On December 24, 1610 Europe embarked on its relationship with Islam with the signing of the first-ever official treaty between a European country – the Netherlands, and a non-Christian nation – Morocco. The relationship broadened significantly in the 1960s as the Netherlands’ work force expanded. Today, approximately one million Muslims work and live in the […]
01
Feb
Feb
Defining civilizationThe word “civilization” comes from the Latin adjective civilis, a reference to a citizen or citizens who willingly bring themselves together in political, social, economic, and religious organizations, merging together in the interests of the larger community. They share a particular way of thinking about the world as reflected in art, literature, drama and a host of […]
17
Jan
Jan
I. ISLAM AND MUSLIMSThe name of this religion is Islam, the root of which is Silm and Salam which means peace. Salam may also mean greeting one another with peace. One of the beautiful names of God is that He is the Peace. It means more than that: submission to the One God, and to […]
01
Jan
Jan
As discussed in a previous article, Muslim scholars have made significant contributions through a wide range of scholarly pursuits. This article will continue to highlight key Muslim scientific and philosophical thinkers who have helped shape modern-day knowledge in a range of fields.At the same time as advances in medicine were being made, the Muslims produced […]
15
Dec
Dec
In the modern world Islam is seen as many things, but rarely is it acknowledged as a source of inspiration and enlightenment. The verses of the Quran are enlightening, but many do not appreciate the scholarly pursuits and achievements Islam contributed to during the middle Ages. While Europe was in the midst of darkness, the […]
01
Dec
Dec
A total of eight Welsh Muslims are amongst the winners of the Welsh Assembly Government Recognising Achievement Awards 2010. The winners were recognised for their efforts in promoting equality and tolerance amongst different communities and faiths.
15
Nov
Nov
An alien visitor to planet Earth would be shocked by the state it is in. The destruction of the life-preserving ozone layer is going on unnoticed. Climatic changes are having a devastating effect on the lives of millions of people across the globe. Everywhere it is a time of crises – and moral paradoxes. Food riots are now becoming the norm in Africa and Asia – as Europe boasts of the highest food mountain reserves […]
01
Nov
Nov
Each year since 1901 the Norwegian Storting has selected, via an elected five member Committee, a person or organization as the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Ninety-five individuals and twenty organizations have received this particular peace prize. Not included in this list is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948). The reasons for being nominated five times but never been awarded it are open to discussion. More important for me is that regardless of whether or not […]
25
Oct
Oct
During a recent football match, Football (soccer) player Frederick Kanoute lifted his jersey to display a shirt expressing support for Palestine. Kanoute lifted his Sevilla shirt over his head after scoring in the team’s 2-1 Copa Del Rey win over Deportivo La Coruna to display a black T-shirt on which the word “Palestine” was printed in several languages. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, announced Wednesday that he would not attend New Year ceremonies in […]
01
Oct
Oct
While many Westerners claim Islam does not respect women, the truth is that Islamic law respects women and their rights in all aspects of their lives; furthermore, Islamic teachings require all individuals to respect and honor women and care for them, regardless of their status be it mother, wife, daughter, sister or a general relative. Historically, woman lacked rights under numerous regimes. Women were denied acceptable rights under numerous legislative structures that preceded Islamic law, […]