A spiritual note from The Quran: Fasting in Navratri, Islam and Pluralism, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam and Pluralism

A spiritual note from The Quran: Fasting in Navratri

The festival of Navratri is celebrated with prayers and gaiety. It is a period for self-reflection and getting back to the Source. Likewise, Eid ul-Fitr was celebrated last week by Muslims worldwide after a period of soul-purifying fasting during the month of Ramadan.

In Navratri, the seeker finds the true source through fasting, prayer, silence and meditation. Night is called ratri because it brings rest and rejuvenation.

It is interesting that the Quran also speaks of a Night – the night in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), thus bringing spiritual light to mankind.

While fasting detoxifies the body, silence purifies speech and brings rest to the mind, and meditation takes one deep into one’s being.

It is known that Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation during a period of fasting and meditation in the cave of Hira. (This is commemorated in the last part of Ramadan, in the night mentioned before, called Lailat al-Qadr). It is therefore important that one resorts to these methods of seeking communication with Almighty God.

http://newageislam.com/a-spiritual-note-from-the-quran--fasting--in-navratri/islam-and-pluralism/d/870

The Battle for Bajaur will impact the future of Islamist terrorism across the world, War on Terror, NewAgeIslam.com

War on Terror

The Battle for Bajaur will impact the future of Islamist terrorism across the world

By Kanchan Lakshman

Research Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management;

Assistant Editor, Faultlines: Writings on Conflict &

Resolution

Ever since militants of different nationalities began using Bajaur as a safe haven, they have transformed the region into a well secured fortress, constructing tunnel systems and trenches across the Agency. Network of tunnels have been discovered in the Taliban strongholds of Tankkhata, Rashakai and Loyesam, and sources disclosed to the Daily Times that "They [militants] would fire at the Forces from some house and then use the tunnel to escape the Army’s return fire." According to the report, "these foreigners were interested in renting houses by the roadside, and paid Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 in rent per month. The purpose of renting houses along the roadside was to attack the Forces if they launched action against the militants."

The militants’ resistance is stiffening, with better tactics and communication systems, reinforcements, and arms and ammunition from across the border. Reinforcements are coming from other Agencies in the FATA and from Afghanistan (primarily from the Kunar province). Western diplomatic sources acknowledge that the "level of violence in Kunar has dropped appreciably since the launch of the operation in Bajaur, indicating a planning and operational linkage that overlaps the Durand Line."

http://newageislam.com/the-battle-for-bajaur-will-impact-the-future-of-islamist-terrorism-across-the-world/war-on-terror/d/880

THE U.A.E. Madares Al Ghad schools to focus on English, computers, Islamic Society, NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Society

THE U.A.E. Madares Al Ghad schools to focus on English, computers

By Preeti Kannan

18 August 2008

He noted that the MAG schools would include children of all abilities and interests. 'We'll produce graduates who are proficient in both Arabic and English, knowledgeable about and committed to their rich heritage and culture, skilled in the use of information and communication technology, well-educated in Mathematics and Science and prepared for direct entry into higher education institutions world-wide.'

Dr Hassan also stressed that one of the primary goals of reform was to 'progressively increase the involvement of Emirati teachers and school administrators as educational leaders in their schools and in their communities.'

Dr Foazia Badri, Executive Director of Educational Affairs at the MoE, told Khaleej Times, 'MAG schools are a model for the other schools. The MAG project began with 50 schools and we plan to expand the number to more schools in the future.'

Several American, European and English speaking teachers have been integrated into the project as part of the ministry's efforts to improve language proficiency.

http://newageislam.com/the-u.a.e.-madares-al-ghad-schools-to-focus-on-english,-computers/islamic-society/d/584