The Israel-Hamas war is ongoing conflict between Israel-Palestine militant groups led by Hamas. The recent war rage started on 7th October 2023 when Hamas militants invaded Israel from the Gaza strip. Israel formally declared war on Hamas a day later. The event is part of the decades –long Arab-Israeli conflict, particularly the Gaza-Israeli conflict. Since 2006 Hamas and Israel have gone to war several times, Palestinians aims to end the blockade of Gaza and the Israeli occupation while Israelis occupation while Israelis aim to end the lives of the innocent people of Gaza .Since decades, Israel have consumed thousands of lives of the innocent families, people have become hostages as well.
More than 330000 people displaced across Gaza strip, U.N says. Palestinians are restricted even for the water and basic necessities of lives their lives are totally abandoned since days. Israel’s use of white phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon puts civilians at risk of long term injuries. Israel’s military pounded Gaza with rockets on Sunday and killed hundreds of people after the surprise attack by Hamas. In view of the situation of war, Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation and asked to be prepared for a “long and difficult” war a day after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets at Israel and also sent hundreds of its fighters to invade the territory. In Gaza, airstrikes by Israel have continuously been causing damage while several school and hospitals have been damaged and impacted according to the reports.
The major reason of the dispute is obviously Al Aqsa mosque, which is sacred mosque to both Muslims and Jews .This site, known to the Jews as the Temple Mount. The domination over the Holy place is the major reason for the ignition of violence over the decades. USA and Britain and some other countries are in great favor of Israel and supporting for the attacks on Gaza whereas Arab countries and Muslim world are willing to send Aid and support the Palestine. Gaza strip is badly impacted and the territory is completely destroyed. People are being homeless and hopeless as the Israeli militants are showing the roughest act of cruelty over the poor and innocent lives.
My Message:
We hereby condemn and raise voice against this situation, and request the UN TO INVOLVE and take firm decision for the sake of humanity as humanity has no religion. The land should be at peace hereafter. People of Palestine need support and care, they need immediate first aid facilities, food shelter and moral support as well. This war should be ended immediately and the issues must be resolved by the dialogue as soon as possible.
Credit:
Some lines of this post and pictures are taken from media or on-line NEWS.
It is for being thankful to the almighty for the beautiful, purposeful life and for what relies within, being thankful yet grateful for your parents, siblings, family members for their love, support and encouragement throughout, also the companions, friends, teachers well-wishers and everyone else who was there when you needed them in your life…
This is to celebrate their presence and acknowledge and appreciate them for who they are…
Thanksgiving, a cherished holiday in the Canada, United States, Germany, Japan and many other places, throughout the world during autumn. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and around the same part of the year in many other places. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity. While it’s primarily known for its association with bountiful feasts, parades, and football and other games, the history of Thanksgiving is steeped in rich cultural traditions, religious, historical roots and significance.
Thanksgiving Traditions:
Contemporary Thanksgiving celebrations are a blend of old and new traditions. Families and friends come together to share a special meal, typically featuring a roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and an array of side dishes and desserts. The turkey, often the centerpiece of the feast, symbolizes abundance and has become an iconic part of the holiday. The Spirit of Gratitude and Sharing.
Beyond the feasting and festivities, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. Many people take this opportunity to volunteer at food banks or participate in charitable activities, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.
My Gratitude on Thanksgiving:
Today, on Thanksgiving day (October 09, 2023) I would like to thank almighty Allah for giving me such a beautiful and purposeful life, thanks to my parents who worked hard for me to provide education and support me to achieve respect and set goals in my life. I also want to thanks my Brothers and sisters without their encouragement my life would not be the same as I have the life nowadays. Their love, care and support always on my side. I especially would also like to thank my big brother who is no longer in this world but he will always be me in my memories …I really miss him…
My friends, my colleagues, my neighbors my teachers, students, employees, all well wishers and everyone else…I want to thanks a lot and pay my gratitude to all of them.
Thank you so much for making my life so radiant and full of happiness, for being that much supportive and encouraging, May god bless you always… Thank you…
Historical Origins:
Canadian Thanksgiving has some unique origins that separate it from the American holiday, predating the United States Thanksgiving holiday in Plymouth Plantation by 43 years. Canada’s holiday was initially created to express thanks for explorers’ safe voyages into the New World. However, over time it evolved into a religious holiday to thank God for a bountiful fall harvest.
The first Canadian Thanksgiving was reportedly hosted in 1578 by the English explorer Martin Frobisher in what is now Newfoundland. At the time, Frobisher and his expedition attempted to travel through the Northwest Passage safely. The celebration marked their safe arrival to the New World.
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The first few Thanksgiving holidays were intended to thank God for keeping explorers safe as they traveled to the New World. Over time, Canadian Thanksgiving evolved to express gratitude to God for a bountiful fall harvest. However, the next historic celebration didn’t occur until April 1872, when the holiday was reinstated to celebrate the Prince of Wales’s recovery from a significant illness.
For a while, the Thanksgiving holiday did not have a set date. It moved around all over the calendar, from mid-April to November, before the Canadian government finally settled on the second Monday of October. In 1957, the Canadian Parliament made the holiday official with the following proclamation: A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed – to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October.
Coincidently, today’s Canadian Thanksgiving shares the same holiday as Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day in the United States.
Conclusion:
Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday that bridges the past and present, reminding us to be thankful for our blessings and to come together with loved ones. Its historical roots in early American and Canadian history have evolved into a modern celebration of gratitude and unity, making it a truly special occasion on the calendar. As we gather around tables laden with food, let us remember the spirit of Thanksgiving and the importance of expressing our thanks not only on this day but throughout the year.
Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old Iraqi who fled to Sweden several years ago, tore up and lit pages of the Islamic holy book on fire on Thursday as Muslims celebrated the Eid al-Adha holiday. The burning of the Quran took place on June 28, 2023, outside the Stockholm Central Mosque
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental part of democracy. But what is legal is not necessarily appropriate. Burning books that are holy to many is a deeply disrespectful act.”
“I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has happened in Stockholm today.”
We hereby request all believers of all religions and nations to respect give freedom to each other for the religious practice also do not disrespect and go for the act of blasphemy as it hurts the feelings of the respective people nations, and cause collateral damage….
Blasphemy laws are employed in some jurisdictions to safeguard the religious beliefs of the majority, whilst they are used in other countries to protect the religious beliefs of minorities.
Blasphemy laws encompass any laws that provide remedy to persons who have been offended because of their faith, in addition to restrictions against blasphemy or blasphemous libel. These blasphemy laws may prohibit the vilification of religion and religious groups, the defamation of religion and its practitioners, the denigration of religion and its adherents, upsetting religious sentiments, or the scorn of religion. Some blasphemy laws, such as those that used to exist in Denmark, do not penalize “critique speech,” but rather “insulting speech”.
Human rights experts advocate for laws that clearly distinguish between the preservation of individuals’ freedoms and the protection of society’s freedoms.
There are countless incidents of persecution of religious minority or dissenters, as well as atheists and non-theists, as a result of legislation on religious offenses or overzealous implementation of various laws that utilize neutral wording. Furthermore, the right to freedom of religion or belief, as embodied in applicable international legal norms, does not entail the right to have a religion or believe that is not subject to criticism or contempt.” According to the Plan of Action, “states that have blasphemy laws should repeal these as such laws have a stifling impact on the enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief and healthy dialogue and debate about religion.”
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condemn desecration of Quran in Sweden
Governments, many from the Middle East, issue strong statements and summon Swedish ambassadors in their countries.
Officials from a number of countries, including many in the Middle East, have condemned the desecration of the Quran by a man in Sweden’s capital during a protest authorized by police. Here are some of the reactions:
Turkish President Tayyip Erdoganslammed Sweden over the incident, saying Ankara will never bow down to a policy of provocation or threat. “We will teach the arrogant Western people that it is not freedom of expression to insult the sacred values of Muslims,” he said. A day earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the Quran desecration “despicable”.
“It is unacceptable to allow these anti-Islamic actions under the pretext of freedom of expression,” Fidan wrote on Twitter. “Turning a blind eye to such atrocious acts is to be complicit.”
The act in Stockholm passed largely without incident with many in the crowd saying they refused to be antagonized [Nils Adler/Al Jazeera] President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had told Sweden’s leaders at the time, “If you do not show respect to the religious beliefs of the Republic of Turkey or Muslims, you will not receive any support for NATO from us.”
Moroccowent beyond a statement of condemnation and recalled its ambassador to Sweden for an indefinite period.
The kingdom’s foreign ministryalso called on Sweden’s chargé d’a ffaires in Rabat and expressed its “strong condemnation of this attack and its rejection of this unacceptable act”, according to state media.
The United States condemned the burning but added that issuing the permit for the demonstration supported freedom of expression. “We believe the demonstration created an environment of fear that will impact the ability of Muslims and members of other religious minority groups from freely exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief in Sweden,” US Department of State spokesperson Matt Miller said.
“We also believe that issuing the permit for this demonstration supports freedom of expression and is not an endorsement of the demonstration’s actions.”
A day earlier, another US Department of State spokesperson, Vedant Patel, expressed the government’s opposition to the burning of the Quran while also urging Turkey to approve Sweden’s NATO bid.
“The burning of religious texts is disrespectful and hurtful, and what might be legal is certainly not necessarily appropriate,” Patel said. “Broadly, we continue to encourage Hungary and Turkey to ratify the accession protocol of Sweden without delay.”
Iran’s foreign ministryspokesperson called the desecration “provocative, ill-considered and unacceptable”. “The government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran … do not tolerate such an insult and strongly condemn it,” said Nasser Kanani. “The Swedish government is expected to seriously consider the principle of responsibility and accountability in this regard, while preventing the repetition of insulting the holy sanctities,” he added. Iran’s foreign ministry summoned Sweden’s charge d’affaires in Tehran, state media reported on Thursday, condemning what it said was an insult to the most sacred Islamic sanctities. “While Muslims are performing the Haj … insulting their sanctities merely serves the path of spreading hatred and violence, exploiting the principle of freedom of expression,” Iranian state media said, citing a statement by the ministry.
The Saudi foreign ministry also condemned the burning. “These hateful and repeated acts cannot be accepted with any justification,” it said.
Egypt said Momika’s act was “shameful”, especially since it took place on Eid al-Adha. “Egypt expresses its deep concern about the repeated incidents of burning the Holy Qur’an and the recent escalation of Islamophobia and crimes of blasphemy of religions in some European countries, affirming its total rejection of all reprehensible practices that affect the constants and religious beliefs of Muslims,” it said in a statement.
The foreign ministry also voiced concern about “repeated incidents” of the burning of the Quran in Europe.
Iraq summoned the Swedish ambassador to Iraq on Thursday over the incident. It called the act “racist” and “irresponsible”, adding that it condemns “the repeated acts of burning copies of the holy Koran by individuals with extremist and disturbed minds”. “They are not only racist but also promote violence and hatred,” the Iraqi government said in a statement. “These irresponsible actions, in direct conflict with the values of respect for diversity and the beliefs of others, are unequivocally condemned,” the government added. Hundreds of Iraqis stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday after influential Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr urged people to do so, calling Sweden “hostile to Islam”.
Jordan on Thursday summoned the Swedish ambassador in Amman and informed her of the country’s strong protest, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said in a statement. The country condemned the act, calling it “racist” and an “incitement”.
“The Ministry affirmed that burning the Holy Qur’an is an act of dangerous hate, and a manifestation of Islamophobia that incites violence and insulting religions and cannot be considered a form of freedom of expression at all,” the kingdom said in a statement.
Jordan said rejecting “extremism” is a “collective responsibility that everyone must abide by”.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the burning was a “dangerous, provocative step that inflames the feelings of Muslims around the world”. It called on the international community and governments “to take responsibility for swift action to renounce feelings of hatred, extremism and religious intolerance”.
The Yemeni government rejected the incident as one “deliberately provoking the feelings of Muslims around the world on holy Islamic occasions by a hateful extremist movement”, a statement by its foreign ministry said. It also called for an end to the “repeated abuses” stemming from a “culture of hatred”.
Syria’s government condemned the “disgraceful act” on one of the holiest days for Muslims “by an extremist with the permission and consent of the Swedish government”.
The Palestinian foreign ministry called the desecration a “flagrant attack on human rights, values of tolerance, acceptance of others, democracy and peaceful coexistence among followers of all religions”.
The United Arab Emiratessummoned the Swedish ambassador on Thursday to protest against the burning.
Qatar condemned the Swedish authorities’ permission to burn copies of the Quran Thursday calling it a “heinous” act to have especially occurred on Eid.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that allowing repeated infringement of the Holy Qu’ran under the pretext of freedom of expression fuels hatred and violence, threatens peaceful coexistence, and reveals abhorrent double standards,” its foreign ministry said.
In Pakistan, every Pakistani condemns this act. Today on Friday 7th of July 2023 all Pakistani are protesting that burning the Holy Qur’an is an act of dangerous hate, and a manifestation of Islamophobia that incites violence and insulting religions and cannot be considered a form of freedom of expression at all.
#Happy Valentine’s Day for those who are celebrating this day. Celebrate it with safe, peaceful and respectful manners.
Happy Valentine’s Day
#Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 every year. This day is dedicated to celebrate love, friendship, and admiration. It is the most awaited day of the year for any couple who believe in Valentine’s Day. It is a #Christian festival where people dress completely in red, including clothes and shoes, and they exchange red flowers. At this day love is in the air, Red color resonating the feeling of love, affection, warmth.
This day filled with the most love and affection with people for celebrating the popular festival of love, Valentine’s Day. The occasion not only allows people to shower their loved ones with love but also gives a perfect opportunity to confess one’s true feelings.
Although the occasion has far more #historical significance than most people know, it is heartily celebrated in the modern world famously with chocolates, flowers, gifts and romantic dinners.
Let us look at the historical background of Valentine’s Day before diving deeper into the issue and its reality.
Valentine’s Day (Islamic guidelines):
”Is it permissible to Muslim for celebrating Valentine’s Day?” A debate arises over the permissibility of celebrating Valentine’s for Muslims.
As Muslims, we are supposed to love one another and to wish and inculcate love among people regardless of their color, race, religion, or identity. However, this does not mean dissolving our identity or blindly pretend and imitating other religions’ traditions and practices. Most people believe that it is prohibited to celebrate this Day because of these three reasons.
Firstly, they believe that according to Islamic law, there is no logic or reason to celebrate this Day.
Secondly, they say that it is a celebration of love and passion but in a wrong manner such as, without getting married or not supposed to getting married, but acting as if the marriage is already done.
Lastly, it fills the heart with matters which are prohibited according to proper Islamic guidance.
Love in religion of Islam:
Islam is the religion of love, righteousness, mercy, and maintaining relations. Islam encourages all kinds of love. One of the most essential duties for Muslims is to become the ambassador of Islam by showing its beauty with their manners, actions, and words.
Also convey and portray that Islam is not a religion of revulsion and conservativeness but its beliefs are the most respectable that empowers the women as well as it also beautify the relationships in accordance with shariyah and Islamic Laws.
Love between Spouses:
When we speak of love, the first thing which appears to mind is love between a man and woman. Islam promotes it within the holiness of marriage rather than prohibiting this kind of love. The foundation of marriage is love, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and respect is found in the Qur’an and is stated as;
Perhaps nowhere is this more summarized than in love between Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his wife, Khadijah. He loved her deeply despite the age difference, and she loved him despite his poverty. She loved him because he was filled with Nobel manners, trustworthiness, perfect character, humanity, and loyalty and was also graceful. He loved her beauty of nature, nobility, understanding, and believing in him. Their love was so great that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) continued to love Khadijah until the day he died.
It was reported that once Aisha asked him, was Khadija the only woman worthy of this love? After that, he replied that she was the only one who believed in me while no one else did. She accepted Islam while people display me, and she was the only one who helped and comforted me when none could help me.
Love for Others, Whether Muslims or Non-Muslims
Muslims are encouraged to treat everyone with kindness and purity, including non-Muslims. God does not prohibit us from keeping good ties with non-Muslims. You can treat them kindly and exchange gifts with them. Our religion is the most patient and peaceful one as it gives the message to be kind and gentle not only with the humans but animals as well….
Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. –Mother Teresa
Credit: Some lines and history of Valentine’s Day is taken from media and internet, if there is any error or mistake, please ignore it. Thanks Alia
Historical Background of Valentine’s Day:
Let us look at the historical background of Valentine’s Day before diving deeper into the issue and its reality.
The general story is that it was originally unconvinced celebration, but legends vary on the Day’s origins. However, the most famous story revolves around the Roman prince called Valentine, who was martyred during Emperor Claudius 2.
For reasons over which there is a difference of opinion, all the marriages and engagements were banned by Rome’s emperor. Valentine defied the emperor and married couples in secret for the defense of the divine union. Valentine was arrested after his actions were discovered and were put to death on the 14th of February. Legends say that a farewell note was left by valentine for the jailer’s daughter. She was his friend before the execution. The letter said, “From your Valentine“. Eventually, the 14th of February became a day to celebrate love exchange love poems, messages, and gifts.
There is another story regarding the background of Valentine’s Day. The Origin of “Valentine Day” or “Festival of Love” was one of the festivals of the pagan Romans when paganism was the prevalent religion of the Romans more than seventeen centuries ago.
In the pagan Roman concept, it was an expression of “spiritual love”.
There were myths associated with this pagan festival of the Romans, which persisted with their Christian heirs.
Among the most famous of these myths was the Roman belief that Romulus, the founder of Rome, was suckled one day by a she-wolf, which gave him strength and wisdom.
The Romans used to celebrate this event in mid-February each year with a big festival.
One of the rituals of this festival was the sacrifice of a dog and a goat.
Two strong and muscular youths would duab the blood of the dog and goat onto their bodies, then they would wash the blood away with milk.
After that, there would be a great parade, with these two youths at its head, which would go about the streets. The two youths would have pieces of leather with which they would hit everyone who crossed their path. The Roman women would welcome these blows, because they believed that they could prevent or cure infertility.
The Connection between Saint Valentine and This Festival Saint Valentine is a name which is given to two of the ancient “martyrs” of the Christian Church. It was said that there were two of them, or that there was only one, who died in Rome as the result of the persecution of the Gothic leader Claudius, c. 296 CE. In 350 CE, a church was built in Rome on the site of the place where he died, to perpetuate his memory.
When the Romans embraced Christianity, they continued to celebrate the Feast of Love mentioned above, but they changed it from the pagan concept of “spiritual love” to another concept known as the “martyrs of love”, represented by Saint Valentine who had advocated love and peace, for which cause he was martyred, according to their claims. It was also called the Feast of Lovers, and Saint Valentine was considered to be the patron saint of lovers.
Every year on April 22nd, people all around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day. This special day serves as a reminder of the importance of our planet and the urgent need to protect and preserve it for future generations. Earth Day is not just a day for planting trees and picking up litter; it is a global call to action to address the environmental challenges facing our world.
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The History of Earth Day:
Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, making 2020 its 50th anniversary. It was established as a response to growing environmental concerns in the United States, including pollution, wildlife extinction, and the widespread use of harmful pesticides. The first Earth Day was a massive success, with 20 million people participating in rallies, protests, and educational events.
Today, Earth Day is observed in nearly 200 countries and has evolved into a global event that focuses on various environmental issues, such as climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution, and the loss of biodiversity.
The Urgency of Climate Change:
One of the most pressing issues addressed on Earth Day is climate change. The Earth’s climate is rapidly changing due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. This has led to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, resulting in rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and the melting of polar ice caps.
To combat climate change, individuals, communities, and governments must take immediate action. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing carbon emissions, and adopting sustainable practices in agriculture, transportation, and industry. Earth Day serves as a catalyst for raising awareness about climate change and inspiring individuals to make environmentally conscious choices.
Protecting Biodiversity:
Another critical aspect of Earth Day is the preservation of biodiversity. The loss of species at an alarming rate threatens the delicate balance of ecosystems around the world. Habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, and poaching are driving many species to extinction.
Efforts to protect biodiversity involve creating protected areas, conserving critical habitats, and implementing regulations to prevent the illegal wildlife trade. Earth Day reminds us of the importance of preserving the incredible diversity of life on Earth and the interconnectedness of all living organisms.
Individual Actions for a Sustainable Future:
Earth Day encourages individuals to take small steps that collectively make a big difference. These actions include reducing, reusing, and recycling, conserving water, planting trees, supporting clean energy initiatives, and reducing single-use plastics. Every effort counts when it comes to protecting our planet.
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In Conclusion:
Earth Day is a powerful reminder that our planet’s health is in our hands. It’s a day to reflect on the environmental challenges we face and commit to acting, whether it’s participating in a local cleanup event, advocating for stronger environmental policies, or making sustainable choices in our daily lives, every action we take contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future for our planet. Earth Day is not just a single day; it’s a call to action that should inspire us year-round to protect and cherish the incredible gift of our planet Earth.
Beautiful Earth !
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I am enjoying celebrating earth day with my family members and neighbors. We all are happy and know the importance of Earth day. We have done planted many fruit plants in our backyard, also planted many cedar plants at our front yard, looks beautiful in a row, all of them are very deep green. Also we planted a lots of colorful flowering plants in our front yards.
Dr. Alia H Nawaz 