The Incomparable LuLu

Bee Gees First Of May Lyrics

Songwriters: Gibb, Maurice Ernest;Gibb, Robin Hugh;Gibb, Barry

When I was small, and Christmas trees were tall,
we used to love while others used to play.
Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by,
someone else moved in from far away.

Now we are tall, and Christmas trees are small,
and you don't ask the time of day.
But you and I, our love will never die,
but guess who'll cry come first of May.

The apple tree that grew for you and me,
I watched the apples falling one by one.
And as I recall the moment of them all,
the day I kissed your cheek and you were gone.

Now we are tall, and Christmas trees are small,
and you don't ask the time of day.
But you and I, our love will never die,
but guess who'll cry come first of May.

When I was small, and Christmas trees were tall,
do do do do do do do do do ...
Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by,
someone else moved in from far away.



Lulu - To Sir With Love Lyrics

Those schoolgirl days, of telling tales and biting nails are gone,
But in my mind,
I know they will still live on and on,
But how do you thank someone, who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try,

If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters,
That would soar a thousand feet high,
To Sir, with Love

The time has come,
For closing books and long last looks must end,
And as I leave,
I know that I am leaving my best friend,
A friend who taught me right from wrong,
And weak from strong,
That's a lot to learn,
What, what can I give you in return?

If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start,
But I, would rather you let me give my heart,
To Sir, with Love

At times people are not aware of how I stand. I just believe we Muslims should not attract controversies and should shun from it less it cause aspersion to our religion. This is vital in a foreign country where we are minorities.

As Muslims we take into our heart the story of the hudaibiyah treaty which was sign between Muslims and the Quraish. The story should be a lesson in humility and Muhammad's pbuh wise attributes. The youtube commentary make a lucid advocate of Muslim rights but is it wise? Remember the Muslim on paper loose out during the signing of hudaibiyah until his companion Umar r.a. was so incensed that he was sheeting his sword out but was stop by Muhammad so sometimes by giving in the goodwill is tremendous. Here is the blog in question and my answer and the you tube posted for your reading and viewing pleasure

Saudi Arabia: From the Frying Pan to the Fire

Posted on August 26, 2010 by American Bedu

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I’ve been purposely holding back from writing about the controversy surrounding the proposal to build an Islamic center in the vicinity of Ground Zero in New York. I guess I’ve felt it’s been a no-win to write about whether for or against the project. However a recent article is what has prompted me to post a few words on the topic.

I can’t see people ever coming to agreements when it comes to different religions. Religious tolerance is difficult enough and as illustrated by the proposal of the Islamic center, there are differing degrees of tolerance too. There is one set of tolerance for issues and projects in other countries and another scale of tolerance when a project is in one’s own back yard so to speak.

Then there are those who want to jump on a media bandwagon and instead of trying to calm down or diffuse an emotional issue, they’d rather fan the flames into a roaring burn. Such is the case of Greg Gutfield and his new business proposal. Is this America’s new version or interpretation of “an eye for an eye?”

Greg Gutfield To Open A Gay Bar Next To Ground Zero Mosque To Cater To “Islamic Gay Men”

by Jon Bershad | 8:23 pm, August 9th, 2010

http://www.dailygut.com/?i=4696

No, this is not a joke. In fact, it is instead one of the most brilliant pieces of provocation in recent years. Greg Gutfield from Fox News’ Red Eye announced today via his blog that he is actively speaking to investors and plans on opening a gay bar next to the controversial mosque being built near Ground Zero in New York. To make matters worse (better?) the bar will be specifically designed to cater to homosexuals of the Islamic faith. God, this is going to be an exciting block.

Here’s Gutfield’s entire post which he will expand upon during tonight’s Red Eye:

MONDAY’S GREGALOGUE: MY NEW GAY BAR

So, the Muslim investors championing the construction of the new mosque near Ground Zero claim it’s all about strengthening the relationship between the Muslim and non-Muslim world.

As an American, I believe they have every right to build the mosque – after all, if they buy the land and they follow the law – who can stop them?

Which is, why, in the spirit of outreach, I’ve decided to do the same thing.

I’m announcing tonight, that I am planning to build and open the first gay bar that caters not only to the west, but also Islamic gay men. To best express my sincere desire for dialogue, the bar will be situated next to the mosque Park51, in an available commercial space.

This is not a joke. I’ve already spoken to a number of investors, who have pledged their support in this bipartisan bid for understanding and tolerance.

As you know, the Muslim faith doesn’t look kindly upon homosexuality, which is why I’m building this bar. It is an effort to break down barriers and reduce deadly homophobia in the Islamic world.

The goal, however, is not simply to open a typical gay bar, but one friendly to men of Islamic faith. An entire floor, for example, will feature non-alcoholic drinks, since booze is forbidden by the faith. The bar will be open all day and night, to accommodate men who would rather keep their sexuality under wraps – but still want to dance.

Bottom line: I hope that the mosque owners will be as open to the bar, as I am to the new mosque. After all, the belief driving them to open up their center near Ground Zero, is no different than mine.

My place, however, will have better music.

My Comment

wan zaharizan, on August 26, 2010 at 10:53 am Said:

I am a muslim. I might be not a good muslim but I have faith in my religion. Yet I oppose the building of Mosque near the vicinity of Ground Zero. Iman Abul Raouf Spend some time here in my country as a youth. He has a column in a engilsh daily news paper here which comes out once a week.
His father was the former rector of the Islamic International University here.

I do not know him or his inclination in terrorism if any as written by Daisy. But I am talking mostly about the wise thing to do as wise is one of the attributes of Muhammad as a person whom the Muslims must emulate. If it create discord among the population it is better to remove for Islam hates discord and abhor it. Iman Raof should know better.

Obama says true when he gave the speech during iftar that Muslims have the rights to practice her religion freely. And he says later he did not talk about the wisdom of building the mosque but the right of the Muslims populace. He understand that building rights lies in the hand of the city council in this the ire should be also against Mayor Bloomberg for approving the Cordoba Mosque!

But as Muslims we must shy away with controversies less it cast aspersion to our belief our religion. I have spoke in volume about it. I hate when my own brothers in faith use the so call rights to further their beliefs but sadly in their own country building a church take years to be approved? I speaking for my own country and I know that for a fact. If the Muslims are unwilling themselves to imbibe in themselves the attributes of Muhammad pbuh then don’t talk about rights for they themselves have sullied the image of their religion

Pls go to this blog to read futher comments and the divisiveness that we must all avoid

http://americanbedu.com/2010/08/26/saudi-arabia-from-the-frying-pan-to-the-fire/

This is an addendum to my posting below. For me it is better for Muslim to be given knowledge on halal and haram and from that to let them make their choice to eat or not. For example it is agreed meat neat to be kosher or slaughtered according to Muslim rites so that the meat could be halal as the way it is cook it uses certain haram ingredient like alcohol since there is dispute then we inform the Muslims ummah and let them choose to follow Qardawi or the present Ulamak as fatwa are merely advisory and not binding.

If the premises sells arak it is not halal but is it forbidden for Muslim to visit since he do not drink? So the premises might not be halal but Muslim, most only are makruh to visit the place so why do we want to impose a blanket halal on the premises? That is why I advocate pluralism in islam because it gave every muslim a chance to make his own way with the knowledge he has. It also let the Muslim to appreciate the diversity that exist in Islam that does not mean I abandon Sunni thoughts but I am able to make wise decision on knowledge available and not to be afraid of new things. We are individually responsible for our own action not our parents, our friends or our community but our action personally will affect the community and gave wrong perception to others on the beauty of Islam

The world is going mad! I hate it! Jakim nows see fit to attack International class hotel and slowly and surely the conservatives are taking over the religion. Good sense and common sense has been thrown out the window and they wonder why 81% FDI has run from the country? One dayIm worried the muslims themselve has no job at home as happen in Kelantan and when that be the case what am i to do?

STATISTIK HOTEL
YANG MEMPROMOSIKAN BUFFET RAMADHAN YANG TIDAK MEMATUHI
PIAWAIAN HALAL
MULAI 1 RAMADHAN SEHINGGA 10 RAMADHAN
TAHUN 2010
BIL
PREMIS/ALAMAT
1.
ONE WORLD HOTEL
FIRST AVENUE
Bandar Utama City Center
47800, Petaling Jaya
2.
BISTRO & THEATRE RESTAURANT
139, Pusat Pelancongan Malaysia (MTC)
Jalan Ampang, 50450, Kuala Lumpur
3.
IMPIANA KLCC HOTEL & SPA
No.13 Jalan Pinang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
4.
HOTEL EQUATORIAL (M) SDN BHD
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250
Kuala Lumpur
5.
PUTRAJAYA SHANGRI-LA
Jalan Putra Perdana
Taman Putra Perdana
Precinct, 62000 Putrajaya
6.
HOTEL NIKKO KUALA LUMPUR
MTJ Development Sdn. Bhd
165,Jalan Ampang, 50450
Kuala Lumpur
7.
SHAH’S VILLAGE HOTEL
3&5, Lorong Sultan, Peti Surat 115
46719, Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
8.
PRESCOOT INN KAJANG
Wisma Metro Kajang
Jalan Semenyih
43000 Kajang Selangor
9.
LAGENDA CUISINE SDN BHD
(PRESCOTT INN KAJANG)
10
ORIENTAL CRYSTAL KAJANG
Lot 13, Jln S10/3, Section 10,
Off Jalan Bukit 43000 Kajang Selangor
11.
RESTORAN TUPAI-TUPAI
Lot 1513 Kg. Sg. Tangkas
Bt. 18, JalanBangiKajang, 43000
Selangor
12.
EASTIN HOTEL PETALING JAYA
13, Jalan 6/11
Pusat Dagang Seksyen 16, 46350,
Selangor Darul Ehsan
13.
CONCORDE HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR
2, Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250, Kuala Lumpur
14.
NOVOTEL K.L CITY CENTER
(CONCIERGE-DEPT)
2, Jalan Kia Peng, 50450,
Kuala Lumpur
15.
BANGI GOLF RESTAURANT
Bangi
16.
CITITEL MID VALLEY
Mid Valley City
Lingkaran Syed Putra
59200 Kuala Lumpur
17.
KANPEI RESTAURANT
Eminent Pedestal SdnBhd
Lot L1, Lobby Micasa All Suite Hotel
368-B, Jln 1/68F, Off JalanTunRazak
50400 Kuala Lumpur
18.
THE ZON ALL SUITES RESIDENCES
161-D, JalanAmpang, 50450
Kuala Lumpur
19..
THE ROYALE BINTANG
KUALA LUMPUR
20.
R & B SERVICES
BERJAYA TIMES SQUARE HOTEL
1 JALAN IMBI, 55100, KUALA LUMPUR
21.
THE SAUJANA KUALA LUMPUR
SAUJANA RESORT
Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS
40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
22.
HILTON KUALA LUMPUR
3, Jalan Stesen Sentral
50470 Kuala Lumpur
P.O. Box 11815, 50758
Kuala Lumpur
23.
LE MERIDIEN
2,Jalan StesenSentral,Kuala Lumpur
50470 Kuala Lumpur
24.
THE REGENCY HOTEL
No.3, Jalan Raja Alang
50300 Kuala Lumpur

Bufet berbuka sos alkohol

Bufet berbuka sos alkohol

Oleh Mohd Jamilul Anbia Md Denin

PETALING JAYA: Sos mengandungi alkohol dan arak digunakan sebagai bahan masakan juadah berbuka puasa. Itulah yang dibongkar penguat kuasa Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) berikutan operasi khas ke beberapa hotel di sekitar Lembah Klang, semalam dan kelmarin.

BUKTI...seorang penguat kuasa Jakim menunjukkan botol arak masakan yang ditemui di sebuah hotel, semalam.

Penolong Pengarah Cawangan Pemantauan dan Penguatkuasaan Bahagian Hab Halal Jakim, Amri Abdullah berkata, sepanjang dua hari itu pihaknya memeriksa sembilan hotel dengan tumpuan diberikan kepada hotel yang menawarkan sajian bufet Ramadan.

Menurutnya, hasil pemeriksaan itu menemui bukti kukuh arak dan sos beralkohol digunakan sebagai bahan masakan termasuk juadah berbuka puasa di dua hotel.

“Operasi itu dilakukan bagi mengotakan janji Jakim bertegas mengambil tindakan terhadap hotel yang menganjurkan promosi bufet berbuka puasa tanpa mematuhi garis panduan ditetapkan, khususnya dalam aspek halal,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, satu daripada hotel yang menggunakan bahan beralkohol sebagai resipi masakan dikesan hasil operasi terbaru dilakukan jam 11 pagi semalam di pinggir ibu negara.

Menurutnya, pemeriksaan rapi dilakukan di dapur hotel berkenaan yang dibahagikan kepada bahagian penyediaan makanan tempatan serta bahagian dapur khusus makanan Cina dan barat.

“Ketika memeriksa di dapur makanan Cina dan barat, kami menemui deretan botol arak masakan dan sos beralkohol diletakkan di rak khas. Setiap botol arak dan sos itu kandungan alkohol melebihi 10 peratus.

“Selepas disoal siasat, tukang masak di hotel berkenaan mengaku mencampurkan arak dan sos beralkohol ke dalam masakan bagi menambah perisa hidangan.

“Tindakan mencampurkan arak ke dalam masakan yang kemudian disajikan dalam hidangan bufet berbuka puasa jelas perbuatan melampau dan memperdaya pengguna Islam yang berbuka puasa di hotel berkenaan,” katanya.

Amri berkata, berikutan itu dia berjumpa pihak pengurusan hotel terbabit dan memberi amaran terhadap kesalahan dilakukan dan meminta mereka memastikan ia tidak berulang.

“Penjelasan diberikan bagi memastikan mereka mematuhi syarat terutama membabitkan makanan pelanggan beragama Islam,” katanya.

Menurutnya, pihak hotel berkenaan sebelum ini pernah memohon sijil halal Jakim, namun ia ditolak disebabkan mereka gagal mematuhi prosedur dan syarat ditetapkan.

Katanya, penguat kuasa Jakim dibahagikan lapan kumpulan membabitkan hampir 20 anggota untuk melakukan tugas pemantauan di hotel sepanjang Ramadan ini.

“Tujuan Jakim bukan saja mengambil tindakan undang-undang, malah kami cuba mendidik dan memberi maklumat tepat kepada pihak hotel berhubung kaedah bagi mendapatkan sijil halal Jakim. Maklum balas diterima menunjukkan ramai pengusaha hotel tidak faham berhubung kaedah memohon sijil halal berkenaan,” katanya.

Sebelum ini, Ketua Pengarah Jakim, Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz memaklumkan hanya 51 dapur restoran dan premis makanan di 22 hotel di sekitar Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur diberikan pensijilan halal Jakim.

Beliau menasihatkan pengusaha hotel yang belum memiliki sijil halal tidak menyalahgunakan mengelirukan pengguna termasuk penggunaan terma ‘Bufet Ramadan’ kerana ia menggambarkan persediaan makanan halal sedangkan hakikat sebenar belum terbukti.

Hmmm......so using Arak is haram is it truly true? What about this statement that came out from Qardawi?

Muslim boleh minum arak?

DOHA, Qatar 10 April - Ulama terkenal, Dr. Yusuf al-Qaradawi hari ini mengeluarkan fatwa yang membenarkan alkohol menjadi minuman kepada umat Islam dengan hanya bersyaratkan, mesti dalam jumlah yang kecil.

Fatwa tersebut disiarkan kelmarin dalam akhbar Al Arab yang menyebut ulama kelahiran Mesir itu membenarkan alkohol atau arak diminum dengan jumlah yang sedikit terutama yang dihasilkan melalui penapaian asli dan ia didapati tidak melanggar ajaran Islam.

"Kehadiran arak dalam lingkungan 0.5 peratus tidak menjadi larangan kerana ia terlalu minimum dari aspek kuantiti, lebih-lebih lagi jika dihasilkan melalui penapaian asli.

"Jadi, tidak salah untuk kita menggunakannya termasuklah untuk diminum, " kata Yusuf.

Fatwanya ini dijangka menimbulkan kontroversi di kalangan umat Islam itu sendiri.

"Fatwa terbaru al-Qaradawi ini boleh menimbulkan kekeliruan terhadap umat Islam," kata Editor akhbar Ash-Sharq, Abdullatif al-Mahmud.

Namun ketika dihubungi oleh agensi berita AFP, Yusuf berkata, kebenaran ini menimbulkan kontroversi kerana orang ramai tidak difahami perkara ini secara betul dan tepat.

-AFP

Utusan Malaysia yg bertarikh 11 April 2008(Jumaat).

In its broadest sense, fermentation refers to any process by which large organic molecules are broken down to simpler molecules as the result of the action of microorganisms (organisms so small they can be seen only with the aid of a microscope). The most familiar type of fermentation is the process by which sugars and starches are converted to alcohol by enzymes in yeasts. (Enzymes are chemicals that act as catalysts, which spark reactions.) To distinguish this reaction from other kinds of fermentation, the process is sometimes known as alcoholic or ethanolic fermentation.

History

Ethanolic fermentation was one of the first chemical reactions observed by humans. In nature, various types of food "go bad" as a result of bacterial action. Early in history, humans discovered that this kind of change could result in the formation of products that were actually enjoyable to consume. The "spoilage" (fermentation) of fruit juices, for example, resulted in the formation of primitive forms of wine.

Ah hah so fermented fruits contain alcohol so Tempoyak is alcoholic...... so kari tempoyak is haram and so too tapai....... what about ikan pekasam or cincalok and budu is it not all fermented?

How do vineger comes from?

Vinegar is made from the oxidation of ethanol in wine, cider, beer, fermented fruit juice, or nearly any other liquid containing alcohol. Commercial vinegar is produced either by fast or slow fermentation processes. Slow methods are generally used with traditional vinegars and fermentation proceeds slowly over the course of weeks or months. The longer fermentation period allows for the accumulation of a nontoxic slime composed of acetic acid bacteria and soluble cellulose, known as the mother of vinegar. Fast methods add mother of vinegar (i.e. bacterial culture) to the source liquid and then add air using a venturi pump system or a turbine to promote oxygenation to give the fastest fermentation. In fast production processes, vinegar may be produced in a period ranging from 20 hours to three days.

So I Think That Vinegar contains Alcohol.

Campur arak untuk sedapkan masakan

KUALA LUMPUR – Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) mendedahkan bahawa ada sebilangan kopi- tiam di negara ini menggunakan arak dalam hidangan di premis mereka.

Penolong Pengarah Cawangan Pemantauan dan Penguatkuasaan Bahagian Hab Halal Jakim, Amri Abdullah berkata, selain mencampurkan arak dalam masakan, ada juga kopitiam yang menjual arak kepada pelanggan.

“Ada pengusaha yang guna arak atau wain dalam masakan untuk tambahan rasa, ada juga yang menjual arak di premis, sedangkan masing-masing meletakkan logo halal.

“Inilah yang berlaku apabila ada pihak lain yang keluarkan sijil dan logo halal selain Jakim, pasti ada yang tak kena dalam operasi mereka tanpa kita sedar,” katanya kepada Kosmo! semalam.

So Arak is just like msg hmmm i rest my case!

I do not like to deviate but this Ustaz made point in syariah on certain law issues that i need to keep for my file.

President Obama clarified today that what he meant during the speech is the fundamental right of Americans regardless of colour, religious belief and creed the right to live and practice their own religion in peace and to built their own house worship not on the wisdom of building the mosque near Ground Zero!

I am a committee member of OFMA which stands for Old Fress Muslim Association. I was elected recently. When it was set up i was dead set againts it. I still am unhappy that it got approve but as a member (although my life membership was paid by the present President Tuan Syed Azhar) I am bound to help the association for now it is my duty although setting it up was not a wise move to me. I take stock when I remember the Hudaibiyah treaty which was sign by Muhammad pbuh but oppose by no other than the second caliph later Umar Al Khattab but yet when it had been sign he support it as all good soldier has too!

Before the new committee was voted in the Headmaster gave a speech and it rattle me. He spoke about the picture of Hitler and the ulamak from Bosnia! It shock me not because of the stories but how sly is the PR against Islam is being played and the muslims in the majority are not aware of it. These picture was first circulated during the Bosnian war to show that the bosnians were equal to Nazi's and to incite the Serbs to butchered the Muslims citizens during the breakup of Yugoslavia and now it is used to incite the Christian populace that Muslims in general love war and it sads me the headmaster of my former school could use the picture to show his pride that we were respected by the Nazi's without understanding that by doing so we have fallen to the trap of our enemies! Mayor Bloomberg the Mayor of New York supported the Cordoba Mosque to be built. I always ask why? Is he not a Jew who supports Zionism and Israel? If so do you know that it being built the PR fallout is terrible for the Muslim populace? Built a Mosque but do it by not inviting controversies. Built it in New York but not at Ground Zero!

Do it not because of pride or fear but because it is wise to do so. Hear me please before it got out of hand!
Here's a piece of article in the Star which I do implore the readers to read!

Saturday August 14, 2010

Indonesian Islamic boarding school in the spotlight again

By AMY CHEW
newsdesk@thestar.com.my

THE Al-Mukmin Islamic Boarding School, co-founded by Indonesian firebrand cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, is infamous for producing alumnis who went on to become some of the most hardened militants including executed Bali bombers, brothers Mukhlas and Amrozi.

With last Monday’s arrest of Bashir for alleged involvement in an Aceh terror training camp, Al-Mukmin located in Ngruki, Central Java, once again found itself in the spotlight.

Just as significant, a former Al-Mukmin graduate, Noor Huda Ismail, is doing the complete opposite.

Huda, 37, established and runs the only private de-radicalisation programme for militants released from prison as well as ex-combatants who once fought in conflict zones.

Another Al-Mukmin graduate and champion Arabic speaker in school, Zaki Amrullah, is a reporter for a German radio station and is known for his moderate views.

The two young men are an interesting study of how critical thinking and interaction with a diverse community becomes a potent force against radicalism and militancy.

Huda, for example, is intelligent, tall and well-built. He studied at Al-Mukmin from 1985-1991 from the age of 12.

His Al-Mukmin room-mate was Utomo Pamungkas alias Fadlullah Hasan, currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 2002 Bali bombings where he drove the car used for the blasts as well as helping to assemble the bombs.

Physicaly, Huda would have been the perfect candidate to be trained as a combatant had he not fallen in love with the daughter of one of Al-Mukmin’s cleric and had the audacity to take her out for one date.

“I was part of the group of students which underwent induction as part of the process to select candidates to be sent to Pakistan for further studies. But in the end, I failed. I was considered morally corrupt,” said Huda.

But his former room-mate Fadlullah was selected, went to Pakistan and later Afghanistan to wage a jihad against the Russians.

Huda described the environment in Al-Mukmin as one where the teachers and clerics are highly revered and no one questioned anything. “The attitude is “you listen and you obey”,” said Huda.

“The students will faithfully follow everything said to them. It is much easier to follow the leader who gives you the promise of heaven than to question why,” said Huda.

Huda says it was “extremely possible” he could have turned into an extremist if not for his mother who was an educated and critical thinker who encouraged and taught him to think critically.

“She taught me to question, not out of disrespect but to understand and to deepen my knowledge.”

While Al-Mukmin’s curriculum did not preach radical ideology, the socialisation, discussions and environment were overtly pro-shariah, anti non-Muslims, secular, democratic governments.

“At Al-Mukmin, we were taught not to respect the national flag as it is considered kafir. In many forums in the school, there was an endorsement for an Islamic state,” said Zaki.

The books available in Al-Mukmin were reportedly largely Islamic books which were more of a hardline strain with authors like Hassan Al-Bana, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood.

“There were very few books which gave an alternative view,” said Zaki.

Zaki also described the social setting where the students were made to feel under siege, that the world comprised of either a friend or an enemy.

“This conviction, this logic of friend or enemy, was planted in the minds of the students and they came to view their world as being constantly under attack. It made my school mates tense all the time, not relaxed,” said Zaki.

And like Huda, Zaki’s parents were critical thinkers who gave their children access to all kinds of books. After Al-Mukmin, Zaki studied international relations at the Muhammadiyah University. Muhammadiyah is the country’s second largest moderate Muslim organisation which claims 35 million followers.

Huda took up communication studies at the Gadjah Mada University and later became a reporter for the Washington Post where he covered the Bali bombings.

The bombings left a deep impression of Huda – he met two little boys named Alif and Aldi who overnight became orphans when their father died in the bombings.

He met Fadlullah again after his arrest, leaving two little girls literally “orphaned” when he was jailed. The events led Huda to set up the International Institute of Peace Buidling to help militants released from jail reintegrate into society.

Huda set up a cafe, a fish rearing pond and batik trading business to give jobs to the combatants. At the cafe, the ex-combatants have to serve people from different relions and ethnic groups.

“They have to serve Muslims, civil servants who are considered devils, Christians, Chinese,” said Huda.

“To their surprise, they find the so called haram people are very nice to them, give them tips. Slowly, they learn a different view from what was previously taught to them, based on their own experience,” said Huda.

Huda said he never challenges the ex-combatants long-held convictions.

“I just create the opportunities for them to experience something new and different to what has been drummed into them. It is far more ffective,” said Huda.

Huda just published a book on his friendship with Fadlullah and how children of both the perpetrator and victim end up suffering. Proceeds from the book “My frend the Terrorist?” wil be donated to the peace institute.

Sunday August 15, 2010

Does it matter what religion we belong to?

By DAVID D. MATHEW

LAST Tuesday, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission voted 9 to 0 in favour of allowing the demolition of a building near the World Trade Centre site to make way for a 13-storey Islamic cultural centre and mosque.

Plans for the construction of the proposed mosque drew strong criticism from American politicians such as Sarah Palin who last month Tweeted to say: “Peace-seeking Muslims, pls understand, Ground Zero mosque is UNNECESSARY provocation; it stabs hearts. Pls reject it in interest of healing.”

She Tweeted again later saying to New Yorkers: “Peaceful New Yorkers, pls refute the Ground Zero mosque plan if you believe catastrophic pain caused @ Twin Towers site is too raw, too real.”

Palin was not the only one opposed to the building of the mosque.

The National Republican Trust paid for a provocative advertisement called “Kill the Ground Zero Mosque” which replayed scenes from Sept 11 with a background voice saying “On Sept 11, they declared war against us. They want to build a 13-storey mosque at Ground Zero. This ground is sacred. That mosque is a monument to their victory. The mosque at Ground Zero must not stand.”

Despite such opposition, the path is now finally open for the project to proceed.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in a stirring speech given following the Landmarks Preservation Commission vote, stated that the government had no right whatsoever to deny Muslims the right to build a mosque.

“Let us not forget that Muslims were among those murdered on 9/11 and that our Muslim neighbours grieved with us as New Yorkers and as Americans. We would betray our values – and play into our enemies’ hands – if we were to treat Muslims differently than anyone else. In fact, to cave to popular sentiment would be to hand a victory to the terrorists – and we should not stand for that,” Bloomberg said.

“On Sept 11, 2001, thousands of first responders heroically rushed to the scene and saved tens of thousands of lives. More than 400 of those first responders did not make it out alive. In rushing into those burning buildings, not one of them asked ‘What God do you pray to?’ ‘What beliefs do you hold?” the mayor said, before finishing by noting that political controversies may come and go but there is no neighbourhood in New York that is off limits to God’s love and mercy.

It is difficult to be a Muslim in many Western countries. Religious bigots are quick to play up on fears and remind everyone of not only Sept 11 but also the dangers of creeping Islamisa­tion. — Sin Chew Daily/ANN

I applaud the stand on Islam made by President Obama although I do not agree on the consent given. Many good things built by good men suddenly found the place that they built was taken over by Men who espouses hatred. Many Mosques in UK which was built by adherents of that faith in England in the 60's suddenly found their mosque that they love was espousing hatred to others and slowly and surely brain washing the Muslims population to the belief of the chosen people just like the Jews were taught. We were taught we were better than others but our behaviour, antics leave much to be desired. If we are denied by our teachers to embrace pluralism then we cannot say we are liberated by conservative views. Embracing pluralism does not mean we left Islam but we believe in the fundamental values to respect other views although it is strange to us after all does not all path lead to the same? Are we not all going to meet the maker? Thus that is why I am totally against Islam as it is taught now for it is dogmatic and left no space for dissent to air our views and to be corrected if we are wrong!

Obama backs mosque near ground zero

By ERICA WERNER (AP) – 5 hours ago

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Friday forcefully endorsed allowing a mosque near ground zero, saying the country's founding principles demanded no less.

"As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country," Obama said, weighing in for the first time on a controversy that has riven New York City and the nation.

"That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances," he said. "This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable."

Obama made the comments at an annual dinner in the White House State Dining Room celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The White House had not previously taken a stand on the mosque, which would be part of a $100 million Islamic center two blocks from where nearly 3,000 people perished when hijacked jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001. Press secretary Robert Gibbs had insisted it was a local matter.

It was already much more than that, sparking debate around the country as top Republicans including Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich announced their opposition. So did the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish civil rights group.

Obama elevated it to a presidential issue Friday without equivocation.

While insisting that the place where the twin towers once stood was indeed "hallowed ground," Obama said that the proper way to honor it was to apply American values.

"Our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect towards those who are different from us — and that way of life, that quintessentially American creed, stands in stark contrast to the nihilism of those who attacked us on that September morning, and who continue to plot against us today," he said.

Obama harkened back to earlier times when the building of synagogues or Catholic churches also met with opposition. "But time and again, the American people have demonstrated that we can work through these issues, and stay true to our core values and emerge stronger for it," he said. "So it must be and will be today."

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent who has been a strong supporter of the mosque, welcomed Obama's words as a "clarion defense of the freedom of religion."

But some Republicans were quick to pounce.

"President Obama is wrong," said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. "It is insensitive and uncaring for the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of ground zero. While the Muslim community has the right to build the mosque they are abusing that right by needlessly offending so many people who have suffered so much."

Entering the highly charged election-year debate, Obama surely knew that his words would not only make headlines but be heard by Muslims worldwide. The president has made it a point to reach out to the global Muslim community, and the over 100 guests at Friday's dinner included ambassadors and officials from numerous Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Seated around candlelit tables, they listened closely as Obama spoke, then stood and applauded when the president finished his remarks.

While his pronouncement concerning the mosque might find favor in the Muslim world, Obama's stance runs counter to the opinions of the majority of Americans, according to polls. A CNN/Opinion Research poll released this week found that nearly 70 percent of Americans opposed the mosque plan while just 29 percent approved. A number of Democratic politicians have shied away from the controversy.

The group behind the $100 million project, the Cordoba Initiative, describes it as a Muslim-themed community center. Early plans call not only for prayer space but for a swimming pool, culinary school, art studios and other features. Developers envision it as a hub for interfaith interaction, as well as a place for Muslims to bridge some of their faith's own schisms.

Opponents, including some Sept. 11 victims' relatives, see the prospect of a mosque so near the destroyed trade center as an insult to the memory of those killed by Islamic terrorists in the 2001 attacks. Some of the Sept. 11 victims' relatives, however, are in favor.

The mosque has won approval from local planning boards but faces legal challenges, and New York's Conservative Party is planning a television ad campaign to pressure a New York City utility to use its power to block the project.

Obama backs controversial New York mosque project

August 14, 2010

WASHINGTON, Aug 13 — US President Barack Obama yesterday backed construction of a proposed mosque and Muslim cultural centre near the site of the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York — a project opposed by US conservatives and many New Yorkers.

“As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practise their religion as anyone else in this country,” Obama (picture) said at an event attended by diplomats from Islamic countries and members of the US Muslim community.

“That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community centre on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances,” he said.

Earlier this month a New York city agency cleared the way for construction of the centre, which will include a prayer room, two blocks from the site of the September 11 attacks, popularly known as “Ground Zero.”

“This is America and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable,” said Obama, who has made improving ties between the United States and the Muslim world a cornerstone of his foreign policy.

About 2,750 people were killed on September 11 when hijackers from the Muslim militant group al Qaeda crashed two passenger planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, an event that traumatised Americans and sparked the US invasion of Afghanistan and the Bush Administration’s “war on terror.”

Families of those killed in the attacks have mounted an emotional campaign to block the mosque, saying it would be a betrayal of the memory of the victims.

Conservative politicians such as former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich, a Republican former Speaker of the House of Representatives, have also called for the project to be scrapped.

Mark Williams, a spokesman for the conservative Tea Party political movement, said the centre would be used for “terrorists to worship their monkey god.”

With the rhetoric growing more heated, Obama decided yesterday to make his voice heard.

Obama was speaking during an iftar dinner he hosted at the White House. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims break their daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

He said the First Amendment of the US Constitution had established the freedom of religion “and that right has been upheld ever since.”

Al Qaeda also was not synonymous with Islam, Obama said.

“Al Qaeda’s cause is not Islam — it is a gross distortion of Islam,” he said. “These are not religious leaders — these are terrorists who murder innocent men, women and children.”

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has firmly supported the community centre project as have many religious organisations in the city. However, 53 per cent of New Yorkers oppose it, according to a Marist Poll this week.

At least one additional legal challenge looms but the city agency’s August 3 ruling will clear the way for construction of Cordoba House, which will include a 500-seat auditorium as part of a 13-storey Muslim cultural complex.

Since coming into office, Obama, a Democrat, has worked to reach out to Muslims, many of whom felt targeted by the “war on terror” and by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In a speech in Cairo in June 2009, Obama called for a “new beginning” in ties between the United States and Muslims, saying that extremists had exploited tensions between Muslims and the West and that Islam was not part of the problem. — Reuters

Obama elevated it to a presidential issue Friday without equivocation.

While insisting that the place where the twin towers once stood was indeed "hallowed ground," Obama said that the proper way to honor it was to apply American values.

"Our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect towards those who are different from us — and that way of life, that quintessentially American creed, stands in stark contrast to the nihilism of those who attacked us on that September morning, and who continue to plot against us today," he said.

Obama harkened back to earlier times when the building of synagogues or Catholic churches also met with opposition. "But time and again, the American people have demonstrated that we can work through these issues, and stay true to our core values and emerge stronger for it," he said. "So it must be and will be today."

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent who has been a strong supporter of the mosque, welcomed Obama's words as a "clarion defense of the freedom of religion."

But some Republicans were quick to pounce.

"President Obama is wrong," said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. "It is insensitive and uncaring for the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of ground zero. While the Muslim community has the right to build the mosque they are abusing that right by needlessly offending so many people who have suffered so much."

Entering the highly charged election-year debate, Obama surely knew that his words would not only make headlines but be heard by Muslims worldwide. The president has made it a point to reach out to the global Muslim community, and the over 100 guests at Friday's dinner included ambassadors and officials from numerous Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Seated around candlelit tables, they listened closely as Obama spoke, then stood and applauded when the president finished his remarks.

While his pronouncement concerning the mosque might find favor in the Muslim world, Obama's stance runs counter to the opinions of the majority of Americans, according to polls. A CNN/Opinion Research poll released this week found that nearly 70 percent of Americans opposed the mosque plan while just 29 percent approved. A number of Democratic politicians have shied away from the controversy.

This is an email I am forwarding from a friend. Strangely this piece of news was not covered by any of the press in Malaysia and many other Muslims majority country. To me this is a PR blunder on the side of the Muslims. I check with my Muslim friend in the states who thinks as i do that it is sad that Imam Abdul Raouf whose father was a rector in UIA before and whom spend his childhood here got involve in this fracas. It was insensitive of him and it is not about rights. Sometimes it is not about one's right it is about doing the right thing. We have to be sensitive to the pain the Americans suffer and emphatise with their fears of Islam especially after 9/11. We cannot give our enemies fodders to attack us, if we want them to be sensitive to our neeeds why can't we be the same to theirs!
Read the news here please!

Censored Protest at Ground Zero

June 16, 2010, New York , N.Y. , – by El Marco

Americans Stand Up Against Radical Islam in New York – We Will Not Submit!

Not one major network sent a satellite truck or camera crew to this event. Without bloggers this newsworthy event would have remained unknown to the public and history

On Sunday, June 6th, a multi-ethnic, multi-racial coalition of Americans opposed to Islamic violence and intolerance rallied at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City .

9/11 families were joined by immigrants from India, Russia, Egypt, Israel, Africa, Iran and Europe to show opposition to the construction of a mega-mosque at Ground Zero. Others flew in from overseas to speak or just to share their particular ethnic communities’ experiences at the hands of Muslims.

These are parents and spouses of firefighters killed on 9/11. The rally took place just a minute’s walk from Ladder 10 Firehouse, where their loved ones were stationed for duty that terrible day. Ladder 10 lost seven firefighters.

Crowd estimates ranged from 5,000 (NYPD) to 10,000. The crowd overflowed the police barrier enclosures that ran the full length of two city blocks. This photo shows the enclosure in front of the stage at the intersection of Liberty and Church Streets. The second enclosure ran the length of the next block and can be seen on the other side of the traffic lights.




Thousands of additional participants filled the treed area of Zuccotti Park .




Robert Spencer and Pamela Geller are the founders of STOP ISLAMIZATION OF AMERICA, which sponsored the rally. Ms. Geller is a citizen journalist and blogger who runs the human rights web site Atlas Shrugs. Mr. Spencer is the author of several books on Islam and head of the influential web site Jihad watch. Pamela Geller:



“Ground Zero is a war memorial, Ground Zero is a burial ground. We are asking for sensitivity…It is unconscionable to build a shrine to the very ideology that inspired the jihadist attacks at Ground Zero, right there. We are asking the imam Rauf and Daisy Khan to be sensitive. For mutual respect and mutual understanding that is demanded of us every day.




There’s a hair-trigger sensitivity in the Muslim world, you can’t run the cartoons, you can’t say Mohammed, this is offensive. This is an offensive mosque. To build a shrine, an Islamic flag of conquest on the sacred ground the cherished site, of a conquered land. This is historic, this is Islamic history. It’s what they do. The St. Sofia in Turkey , the al-Quds, at the holiest Jewish site in Israel . Not here. This is where we take a stand. We must take a stand. We must say no.”



I do not believe that the landmarks commission controlled by Mayor Bloomberg, is going to stop this mosque. It’s not going to happen. Here’s Omar Muhamedi, on his human rights council, a CAIR lawyer, who sued the airlines and the Jane and John Does that saw something and said something on those airplanes, if you remember. That’s who’s on his human rights commission. It ain’t gonna happen with Bloomberg. We have to make it happen. You have to get involved.” (Pamela Geller)


Police enclosure on left, with crowd flowing out of park on right. The new Tower 7 and World Trade Center site are in the background. The green tent, center, is located immediately behind the stage.





Port Authority and NYPD officers kept watch over the rally and were well aware of the need for heightened security at this event. One of their own Port Authority officers, WTC Sergeant Alan T. De Vona was on duty at the World Trade Center on 9/11, 2001, and was one of the first to help victims of the terrorist attack. He spoke these words to the SIOA rally:



“It’s almost nine years. I’m hoping that America is watching. I’m hoping that America is remembering. Because, make no mistake. September 11 was an act of war. And thank the military that has lost almost 5,000 troops from that day, defending us. I don’t know what to say to jar America ’s memory. I want America to remember.





Port Authority Police and FDNY firefighters are seen here gathered beneath this banner.


The issues at stake will certainly affect the heart of American freedom, democracy, cultural values and tolerance. America is a tolerant country that allows for the free worship of all its citizens. But our tolerance has limits. Do we have to tolerate intolerant Islamic ideology and Muslims who preach intolerant Islam?”




Hindu human rights activists Narain Kataria, Prasad Yalamanchi and unidentified friend came from Mississippi and Chicago with banners and flyers highlighting the radical statements of imam Rauf and his jihadist roots.














Stephen Dyer and Gary Jules journalism students at York College, with Pamela Geller. Not one major network sent a satellite truck or camera crew to this event. Without bloggers this newsworthy event would have remained unknown to the public and history.




Pamela Geller is greeted by Hindu human rights activists Prasad Yalamanchi and Narain Kataria.




Bhupinder Singh Bhurji, Pamela Geller, and Robert Spencer. Singh Bhurji is the president of the NAMDHARI SIKH FOUNDATION. The foundation is a member of the Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam (HRCARI). HRCARI is a coalition of Hindus, Sikhs, Christians from Sudan, Egypt and Iraq, moderate Muslims and Jews — who are victims and targets of radical Islam around the globe. He said, at another rally:



“Radical Islamists are killing people in India , trying to dominate that nation. And here too they come with violence against “infidels.” We are “infidels united,” standing together, brown, black and white, against this epoch’s fascist movement. Radical Islam wants to dominate entire world. They want everyone to surrender. Islam radical or otherwise. They want to put the Islamic flag on White House.”





Because of Islamic terrorism, America and the world have seen massive new security measures become a way of life. Anyone openly critical of Islam, or terrorist ideology, must surround themselves with security, or live in hiding. Those courageous enough to confront Islamism are criticized by the cowards and appeasers of the left who seek safety by supporting the enemy. Moderate Muslims were silent when Theo van Gogh was brutally murdered in Amsterdam , just as moderate Muslims in the United States are generally reluctant to speak out against violent Islam. Moderate Muslims also face great danger in speaking out.



Geller and Spencer will press on despite the danger. They hope to inspire Americans to stand up and say enough of political correctness and work to stem the galloping islamization of America and Europe .