India: A Hindu family fasting in Ramzan or 40 years, Islam and Pluralism, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam and Pluralism

India: A Hindu family fasting in Ramzan or 40 years

3 Sep 2008, TNN

Talking to TOI, Bhatt said, "My elder son had been suffering from a stomach problem for a long time. We had visited all the doctors and hospitals for treatment, but nothing cured him. Then we were told by a Sufi believer that if we appease 'Pir Mamu' (as he is fondly remembered by his followers) - the Sufi saint, who had his abode where our house now stands - our son will be cured of his illness. He said we should stay away from vices and other prohibited things under Islam."

Since then the family has kept its vow and has been performing all the rituals during the holy month of Ramzan. It breaks the fast only after paying homage to Pir Mamu.

In all these years the family has kept up the spirit of universal brotherhood alive. Even during the Gujarat riots in 2002, the family fasted for the entire month.

"We believe fasts to be our offerings to almighty and do not think that they portray only one religion," Bhatt said.

Hina Bhatt, the eldest daughter-in-law of the family, said, "After I got married, I willingly accepted the family ritual of fasting in the month of Ramzan. For me, it's like the shravan month. I normally fast during shravan and then in Ramzan." The most difficult part of a roza is not being able to drink water. Hema Bhatt, another daughter-in-law, said, "Being Brahmins, we completely believe in the oneness of God. During this month, we get the courage to complete these arduous fasts without much tribulations."

http://newageislam.com/india--a-hindu-family-fasting-in-ramzan-or-40-years-/islam-and-pluralism/d/695

Warning on al-Qaeda's new female recruits, Islam,Terrorism and Jihad, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam,Terrorism and Jihad

Warning on al-Qaeda's new female recruits

ByJason Burke, Europe editor The Observer, Sunday August 3 2008

The moves follow a spate of attacks in the Middle East conducted by women bombers and increasing concerns among European security services about increased radicalisation of female militants. The officials specifically cite the UK and North Africa as problem areas.

Women's involvement in recruiting volunteers is a key concern. Though the only known European female suicide bomber was Muriel Degauque, a 38-year-old convert from Belgium who killed herself in Iraq in 2005, European security officials told The Observer that services were monitoring dozens of women involved in logistics or propaganda. There are also fears of women bombers being sent from overseas, particularly north Africa.

'This is now of a much greater scale than we have ever seen before. The problem is knowing who is just fundraising or running websites, who is recruiting and who is a potential bomber,' said one French intelligence specialist. 'Then how do you pick up someone coming in from outside the EU? That's hard to do.'

Gilles de Kerchove, European counter-terrorism co-ordinator, has asked British, French, Spanish, German and other European security services to pool their intelligence through Brussels' strategic analysis unit, the Joint Situation Centre, to produce a report by the autumn.

http://newageislam.com/warning-on-al-qaeda-s-new-female-recruits/islam,terrorism-and-jihad/d/407

Knitting together to love and heal, Islam and Spiritualism, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam and Spiritualism

Knitting together to love and heal

MARGUERITE THEOPHIL

27 Aug 2008

Those who receive these shawls feel they have been gifted something precious, filled with healing energy and connection. "Those nights i wake up alone and frightened, i wrap it tight around me," said one recipient. Another said, "When i am at my lowest, it reminds me of God's love expressed through the work of human hands." Many have told the knitters that when they wear the shawl, it feels like a loving hug.

The shawl is not only a gift to the receiver, but also of unimagined value to the giver. One woman said, "This helps me. I have trouble expressing my grief or sorrow or sympathy in words, but this way i can." Another felt, "Even though the world's problems can feel so overwhelming, the prayer shawl ministry gives me a tangible way to feel less helpless and to express my faith and my concern."

http://newageislam.com/knitting-together-to-love-and-heal/islam-and-spiritualism/d/638