcel to the DSP. When the guard asked him to wait so that he could inform the DSP about the parcel, the man fled after leaving the bag. However, police captured him after a brief chase. The SSP said that during the search two books — Major Act and Minor Act — containing over 2,000 pages were found in the bag attached with some wires. The explosives were planted in the books by making hole in pages. Full report at: http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/16/terror-attack-at-cia-office-foiled-suspect-arrested.html ----------- Terrorism forbidden in Islam: Grand Mufti 16 November 2010 MAKKAH: Terrorism is forbidden in Islam and such acts should not be reciprocated at any cost, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah said in his Haj sermon at Mount Arafat on Monday. Sheikh Abdul Aziz said since Allah had bestowed humans with reason, it was binding on them to differentiate between good and evil. “Islam believes in coexistence and disapproves of all acts which aim at sowing strife in society. Spilling the blood of human beings amounts to invoking the wrath of God.” Around two million Muslims converged at Mount Arafat as the Haj, the world’s largest annual pilgrimage, peaked at the site of the Holy Prophet’s (peace be upon him) last sermon. Full report at: http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/16/terrorism-forbidden-in-islam-grand-mufti.html ----------- India set to shame Pak for ‘ printing’ fake notes By Aman Sharma in New Delhi 16 November 2010 INDIA has decided to throw down the gauntlet at Pakistan for printing and smuggling fake Indian currency notes with the motive of financing terror. Armed with a strong dossier of evidence, India will next week approach the Financial Action Task Force ( FATF) in France against Pakistan’s activities. The FATF is a global body of 34 countries to combat money laundering and financing of terrorists. “ The aim is to shame Pakistan at the international forum. For the first time, we have conclusive evidence to show that fake notes seized in India and other transit countries like Nepal, Malaysia and the UAE are printed on the same paper on which Pakistan prints its currency notes,” a government source said. “ The exact match implies that Indian fake notes and the Pakistani notes have the same source.” India feels this is strong evidence to link these fake notes to Pakistani state printing units. Full report at: Mail Today ----------- Iran woman with stoning sentence shown on state TV 16 November 2010 TEHRAN: Iranian state television has broadcast a purported statement by an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery in which she calls herself a “sinner.” The stoning sentence against the 43-year-old Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani has been put on hold and is now being reviewed by Iran’s supreme court. The case has raised an international outcry, embarrassing Tehran. A woman identified as Ashtiani said in the state TV report shown Monday: “I am a sinner.” The woman’s face was blurred and her words were voiced over in what the TV report said was a translation into Farsi from Azeri Turkish, which is spoken in parts of Iran. Full report at: http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article192089.ece ----------- Bangladesh: Mango tree nominated as national tree 16 November 2010 Mango tree has been nominated as the national tree of the country. The nomination was made on Monday at a regular cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair. “As we had no national tree, the mango tree has been declared as the national tree of the country,” Abul Kalam Azad, press secretary to the prime minister, told reporters after the meeting. http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=26943 ----------- 3 'Lashkar' men handed over to Pak embassy 16 November 2010 Bangladesh government handed over three Pakistani nationals, who were arrested by the Detective Branch of police last Saturday for their suspected link to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), to the Pakistan government through its embassy in Dhaka. Senior Superintendent of Dhaka Central Jail Towhidul Islam told The Daily Star that Pakistani nationals Syed Abdul Kaiyum Azhari alias Sufian, 22, Mohammad Ashraf Alias Zahid, 24, and Mohammad Monwar Ali, 30, were freed from prison at around 12:30pm at the directives of the home ministry. Full report at: http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=162799 ----------- Hadith-e Kassa Memorization Contest Concluded in Imam Hossein’s Shrine November 16, 2010 The memorization contest of Hadith-e Kassa for children from different Arabian countries which started on Thursday, November 11 in the holy shrine of Imam Hossein (AS) concluded on Saturday, November 13. (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The memorization contest of Hadith-e Kassa for children from different Arabian countries which started on Thursday, November 11 in the holy shrine of Imam Hossein (AS) concluded on Saturday, November 13. About 1000 children from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain participated in the contest, said Sa’ad Al-Din Al-Bana, head custodian of the holy shrine and supervisor of the contest. Full report at: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213225 ----------- "Imamat and Leadership" renders in Kabul November 16, 2010 The book entitled "Imamat and Leadership" written by martyred Motahhari, is translated into Pashtu language by Mohammad Taregh and Zabihollah Eghbal. (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The book entitled "Imamat and Leadership" written by martyred Motahhari, is translated into Pashtu language by Mohammad Taregh and Zabihollah Eghbal. According to the public relations office of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO), Sponsored by Iranian cultural office in Kabul, the book circulation is 1000 copies and it covers 144 pages. With the theme of philosophy of leadership and Imamat in Islam and logical reasons of this issue among Muslims, the book could be a great guide in Afghanistan. http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213322 ----------- The Tragedy of the Two Young Sons of Muslim Ibn Aqil November 16, 2010 Muslim ibn 'Aqil had taken two of his sons to Kufah with him. The older son was called Muhammad and the younger Ibrahim. Both of them were under the age of ten years. When Muslim ibn 'Aqil realized how dangerous a threat Ibn Ziyad was, he called for Qadi Shurayh and handed over his two sons to him. Qadi Shurayh kept the two boys in his house until the martyrdom of Muslim ibn 'Aqil. After the death of Muslim ibn 'Aqil, Ibn Ziyad issued a warning saying that anyone who was aware of the whereabouts of the sons of Muslim ibn 'Aqil and did not inform him would be put to death. On hearing this, Qadi Shurayh went to the sons of Muslim ibn 'Aqil. He showed them affection and kindness as he shed tears. Full report at: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213325 ----------- Imam Khamenei's Message to Hajj Pilgrims (1431 A.H.) November 16, 2010 World Shia Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has described the annual Hajj pilgrimage as a symbol of monotheism and spirituality. (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds and may Allah’s blessings be upon our Master, Muhammad al-Mustafa and his immaculate Family and his elect Companions. As a symbol of Islamic unity and honour and the emblem of monotheism and spirituality, the Holy Ka’bah, during the Hajj season, is host to the ardent and hopeful hearts, who come hurrying from all over the world to the birthplace of Islam in response to the call of the Glorious Lord. At this time, the Islamic Ummah can have a bird’s eye view of its own great extent and diversity, seen through the eyes of its envoys who gather here from all over the world, and be witness to the profound faith that rules over the hearts of the followers of the True Religion, and appreciate its great and peerless heritage. Full report at: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213204 ----------- Arab analyst: US dictates its views to others November 16, 2010 An Arab political analyst Mostafa Ghalum Abbas says the US by refusing to admit Turkey and Brazil to the G5+1-Iran nuclear talks tries to dictate its policies and stands to others in case of Iran nuclear issue (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - An Arab political analyst Mostafa Ghalum Abbas says the US by refusing to admit Turkey and Brazil to the G5+1-Iran nuclear talks tries to dictate its policies and stands to others in case of Iran nuclear issue. Abbas said to prove its good will and restore stability to the region, Iran in recent years has taken positive measures. Full report at: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213120 ----------- Iraqi Shoes With Obama's Face On the Soles +Image November 16, 2010 Through the disaffected Iraqis about their feelings toward the United States of America through a picture of President Barack Obama on the soles of their shoes even trample on the ground. The broadcast network, "CNN" News of America in a report Monday, Nov 8, one for vendors in the Al-Rashid Street one of the oldest streets of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, as saying that he sells these shoes about a year and a half it started to Alroa Has been nearly 3 months in the streets of the city and it brought in from China after he liked style. http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=212839 ----------- Istanbul's Sabanci museum hosts award-winning Islamic artworks 16 November 2010 The Sakip Sabanci Museum welcomes a new exhibition Friday, the '2009 Jameel Prize 2009,' from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The Jameel Prize is a new international art prize for contemporary artists and designers inspired by traditional Islamic art, craft and design. All works competing for the award were exhibited last year in London and are now on display in Istanbul Leading curators, designers, artists and cultural figures around the world were invited to nominate candidates for the Jameel Prize. In terms of media, the work ranges from jewelry and photomontage to turned wooden prints. Istanbul's Sakip Sabanci Museum is hosting the “Jameel Prize 2009” exhibition from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The exhibition features works by contemporary artists and designers inspired by traditional Islamic craft and design. Full report at: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=1111141736873-2010-11-12 ----------- Musharraf, govt officials given clean chit in BB murder case 16 November 2010 ISLAMABAD / RAWALPINDI: Almost 35 months after the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the PPP-led government submitted a challan to an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi on Monday. Surprisingly, the challan admitted the version of investigations carried out during the Musharraf government. The joint investigation team (JIT) of FIA, which prepared the 48-page challan, also gave a clean-chit to former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf and functionaries of the then federal and provincial governments. Full report at: http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/16/benazir-assassination-part-of-conspiracy-fia.html ----------- Clinton defends US operations after Karzai criticism 16 November 2010 WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defended US strategy in Afghanistan Monday after Afghan President Hamid Karzai called on Washington to reduce its military footprint and Taliban leaders ruled out peace talks. Insurgent violence meanwhile showed no signs of letting up as nine security guards were killed and a Taliban rocket attack on a military base destroyed six armored vehicles in Afghanistan on Monday. The violence occurred in the build-up to a key NATO summit in Lisbon, where the continued presence of foreign forces in the country — and the timetable for their withdrawal — is likely to be high on the agenda. Full report at: http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/16/clinton-defends-afghan-operations-after-karzai- ----------- WWII bomb found at new NATO HQ site Nov 16, 2010 BRUSSELS: A 200 kg World War II bomb has been discovered at the construction site of the new NATO headquarters in Brussels, police said. Traffic had to be diverted on Monday from the Leopold III Avenue, where the building is being constructed, while bomb experts attempted to defuse the explosive. The construction of the new NATO headquarters, which will cost an estimated 460 million euros ($626 million), began in September and is expected to concluded by 2015. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/WWII-bomb-found-at-new-NATO-HQ-site/articleshow/6933964.cms#ixzz15QACPzwq ----------- India pushes China to resolve stapled visa and other Kashmir issues Saibal Dasgupta 16 November 2010 BEIJING: India has made it clear to China that it must come up with a clear statement on the Kashmir issue if it expects New Delhi to curb protest movements by Tibetan activists living in the country. Indian officials led by external affairs minister SM Krishna have conveyed in no uncertain terms that they are peeved about China's refusal to resolve the stapled visa issue, and come clear about its troop presence in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Indian officials led by external affairs minister SM Krishna told Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi over two days of meetings ending on Sunday at the central Chinese city of Wuhan that they were not amused by China's refusal to revolve the stapled visa issue. The Chinese government has made no changes in its policy of issuing stapled visas to Kashmir-domicile citizens even after New Delhi suspended defence exchanges last August protesting against its refusal to grant a proper visa to an Indian general to travel to China on an official visit. Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/India-pushes-China-to-resolve-stapled-visa-and-other-Kashmir-issues/articleshow/6931354.cms#ixzz15QAdbkj0 ----------- 'Peace talks? They're misleading rumours' Nov 16, 2010 KABUL: Taliban leader Mullah Omar said in a statement on Monday that reports of peace talks between militants and the Afghan government were "misleading rumours" and dismissed the coalition surge as ineffective. The reclusive head of the militant Islamist group, who is rumoured to be in Pakistan, said that "the enemy has resorted to spreading the misleading rumours of peace talks" because foreign forces were being defeated by Taliban fighters. Omar's statement, emailed to media organisations and posted in a number of languages on the SITE Intelligence Group's website, came on the eve of the major Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha on Tuesday. "The moments of defeat of the invaders have approached now due to the special victory and the sincere sacrifices of the Mujahideen," said the one-eyed fugitive, according to the English-language statement. Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Peace-talks-Theyre-misleading-rumours/articleshow/6933427.cms#ixzz15QAgekRA ----------- Has NIA filed independent case against me: Kasab asks HC 16 November 2010 MUMBAI: Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab, given death sentence for his role in the 26/11 attacks, today asked whether the National Investigating Agency (NIA) had registered an independent case against him and that it would soon interrogate him. In a petition filed before the Bombay High Court, his lawyer Amin Solkar said, "The report indicates that the 26/11 probe, on the basis of which Kasab was convicted, was either incomplete or a denovo (fresh) investigation is on the cards. "This would amount to double jeopardy and also directly interfere in the case of confirmation of Kasab's death sentence pending before the high court." Justices Ranjana Desai and R V More asked government counsel Ujjwal Nikam to file a reply on November 18 to the issues raised by Kasab. Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/-Has-NIA-filed-independent-case-against-me-Kasab-asks-HC/articleshow/6931120.cms#ixzz15QBzti1i ----------- Youngest pilgrim honored 16 November 2010 MAKKAH: The Women’s Voluntary Committee of the South Asian Tawafa Establishment honored a seven-day-old baby, born to an Indian pilgrim in Makkah. The function, which was held at the establishment’s headquarters last Wednesday, was attended by Fouziah Khan, wife of Pakistan’s consul general, and Imrana Siddiqui, wife of Pakistan’s deputy consul general. Over 200 women from India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, in addition to women from some Arab countries, participated. In her opening address, the committee’s chairman, Fatin Ibrahim, welcomed the pilgrims and enumerated the government’s efforts to enable all pilgrims to complete the fifth pillar of Islam with ease and comfort in a safe and secure atmosphere. Full report at: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article192131.ece ----------- HRC president: founding section in development plan proves women’s new status 16 November 2010 RIYADH: President of Human Rights Commission Bandar Al-Iban praised the United Nations' selection of Saudi Arabia to serve on a board on gender equality and women’s empowerment. The member states chose the Kingdom from among the contributing countries to serve three-year terms beginning Oct. 11 along with the USA, Britain, Spain, Mexico and Norway . Al-Iban said this election illustrates the approval of the international community on the development of women's rights and empowerment in the Kingdom. The 41 board members included ten from Africa, ten from Asia, four from Eastern Europe, six from Latin America and the Caribbean, five from Western Europe and six from other countries. Full report at: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article191854.ece ----------- Turkish film could further strain ties with Israel By SUZAN FRASER 16 November 2010 ANKARA: Cinemas across Turkey are showing a trailer for an upcoming Turkish action movie based on a true event: the Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound, blockade-busting flotilla that killed nine activists in May. And if the trailer of the film is any indication, the movie, “The Valley of the Wolves — Palestine,” could worsen tense relations between Turkey and Israel when it is released Jan. 28. The anti-Israel melodrama is a spinoff of the controversial but popular Turkish TV series “Valley of the Wolves,” about a nationalist undercover agent — Turkey’s answer to James Bond and Rambo — who takes on Turkey’s enemies. This time the superhero, Polat Alemdar, sets out to hunt down the Israeli military commander who ordered the raid on the flotilla and avenge the killing of the eight Turks and one Turkish-American who died in the real-life attack. Full report at: http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article192046.ece URL: http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamIslamicWorldNews_1.aspx?ArticleID=3687