Latest Forum Topics

We are a Chinese sexy lingerie wholesale company

alice simth — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:36:20 +0000

We are a Chinese sexy lingerie wholesale company, the company's product quality is very good and the price is cheap! Believe, with our cooperation you must be very happy! The company has more than ten kinds of underwear products, such as the sexy lingerie, t-shaped pants, the party dress, and so on! Web site address: http://www.wholesalecheaplingerie.com/
Email address: niun69@yahoo.com MSN :niuniun2011@hotmail.com
If you are interested in our products, you can contact me any time.I will give you our product images and detailed product price list

wholesale cheap lingerie

Joe John — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:13:41 +0000

We are a Chinese sexy lingerie wholesale company, the company's product quality is very good and the price is cheap! Believe, with our cooperation you must be very happy! The company has more than ten kinds of underwear products, such as the sexy lingerie, t- shaped pants, the party dress, and so on! Web site address: http://www.wholesalecheaplingerie.com/
Email address: linzhenfu@yahoo.cn

if you are interest in our products, please do not hesi8tate to contact with us !!!!

Wow Gold Price 50% Off on Wowgoldsafe.co.uk

Doris Christina — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:23:44 +0000

Good news for you, http://www.wowgoldsafe.co.uk/ have their wow gold price 50% off, you can come to get really cheap wow gold.

This good opportunity to have you more wow gold for cheap price! More world of warcraft gold to buy your desired equips, mounts and items.

Save more time and enjoy raiding with your friends and guildies, this sales promotion will last until 31th of March of 2012, so don’t let this pass and grab the 10% Bonus Wow Gold. For more details check out Wowgoldsafe and visit our site reviews of top wow gold selling sites to find out which from is the Best Place To Buy Wow Gold.

tongzhouseo doris0427

Free Sex Webcam Only For haisay.com Users

QuaggElegaibe — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:10:49 +0000

20$ Free For Hardcore 1-2-1 Webcam

teen-webcam-babe.co.uk are proud to bring you , our special offer for users of haisay.com .

Sign up to streamate for free using our link below and when you log in you will have 20$ free credit to sample the site .

Click below and watch LIVE now

http://teen-webcam-babe.co.uk/teen11.jpg

CLICK ON BANNER ABOVE AND VIEW OUR WEBCAM SAMPLE. ENJOY

Kindly help us by filling this survey form .Thank You !!!

kaminy — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:04:44 +0000

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG80a2I2SXVneVFVVDh4bUdQU2lxaVE6MQ

ANDHRA PRADESH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Faridabad — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:16:29 +0000

ANDHRA PRADESH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

aptdc.in/home/intro.php - CachedAPTDC Launches AP Tourism – Jet Airways Lord Balaji Darshan Package Tour for Rs.9488 per head Includes Hyderabad – Tirupati – Hyderabad Airfare, Balaji ...

►

Tour ... - APTDC - ANDHRA PRADESH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

aptdc.in/tourpack/index.php - Cached24 Aug 2011 – Andhra Pradesh travel site for travelling in Andhra Pradesh ...

Andhra Pradesh Tourism offices

aptdc.in/web_directory/aptdc_office.php - Cached24 Aug 2011 – Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Tourism House ...

Accommodation

aptdc.in/accomodation/index.php - Cached24 Aug 2011 – Know Andhra Pradesh ... destinations in Andhra Pradesh boast ...

Show more results from aptdc.in

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation

maps.google.co.in

Geetha Nagar, Malkajgiri

Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Train: Malkajgiri

Place page - Write a review

Tirupati - APTDC - ANDHRA PRADESH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

www.tourisminap.com/tourpack/tirupati.php - Cached24 Aug 2011 – Central Reservation Office, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Shakar Bhavan, Opp. Police Control Room, Hyderabad. ...

Hyderabad

www.tourisminap.com/tourpack/hyderabad.php - Cached24 Aug 2011 – Central Reservation Office, Andhra Pradesh Tourism ...

Show more results from tourisminap.com

Welcome to Andhra Pradesh Tourism - Official Website of the ...

www.aptourism.in/ - Cached

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation - Wikipedia, the ...

en.wikipedia.org/.../Andhra_Pradesh_Tourism_Development_Corp... - CachedAndhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (Telugu: ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్ పర్యాటక అభివృద్ధి సంస్థ) (APTDC) is a state government agency ...

Andhra Pradesh tourism - India Transportation

www.indiatransit.com/india-tourism/andhra-pradesh-tourism.aspx - CachedAndhra Pradesh tourism development corporation aka APTDC operates packaged tours to tirupati, hyderabad, chennai, surat, dwarka and other states of India.

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Bangalore ...

yellowpages.sulekha.com/.../andhra-pradesh-tourism-development-... - CachedAndhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation in Bangalore G.P.O., Bangalore - Get ratings & reviews of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development ...

What is the difference between a hub and a switch?

AR Ramesh — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:49:19 +0000

Hubs and switches are different types of network equipment that connect devices. They differ in the way that they pass on the network traffic that they receive.

Hubs

The term ‘hub’ is sometimes used to refer to any piece of network equipment that connects PCs together, but it actually refers to a multi-port repeater. This type of device simply passes on (repeats) all the information it receives, so that all devices connected to its ports receive that information.

Hubs repeat everything they receive and can be used to extend the network. However, this can result in a lot of unnecessary traffic being sent to all devices on the network. Hubs pass on traffic to the network regardless of the intended destination; the PCs to which the packets are sent use the address information in each packet to work out which packets are meant for them. In a small network repeating is not a problem but for a larger, more heavily used network, another piece of networking equipment (such as a switch) may be required to help reduce the amount of unnecessary traffic being generated.

Switches

Switches control the flow of network traffic based on the address information in each packet. A switch learns which devices are connected to its ports (by monitoring the packets it receives), and then forwards on packets to the appropriate port only. This allows simultaneous communication across the switch, improving bandwidth.

This switching operation reduces the amount of unnecessary traffic that would have occurred if the same information had been sent from every port (as with a hub).

Switches and hubs are often used in the same network; the hubs extend the network by providing more ports, and the switches divide the network into smaller, less congested sections.

When Should I Use a Hub or Switch?

In a small network (less than 30 users), a hub (or collection of hubs) can easily cope with the network traffic generated and is the ideal piece of equipment to use for connecting the users.

When the network gets larger (about 50 users), you may need to use a switch to divide the groups of hubs, to cut down the amount of unnecessary traffic being generated.

If there is a hub or switch with Network Utilization LEDs, you can use the LEDs to view the amount of traffic on the network. If the traffic is constantly high, you may need to divide up the network using a switch.

When adding hubs to the network (to add more users), there are rules about the number of hubs you can connect together. Switches can be used to extend the number of hubs that you can use in the network.

15 Ways to Make the Most of Ramadan

IndianClassicals — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:39:29 +0000

“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan, recognises its boundaries and safeguards that which he should safeguard will have his previous sins expiated.” (Ibn Hibban)

Allah Most High says, “O you who believe, fasting has been ordained upon you as it was ordained upon those before you so that you become god-fearing” (Qur’an 2:183). We ascertain from this verse that the wisdom behind the fast is attainment of taqwa, which essentially means to refrain from anything that will tarnish one’s relationship with Allah in any way or form.

Unfortunately, Ramadan has become a ritual for many of us, empty of true spirit and essence, and we end up leaving the month of Ramadan the same way we entered it. Hence, it is necessary that we work towards making this Ramadan different to previous Ramadans and achieve the quality of taqwa, making us better Muslims and adherents to the Shari'a. Below are fifteen ways we can employ to gain maximum benefit from Ramadan. Some of them may seem obvious and simple, but more than often, the very basics are our biggest weaknesses.

1. Remove the distractions

If we look at the lives of the pious predecessors and see how they spent Ramadan, we will realise that they used to leave all preoccupations to solely focus themselves on worshipping Allah and exerting themselves in this holy month, to the extent that they would even stop the noble act of imparting Islamic knowledge.

Hence, it is evident how important it is for us to cut out the television, radio, internet, lengthy conversations over the phone, newspapers and magazines, even though their content may be of a lawful nature. All these things, amongst others, only serve to distract us from our goal in Ramadan and burn away precious time that can never be recovered. Talking beyond necessity and needless so******ing with friends and colleagues should be avoided too. This is going to be the first step towards making the most of Ramadan and will definitely help the other pieces of the jigsaw come into place.

2. Educate yourself about Ramadan

Learn the legal rulings of Ramadan and the fast (i.e. the obligations of fasting, that which invalidates the fast or renders it makruh (reprehensible) etc.), to ensure that one does not do anything contrary to the teachings of the Shari'a, a situation that can easily be avoided by educating oneself properly beforehand. Likewise, read books detailing the virtues of Ramadan and performing various good deeds therein. Insha-Allah, this will help one understand and appreciate the message of Ramadan and encourage one to work acts of righteousness throughout the month.

3. Kicking out the bad old habits

With the dawn of Ramadan, the atmosphere almost instantly becomes vibrant with the colour of iman (faith) and good deeds, and a Muslim finds himself surrounded by things to aid his journey towards Allah the Almighty. This is the perfect time to kick out those bad habits, which have probably hindered a person’s spiritual progress during the previous eleven months.

Ramadan brings one’s defects to the surface and forces a person to admit to weaknesses hitherto unnoticed. Every man is his own best judge; use this opportunity to say goodbye to everything that undermines your Muslim character, such as foul language, backbiting, listening to music, smoking, looking at that which Allah has forbidden, and other detrimental sins. Be honest to yourself and face up to these habits with courage and determination, all the time seeking assistance from Allah against falling into the snares of Satan and the enticement of the lower desires after the month of Ramadan has passed.

The core lesson of Ramadan is purity and control of one’s desires, and this is what we have to aim for in this holy month. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever does not abandon false utterances and practicing upon them [while fasting], Allah cares not that the person abandons his food and drink” (Bukhari). In another narration, he (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “If someone swears at you or behaves in an ignorant manner with you, say, ‘I am fasting, I am fasting’” (Ibn Khuzaima, Ibn Hibban).

4. Salah

It is much easier for a person to excel in worship during Ramadan, so make full use of this spirit and ensure you perform salah in the masjid with the imam’s takbir and likewise, perform all the sunan and nawafil prayers with each salah. Thirty days of constancy upon this will, insha-Allah, enable one to maintain this even after the passing of the month.

Women while performing their salah at home should be mindful of salah times and should ensure they perform their salah at the correct time, and not let anything preoccupy them from this obligation. It has been noticed that some women become engrossed in preparing food for iftar and id celebrations, losing track of time and thus delaying salah; this should be rectified. Furthermore, if there has previously been a deficiency in performing salah, resolve now to amend this.

5. Recitation of the Qur’an

Ramadan has a unique relationship with the Qur’an, which no other time of the year can parallel. Allah says in the Qur’an, “The month of Ramadan is that wherein the Qur’an was revealed” (Qur’an 2:185). Every year, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would revise the Qur’an with Jibril (alayhis salaam) during the month of Ramadan. In light of this, every Muslim should make an effort to increase the recitation of the Qur’an during the holy month and make at least one complete recitation in Ramadan. At the same time, we should make use of this time to seriously contemplate our relationship with the Qur’an and reflect over how much we recite the Qur’an out of Ramadan. Are we in a habit of reciting daily or is it a case of the Qur’an gathering dust from one Ramadan to the next? What effort have we made to ensure our pronunciation of the Qur’an is correct? How zealous are we to understand the meanings of the Qur’an, and learn what the Qur’an commands and prohibits?

6. Charity

Fasting throughout the day naturally makes a person feel compassion and mercy towards the poor and destitute, and encourages one to spend generously on the less fortunate. We also learn that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was extremely generous in the month of Ramadan (Bukhari, Muslim). In another narration, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that the best charity is in the month of Ramadan (Tirmidhi). Thus, spend in the path of Allah throughout the month of Ramadan and seek to spend in different avenues of good (zakah, sadaqa, sponsoring an orphan, building a masjid, general charity, providing iftar etc.), expecting reward only from Allah.

7. Earn the reward of more than one fast

Yes, one can earn the reward of more than one fast and it is really quite simple. Zayd bin Khalid Juhani (radhiallahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever feeds a fasting person will receive the same reward as him without the reward of the fasting person being decreased at all” (Tirmidhi). Furthermore, this reward is not only for providing a full meal; the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever feeds a fasting person therein (i.e. Ramadan), it will be a means of forgiveness for his sins, freedom from the Hellfire and he will receive the same reward without his (i.e. the fasting person’s) reward being decreased at all.” The Companions (radhiallahu anhum) said, “Not all of us have the means to feed a fasting person.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Allah grants this reward to one who gives the fasting person a date, a drink of water or a sip of milk” (Ibn Khuzaima). Thus, endeavour to provide whatever you can to those who are fasting, be it a single date, and Allah, out of His infinite and limitless treasures, will grant you their reward too.

8. Supplications at the time of iftar

As the fast approaches its end, it also reaches its pinnacle and Allah’s special mercy is directed towards His servants who lift their hands in supplication unto Him, humbling themselves and expressing their utter indigence towards their Creator and Master. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that there are three people whose supplication is not rejected; one of them is the fasting person when he breaks his fast (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and others).

Many people do not appreciate these invaluable moments and waste them in futile talk, gossip and other useless pursuits. The servant who takes the saying of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) into consideration will ensure that he turns to Allah in supplication before the time of iftar and will not let such an opportune moment go in vain.

9. Tarawih and Qiyam al-Layl

The tarawih prayers need no introduction to any Muslim, and we all see how the masjids are brimming with people as the Qur’an is melodiously recited; alhamdulillah. However, more than often, our perception of the tarawih prayers is tainted and instead of viewing it as a great act of worship, we consider it a burden. It is not uncommon to hear complaints at the conclusion of the tarawih prayers over how extremely tiring and lengthy the prayers were, and within a week or so into Ramadan, people have already started comparing which masjid has the quickest tarawih prayers.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever stands (in the night prayer) during Ramadan with faith and expecting reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven” (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi). It is this “expecting reward” we must keep in mind, so that our tarawih prayers are a means of forgiveness from Allah, as mentioned by the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

And it does not end with the tarawih prayers. Wake up a little early before the pre-dawn meal and perform at least two rak'ats of prayer (qiyam al-layl or tahajjud), placing your needs before Allah Most High and seeking forgiveness from Him.

10. Pre-dawn meal (suhur)

Partaking of the pre-dawn meal is not only a means of providing much-needed strength and energy throughout the the day, but it is also a source of immense reward and blessings. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Partake of the pre-dawn meal, because there is blessing in the pre-dawn meal” (Bukhari, Muslim). In another narration, he (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Verily, Allah and His angels confer blessings on those who partake of the pre-dawn meal.” Laziness should not be shown in this regard by eating before going to sleep at night without making the intention of waking up for the pre-dawn meal. Worse still is to do so and sleep through fajr prayers. Furthermore, just as it is a sunna to eat dates for iftar, it is also a sunna to eat dates in the pre-dawn meal. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “How excellent are dates as the pre-dawn meal of the believer” (Abu Dawud, Ibn Hibban).

11. Miswak

The miswak (or siwak) is a strongly emphasised sunna of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), even more so during the month of Ramadan. Amir bin Rabi'a (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) says, “I saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on countless occasions using the siwak whilst he was fasting” (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud). However, this is one of the sunnas often neglected in Ramadan. One should revive this forgotten sunna and likewise, use this perfect season to learn the other beloved sunnas of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and follow his complete example.

12. I'tikaf

Whosoever has the opportunity to engage in this great act of worship during the last ten days of Ramadan should do so, for the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) performed i'tikaf of the last ten days of Ramadan until his demise (Bukhari, Muslim). In a narration reported by Ibn Majah, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that the person performing i'tikaf receives the reward of the actions he cannot perform due to being secluded in the masjid (such as performing janaza prayers and visiting the ill). It is also a way of ensuring one attains Laylatul Qadr, a night better than a thousand months, which the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ordered to be sought in the odd nights of the last ten days. Those who cannot perform i'tikaf should at least endeavour to spend as much time as possible in the masjid, or even attend to the needs of and serve those who perform this act of worship.

13. Serving others

Although we must exert ourselves fully in the month of Ramadan, this does not mean that we retire from our responsibilities towards others, especially our parents, families and those in need. In fact, fulfilling these rights in this month will be a means of greater reward from Allah, as it is said, “Through serving others you will find Allah.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “On the Day of Judgment, Allah will say, ‘O son of Adam! I was ill but you did not visit me.’ He [i.e. the servant] will say, ‘How could I have visited you when you are the Lord of the Worlds?’ He will reply, ‘Did you not know that such-and-such servant of mine was ill, but you did not visit him? Did you not know that had you visited him, you would have found me with him?’” (Muslim)

14. Supplications and Dhikr

The doors of mercy are opened in the month of Ramadan, the doors of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained (Muslim), and Allah accepts supplications in this month (Tabrani). Thus, supplicate unto Allah Most High with humility and conviction of acceptance, because supplication is a powerful weapon in the hands of the believer. Ask Him for His pleasure and entry into Paradise, security from His wrath and Hellfire, for every good in this life and the Hereafter, and for Him to keep you firm and steadfast on the teachings of Islam. Moreover, do not forget to keep a share in your supplications for your Muslim brothers and sisters across the globe and the deceased of the umma of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Along with supplications, keep yourself occupied with the remembrance of Allah Most High, in particular la ilaha illallah, istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and other forms of dhikr mentioned in the hadiths. In this manner, every second of Ramadan will be appreciated by Allah and become a means of proximity with Him.

15. The spirit of Ramadan in the home

Just as it is a duty upon a Muslim to work upon correcting his or her own relationship with Allah, it is important to ensure that the fruits of Ramadan blossom within the home too. One cannot become so absorbed in one’s own worship without paying attention to what happens within the four walls of one’s home. Thus, parents have an extra responsibility of encouraging their children to recite the Qur’an and worship Allah in this blessed month, and of training them to fast from a young age. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Verily, each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be questioned [on the Day of Judgment] regarding his sheep” (Bukhari, Muslim).

May Allah enable us all to earn His pleasure and forgiveness, reap the benefits of Ramadan and make that change in our lives we so need. Amin.

© All rights reserved. Compiled under the instruction of Hadhrat Maulana Bahauddin Sayed (hafizahullah) by Javed Iqbal

Ramadan

IndianClassicals — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:32:27 +0000

The Month of Ramadan is also the month souls are purified. The social scientists studying ethics believe that acquiring ideal sublime and ethical conscience passes through three stages:

1. Getting rid of bad habits and attitudes;
2. Acquiring new good traits and habits;
3. Strengthening and crystallizing these traits.

To Allah we shall return at two bows length or nearer. O man, strive hard towards your Lord until you meet Him.

In this respect I believe that the month of Rajab, as it was related, is the month of asking forgiveness for one's guilt's and sins, and it is also the month of the Prince of the Faithful (A.S), while in the month of Shaaban Muslims try to acquire the manners of the greatest Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and then they will strengthen them and crystallize them in the month of Ramadan. Thus the month of Ramadan is the month of generosity, and feeding all who are needed.

It has been related that if one's sins were not forgiven in the month of Ramadan, they will not be forgiven until the following month of Ramadan or until he performs Hajj pilgrimage.

Ramadhan: Month of Holy Quran

IndianClassicals — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:23:43 +0000

Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Holy Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. Holy Quran (Al-Baqara, 2:185)

As a result of associating this month of Ramadan to the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) wants us to read His Book in this month. It is not merely reciting its words but trying to understand them and learn the wisdom lying in their concepts. Do they not then meditate on the Quran? And if it were from any other than Allah, they would have found in it many a discrepancy. (Surah An-Nisa, 4:82), so that it will guide us in all our affairs, whether in worship on in social and business dealings. We should learn, guided by Holy Quran, the difference between Right and falsehood, Good and evil, justice and wronging, deviation and following the straight path.

Thus, Allah (SWT) wanted this month of Ramadan to be a month of calling, through asking the people to study Holy Quran, and the scholars to educate the people on Holy Quran, since it is worthless to read Holy Quran if one is not going to appreciate and comprehend it.

And we have seen how Imam Zainul Abideen (as) has described this month of Ramadan as the month of Allah (SWT), The Most Exalted, wants man in to change himself in this month. He should study himself to learn his weak points and strong ones, and then train himself on the good, the right and justice, as opposed to evil, falsehood and wronging. Allah (SWT), The Most Exalted, wants man to stand before Him in a sound mind that embraces truth, a sound heart that beats with mercy and love and a sound body that obeys Allah's commands in what to take and leave.

It is, according to Imam Zainul Abideen (as), the month of purification from all the evil ideas Satan might suggest to man, like making his relations with others based on harming them and deviated from the straight path. Man should purify himself from the inside; the outside cleanness of the body is not what purification actually implies. The real purifications are that of the mind, heart, tongue, goals and relations, so as to stand before Allah (SWT) - when nothing does one any good except his good deeds - with a heart void of disbelief and hatred.

Imam Zainul Abideen (as) stresses too that the month of Ramadan is the month of Islam. In the month of Ramadan, all Muslims should uphold the responsibility of Islam by leaving all what Allah (SWT) has ordained, revealed or conveyed to His Holy Prophet Mohammad (saw) so that it will be a month in which man lives a spiritual and humanistic life. O you who believe! Answer (the call of) Allah and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life; and know that Allah intervenes between man and his heart, and that to Him you shall be gathered.

This month of Ramadan is also the month of peace, in which the Muslim should prove that Islam is the religion of peace. Allah (SWT) has made the greeting which the Muslim says to others to be: "peace on you". And the tradition has related that a greeting has 70 rewards, 69 of them are for the one who says it first. Allah (SWT) wants our greeting to others to be one of peace. They should train on this greeting in this world to move to Paradise, having been accustomed to it, because peace is the salutation of the people of Paradise. The angels also will greet the believers in Paradise with the word of peace, the gardens of perpetual abode which they will enter along with those who do good from among their parents and their spouses and their offspring; and the angels will enter in upon them from every gate: Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!

Five Pillars of the Muslim Faith

IndianClassicals — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 07:46:05 +0000

Islam requires that all adherents perform five central duties, which are believed to strengthen their faith in and service to Allah. These duties are the 5 Pillars of Islam - the basic tenets of the faith, which all Muslims strive to perform, regardless of where they live or what sect they belong to.Shahada (Shahaadah) (testimony of faith). The testimony of faith is the most important pillar of Islam. To perform the testimony of faith, one is required to say with conviction at least once in his or her life: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." In order to convert to Islam, one must utter the shahaadah with complete conviction.

Salat (prayer)

Muslims pray five times daily, at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and night. Prayer often occurs in a mosque, but Muslims may pray anywhere: inside or outside, in their office, home, school or elsewhere. While praying, one faces Mecca and strives to recite his or her prayers from memory. Ideally, saalat are recited in Arabic.

Zakat (almsgiving)
Charitable giving, or Zakat, is a requirement of faith for all Muslims. Used to benefit the poor, Zakat represents a fixed portion of one's wealth and assets. Beyond this requirement, one may also perform an act of charity (sadaqah) by donating additional funds to the needy. Historically, the zakat was collected by Muslim caliphate at the end of each year. In modern times, almsgiving is incumbent upon the individual Muslim - except for in Saudi Arabia, where Zakat is strictly enforced by the rule of Islamic law.

Siyam (Sawm) (fasting)

Sawm literally means any ritual fasting, but is generally understood to refer to ritual fasting during the month of Ramadan. From dawn to dusk for the entire month, Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking and engaging in sexual relations. Through this physical abstinence, Muslims are able to focus intently on their spiritual selves, atoning for their sins and recommitting to serving Allah.

Hajj (pilgrimage)

During the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah, some two million Muslims ascend to the holy city of Mecca for the Hajj, or pilgrimage. Every able-bodied Muslim is required - if their finances permit - to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. If performing the hajj will put an undue burden on one's family, he or she may appoint a proxy to fulfill this duty in his or her place. Once one completes a pilgrimage, he or she is able to add the title Haajj to his or her name. Islamic teachers are careful to warm, however, that the Hajj must be performed as an expression of devout faith - and not as a ploy to gain social status.

How will Lokpal members be accountable?

Web Click — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 06:19:55 +0000

Team Anna's view: A citizen can make a complaint to the Supreme Court against any Lokpal member and seek his removal. As for complaints against the staff of the Lokpal, they will be heard by an independent authority to be set up for this purpose.
Government's view: A Lokpal member can be removed only through a government's reference to the Supreme Court. This is evidently to discourage frivolous or motivated complaints. The complaints against its own staff will be investigated by the Lokpal itself.
Times View: The government seems to want to control both selection and removal of Lokpal members. That would defeat the very purpose of a truly autonomous Lokpal. So any citizen should be free to complain against a Lokpal member. As for complaints against the staff, allowing the Lokpal itself to investigate such complaints creates scope for conflict of interest. So, the separate body that deals with judicial accountability can deal with such complaints.

Should the anti-corruption wing of the CBI be merged with the Lokpal?

Web Click — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 06:18:44 +0000

Team Anna's view: The anti corruption branch of the CBI should be merged with the Lokpal.
Government's view: No. The government's reluctance to merge the CBI's anti-corruption wing with the Lokpal is related to its contention that among bureaucrats, the ombudsman should have jurisdiction only over Group A officers, which is in all around 65,000 officers, not the lower level officers. The government, however, wants lakhs of NGOs to be covered by the Lokpal.
Times View: Allowing the CBI's anti-corruption wing to function separately while having an investigative machinery under the Lokpal would mean overlap of jurisdiction and duplication of effort. It makes more sense for the Lokpal should serve as a single agency for all corruption cases involving the bureaucracy. After all, the public brush with corruption is mostly from lower-level officers. The Lokpal shouldn't deal with NGOs. There are lakhs of them. If they are included, complaints about NGOs will clog the Lokpal and paralyse it.

Should the Lokpal have the power to sack corrupt bureaucrats?

Web Click — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 06:17:14 +0000

Team Anna's view: It first said that apart from prosecuting a bureaucrat, the Lokpal should have the powers to conduct disciplinary proceedings, leading to penalties such as demotion, suspension or removal. But Team Anna shifted its stand in the course of the negotiations. It said that the Lokpal should only be empowered to "recommend appropriate penalties under conduct rules", although those recommendations, it added, "shall be binding on the government". Later, displaying more ambition, it said that the Lokpal itself "shall have powers to impose departmental penalties" and that high courts shall ordinarily not stay those orders.
Government's view: The Lokpal cannot erode the job security provided by the Constitution to bureaucrats. It can only make recommendations, which would in turn be forwarded to the Union Public Service Commission for consultation.
Times View: The original purpose of the job security provided by Article 311 of the Constitution was to insulate bureaucrats from arbitrary and vindictive action. While it does serve that purpose, it is also being increasingly used as a cover for the corrupt. Veerappa Moily, now as law minister and earlier as chairperson of the Administrative Reforms Commission, has called for a review of Article 311. (Now, as member of Lokpal drafting committee has done a volte-face on Article 311.) We don't think it should be repealed for the simple reason that it does still provide honest bureaucrats protection from a vindictive political master. The process of complaint and action should, however, be speeded up so that Article 311 can't be a prolonged cover for the corrupt. While giving the Lokpal the power to sack babus seems excessive, but rules should be spelt out to link various offences to specific punishments. Mere suspension or transfer for an obvious excess/crime, for instance, seems a non-punishment. The punishment, therefore, must be commensurate with the offense.

Should MPs be accountable to the Lokpal for their conduct in Parliament?

Web Click — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 06:16:07 +0000

Team Anna's view: It initially said that on complaints against an MP for his conduct inside Parliament, the Lokpal shall investigate the matter only "on receipt of a reference from the chairperson of either House". And after completing the investigation, all that the Lokpal will do is to "submit its report to the Chairperson" who, in turn, shall leave it to the House to decide the final outcome. Later, in a dramatic turnaround, Team Anna "deleted" this principle and clarified that "we want conduct of MPs within Parliament, if it is an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, also to be covered".
Government's view: An MP can be probed by the Lokpal only for activities unconnected with what he does inside Parliament. The government's draft expressly forbids the Lokpal from inquiring into corruption allegations against any MP "in respect of anything said or a vote given by him in Parliament" or in any parliamentary committee. It cited the Constitution to support its interpretation of parliamentary privileges.
Times View: The immunity provided by the government's draft is in keeping with the controversial Supreme Court judgment of 1998 in the JMM case holding that MPs who had taken bribes and bailed out the Narasimha Rao government were "entitled to the protection that the Constitution plainly affords them". In other words, MPs can't be scrutinized for how they vote in Parliament or what they say on the floor of the house or anything else which can be seen as part of their legislative duties. This is not desirable especially when there are instances of MPs asking questions at the instance of corporates or other interests. We should be in tune with global practices. The US Supreme Court, for instance, has discarded the view that legislators could not accused of corruption for anything they did in the House. India needs to make the same change.