The Hadhrami influence in Hyderabad

In India, after Kerala, the Hadharem have been very influential in Hyderabad. Ever heard of Major General Sayyid Al Aidroos of Hyderabad? He was the commander-in-chief of the Hyderabad State army in 1948; that is the same year that India, annexed Hyderabad. After India became independent in 1947, Hyderabad, which is right in the middle of India,  and long ruled by Muslims princes - wanted to remain independent. The Union of India, would have none of that; and so, India invaded and annexed Hyderabad. On the 18th of September, 1948, General Aidroos surrendered to the Indian army. Of the surrender, General Aidroos said: “The men under my command were called to perform a superhuman task… there was no alternative for me left but to surrender.”  Al Aidroos's brothers and relatives, had important posts, too, in Hyderbad before the annexation. Sayyid Al Aidroos, is the author of one of the most popular books about historical Hyderabad - his autobiography: 'Hyderabad of the Seven Loaves'. Al Aidroos, was of Hadhrami descent.

Isamic Finder: for Mosques and More

One of the best, most helpful and most comprehensive service on Islam on the Internet, is undoubtedly Islamic Finder. For Muslims who are traveling and would like to find mosques or the Qiblah direction in a city or part of the world they are in, this is the best site to go to for assistance. At first glance, the site might look simple and empty, but try it and you will realize how a vast and varying information it has and can give you; and how well managed, how well organized and how user friendly the site is.  Apart from mosques and the Qiblah, the site too, has a vast array of information on many other Islamic issues.

It also provides information not only about mosques, but also on: Islamic organizations, Islamic centers, and Muslim owned businesses all over the world. Furthermore, it has an Islamic web directory covering all the necessary information about Islam (Islam, The Holy Quran, Hadith, Fiqh and Fatawa, Education, Muslim Family, Islamic History and Biography, Health and Islamic Medicine, Economy and Commerce, and more). On the Web, very few Muslim or Islamic managed websites can, overall, match Islamic Finder.

Huda TV: Islam made Easier

For any English speaking Muslim who wants to learn and understand more about Islam; and for any one else who would like to know more on and about Islam, one of the best sources is Huda TV. It is in English. And it has some of the best and most knowledgeable people in Islam. People who preach and explain Islam in a way that is easy to understand.

As they state: There are many satellite channels available to viewers around the world, but one in particular stands out in terms of quality programming, decency and commitment to the message of Islam. Huda has a team of hard-working people from all over the world. These people have vast knowledge in different aspects of life and Islamic practice and perceptions. How true that is about the TV channel. Interested in Islam or in knowing or understanding more about it? Try watching Huda TV.

Of Breivik, Wilders, Spencer....... and Islamophobia

Islamophobia, defined: ....... is prejudice against, hatred or irrational fear of Islam or Muslims. Over two-and-a-half years ago, I posted: No one is born racist or prejudiced; we are brought up, from birth, with time, and made to be so. From childhood, after being told over and over – that he or she is superior in one way or the other, one in the end believes in that. This can be in the form of indoctrination, which fascists excel in. I may add that, the media:  Hollywood movies, news articles in papers and programs on TVs, and for some years now, the Internet - all play a powerful role in setting up and prejudicing minds against a certain person or group of people. Any civilized and wholesome person should in no way be prejudiced against another human being or any group of people. Prejudice and bigotry in or of any form, should not be encouraged by any one. For some times now, one of the worst and most common prejudices, is that against Islam and Muslims.

Seeking Knowledge for Girls and Women

Throughout history, women have been the most oppressed. And they have had the least opportunities and rights. Western democracies have always claimed to have the best examples of gender equality and the 'liberation of women'. And yet: to date, very few women have held high posts in the West. In the US, it has yet to have a woman president or even a vice-president. Most women, in all parts of the world are still kept in subservience and very marginalized. The most enlightening and the most empowering thing to have, for any human being, man or woman is education and knowledge. These are enlightening, and many times, are more powerful than even wealth.

Of Memorizing The Noble Qur'an

How fulfilling and accomplishing if each of us Muslims would manage to memorize the whole Qur'an Al'Kareem. To be a 'Haafidh' or a 'Haafidha'. But, then: memorizing is one thing and practicing the very noble commands in The Book, is another. Like performing the Hajj: how many fulfill being elated and becoming better humans after performing the Pilgrimage? Or, like fasting now: how many attain morally and spiritually during this holiest of months?

The Two Yusufs

Yusuf

Very few Muslims are as well known, as popular and as listened to as Yusuf Islam and Sami Yusuf. Both make and play music. Excellent, soothing, relaxing music. And both are British. For some, the two have 'deviated' to music. Music which some consider 'haram'. But, for millions of people around the world, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, the two Yusufs are very popular.

Get a Google Plus Invite.......

As least interested as I am in social-networking and as least active as I can be on them, I know there are many, maybe millions of people, especially the young who want an 'invite'. Mountain View, not only loves Lucille Ball, they have also now made it very easy to get that 'Invite'. Google Plus is now increasing the numbers of 'invites' and expanding fast. It is very easy to get an 'invite' now.

Know Hadhramout

Hadhramout or Hadhramaut or Hadhramawt : Hä′dhrä môt′ (Arabic: حضرموت‎ ) Ha·dhra·maut

In Arabic it's spelt حضرموت. And only that. And pronounced Ḥaḍramawt or Hä′dhrä môt′. But spelt in Latin letters, حضرموت has many spelling variations. It is spelt: Hadhramout or Hadhramaut or Hadhramawt or Hadramout or Hadramaut or Hadramawt; some even spell it as Hadhramot or Hadramot. In the Bible, it's called Hazarmaveth. The people of Hadhramout are referred to as Hadharem and Hadhramy for singular.

Mountain landscapes, clear blue skies and seas, golden beaches, exotic nights, pristine deserts, spectacular unspoiled nature and the stunning splendor of amazing architecture - unique to anywhere else on Earth. With an area of about 58,500 sq mi (151,514 sq km.) - extending about 640 km. from East to West. That's Hadhramout. Inhabited since the Stone Age and was the seat of the ancient Arab Civilization. Hadhramout, mentioned in the Noble Quran  as where God's Prophets: Saleh and Hood, lived and preached. And in the Bible, it is referred to as Hazarmaveth.

Makkah Clock Tower Is Beaming

Makkah Clock Tower

The Makkah Clock Tower, also known as the Abraj Al'Bait Towers, which had a trial run and began ticking during last year's Ramadhan, is ready. Ticking and beaming. It is now announcing the beginning of Ramadhan and emitting 16 light beams upwards; to a height of 10 kilometers. The powerful lights can be seen from a distance of 30 kilometers; and they will be blinking at each time for call for prayers, which will be helpful for those with hearing difficulties. And the loudspeakers at its top, will carry the sound of adhaan for up to a radius of 7 kilometers.

Books of Note: With Somalia in mind

On TVs, on the Net and on newspapers, the disaster unfolding in the Horn of Africa right now, is the most painful thing to watch or read. Millions of people are starving and they should be helped. But it is truly shocking and dismaying to have people, even those with noble intentions or claiming to have such intentions, use or turn such disasters or calamities into business opportunities or profit. Right now, hundreds of aid organizations and agencies are descending on the Horn of Africa. And thousands more, small agencies and individuals, are raising funds in mosques, in churches and from other sources. All these organizations, agencies and individuals are raising millions. But, how much of this will help feed the millions now starving in Africa? And how much of it will be used for administrative and logistical costs of these many agencies? Costs that might include high salaries, having expensive cars or banqueting on three-five course meals; or living in expensive hotels or houses? Or be pocketed by unscrupulous individuals who have no qualms about profiting from other people's suffering and misery?