Burooj Stars

Tintin's Congo book

2007-07-24T02:38:00.000-07:00

Tintin's Congo book moved out of children's section in race row

Thursday July 12, 2007
The Guardian

'Hideous racial prejudice' ... the Commission for Racial Equality's verdict on Tintin in the Congo.

The adventures of Tintin in the Congo will be moved from the children's shelves in Borders bookstores across the country and placed in the adult graphic novels section after the book was criticised for having allegedly racist content.

The book, which includes a scene where Tintin is made chief of an African village because he is a "good white man" and a black woman bowing to Tintin saying: "White man very great ... white mister is big juju man!" was highly offensive, a spokeswoman from the commission said.

"This book contains imagery and words of hideous racial prejudice, where the 'savage natives' look like monkeys and talk like imbeciles," she said.

There ain't no such thing as bad publicity , it's obvious !

Recently , Tintin in Congo was a controversial matter since it displayed the natives as extremely stupid , people who worshiped him and his dog as Gods. While I'm against that , ever since The Commission for Racial Equality called the book "Hideous racial prejudice" , believe it or not , Tintin In Congo sales raised by 3800 % and slipped into No 8 in Amazon.com's to books !

Series 6 - 786

2007-07-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

Series.6
"786" - Does it stand for 'Bismillahi Rahmaani Raheem'?

786 is the numerical representation of "Bismillahirrahamaanirraheem" has no religious or Islaamic significance.

The numerals 786 or any other numerals in no way represent 'Bismillaah al-Rahmaan al-Raheem' or other Surahs of the noble Qur'ân and is not the Sunnah either.

CAN NUMBER 786 REPLACE THE HOLY NAME OF ALLAAH?

Allaah say in Qur'ân "Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'ân in order that you may understand" (12:2).

We are instructed to recite the Qur'an as can be seen from the following verses: So RECITE as much of the Qur'ân as may be easy (for you),..." (73:20).

Now would one recite the Qur'an if it is reduced to numbers? As an example, we shall reduce the Surah Fatihah to numerical figures for the benefit of the reader.

Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem............................................... 787
Al-humdolillaahir rubbuaalamin............................................... 632
Ar-Rahmaan-ur-Raheem....................................................... …618

So can we instead of reciting the whole Surah Fatiha in our Salaah, will it be sufficient to recite some numbers say 2130 for it!!!

This old game of numbers was practised by the ancient Egyptians, as did many other civilisations. Islaam came to ELIMINATE ALL such superstitions, mysteries and numerological mumbo-jumbo. However, Muslims are still enslaved to the number game, and think that 786 represents BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.

Even Final Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) in his letters to different heads of states and governments, used the noble words at the top. Therefore, whosoever uses 786 with the intention to obtain Allaah's blessings, is a misguided person and any attempt to justify it, is ignorance.

Islaam's foundation is laid on the belief in Tawheed (oneness of God). If we associate anyone with Allaah's exalted names orally or practically, we would be committing an unpardonable sin. Did the Final Messenger (pbuh) and his companions respect the noble Words less than we do?

Series 5 - 99 names of Allaah

2007-07-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

Series.5
99 names of Allaah

The Names of Allaah mentioned in the Qur'aan and Sunnah number over one hundred, as several scholars have agreed.
Among these names are 99 that will lead to paradise, Insha' Allaah.

The fact that there are 99 Names leading to paradise is authenticated in the following hadith, although it does not list which Names those are:
• Hadith - Sahih Muslim and Bukhari 8:419, Narrated Abu Huraira : Allaah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever 'ahsaha' [enumerates them, believes in them, ponders their meanings, worships Allaah by them and supplicates with them, and acts by them according to one's belief in them] will enter Paradise; and Allaah is Witr ("Odd", i.e. He is one, and it is an odd number) and loves 'the Witr' (i.e., odd numbers).

However:
Allaah (subhanahu wa ta`ala)'s names are not limited to 99, which is a common misconception. There are a couple of evidences, one is the du`aa where one calls upon Allaah by the names He (subhanahu wa ta`ala) has kept to Himself (obviously not taking these names since Allaah has not revealed them to us);

Points to be noted in this topic:

 Memorize the Names/Attributes of Allaah, subhana watala
 Do dhikr (remembrance of Allaah)
 For example, say "ya" ("Oh") before any of the above Names of Allaah, swt, i.e. say "Ya-Rahman" or "Ya-Raheem (if for Forgiveness) ; similarly call Allaah wit the name corresponding to your need
 Do not use what is marketed as "dhikr beads" (Urdu: Tasbeeh)... use your right hand and count on the inside joints, as our hands will be our witness on the day of judgement
 Meanwhile, modern day Sufi's exploit this list by offering mystical, unsupported advice for the use of each Name (i.e. "say this 100 times in a row over a glass of water, blow on it, and you are guaranteed success..."). There is no evidence whatsoever for such practice

Series 4 - FORBIDDEN NAMES

2007-07-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

Series.4
FORBIDDEN NAMES

Naming is an important aspect in our lives and today in our zeal to keep new names we have lost the Sunnah of keeping the names preferred by our Final Messenger

The names which Allaah likes are Abdullah and Abdur Rahman

Below are a list of forbidden names:

• Abd means a Slave and we can only be a slave of Allaah and of nobody else. Similarly Gulam is the Urdu / Persian translation of Abd meaning a slave, hence names such as: 'Abdun-Nabee (slave of the Final Messenger), 'Abdur-Rasool (slave of the Messenger) and 'Abdul - Muttalib - and whatever is like these names are HARAM
• Just the same in meaning are Gulam Muhammad,‘Ghulaamun-Nabee’ and Ghulaamur-Rasool’, OR Gulam Hussain, Gulam Ali, etc are HARAM
• Abu Hurayrah reported that the Final Messenger of Allaah said, "The name most detested by Allaah is 'Malik Al-Amlak' ('King of Kings.')"
• Giving names which are meant to show servitude to Allaah (SWT) but not known to be from Allaah's (SWT) perfect names - like 'Abdul-Mawjood, Abdul-Maqsood and 'Abdus-Sattar and hence cannot be called lawful
• Names of Surahs of the Quran such as: TaHa, Yaseen and other names of Surahs. "The saying of the common people that Yaseen and TaHa are from the names of the Final Messenger (SAW) is not correct, there is no 'Sahih' Hadith about it. Rather they are letters like 'Alif Lam Meem', 'Ha Meem', 'Alif Lam Raa' and the like."

NOW WHAT DO WE DO IF WE HAVE A HARAM NAME:

It is among the Sunnah of our Final Messenger to change detestable and haram names to good ones, as we will be called by our names on the DAY OF JUDGEMENT (Imagine would you want to be called by a haram name on that day?)

 He (SAW) also said to a man, "What is your name?" So he replied: "Hazn." (Roughness). So he (SAW) said: "Rather you are Sahl (Smooth)." (Reported by Al-Bukhari & Abu Dawud)
 ‘Barrah (Pious Woman) to Zaynab (Reported by Muslim)
 The names Abdul-Ka'bah and Abdul-Uzzah were changed upon accepting Islaam

Is Nuh's story only about ANIMALS?

2007-05-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

As the Burooj Classes are picking up momentum, I am able to interact and learn more about teaching the children. We have come across the story of Nuh's Ark and the Flood for the Qamar class (Burooj Kids)
and is one of my favourite stories to tell the kids. After all, it has animals.

But this is where I stopped and pondered, is the story of Nuh only about animals?

I must admist there are some amazing writers on the blogosphere and I am posting one I came across which realy made so much sence and worth posting here.

A Little God for Little Ears?
posted by Eric Zeller on 27Jul05

Some miscellaneous thoughts on teaching our kids:

Russ and I talked a couple of weeks ago about how the prevelance of fiction in our culture (movies, cartoons, tv, books, etc.) can have an effect of desensitizing kids to the awesome Biblical stories of the supernatural acts of God. Amazing acts like parting the Red Sea, making water come from a rock, feeding 20,000 people, making the dead rise again, (add the miracles of last Prophet - Splitting of moon, water from
fingers, The Night journey...- Abu Safiyah) etc., are at best no more exciting than whatever is on the Cartoon Network today. There is a difference, though - the Bible stories really happened! They are true! But sometimes kids can have a hard time differentiating.

I associated much of Christian doctrine with children's stories because I grew up in a church. My Sunday school teachers had turned Bible narrative into children's fables. They talked about Noah and the ark because the story had animals in it. They failed to mention that this was when God massacred all of humanity¦ It took me a while to realize that these stories, while often used with children, are not at all childrenâ€™s stories. I think the devil has tricked us into thinking so much of biblical theology is a story fit for kids. How did we come to think the story of Noahâ€™s ark is appropriate for children? Can you imagine a childrenâ€™s book about Noahâ€™s ark complete with paintings of people gasping in gallons of water, mothers grasping their children while their bodies go flying down white-rapid rivers, the childrenâ€™s tiny heads being bashed against rocks or hung up in fallen trees? I donâ€™t think a childrenâ€™s book like that would sell many copies. (31)

His point is that when for the sake of children we make the OT (old testamant) into cute fun stories, there is a danger that when those children become adults they will think Christianity is just a collection of kids stories. I see this danger as well.

If the Bible were a movie, most of us wouldn’t let our kids watch it. I recently started telling Carrie (2 ys. old) a Bible story every night before bed. We started at Genesis 1:1 and did one section each night. This worked well until we got to chapter 4 and the story of Cain & Abel. She was shocked. She sat straight up in bed. “He killed his brother!?!” I told her yes, that it was an example of how corrupt sin makes us, etc. She seemed to get it. After that things went pretty well until we got to Lot & his daughters.

Could it be that what we need to do in our Sunday Schools (or Youth Ministries, etc.) is to make sure we are not only talking about stories, but about God? I don’t think we need to add lots of gory detail to Sunday School lessons, but we do need to make sure they are not only learning a story, but learning the theology of the story - in the case of the flood, how God despises and judges sin yet is also merciful and faithful. If kids grow up in our churches and know a lot of stories but don’t know God (like Miller at that point in his life), we have failed as teachers.

Even as I am sitting here writing this, I got an e-mail from Charles which included this quote from Ted Tripp:

Your teenagers need something worth living for that is worth dying for. Only one thing is that big: our wonderful God. No matter how much you might feel like a blind person tapping with a cane, try to find your way to show your teens the glory of God. You’ll help them make wise choices. They can’t make wise choices without understanding who God is. They can’t understand what life is about without understanding who God is. They can’t be wise in friendships or circumspect in behavior without understanding who God is. Give them a vision of our dazzling God.

I’m not really sure what the best way is to do this, and I’m sure like parents who have gone before me I will make plenty of missteps in training my kids. But I appreciate Miller’s warning about the harmful effects of sanitizing God.

2007-04-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

Audio books are my lifeline while driving. And these are the first thing that I turn to once i my car - after ofcourse the beautiful supplication (which is here). Infact someday i want to blog about the deeper meaning in this supplication. This is something i discovered teaching the kids and boy, do these kids come up with difficult questions.. keeps me on the read all the time.

ok back to Audios, these are some in the pipieline i am so excited about and making a mention of those to remind me to write abt them

1. john taylor gatoo - Education kills creativity in chidlren

I am exicted about this series and its a long one. They say that some perform the best when under a necessity (or wat was that new expression that something is the mother of invention... watever - i think the answer is patent, but u may differ)..

anyways with my daughter growing and she is alreay 11 months, i need to put the system in place and thats why should listen to this one first.

2. hamza yusuf- he is different and not the usual run of the mill talks. imagine talking about aesop fable in his tafseer of Surah Luqman. simply has so much to offer.. and it was in his talk that he mentioned that, every year, come Rabiul Awwal, its a must that we review the Seerah of the final Messener peace on him.

So here is Rabiul Awwal (the 5th month of Islamic calendar).. and i begin my seerah review with Hamza yusuf's tapes.

2.1 Also, Beyond Schooling - anything to do with education is a must listen on my list.

Infact, I have to write a long pending article on the wonderful experience I am having preparing the syllabus for the Qamar (Arabic - moon) class for Burooj Kids Age 3- 6.

3. David Bach-The Automatic Millionaire (CD 1 to 9)

4. Malcom Galdwell - Blink

Series 3: Where is Allah?

2007-04-04T03:54:00.000-07:00

Where is Allaah?

It is from the established traditions of Final Messenger Muhammad (peace be on him) to test a person’s faith by asking the question ‘Where is Allaah?’, as understood from his authentic saying when the Final Messenger asked a slave girl, 'Where is Allaah?' .

She said, 'Above the heavens'. Then he asked her, 'Who am I?' She said, 'The Messenger of Allaah. Thereupon, the Messenger ordered to free her and declared her to be a believer. Once a person ascertains the fact that Allaah is above His Arsh, above His seven heavens and not everywhere, then he comes to realize that it is futile to worship anything that he can see or visualize as none of it is his object of worship but Allaah.

The evidence for the statement that Allaah is above the heavens are overwhelming from the Quran as for example
 in Chapter 7:54, "And verily, your Lord is Allaah who created the heaven and earth in six days, and then rose over the 'Throne’;
 and also from traditions of Final Messenger when he went "up" during the miraculous night journey
 or that he pointed his finger "towards the sky" when making Allaah the witness over his final sermon.

This question assumes a fundamental importance as any negation of Allaah’s Attribute is a negation of Allaah Himself. I quote the iman of our times in this regard:

Imaam Abu Hanifah said about a person who says, 'I do not know whether my Rubb is, above the heavens or on earth?' Abu Hanifah, said: 'A person who makes such a statement becomes an apostate because Allaah, the Exalted says, 'The Merciful has ascended above the 'Arsh, and the 'Arsh of Allaah is above His heavens'. It was further asked to Abu Hanifah, 'What if such a person admits, Allaah is above His 'Arsh, but exclaims, I do not know whether His 'Arsh is above the heavens or on earth'. Abu Hanifah responded: 'If he denies that the 'Arsh is above the heavens, he is an apostate.(a disbeliever)"

Series 2: Tawheed al-Asmaa was-Sifaat

2007-04-04T03:51:00.000-07:00

InshaAllaah we will begin the basic of Tawheed by a little explanation of the category and related question with it:

Tawheed al-Asmaa was-Sifaat (lit. "Maintaining the Unity of Allaah's Names and Attributes")

Allaah must be referred to according to how He and His Final Messenger (saws) have described Him and to believe in that Allaah has most beautiful of Names and Attributes.

Here we will discuss 4 points:

Where is Allaah?
Are there only 99 name of Allaah?
Forbidden names of Muslims which are Haram
Is 786 the translation of Bismillah

Milad un Nabi - a celebration in disguise?

2007-04-04T03:38:00.000-07:00

What's wrong in celebrating the Mawlid? Nothing wrong and nothing new unless you realize this is coming from a self titled Salafi. Then everything has to be wrong.

Ofcourse, I dare admit that I would never be a part of any singing & qawwali Milad celebration but thought let me pause and be more honest with myself.

As I was reading the mails from my old school egroups, there were a dozen or so Birthday messages. This coming just a couple of days after the Milad holidays declared across UAE, made me write this article.

It would be difficult writing back at my school buddies, "hey listen guys, b'day celebrations are not allowed in Islam, so please refrain". Besdies missing the point and not talking about offending them, it would be an excersie in vain. What would I gain anyway. A clear conscience? A removel of guilt and having done my "bit" in uprooting this malicious and evil pratcise that the Muslims have inherited from the white westerners! I would rather convey Tawheed than make an attempt to what would rather be an inconsequential email.

But then Muslims should know and that is why we have to get our neck out and blast them with the "threats of innovation". Bi'da is a nice word to scare them and rub the rubbish off your back.

But the irony of this very situation is, on this very day, a supposedly Bi'da celebration day, most of the scholars (and yes, the Ahle-Hadeeth ones too!) climb on the celebration podioums and speak how important the whole life of our Messenger sallahualhiawasalam is, and not only a day.

How on this very day, do we get an opportunity to reach millions of "others", who would otherwise not tune to listen to any of the scholars with "authentic" information.

Isn't it so surprising that just like the emails from my old school egroup, a b'day was just an occasion to pen in few lines and find out where I am - that we use the Milad for this very purpose in our lives. A reminder to tell us about the greatest man to have ever set foot on in world.

Why, strange enough I was invited to deliver a small talk on the Prophet on the Milad at one of the popular radio FM stations and I spoke, days are not important but we have to remember our Prophet the whole life and then began my speech titled, Prophet as a teacher.

How ironical, isn't?

Series.1 - Why do we need to know Tawheed?

2007-03-28T21:57:00.000-07:00

Series.1

Why do we need to know Tawheed?

'What is tawheed?' you ask any Muslim 'Is it the oneness of Allaah?' he would reply 'What's that?' You ask again. 'I'm not too sure' he would say. This is the kind of scenario which the Muslims are involved in, and what a sad state of affairs it is when we cannot even explain the basics of our religion to those around us.

The cure for ignorance is knowledge, and in order to cure ourselves we have to take time-out to learn about this beautiful religion, even if it means reading articles such as this!

The Reality of Tawheed

Literally Tawheed means "making something one". When the term Tawheed is used in reference to Allaah it means that Allaah is One. The opposite of tawheed is 'Shirk' which is to associate partners with Allaah by giving that which belongs to him, to others

So there are 3 categories of Tawheed are:

1. Tawheed ar-Ruboobeeyah (lit. "Maintaining the Unity of Lordship")

2. Tawheed al-Asmaa was-Sifaat (lit. "Maintaining the Unity of Allaah's Names and Attributes")

3. Tawheed al-'Ebaadah (lit. "Maintaining the Unity of Allaah's Worship")

In this series we will Insha Allaah try to keep the point to bare minimum not wasting your time or making the mails unnecessary, and also make the mail in points to be clear and easily readable.

To PATent or not to PATent?

2007-03-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

The importance of patents would, perhaps, be best highlighted by the fact that the most prestigious prize in the world, the Nobel Prize, was made possible because of a patent over dynamite granted to Alfred Nobel. Every aspect of human life has been pervaded by patented inventions, from electric lighting (patents held by Edison and Swan) and plastic (patents held by Baekeland), to ballpoint pens (patents held by Biro) and microprocessors (patents held by Intel).

The importance that companies attach to patents can be judged from the fact that IBM expects to file 3,250 patents this year and 64% of the total revenues of Philips come from patent royalties rather than from manufacturing. Pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Merck exist because of patents.

A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides, in general, a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem. In law, a patent is a property right and can be gifted, inherited, assigned, sold or licensed.

Yours Patented.

Should you quit your job or stay put?

2007-03-13T02:15:00.000-07:00

Experience is something that cannot be given as a capsule. A one-year experience is worth one year, and a five-year experience is worth five years.

You cannot get five years experience in one year! It is also essential that five years of experience shouldn’t be one year’s experience five times over.

This is what critically plagues the Indian industry. The government is our largest employer; but take the case of, say, a Railways clerk.

While his designation changes from that of a junior to a senior to a head clerk and so on, even after 10 years, the content of his job remains the same. That’s one year’s experience 10 times over.

What is critical is to build expertise as part of experience. There are progressive organisations that identify the potential of its employees and provide them with multiple facets of experience.

At mega-corporations such as GE or Citibank, employees job-hop within the organisation to gain expertise in different domains. What is essential is that as the employee gains experience in different areas, his thinking, his personality and his management skills are honed.

It is this learning that is critical as you grow. One must understand that working life is not about designations but about learning and expertise.

WHERE DO YOU STand?

Manners: The lost art of DRIVING

2007-03-12T01:51:00.000-07:00

Manners are going the same way to as the Dodos and the Dinosaurs. And the place where they are most noticeable by their absence are the Dubai roads. It would be very unfair to paint all with the same brush, but unfortunately one cannot help list the Arab vehicles topping the list.

Because they are everywhere. Flashing the lights behind their dark tanned SUVs or using the roads to play some road tricks as if they are participating in the camel races. Next on the offence list are the impatient lot blaring horns even if there is a split second delay on the traffic lights.

We cannot blame a community for the actions of few. But sadly this arrogance can be seen seeping elsewhere too. Why would otherwise a nation known to be so generous become so greedy to extract every ounce of money in terms of house rent or VOIPs.

Usury or interest is prohibited in Islam, but as my colleague laments is pouncing on helpless residents need of shelter lawful money? While taking riba (interest), one is alteast only taking the unlawful from his money at bank, but here someone's savings are being eroded and some children toys are being depleted.

This mad rush of more money, more and more would not end. As Quran puts it, "The mutual increase in amassing wealth, would continue till you reach your graves". The problem with the rat race is, even if you win, you are still a RAT. Remember as one speaker aptly said, “Islam would spread faster, if you drive a little nicer".

Touched by Angel - Surah Maun

2007-02-05T00:27:00.000-08:00

Listening to Tafseer of Surah Maun is so beautiful while I drove home.

This short surah that comes to our memory almost in a flash has strong emotions and warnings, that we might not even notice them in our prayers.

But perhaps the most striking emotion that I got from this chapter of the Quran is from its last word (which also is the name of the Surah)
- Al Maun 'small kindness'.

Imagine a kid playing with her 300 crayons with all shades of blue from light, navy, sky, ocean, sky etc. Yet she refuses to share one blue when another kid ask her.. this is small kindness we miss so often in our life.

By sharing a single piece of crayon from the enormous set, we may not even notice one that it is missing but imagine the immense rewards we would achieve from Allaah.

The kid is innocent and would not be held to account. But where would you stand?

Reflecting on this surah and al-maun, I was reminded of the some efforts and lots of hope has created LITTLE CHARITIES. I sincerely hope to make difference in few lives with this project, bi ithnillah.

Bottom 5 UAE Brands 2006

2007-02-04T23:27:00.000-08:00

The choice of the bottom brands may not be a popular one but some thought have gone into the why of it. They may not even be inconspicuous brand rather they are the ones screaming at you, either from billboards to headlines and perhaps that is why they are noticed, or rather tolerated!
2. Etisalat – Etisalat is definitely not even an also ran if we count people’s favourite brand or firm. Yet the logo and the by word Reach tries to do some damage control, albeit – quite poorly..

If previous Etisalat logo was a dull reminder of whatever they do you got to accept it kind, then the new one reminds me of mint "chloromints". Ones you still need to digest, come whatever may!

Couldn’t think of a better sentence.. however, one of their ads using the logo as a post-it note was smart and well designed!! (sometimes you got to give credit where it is due, even if its Etisalat!!!)

2. du - Whether DU stands for Dubai or Dual (as with Etisalat) or Dubious, is still unknown! However, what I Du know is the logo is a classic example of very poor trademark attorney's work.

Ofcourse, legally a logo can still be copyrighted, but from a pure aesthetic and intellectual property view - the logo should either be Trademarked (TM) or a registered mark (R).
Because this does not appeal to a young and learning IP Agent, that I am, DU makes it to my poor brand of the year.

3. Khaleej Times - A newspaper font, that has a palm tree, a dhow and a chimney (definitely from an oil rig) should actually be very good combination and a fairly decent logo, if not innovative. It reflects the culture and the industry that it thrives on.

So the choice of KT in a poor logo is surprisingly. The nomination has thus other factors too. The choice has more to do with KT being associated with self-glorification, poor journalism and yes, news headlines that leaves little room for imagination san words. The Prophet of Islam is credited with the gift of saying far more with fewer words. KT takes the opposite view.

And when the nation changes its outlook, the logo stands old - the three new symbol could very well be Skyscraper, traffic on SZR and inflation chart that rises are well!
Khaleej Times has made a New Year's resolution to cease its baffling use of headlines. On the morning after the execution of Saddam Hussein, your favourite number one fearless KT opted for the subtle and considered "Bang, bang in Baghdad". How Nice!!

4. Ruwaad - A corporate look at Dubai logos without any Real Estate firms. Seems like eating your pizza without cheese! So had to give it away and there comes a worthy contender - what would you call a 2 months teaser campaign - without any imagination nor a logo that conjures up any emotions.. we call it Ruwaad here

Finally they added a line below the logo: "Iconic property developments". With some blog search, I got this on Ruwaad:
Ruwaad simply means Leaders! Just another pretentious real estate developer who claims leadership over whom exacty...Emaar..your guess!

Compliment: The only place on the net where I finally managed to get the Ruwaad picture was at Nima's blogspot. Thx Nima.

5. Dubai Media City - DMC a regional hub for media organizations ranging from: news agencies, publishing, online media, advertising, production, and broadcast facilities.

I am sure with all media companies conglomate they could have come up with a better design. Or did they miss the Nose!!

Top 5 UAE brands 2006

2007-02-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

5. RAK Bank - Who would expect an unknown bank with a name Ras Al Khaimah making any inroads into the huge banking market of Dubai. That is exactly what RAK bank has managed to do and deservedly entering our list of most recognizable Dubai brand of 2006.

It has underplayed the Dhow (boat) image while managing to garner attention to its simple and unfussy RAK abbreviation in unmistakable red print.

4. Al-Futtain - I am not quite sure if it is an inverted F or an arrow pointing forward, but sure this local company that has created visibility & respect.

Among the many families here in Gulf into diverse business, the Al-Futtaim logo is easily recognisable and more importanty - trusted. Which is exactly what a logo is created for - Identity.

3. Jumeirah - Not to be confused with the Jumeirah beach road or the Jumeirah janes! Rather, Jumeirah International has positioned itself rather well and maitained its distinct style.

When you are associated with landmark as conspicous as Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah etc, it would be too easy to lose out and try doing too many things, ending up with no seperate identity.

This alone is a justification enough to let Jumairah Group pick itself.
Among its many landmarks, the logo for Souq Medinat Jumeirah is credible. Look at the way, Souq is written twice in both Arabic and English.

2. Masafi - Masafi is a village located on the edge of the Hajar Mountains in the United Arab Emirates.The name "Masafi" is Arabic for "pure water", and the village is known for its natural springs.

A simple font, easy to identify logo and a name that associates with water yet is different from the typical Aqua and Oasis types in the region.
Plus its new Fi Masafi? and Do yourself a Flavor! campaigns are sweet & innovative one.

1. Emirates - A brand that truly is international. Emirates with its high budget branding and some high deal sponsers have indeed got to its objective - getting noticed. And the well designed fonts and the Arabic calligraphy does justice to its brand appeal.

A winner indeed.

Audio book - Afghanistan

2007-01-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

I have almost into my decade. I mean into the Afghan history in 1978 onwards, when I was born.

As I am approaching the invasion of the Russians, the audio book is getting increasingly interesting. Last week, most of the talk revolved around the British invasion. It is interesting to note, how the world events shaped the British occupation and the effect it had on Afghans.

All of this add to the stories of how no country has ever been able to rule this mountainous country and eventually had to withdraw. What I also learned was that this transition of change of power from an alien force back to the Afghans was neither smooth nor swift.

Rather this was a series of serious of acts of violence, unrest and killings and assasinations in the dangerous terrains as much as the work, grit and resistance of the Afghans.

One wonders how can a country rise which has been invaded by not one, not two but three super powers (British, Russians, US) of our age plus mighty conquerors like the Greeks (Alexader), the Mongols (Chengiz Khan), the Persians (Darayus) and several others. KABUL is indeed a capital that has been ransacked and savaged and it is from this city that a spark can change the world..

Audio book of the week: Afghanistan

2007-01-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

Afghanistan: A Military History from Alexander the Great to the Fall of the Taliban

An interesting title and for long I wanted a series to listen to in my car.

Editorial review from Amazon:
This book was very well researched and written. Even if you have very little knowledge of Afghanistan, you can understand and easily read this book. It is full of interesting history, along with it's excellent explanation of the military information.

As I began listening to the first title track, I got lost into the names, battles and locations happening at once between the Persians and the Greeks and was wondering where was it leading me to?

Until, ofcourse, came the name of a 20 something leader - Alexander. Absolutely wonderful. To listen to his ambitions and persuits. Was sorry when I arrived at my office and had to switch my player off but looking forward to his conquest and his march to Afghanistan...

The year that went by - 2006

2007-01-01T22:49:00.000-08:00

I love the year endings. No, not for those New year wishes. I don't like them anyway. To me there are just the spiritual wishes, like the Eidain (the two Eids) or the greetings on sighting the Ramadan moon, with the beautiful dua..

But yes I love the end of the year to recollect the top stories of year, the newsmakers, the best and... worst of sports (read Cricket) and ofcourse, looking back at my year end claims and accompolishments.

2007 would be a new calendar year and nothing more. If there ever has to be a new year celebration, it should be the Muharram, but nothing of that sort is reported from the Sunnans.

So we stick to a simple year end best and highs and lows.

3 events that made 2006:
1. 26/11 - The Mumbai local train blast. Yet again,
2. Iraq - all the voilence, the death and the hanging on Eid al-Adha

3. Business - The booming of low-cost airlines
(I too flew the Air Deccan and was happy to pay 50% less on waht
otherwise would be the normal fare)

3 best books I read in 2006:
1. Monk who sold his Ferrari
Did not read much from the Islamic side and I do miss that part - without a proper library and a hectic schedule with driving to work, I listen to audios instead.
2. Tafsir ibn Katheer - Juz Amma: doing the small tafseer at home, this book is remarkable and interesting.

3. Burooj Stars - well this is definately not a book but a newsletter. This
however provided me with an oppurtunity to explore read and write a college
mag, my way.

3 best Audio books I heard in 2006:

1. Those who desire Paradie - Bilal Asad
2. Lives of Prophets - Anwar Awlaki
3. Tarjamun Quran - Dr. Israar Ahmed

From the sporing event:
Nothing gets bigger than World Cup football and it is fun only if
a. You have the telecast and
b. friends to share the passion with.
So this time since I had both it was fun. And that is why the greatest sporting event for 2006 would be the Zidane head-butt over Italians winning the world cup.

Personal:
for me, i do not make lot of introspection but i and shazi were thinking of 3 most important things that happened in 2006. u know those number games, that comes in TV. top 5 of year etc.. and just for that fact that Safiyah came in our life (04-05-06), was the number one thing to have happened to us in 2006.

then a distant second was for me about - home. our new home in mumbai to leaving the old one and then furnishing this current one.. all about shelter..

the third one was spending eids. first one at mumbai at the beginning and then the more memorable one was at portblair this october.. so looking back we had a good year.. alhamdulillah

for most part of year or may be 50-50 we (I and Umm Safiyah) were together after begin away for 9 months after safiyah's birth. that was hard on us.. so we were celebrating the new togetherness.. the fights and loves. the naughtiness and the cryings..

of the lows, masha Allaah all lows are life's way of making even. It was perhaps missing out on Yunus's marriage.

Spiritual lows:
1. Not spending the best part of Ramadan in worship. With the travels and being alone and responsible for my family here in Dubai, I missed my taraweehs and the joy of worshipping in Ramadan.
2. No concrete plan for spending the Zakaah money to a use where I can contribute with more than just the money!

a new calendar year bring new hopes and new dreams to achieve.
there would be new spiritual high and new career achievements. there would be new learning in life and yes with our baby's growth, there would always be new bundle of joys our way..

Common mistakes in Hajj - Farewell Tawaf

2006-12-27T23:15:00.000-08:00

In Tawaf Al-Wadaa’ (Farewell Tawaf):

You cannot do your final Jamarat after Tawaf Al-Wada’, as some people attempt.

Do not walk in massive groups during Tawaf. This hurts many people.
You MUST spend the night in Mina on the 10th night and 11th night. The two days of Hajj, the days of Mina, are the 11th and 12th, not the 10th and 11th.
After Tawaf Al-Wadaa’ you must leave Makkah, or else another Tawaf should be made.
After Tawaf Al-Wadaa’ you may have lunch or wait at a bus, etc., as long as you are on your way out of Makkah.

Common mistakes in Hajj - In stoning the Jamarat

2006-12-27T22:54:00.000-08:00

The Jamarat are not Devils, and Shaytaan is not tied up for the stoning of himself. Hajjis that hold this misconception end up cursing, swearing, throwing sandals, etc. It is a commandment from Allah to glorify Allah by saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ with each pebble.
You do not have to wash your stones.
Do not throw sandals or wood or big rocks. This is all against the Sunnah.
Do not hurt/shove when at the Jamarat.
Say Allahu Akbar with each pebble. Do not say Bismillaah.
Throw the pebbles separately.
Make Dua’ after the first and second Jamarat.

Do not throw the Jamarat before it is time.
Throw the Jamarat from small to medium to large. Not the other way.
If someone is throwing on your behalf, you must be unable to throw yourself.
If someone is throwing on your behalf, you do not have to collect the stones yourself and hand the stones to that thrower.
Throw seven pebbles, not more or less.

Common mistakes in Hajj - In Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah

2006-12-27T22:46:00.000-08:00

Many people do not confirm if where they are located is inside or outside the borders of the holy sites. Confirm.
Do not reserve a place that is more than your need. Many people are looking for places to sit down and sleep.
Only in Arafah and Muzdalifah do you shorten and combine prayers. In Mina only shorten your prayers, but pray them at the correct time.
Do not waste your Hajj time in vain chatting.
Spending the 8th day in Mina is the Sunnah of Rasul Allah. Many people skip this and go to Arafah.
Do not push anyone when you are in a crowd.

You do not have to go to the Mt. Of Mercy in Arafah. Many people hurt themselves and others to be there even though it is not a Wajib thing to do.
Mt. Rahmah is not a holy mountain. Do not wipe its sand and rocks for barakah.
You do not have to pray Dhuhr and Asr on Arafah day in the Masjid of Arafah (Masjid Namirah). You may pray in your tent with your group.
Do not leave Arafah before Maghrib time.
Women should avoid getting into a crushing crowd, like in Masjid Namirah.
Do not face Mt.Rahmah on Arafah day when you make Du’a. You should face the Qiblah.
You should not treat your time in Arafah like any other day. You should realize the significance and pray to Allah in humility.
At Maghrib time in Arafah, do not pray Maghrib and Isha’ until you reach Muzdalifah, even it you reach there at 11:00 at night. However, if you see half the night approaching, pray where you are on the road.
Make sure you are in Muzdalifah before you stop and rest. Many people think they are in Muzdalifah but they are not. Look for the border signs. If you have not seen one, chances are you are still not in Muzdalifah even if you see others sleeping on the road.
After praying Maghrib and Isha in Muzdalifah, go to sleep immediately, this is what Rasul Allah did.
Through all of this, continue doing your Talbiyah.

Common mistakes in Hajj - When Shaving or Trimming

2006-12-27T22:39:00.000-08:00

Shave your complete head, do not leave parts unshaved.
If you shall trim, take from all sides of your head.
Do not take off your Ihraam until you have shaved or trimmed. You are still in Ihraam until you do so.
Do not shave your beard.

Common mistakes in Hajj - In Sa’I

2006-12-27T22:34:00.000-08:00

Although perferable, you do not have to have Wudu during Sa’i.
You do not have to climb to the top of Safa or Marwa.
You can take breaks in Sa’I to drink water or rest.
You can take a break after Tawaf, before Sai’.
You do not have to jog the whole way, from Safa to Marwa. Only within the green lights, the valley of Safa and Marwa.
Women do not have to run between the green lights.
There is no specific du’a to say between Safa and Marwa.
Do not miss the Du’a that Rasul Allah said when he stood on Safa. Then raise your hands and pray as he did, Sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam.
Do not say your intention out loud before making Sa’i.

A quick review

2006-12-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

Bismillah

Today would be my last working day at office and I would be off for 4 days Eid break. Looking ahead to spend quality time at home.

Tomorrow is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafat - the greatest day of the year. Keen and excited to fast. The rewards are tremendous.

But before we depart, I would insha Allaah blog updates on the remainder of the articles. Probably we would complete the common mistakes series.

A review of what would be included in this One-stop Hajj Guide, insha Allaah:
1. Common mistakes
2. Tips and tricks (we have already completed yesterday)
3. Chekclist for your Hajj trip
4. Resources(books, multimedia et at - this was the first one we covered)
5. Hajj - steps
6. 5 days of Hajj - break-up
7. Virtues and verses / Ahadeeth

Insha Allaah, as we progress we would complete our Hajj series before Muharram, when I intend to begin a new one on the new calendar years and events as they unfolded in Muharram.

All good in these post is from Allaah, the Lord, the Supreme and all evil is from my own mistakes and the plot of shaitaan.

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Sight-seeing

2006-12-26T23:46:00.000-08:00

DO be careful about taking pictures and bringing cameras.They don't let cameras into either of the Harams and they'll check your bags too.
DO agree on prices for cab rides, camel rides and any other service in between beforehand. A note about the camel rides. They will immediately go and take polaroids of you on the camel/horse and then force you to buy them. Tell them beforehand NO PICTURES please. (One guy cursed our group and made dua that Allah never answer our duas b/c someone refused to buy the pics !!)
BEGGARS - There are beggars everywhere. On the streets of Makkah, at historical sites like Uhud, Arafat etc. They'll even come up to you (to sisters too!) and tell you stories about how they lost all their luggage and possessions and need to get back to Jeddah/Makkah/Madinah. It's hard to figure out who is faking and who isn't. I would suggest deciding on an amount you would like to give as Sadaqah beforehandand. Then give that to a reputable Islamic relief agency or relatives you have in poor countries or even friends/ppl traveling back to their home countries.They would know better who is truly in need.
MAKE SURE to go sight-seeing. Ziyara is visiting the local historical sites in Makkah or Madina. Visiting these places will give you a feeling and understanding of how Islam began in this place.
Don't go there thinking it's part of any worship practices. Many people do go to those sites and commit strange innovative practices (you'll see all the Saudi signs in Arabic, English, French, Urdu and Turkish!! telling ppl not to). This is where learning some Seerah (study of the life of Muhammad (saw) and the early Muslims) is extremely important before you go so you can actually feel where you are visiting. Just take one day after fajr and have some cab driver take you out to the different places.
Time - Go immediately AFTER Fajr at the haram, come back BEFORE dhuhr, pray dhuhr at the haram and then rest at the hotel for awhile.

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Masjid al-Haram

2006-12-26T23:42:00.000-08:00

DO NOT forget what gate you enter the Haram from and the hotel you are staying at.

REMEMBER you are there to worship. Shopping, eating, etc are all just a waste of time. Food: it will be tempting to eat all this food there, but remember this much: the more you eat, the more tired you will get and in Makkah you will NEED your energy.

Take all this advice with a grain of salt. Every situation/time is different. Most of the information here is suitable for umrah. Hajj may be a completely different experience!

TAWAF - There are large groups who perform Tawaf together and link hands. If you see them approach you, then let them pass or step aside and give them way.

Also watch out for the elderly who are being carried around the Kabah and people taking their relatives around in wheelchairs.

As a rule the nearer the Kabah you perform your Tawaf the more squashed you will get and I mean squashed. This is especially true when going around Maqam Ibrahim because of the people trying to pray.

JUMAH - Go EARLY!!!! Our first Jumah in Makkah the Adhaan was 12:05 or something and we got to Masjid Al Haram at 11am. BIG mistake. The concourse outside the Masjid was full let alone trying to get in there. We sat in the beating sun for over an hour and prayed. The next week we got there at 9 am !!!

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Shopping

2006-12-26T23:22:00.000-08:00

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Shopping

Don't bring a janamaz/musalla from home. Just buy a nice one there.

You can also bring a small bag/purse you can wear under your jilbab for your money/passport. Don't bother with big handbags- you'll get searched every time you enter the haram and will have to watch it all the time.

DO NOT waste your time shopping. You're only in Makkah once in your life (anything could happen and due to life circumstances, being busy, illness etc you may never return again).

Make a list of what gifts you have to give to whom beforehand and write down what you need to buy and quantities. That way you won't waste alot of time trying to decide what to get for who.

Some common gifts include:
Dates (yes they have chocolate covered dates!!!)
Zamzam water
Hijabs & Jilbabs
Prayer Rugs (called sajadahs there)
Jewelry (gold, fake and everything in between)
Metal work (tea sets etc)
Incense Perfumes & Perfume bottles
Thobes
Kufis
Cards
Desi (IndoPak) dresses
Books
Watches

DO NOT bother going any malls. They're usually WAY too expensive, but if you want to waste your time window shopping or looking at American and European designer stuff go ahead.

A NOTE about shopping, every shop owner and I mean EVERY (even those who are very nice and islamic and kind to you) will try to get every penny (riyaal) from you if they can. For your first time out just walk around and ask for prices of different things until you get a handle of how much things go for. (Brothers please ask your mothers/wives what a good price for gold/gram is before you try to buy anything there!)

DO NOT speak English or any foreign language in stores, just urdu or arabic. . They will totally rip you off. Even if all you know is "Kam Hatha" and they know you don't speak Arabic as your native language because of your accent for some reason if you speak English they up the price 200% automatically.

Travellors from Sub-Continent, just speak plain Urdu. That will do!

You must bargain for everything you buy. Everything is marked up as par for the course. A good trick is to offer half then work your way up.
Remember to go to many stores to get an idea of price range. Sometimes they will try to bully you into buying something by grabbing it and stuffing it into a bag. Don't let them.. take your time, get what you want and check it. If you feel that the guy is ripping you off but really want/need the stuff, buy it anyway because you'll regret it after. Anything there is cheaper than anywhere here. Don't let pride stand in your way!!

DO learn all the Arabic numbers (1 to 20, and every 5 after that till a hundred and you'll be set) and phrases like that "Kam Hatha?" - How much is that?, "BiKam?" How much?, "Shuayyeh" Move over, and "Laa..." No...

Don't tell them you're from America unless you're window shopping. Don't dress expensively, shop keepers there are extremely sharp. You can even wait a few days until everyone else has found the best places to buy things cheap - find out where they are and THEN save time and just get what you want.

SISTERS be careful about going shopping alone; always go with a brother (hate to say it but you're safer from harassment) or with a group of sisters.

Beware of pickpockets. Despite the tough laws, the crowded environment of The Hajj provides easy opportunities for these criminals.

This is not a tip but a very useful suggestion, so I included it:
The Saudi authorities should encourage the setting up of hypermarkets (similar to Carrefour) in Mecca and Medina so that shoppers can buy a good part of their needs under one roof and without price haggling.

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Money and Medicine

2006-12-26T23:15:00.000-08:00

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks
Money and Medicine

DO NOT change money before you go. There are tons of exchanges there that you can go to on the streets and you'll get a better rate than the usual bank rate too.

Bring enough cash for what you want to buy. Don't rely on using your credit card. There are finance charges of at least 2-3% and the exchange rate of Visa.

Most shops in the areas near the two Mosques do not accept credit cards. Do not arrive in The Holy Land in the hope that you can survive with your credit cards.

DO bring a lot of medicine - Tylenol, asprin, Theraflu, Tums, Pepto Bismol, Midol, Chapstick/Vaseline. Believe me you'll be glad you did and if by some miracle you don't get sick other people in your group will.

DO bring some snack food like chocolates, biscuits, dried fruit. You'll be glad when your stomach starts doing loops or you are starving in the haram. Not to mention sometimes getting stuck for hours on a bus during heavy traffic or waiting for clearance.

DO bring a cheap plastic bag/canvas bag to put your shoes and janamaz (prayer rug) and quran in when you go into the haram.

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Clothes

2006-12-26T23:10:00.000-08:00

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks
Clothes

DO NOT bring a lot of clothes. All you need really is 3-4 jilbabs - for umrah time (lighter colors for hajj and summer season) and a few clothes underneath that you can mix and match.

Bring enough socks and inner garmets. You can always wash clothes if you have to. But bringing alot of clothes just wastes your time and suitcase room.

A regular travelling rule of thumb is to never pack more than you can carry for a trip!

It goes without saying that you should bring some comfy shoes/sneakers for when you go on Ziyara or shopping.

Also bring some good chappals/shibshib for when you are going to the haram. Don't overpack your suitcase. You won't be able to get it all back home especially if you buy things.

You can always give away some of your clothes/shoes while there or try this well-known travelling tip: bring an extra empty suitcase/bag with you or buy one there.

A NOTE for Madina. The weather there is very different from Makkah. Madina is much cooler. We were in 80-90 degrees everyday in Makkah and then in Madina we were at 60-70s and it was extremely COLD around Fajr, so bring a sweatshirt/sweater and a few warm clothes so you don't get sick.

DO NOT bother bringing anything expensive, like jewelry or electronic equipment. If it's lost or stolen you'll never see it again.

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks

2006-12-26T22:57:00.000-08:00

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks
Janaza (funeral prayer) & Duas

Also VERY IMPORTANT: Learn the fiqh of praying a Janaza (funeral prayer). You will be doing it after every single prayer, no joke. (There was only one prayer in our entire 2 week stay that we didn't.) Learn the dua for it too. Praying at someone's janaza is a very good thing and you have ample opportunity of participating so take them.

Also learn the dua for visiting the graveyard.
You don't want to go to the Baqi and not know what to wish! or visit the grave of the leader of the martyrs Hamza at Uhud and not say you dua!

Salams on the Prophet
Also learn the different ways to send Salams on the prophet (saw) for the time you are in Madina.
Learn what is allowed and what is not. Insha Allaah after this Hajj season, I will try and put an article on Loving the Prophet sallahualahiwassalam

Another good suggestion is to draw a chart of the Kaaba (looking from above) and along each of it's walls (and along each of the special points), write the relevant duas

PREPARE yourself mentally for a lot of frustration, mental anguish, annoyance and anger. To obtain a Hajj Mabrur (one that is accepted and forgives all your sins) you must not let these things interfere with your goal.

PREPARE yourself physically for a lot of walking and physical exercise. You may be walking back and forth from your hotel to the Haram at least 10 times a day, not to mention logging Tawafs and Sai'ys that come out to miles in the end.

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks

2006-12-26T22:54:00.000-08:00

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks
The beginning

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: DO study the fiqh of Hajj & Umrah before you go, well in advance. (I mean really advanced, not the weeks before it'll be so hectic you won't be able to do it at your leisure. Think 2-3 months in advance.)

Get some good books, tapes and videos. Look online and print everything out. Write all the Duas out on index cards.

Try to memorize as many as you can BEFORE you go. Make flash cards whatever it takes!

DO NOT go there and expect to learn how to do everything from your guides/ppl with you. This is too important not to know for yourself.

There are many stories of the tour people taking people to do things too early or too late. Also, the crowd there is so enormous it is incredibly difficult when millions of people are all trying to do the same thing at the same time. This is where your fiqh of hajj knowledge comes in.

It makes it much easier if you know things like you can pray your 2 rakats of Maqam Ibrahim all the way back in the Haram, or
on the different levels or even anywhere in the Haram, or
that you can do your Saiyy on the secod level or
that you can throw your stones from after sunrise to anytime at night.

If you know things like this you can avoid the crowds of people who will try to stick to only one thing because they don't know what else is allowed. Also if something happens you will know what you should do to compensate for it and you may save your hajj or umrah.

A NOTE about all the books and info. Everyone will tell you something a little different. Try to piece everything together so that you at least know what the required conditions you must fulfill are and what things would break your hajj or umrah absolutely or what things will necessitate compensation. Ask your Imam or local knowledgable people to help you understand the Fiqh and answer any questions you have.

Quick FAQ

2006-12-25T00:42:00.000-08:00

A quick look at some common Qs.

1. Is there a Haj Akbar?
If Arafat is on a Friday, then many describe it as Haj Akbar (Big Haj). There is no big or small Hajj. There is only one Hajj. Every year is Hajj Akbar. The 10th day of Dhul Hijja is described in The Qur'an as Yaum-ul-Hajjil-Akbar.

2. Is it a requirement to enter Masjid Haram from the Baab as-Salaam entrance?
There is no such requirement. You can enter from any of the many gates.

3. Can I smoke when I'm in Ihraam?
No. Try to give up this habit for the good of your health and the well-being of your family. Many chain smokers have returned from the Hajj as non-smokers for good. Alhamdulillah.

4. When I stone the jamr'at, is it necessary to hit the target?
It is acceptable if the stone falls into the circle without hitting the target.

5. Can I perform the Hajj every year?
Performing the Hajj ONCE is obligatory for Muslims who are financially and physically able to do so. There is no rule prohibiting anyone from performing the Hajj more than once.

If you plan to perform it yearly, you are obviously financially well endowed. You should consider the following. One, there are numerous things you can do to walk in the way of Allah. Consider contributing your Hajj trip funds to uplift downtrodden Muslims. Two, with nearly 2 1/2 million people converging in The Holy Land, the Saudi authorities have understandably imposed Hajj quotas. Have a heart for those waiting in line to perform the Hajj for the first time. Allow a reasonable time gap before going to perform the Hajj again.

Common mistakes in Hajj - In Tawaf

2006-12-25T00:24:00.000-08:00

Common mistakes in Hajj - in Tawaf

Publishing dua books for tawaf and sa'ee has become a big business. There is constant innovation in this line of publishing with the recent ones having strings to hang the book around your neck and fully laminated pages to protect them from the sweat of your palms. They have become popular gift items to give to pilgrims.

Most of these dua have no basis in Sunnah.

There is no special dua except between the Yamani and the Black Stone corners (Rabbana Athina ... ).

Learn the dua from The Holy Our'an (for examples: 2:127, 2:128, 2:201, 3:8, 7:23, 71:28) and Sunnah (for example: "Oh Allah, You are forgiving. You love forgiveness, so forgive me."). These are easy to memorize. Understand their meanings so that your mind, heart and lips are in harmony when you recite these dua in Arabic or your mother tongue.

These will also make your tawaf and sa'ee easier as you don't have to carry the book around. In reciting from the dua book, some get so engrossed that they step on the heels of the pilgrims in front of them.

Common mistakes in Hajj - In Tawaf

2006-12-25T00:19:00.000-08:00

Common Mistakes You don’t want to Make

In Tawaf:

You do not have to say your intention out loud to begin Tawaf. Saying intentions out loud is something the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) never did except after Ihraam when he said, “Labbayk Allahuma Umrah wa Hajj.”
You do not have to touch the black stone for your Tawaf to be accepted. If it is crowded you may face your hand toward the stone and say Allahu Akbar.
Do not kiss the Yemeni corner. You may only touch it.
Do not worship the black stone. You are glorifying Allah by coming to this house and worshiping Him, following the Sunnah of Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam).
Do not follow those Dua books that make up dua for each time you go around the Ka’bah. Read Quran and make Dua from your heart and glorify Allah.
Make Dua by yourself, do not do it in a shouting group around the ka’bah.
Do not wipe the walls of the ka’bah during Tawaf. Rasul Allah did not touch anything other than the black stone and the Yemeni corner.
Do not hurt anyone to kiss the black stone.
Do not face your hand to the Yemeni corner and say Allahu Akbar. This is only for the black stone.
Do not push or hurt anyone during Tawaf
The Ka’bah should be to your left. Do not do Tawaf with your back to the ka’bah.
Do not stand at the black stone line for a long time. Move on.
Do not lengthen your 2 Rakas of Tawaf
One should read suraatul Kafirun and al Ikhlaas (Say Allah is One), behind the Maqaam
There is nothing in the sunnah about: Dua Maqam Ibraheem. After you pray the 2 Rakas of Tawaf move on.

Common mistakes in Hajj - In Ihraam

2006-12-24T22:58:00.001-08:00

Common Mistakes You don’t want to Make
Translated by Muhammad Alshareef

It's an interesting way of learning. Going backwards, seeing what people commonly do wrong, and learning Hajj by way of what 'not' to do.

In Ihraam

Do not pass the Meeqat without being in the state of Ihraam. If you are landing in Jeddah and going to Makkah to perform Umrah directly, you must be in a state of Ihraam before you land, as the plane shall enter the Meeqat. Jeddah is inside the Meeqat.
If you are landing in Jeddah, you need your Ihraam towels with you on the airplane in your carry-on bag.
Women may wear anything Islamically permissible for Ihraam.
Do not take pictures of yourself in Ihraam. You came to worship Allah and taking pictures for showing others later may contradict your sincerity of doing this for the sake of Allah.
Women in their menses must be in a state of Ihraam when they pass the Meeqat. They should shower and do talbiyah like everyone else.
Do not uncover your right shoulder until you reach the Ka’bah and begin Tawaf. This is the time that the Messenger uncovered his shoulder and it is an act of Hajj, so we must follow when the Prophet did it.
It is disliked for a man to pray with his shoulders bare, for the Prophet has said, "None of you must pray in a single garment of which no part comes over his shoulders." [Narrated by : Bukhari and Muslim; vide Bulugh al-Maram #223]
You may change your Ihraam towels if they get dirty
You do not enter into Ihraam by just wearing the towels. You must make the intention to begin.
Do not shave your beard, whether before, during or after Ihraam.
You should wear sandals, but if you do not have sandals, you do not have to walk barefoot. Wear what you have until you find a place to get sandals.
When beginning your Ihraam for Hajj, do it from where you are: in your hotel, on the street, etc. You do not have to go to the Ka’bah to start your Ihraam for Hajj.
DO pay attention to what you are saying when you are making the Talbiyah: Labayk Allahumma Labbayk…
When you hear that you are not allowed to wear stitches in Ihraam, know that what is meant is that you cannot wear pieces of cloth that are sewn together to wrap your body, such as a T-Shirt or underwear.
Both men and women may shower with unscented soap. Yes, for women and men, you may comb your hair, as the Prophet’s wives used to do when they were in Ihraam.

One stop guide to HAJJ

2006-12-24T01:26:00.000-08:00

Main Stages
1) Steps for Entering the State of Ihram
2) Steps for Performing Umrah
3) Going to Mina
4) Going to Arafat
5) Going to Muzdalifah
6) Returning to Mina
7) Tawaf al-Ifada
8) Returning to Mina
9) Farewell Tawaf
10) Going Home

1) Steps for Entering the State of Ihram
1. Bathe yourself (Ghusl).
2. Wear Ihram garments.
3. Make the intention for Umrah or Hajj.
4. Recite Talbeyah*.
5. Avoid acts forbidden while in the state of Ihram

2) Steps for Performing Umrah
1. Make Tawaf around the Ka`bah.
2. Pray two Rak`ah behind Maqam Ibrahim.
3. Make Sa`i between Safa and Marwah.
4. Trim hair and remove Ihram garments.

3) Going to Mina
1. Put on Ihram garments again, if you have performed Umrah.
2. Make intention for Hajj.
3. Remain in Mina during the 8th of Dhul-Hijja and perform five prayers starting with the Zuhr prayer and ending with the Fajr prayer on the day of Arafat.

4) Going to Arafat
1. Leave for Arafat on the morning of the 9th of Dhul-Hijja and stay until sunset.
2. Stay in any part of Arafat.
3. Glorify Allah, repeat supplication, repent to Allah and ask for forgiveness.
4. Pray Zuhr and Asr prayers shortened and combined during the time of Zuhr.

5) Going to Muzdalifah
1. Leave for Muzdalifah soon after sunset on the 9th of Dhul-Hijja.
2. Perform the Maghrib and the shortened Isha prayers combined.
3. Stay overnight and perform the Fajr prayer.

6) Returning to Mina
1. Shortly before sunrise, leave Muzdalifah for Mina. Go to Jamrat al-Aqabah and stone it with seven pebbles.
2. Slaughter your sacrifice.
3. Shave your head or trim your hair.
4. Take off Ihram garments.
5. All Ihram restrictions are lifted except for the ban on sexual intercourse.

7) Tawaf al-Ifada
1. Make Tawaf al-Ifada and Sa`i between Safa and Marwah.
2. After Tawaf al-Ifada, all restrictions are lifted

8) Returning to Mina
1. Spend the Tashreeq days (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijja) in Mina.
2. After Zuhr prayer each day, stone the three Jamarat, starting with the small one and ending with al-Aqabah.
3. You may leave on the 12th after stoning the Jamarat if you wish.

9) Farewell Tawaf
1. Go to Makkah and make a farewell Tawaf. Perform two Rak`ah.
2. Let the Tawaf be the last thing you do in Makkah.

10) Going Home

The true Global Village

2006-12-23T22:16:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I took my little family to the Global Village. It was a long queue of cars and took two hours of what should have been a 30 mins ride. But seeing the joy of seeing my wife and daughter smiling as we roamed the different pavillions, the efforts were worth it.

As we were shifting from one country to another, from Jordan to China to Tanzania - we wondered if this was a good example of a real feel of global community and global gathering. But no, when we though of a rather parallel event taking place, this huge Global Village faded away, very quickly too.

Yes, we are talking about the annual Hajj. The conference of millions - who all gather to worship one Lord. We dont have to build pavillions but this unity of hearts is inspired by faith.

Can there be a greater Global Village that the one that the world witnesses as Mecca - the first place of worship of God?

Hajj Fun Game

2006-12-20T22:50:00.000-08:00

My comments: Just missed my favourite ways to learn about Hajj - the game board way. After all one of the things we try to do at our Burooj Chidlren circle is play, interact and then learn.

So this is for all those parents who want their kids as well to be a part of their enthusiasm.

Description:

The Hajj Fun Game offers you entertainment and fun and at the same time makes it easy for you to learn the meaning and message of hajj and to acquire a knowledge of the important historical places associated with it. It will enable you to learn how the acts and rites are performed during hajj and what its dos and don'ts are. In short, the Hajj Fun Game will bring alive the annual pilgrimage of Hajj.

Price: $19.99
Publisher: Goodword
Ages: 9 - 12 Years

2006-12-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

Today is 01, Dhul Hijjah, 1427 according to Arab News i.e. Saudi and 30 Zul Qaadah, 1427 according to Khaleej Times website i.e. UAE. So now it remains to be seen how would the authorities decide on Eid al-Adha and significantly the day of Arafat.

But as we are so close to this blessed days and in the blessed month, it would be worthwhile to begin our short and precise essays on Hajj and related topics.

Today, we decide to talk about some of the books and multimedia available to begin our journey towards Hajj. Insha Allaah hope this resourses on Hajj would be useful to those who aspire to do their Hajj in future.

Getting the Best out of Hajj

By Abu Muneer Ismail Davids

There are many books on the subject of Hajj , however none are so comprehensive as this. The book details all of the realities of hajj as well as the worship and details with a practical element including location of hotels, car hire, rules and regulations etc.

Price: £14.95; Pages: 473

Hajj, Umrah & Ziyarah (Pocket Size)

Verifying & Explaining Many Matters of Hajj, Umrah & Ziyarah
In the light of the Quran & Sunnah
by Sheikh Abdul Aziz Abdullah bin Baz

"I am here at your service O Allah, I am here at Your Service. I am here, You have no partner, I am here. Verily all Praise, Grace and Dominion are yours, and you have no partner."

Price: $4.74

Comments - This small book was what I took for my first Umrah and masha Allah what an abundant resource it was! I ask Allaah to bless the noble Shaikh and fill his grave with noor. ameen

The Hajj Video

An informative video of the Hajj rituals, produced by the Ministry of Hajj, Saudi Arabia. This documentary gives the viewer a good idea of what to expect, as well as the correct method of performing the Hajj and Umrah. Available in five languages.
English £7.95

The Rituals of Hajj DVD
Highly recommended

An informative film of the Hajj rituals, produced by the Ministry of Hajj, Saudi Arabia. This documentary gives the viewer a good idea of what to expect, as well as the correct method of performing the Hajj and Umrah. Includes sound tracks in the following languages: English, Urdu, Arabic and Bengali.

The DVD also covers the rituals of Umrah as well as visiting Madinah.
Price: £5.95

Tell Me About Hajj
By Saniyasnain Khan
Price: £6.95 Pages: 40 Binding: H/B Product Code: 12.284
Finally a book that deals with the subject of Hajj for children!

The young Muslim will find this book informative and interesting – full of illustrations and photographs – covering the history of the ka’bah, the story of the well of zam-zam and the rites of Hajj.

An insight into the significance, importance and meaning of Hajj.

Audio Book - Day 2

2006-12-17T22:59:00.000-08:00

I was listening to the Tafseer Juz Amma set by Ustaad Muhammad Alshareef on my way back home and the surah that I was listening to was Surah al-Ghasiyah.

Like most of the Surahs, this too has a pair in Surah Ala. And insha Allaah this would be the next surah I would listen to.
One of the best ways of learning the meanings is to teach it to someone and I am grateful to my wife when she insist on my taking the tafseer class at home, despite my laziness!

Also a small and quick comment on this tafseer set titled TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL. Every great composer has one outstanding piece of work by which he and his other works are recognized. Leonado Da Vinci has Mona Lisa and Stephen Speilberg has Jurassic Park. Although these examples are inconsistent to my message but might drive the point home.

To be, this tafseer set Touched by an Angel does the same to Ustaad Muhammad. When I fist listened to this set, my heart jumped with excitement. This was the spark I needed to begin my journey to memorize this Juz and alhamdulillah I have 3 more surahs left.

I do not want this to be a complete tafseer (for that you can look at the Emanrush audio site), my point was a harmless and profound verse:

Then do they not see the camels, How they have been made?

A very common animal in the Arabian society. Imagine a rider sitting on his camel travelling across the desert and then the following verses talk about sky, mountains and earth. He is surrounded by all of it alone in the vastness of the desert. How then will he not profess Islam!

From this issue of Burooj Stars newsletter (visit www.buroojstars.com)
Abdullah’s insights

Did you know there are two kinds of camels? One is the Arabian that lives in Western Asia and Northern Africa. It has one hump. And the second kind is called Bactrian which has two humps and lives in Mongolia and Chinese Turkistan.

Audio book of the Day: 1

2006-12-17T03:39:00.000-08:00

Audio book of the Day:

Everyday as I drive for about two hours, I find comfort in my audio books. So I decided to mention atleast one new increment to my learning curve.

Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife - In his book, Ihya Uloom ud-Deen, Imam Gazzali mention how we should stand in our Salaah.

Imagine a person standing in front of the Emperor for his needs and while he is adressing the Emperor, he figets with his clothers, looks here and his attention is hayware! Would the Emperor accept his request.

Apply this to our prayers before the King of All Kings..

On My Way To HAJJ 2007

2006-12-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

Hajj is the season of gathering and aspirations. The flavour of the month is nothing but forgiveness. Foremost isseeking forgiveness from the Rabb and then all those who aspire to take the journey (of lifetime for a lot many), they call and ask for forgiveness for thier past mistakes from the near and dear ones.

As I was listening to a rather ordinary Friday khutbah, sitting in the New Muslim Masjid in Sharjah, the Khatib told an amzing incident. The Khutbah suddenly came up to life and bought tears to my eyes.

He mentioned of Ameer ul-Moimineen Umar bin al-Khattab who said, "I wish to send messengers around the new Islamic lands and command all those who have the wealth and means to perform their compulsory Hajj and havent yet set unto, to pay the JIZYA."

And then the khatib mentioned that HAJJ is the 5th pilalr of Islam. As i heard this, it occured that i almost missed this point and forget that the 5 pillars that we keep repeating and have learnt right from the days of my Ustaab coming home to teach me, I had completely and conviniently forgotton about!

After the khutbah, I compared my situation or a new awakening to the verse recited by Abu Bakr at the time of the death of Rasullalah sallahualhiwassalm, "And Several Messengers has passed before", and most of the SAhabas including Umar, thought they heard it for the first time!

Insha Allaah, it was then that I made a sincere and determined intention to perform HAJJ next season in 2007.

As we progress through that one year, I will post all I know about Hajj and hope to make this blog a record of my efforts to realise my 5th pillar of Islam as well as become a resource and encouragement for all those who wish to undertake this journey of lifetime.

“We can't all be stars, but we can all twinkle”

2006-07-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

“Without a wish, without a will, / I stood upon that silent hill / And stared into the sky until / My eyes were blind with stars and still / I stared into the sky.”

Every dream precedes the goal aptly defines my imaginations. So many times there are days full of motivation and a passion to succeed and yet you find yourself cluless what to do.

Staring at the empty sky from the beautiful Crescent lit night, there was a dream at my college. A dream to convey the message. The message that was simple but needed a powerful medium.

Something like throwing the bottle at sea with a wish and hoping it would sail to someone who would read it. I dreamt of a similar message but this one needed a voice that would convey it. The quest for realizing that dream had begun.

“Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.”

Days and nights would pass but the medium was not to be seen. Then came the night full of stars. Burooj was born.

The idea was the team. The strenght was from working together.

“We can't all be stars, but we can all twinkle”

Burooj Stars began as an idea. It took force into a medium - paper. The schedules were worked out. The message was carved. The dream has been set in motion.

“I haven't a clue as to how my story will end. But that's all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, you don't conclude the road has vanished. And how else could we discover the stars?”

Another magazine - what's the difference?

2006-07-02T04:13:00.000-07:00

The market is replete with magazine of all sorts - from the fashion advocates to the movie review. From softcore to IT digits. From Politics to Environment. With so much of choice, why do we still see that familiar name on the book stands.

Like the old saying, all men are equal, but some are more equal than others. Most of the magazine may cover the same subjects, but ask someone to name a political magazine and TIME would be the number one choice. Anyone would boast of their NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY collection. No one covers nature like they do! The PLAYBOY edition on Indonesia made as much news that Paris Hilton would normally do in a month! READER'S DIGEST is a book most of us have seen lying around. What makes these special?

Marketing. Topics. Choice of editors. Or a combination of all of these. We are in search of that special ingrident that makes the magazine click. And add it to the Burooj Stars recipie.

Just because a magazine is popular does not make it correct. But because it is popular, it is read more and heard more often than its siblings in the industry.

Lets look at how they conjure a nation's image. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY used its old forgotton photograph of the Kabul girl into a sensation when they shoot her again. This time her radiant youth giving face to wrinkled maturity over the years. People who feature on the cover of TIME are subject of quizes. People make the magazine click.

PLAYBOY's bunnies took them to limelight and so are the numerous people, some good, a lot evil and a lot more having no claim to fame than selling lusts and desires, make the magazines what they are. Politiians, Movie stars, Sportmen and a host of other celebreties. A movie is known by its people.

So who are our STARS. How would Burooj make its mark. This is not supposed to be solution but questions that need to be asked and asnwers sought. Burooj need to find its STARS to make its mark. After all its a "face that launched 1000 ships."

The website

2006-06-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

This week has been particularly interesting for Burooj Stars. We have our website up and running. Also this would be my first website. I always have dreamt of a web presence and today I feel so glad to have one up and hosted.

A website is in today's world a prmary means of presenting yourself to those whom you have never met. It also showcases the talents and iden as, which otherwise would take hours and hours of explanation.

Aslo we did our first campaign for revenue. Selling a few CDs isn't exaclty a source of revenue but a beginning has been made. The idea is selling the CDs here in Dubai, that would cover the cost of basic printing every month. And selling 3 CDs isn't exaclty a dream start but not a bad one either!

I am a firm beleiver in money management and financial success. There are far more things we can do while we have money than when do dont. Look at the Bill and Milenda Foundation. An amazing amount of work needs to be done and all that can be done at the back of financial gains and power to spend.

A classical case is that of fund raiser during the Prohpet's (peace be upon him) battles. Do I need to remind of the famous incident when Uthman gave away a huge part of his wealth and the Prophetic words that no matter what Uthman does, he is exempted.

Or the struggle and competition that Umar set himself against the one and only Abu Bakr. Same goes in today's dawah activities. And if we are able to create a system that generates enough revenue to sustain itslef, then would the real dawah get going. A dawah that is not dependent on donations and suffers when the influx slows.

A true Dawah campaign should be a champion of the cause and not a after effect a fundraising drive.

The College Magazine

2006-06-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Often when I read some magazine, and here I refer to Islamic magazine I often wonder if we are trying to create an encyclopedia of thoughts. We try to put in everything and anything and it also has to be completely Islamic.

Muslims also need information and entertainment as any one esle and I strongly felt a need to create a magazine that the college students can identify themselves with.

Thus came the Burooj Stars. The name Burooj by itself has an interesting history and perhaps I will save it for later times. As of now, we introduce to your our newsletter the BUROOJ STARS.

The newsletter hopes to achieve a lot of goals and targets, but it needs to first find a firm footing. Let us walk, and what better campus to begin with than where it all began. We choose Crescent to launch the newsletter and it is now in its third issue.

The response is lukewarm but I hope that can only increase with a more determined team and better articles. Lot of planning needs to go in the making of the magazine and I am fortunate to have friends who can critisize and make sence of what is being conveyed.

Burooj Star's articles are crisp and there is a whole section dedicated to college life titled Campus Talks. I enjoy doing this particular section a lot, as it gives room to be innovative and feels like talking in the language of a college student.

We need to create a system though, if we are to make a name for ourselves but the real intention should never get tainted. To create more inclination towards Islam among the college goers and finally have a magazine that talks the way a teen understands.

We hope to have youth stars like Yasir Fazaga and Yasir Qadhi on board as guest editors plus grow from current 4 pages to a full fledged color magazine.

For time begin, what we need is your encouragement and more time. -
Do vist the website www.buroojstars.com

Abu Safiyah
Editor
Burooj Stars