CHRISTIANO RONALDO ASAIDIA UJENZI WA SHULE ZA GAZA

Mshambuliaji machachari wa klabu ya Real Madrid ya Uhispania na nahodha wa timu ya taifa ya Ureno, Christiano Ronaldo ametoa kitita cha euro milioni moja na nusu kwa ajili ya ukarabati wa shule zilizoharibiwa vibaya na mashambulizi ya mabomu ya utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel katika Ukanda wa Gaza. Hii si mara ya kwanza kwa Christiano Ronaldo kutoa misaada kwa wananchi wa Gaza, kwani mwaka jana pia alinadisha viatu vyake vya michezo na fedha zilizopatikana alizikabidhi kwenye taasisi ya Real Madrid kwa shabaha ya kusaidia shule za Gaza. Hadi sasa Taasisi ya Real Madrid imeweza kujenga shule 167 katika nchi 66 duniani. Ronaldo alikuwa mchezaji ghali mno duniani katika historia ya mchezo wa kabumbu baada ya kuhama klabu yake ya zamani ya Manchester United ya Uingereza na kujiunga na Real Madrid kwa uhamisho wa euro milioni 93.9.

Source: kiswahili.irib.ir

MAAFA YA KUTISHA YA JINAI ZA UTAWALA ZA KIZAYUNI HUKO GHA

Jinai za utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel katika duru mpya ya mashambulizi yake huko Ghaza ambayo yalianza Jumatano iliyopita zimekuwa na maafa ya kutisha sawa na mashambulizi mengine ya utawala huo, kwa kadiri kwamba hadi sasa mamia ya Wapalestina wameuliwa shahidi na kujeruhiwa, wengi wao wakiwa ni watoto wadogo, wanawake na wazee.

Jinai kubwa za utawala wa Kizayuni katika siku kadhaa zilizopita zimewatia wasiwasi mkubwa walimwengu. Ripoti za mashirika mbalimbali ya kimataifa kuhusu takwimu za watu waliouliwa katika mashambulizi ya utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel katika siku kadhaa zilizopita huko Ghaza zinazungumzia maafa makubwa ambayo hayajawahi kushuhudiwa katika duru hii mpya ya hujuma ya Israel huko Ukanda wa Ghaza.

Taarifa ya Mfuko wa Watoto wa Kimataifa (Unicef) imeeleza kuwa makumi ya watoto wa Kipalestina wameuliwa au kujeruhiwa katika mashambulizi yanayofanywa sasa na utawala wa Kizayuni huko Ghaza. Hii ni katika hali ambayo idadi ya Wapalestina wanaouliwa shahidi katika mashambulizi hayo ya Israel hususan watoto wadogo inaongezeka.

Weledi wengi wa masuala ya kisheria wamesema baada ya kushuhudia na kutathmini hali ya mambo ya Ghaza kuwa hatua ya Israel ya kuendelea kuwauwa kwa umati Wapalestina ni ushahidi wa wazi wa jinai dhidi ya binadamu. Katika mazingira hayo fikra za walio wengi zinataraji kuwa taasisi za kimataifa zitachukua hatua haraka iwezekanavyo kusimamisha jinai hizo za utawala wa Kizayuni na mauaji makubwa yanayofanywa dhidi ya raia wasio na ulinzi wa Palestina. Hii ni katika hali ambayo taasisi za kimataifa zimeendelea kukaa kimya mbele ya jinai hizo na utawala wa Israel, suala ambalo limeupa utawala huo kiburi cha kuendeleza jinai na mauaji yake huko Ghaza.

Habari zinasema kuwa utawala wa Kizayuni unajiandaa kufanya oparesheni kubwa ya nchi kavu huko Ghaza na katika fremu hiyo Israel tayari imetuma vikosi na zana nzito za kijeshi katika mipaka ya Palestina inayokaliwa kwa mabavu. Serikali za Magharibi ambazo zinaendeleza kuuunga mkono utawala haramu wa Israel zimekosolewa vikali na walimwengu na kutambuliwa kuwa ni washirika wakuu wa Israel katika jinai hizo. 

Utawala wa Kizayuni umeshadidisha jinai zake huko Ghaza ili kutimiza malengo yake makuu ambayo moja kati ya hayo ni kujionyesha kuwa na nguvu kubwa na kuzusha hofu na wasiwasi ili kuwalazimisha Wapalestina wasalimu amri mbele ya siasa zake za kujitanua katika ardhi za Palestina. Israel ambayo mwaka 2005 ilipata pigo kubwa mbele ya muqawama wa wananchi wa Palestina na kulazimika kuondoka Ghaza kwa madhila hivi sasa inatumia njia mbalimbali ili kulikalia tena eneo hilo. Mwishoni mwa mwezi Disemba mwaka 2008, Israel ilianzisha vita vya siku 22 dhidi ya Ghaza kwa uungaji mkono wa Marekani lengo likiwa ni kulikalia tena kwa mabavu eneo hilo. Hata hivyo katika vita hivyo vya siku 22 ambayo vilimalizika mwanzoni mwaka mwaka 2009, utawala wa Kizayuni ulishindwa kufikia malengo yake haramu licha ya kutenda jinai kubwa dhidi ya wananchi wa Palestina na kuwauwa shahidi maelfu ya raia hao kutokana mapambano makubwa ya wakazi wa Ukanda wa Ghaza.

Kwa hali yoyote ile kushadidi mashambulizi na ukatili wa utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel dhidi ya watu wa Gaza kumedhihirisha tena sura halisi ya ugaidi, kupenda vita, ukatili na mauaji ya utawala huo jambo ambalo limekabiliwa na radiamali kali ya fikra za walio wengi duniani. Maandamano makubwa yanayofanyika katika pembe mbalimbali duniani kwa ajili ya kuulaani utawala haramu wa Israel yanadhihirisha hasira kubwa za waliwengu kwa utawala huo unaotenda jinai za kutisha dhidi ya raia wasio na ulinzi wala hatia wa Ukanda wa Ghaza.

Source: kiswahili.irib.ir

GLOBAL ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS STAGED AS FEARS OF GAZA GROUND INVASION ESCALATE (PHOTOS)

People hold signs as they chant during a Pro-Palestinian protest against Israel across the street from the Israeli consulate in New York Novemer 16, 2012 (Reuters / Carlo Allegri)

Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza have sparked global protests condemning the attack. Thousands of people across the Middle East, the West, and Europe have come out to show their disdain. Yet, some countries remain convinced of Israel’s right to attack.

Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza have sparked global protests condemning the attack. Thousands of people across the Middle East, the West, and Europe have come out to show their disdain. Yet, some countries remain convinced of Israel’s right to attack.

Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense – which began Wednesday and has taken the lives of 39 Palestinians and three Israelis so far, according to Palestinian local media – has divided the international world.

In Egypt’s capital, Cairo, several thousand protesters came out Friday to demonstrate against the Israeli attacks, chanting “we will go to Gaza in our millions,” swearing to “sacrifice ourselves for you, Palestine.”

In the West Bank city of Ramallah, more than 1,000 people have gathered to show their support for Gaza.

In Lebanon, thousands turned up in Palestinian refugee camps in the north and south of the country to show their outrage on the Israeli violence, shouting “O Qassam, O beloved, bomb and destroy Tel Aviv,” referring to the rocket and the armed wing of Hamas of the same name.

Egyptian protesters shout slogans and burn an Israeli flag during a protest against Israel's ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip, at Tahrir square in Cairo November 16, 2012 (Reuters / Mohamed Abd El Ghany)

In Iran, over 700 cities saw anti-Israeli protests after Friday’s prayers, including Tehran. Crowds there were chanting “death to Israel” and “death to America,” ISNA news agency reported.

Arabs from East Jerusalem also rioted, throwing stones at security officers, blocking roads and setting off fireworks near the hospital in Isawiya, according to Algemeiner news.

The international community has been coming together to offer solutions to the crisis.

Foreign ministers of Arab League countries are gathering on Saturday in Cairo for an emergency meeting to outline a consolidated position on the ongoing Israel's offensive in Gaza.

The UN’s Security Council held an emergency meeting on the conflict. After the meeting UN has urged for the violence in Gaza to stop. However, no other substantial solutions were reached due to disagreement between member states.

Further, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon made a statement Friday telling both sides “to stop this dangerous escalation and restore calm,” and announcing his plans to visit Israel and Egypt next week.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on Israelis and Palestinians to show restraint Friday and “not follow the path of escalating violence that often results in the death of innocent civilians.”

Also, Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem has arrived in Gaza on Saturday along with 12 other ministers. This trip comes after the Egyptian Prime Minister Hesham Kandil’s visit to the region Friday.

During his visit, Kandil tried to broker a new longer-lasting ceasefire. He took a strong public pro-Palestinian stance.

“What I am witnessing in Gaza is a disaster and I can't keep quiet. The Israeli aggression must stop,” Kandil stated. “Egypt supports the Palestinians, Israel’s actions will not go unnoticed”.

Protesters shout anti-Israel slogans during a protest against Israel's military operation in Gaza in front of the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, November 16, 2012 (Reuters / Osman Orsal)

Western perspective: Pro-Palestinian public vs pro-Israeli governments

The Western world also saw protests Friday. In Rome, an anti-Israeli sit-in was organized in the Italian parliament. Organizers have called upon the international community to put an end to the massacre of Palestinian people in Gaza and to stop the “Israeli war-machine”. The cities of Venice, Palermo, Ravenna and Trento have joined Rome and carried out demonstrations of their own.

Earlier demonstrations were held in New York, Paris, and Sydney calling for an immediate end to the attacks on Palestinians.

A woman holds a banner as she attends a pro-Palestinian demonstration in front of the Italian Parliament to protest against Israel's ongoing airstrike over Gaza on November 16, 2012 (AFP Photo / Filippo Monteforte)

However, Western governments have not been as sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinian people as their citizens, emphasizing Hamas’ fault and Israel’s right to self-defense.

US President Barack Obama has reiterated US support for Israel's right to defend itself on Friday during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The EU has followed in US’ footsteps. European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton made a statement Friday saying that "Israel has the right to protect its population from these kinds of attacks. I urge Israel to ensure that its response is proportionate."

And Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel also announced Friday that she holds Hamas responsible for Gaza violence and that Israel has the right to defend itself. The UK took a similar position when Prime Minister David Cameron told Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that Hamas "bears the principal responsibility" for the violence in southern Israel and Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza are entering their fourth day and further escalation of the conflict is feared, as ground Israeli invasion looms. Senior members of the Israeli military have announced that troops have been ordered to prepare “to the highest state of readiness” and are to expect to invade Gaza this weekend. Also, on Friday country’s cabinet has approved the draft of 75,000 army reservists for ground operation.

So far, Israel has hit over 500 targets, killing 39 Palestinians, including dozens of civilians and wounding over 300.

People hold up signs during a Pro-Palestinian protest against Israel across the street from the Israeli consulate in New York November 16, 2012 (Reuters / Carlo Allegri)

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest near the Israeli embassy in Madrid on November 16, 2012, against Israel's aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Israel launched on November 14, 2012 its harshest Gaza operation in four years by killing the Hamas military chief, Ahmed Jaabari, in a surgical air strike on a car travelling in Gaza City (AFP Photo / Dominique Faget)

Palestinians living in Greece shout slogans alongside Greek protesters as they protest against Israel's ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip, during a rally outside the Israeli Embassy in Athens November 16, 2012 (Reuters / John Kolesidis)

People from the Coalition for a Free Palestine (CFP) gather outside the Durban City hall, South Africa on November 16, 2012 to protest against the Israeli bonbardment of Gaza (AFP Photo / Rejesh Jantilal)

A Palestinian man holds up a Palestinian flag with the slogan "I love Palestine" during a protest of some 100 Palestinians outside Berlin's Brandenburg against Israel's ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip November 16, 2012 (Reuters / Wolfgang Rattay)

A Palestinian man lies covered with red colour that is intended to symbolize blood on a Berlin street to protest against Israel's ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip November 16, 2012 (Reuters / Wolfgang Rattay)


Source: www.rt.com

MAPAMBANO YA IMAM HUSSEIN (AS) NI YA KUDUMU MILELE

Kwa wale watu wanaofahamu vyema historia ya Uislamu, mwezi wa Muharram hukumbusha mapambano makubwa ambayo yalifanywa na Imam Hussein (as) kwa ajili ya kurekebisha na kuhuisha dini ya babu yake Mtume Muhammad (saw) ambayo ilikuwa imepotoshwa kwa kiwango kikubwa na maadui wa Uislamu pamoja na watu waliokuwa na tamaa ya kuitawala dini kifalme. Kwa ibara nyingine ni kuwa mwezi wa Muharamm umefungamana kikamilifu na jina la Imam Hussein kwa kadiri kwamba kutajwa mwezi huo ni sawa na kutajwa jina la imam huyo mtoharifu. Huyo ni mtukufu ambaye aliuawa shahidi akiwa na wafuasi wake wachache 72 katika ardhi ya Karbala mwaka wa 61 Hijiria. Tukio hilo muhimu katika historia ya Uislamu lilidhihirisha wazi thamani kubwa za kimaadili, ushujaa na kujitolea kwa Imam Hussein na wafuasi wake wachache mbele ya hujuma kubwa na ya kinyama ya maadui wake. Sifa maalumu za mapambano ya Imam Hussein ni kuwa thamani za mapambano hayo hazikubaki kwenye mmbano wa zama na sehemu yalikotokea, bali zilizweza kuvuka mipaka ya kijiografia na historia na kuweza kuathiri mataifa mbalimbali katika zama zote za historia ya mwanadamu. Hii leo kila mara watu wanapozungumzia mapambano dhidi ya dhulma na uaonevu na umuhimu wa kutetea haki na uadilifu jina la Imam Hussein bin Ali (as) hudhihiri na kuzungumzwa na kila mtu anayefahamu vyema thamani za mapambano dhidi ya dhulma. Je, ni mapambano mangapi yaliyotokea katika historia ya mwanadamu na waanzilishi pamoja na viongozi wa mapambano hayo kusahaulika, lakini ya mapambao ya Imam Hussein tokea yalipotokea hadi leo yangali yanang'ara kama jua na miale yake angavu na yenye joto kuangaza kwenye giza totoro na kuzipa joto na uchangafu nyoyo zilizochoshwa na dhulma? Salamu kwa Imam Hussein (as), salamu kwa hakika ambayo daima i hai, salamu za Mwenyezi Mungu kwa yule ambaye alitoa roho yake kwa ajili ya kuhuisha dini ya Allah ili kupeperusha daima bendera ya mwongozo wa Kiislamu.

Moja ya majukumu muhimu ya kiongozi wa Kiislamu ni kuwaweka watu kwenye njia nyoofu ya wongofu. Moja ya mambo yaliyomfanya Imam Hussein (as) kusimamisha mapambano katika zama zake ni kupotea watala na jamii kutoka kwenye misingi na mafundisho ya dini. Huo ni ukweli mchungu ambao taratibu ulidhihiri katika kipindi cha miaka 50 baada ya kuaga dunia Mtume (saw). Kupuuzwa na kusahaulika kwa wasia wa Mtume na kutengwa Watu wa Nyumba yake (as), kudhoofika thamani za kimaanawi katika jamii, urundikaji mali wa watawala na kuenezwa bidaa, uzushi na upotofu katika jamii, yote hayo ni mambo yaliyoandaa mazingira ya jamii hiyo kurejea taratibu katika zama za ujahili. Mwenendo huo wa mporomoko wa maadili na mafundisho ya Kiislamu uliendelea hadi kufikia kipindi ambacho jamii ya Kiislamu ilitawaliwa na mtawala dhalimu na fasiki kama Yazid bin Muawiyya, jambo lililotoa pigo kubwa kwa umma wa Kiislamu. Mara tu baada ya kuchukua madaraka kutoka kwa baba yake Muawiyya, Yazid alimtaka mjukuu wa Mtume Imam Hussein (as) kumbai na kutangaza utiifu wake kwake. Jambo hilo lilikuwa na umuhimu mkubwa kwake kwa kutilia maanani nafasi ya juu aliyokuwa nayo Imam Hussein (as) katika umma wa Kiislamu. Yazid alikuwa ni mtu ambaye hakufaa hata kidogo kutawala umma wa Kiislamu na watu wote wakitambua vyema kiwango chake cha juu cha ufuska, uchafu, ulevi na utovu wa maadili. Kwa msingi huo ni wazi kuwa mtu kama Imam Hussein (as) kamwe hangekubali kumpa Yazid mkono wa beia na utiifu. Kwa mtazamo wa Imam Hussein (as), Bani Umaiyya ni watu ambao walikuwa wameachana na misingi ya dini ya Mwenyezi Mungu na kusisitiza juu ya kuendelea na tabia zao za ufuska na ufisadi katika jamii ya Kiislamu. Hatua ya Imam kukataa kumbai Yazid ilikuwa ni ishara ya wazi kwamba mtawala huyo dhalimu na fasidi hakufaa hata kidogo kuingoza jamii ya Kiislamu. Kufuatia hatua hiyo, mtawala wa Madina alipewa amri na Yazid ya kubana na kufanya maisha ya Imam Hussein (as) kuwa magumu. Kutokana na hali hiyo Imam aliamua kuuhama mji wa Madina ili kutafuta sehemu nyingine bora zaidi ya kuwaongoza watu na kuwabainishia hali halisi ya mambo ya umma wa Kiislamu. Katika zama hizo, mji mtakatifu wa Makka ulikuwa sehemu bora zaidi ya kuendeshea shughuli hiyo ya mapambano na mwongozo, na hasa ikitiliwa maanani kwamba msimu wa hija ulikuwa unawadia ambapo umati mkubwa ungekusanyika katika mji huo kwa ajili ya ibada. Alipokuwa akiondoka mjini Madina Imam Hussein (as) alisema: "Mimi ninaondoka mjini Madina kwa ajili ya kurekebisha na kuhuisha umma wa babu yangu, na ninataka kuamrisha mema na kukataza maovu." Baada ya kuwasili mjini Makka, Imam Hussein (as) alifanya juhudi kubwa za kuandaa mazingira ya mapambano dhidi ya Yazid.

Katika upande wa pili, wapenzi wa Ahlul Beit wa Mtume (saw) kutoka mji wa Kufa katika Iraq ya hivi sasa, waliposikia kwamba Imam amekataa kumbai Yazid, walifurahia sana jambo hilo kwa sababu walikuwa wamechoshwa na dhulma ya Bani Umaiyya. Baadhi ya wakuu wa Kufa ambao walikuwa waungaji mkono wa Ahlul Beit (as) walimtumia barua Imam Hussein (as) wakimtaka aende katika mji huo. Katika barua hizo walitangaza wazi kwamba walikuwa tayari kushirikiana kwa kila njia na Imam katika kufanikisha malengo yake. Baada ya kupata barua hizo, Imam Hussein (as) alimtuma Muslim bin Aqil mjini Kufa ili aende kuchunguza zaidi hali ya mambo huko. Historia inatwambia kwamba maelfu ya watu walitangaza utiifu wao kwa Muslim bin Aqil kwa niaba ya Imam Hussein (as). Baada ya kuchunguza na kutathmini hali ya mambo, Imam Hussein aliamua kukatiza ibada yake ya hija na kuondoka mjini Makka tarehe 8 Dhul Hijja mwaka 61 ili kuelekea Kufa. Lakini alipokuwa njia kuelekea huko habari zilimfikia Imam kwamba hali ya mambo mjini humo ilikuwa imebadilika na kwamba Yazid alikuwa amemuuzulu gavana wa Kufa na kumuweka mahala pake Ubeidullah bin Ziad, mtawala fasidi, dhalimu na katili kupindukia. Ibn Ziad alizima sauti ya malalamiko ya watu wa Kufa kwa kutumia ukatili na unyanyasaji wa hali ya juu. Baadhi ya watu hao walikengeuka na kutomuunga mkono tena Imam Hussein kutokana na woga, mateso au hongo waliyopata kutoka kwa dhalimu huyo. Watu walioamua kuendelea kumuunga mkono Imam Hussein (as) ima waliuawa shahidi au kufungwa kwenye jela za kuogofya. Muslim bin Aqil, mjumbe wa Imam Hussein (as) pia aliuawa shahidi katika matukio hayo. Licha ya kupata habari hiyo ya kuhuzunisha, Imam aliamua kuendelea na safari yake lakini baada ya kuwakamilishia hoja na kuwabainishia vyema wafuasi wake hatari ya kifo iliyowasubiri huko mbele. Aliwaambia: "Enyi watu! Watu wa Kufa wametukimbia. Kila mmoja wenu anayetaka kurejea anaweza kufanya hivyo hivi sasa." Historia inasema kwamba kuna watu walioondoka kwenye msafara huo wa Imam Hussein mahala hapo na kumuacha Imam akiwa na idadi ndogo tu ya wafuasi wake waaminifu, ambao alifuatana nao kuelekea Kufa. Moyo na azma ya Imam Hussein ya kupambana na dhulma ilikuwa kubwa na imara kiasi kwamba hakuogopa wala kuchelea chochote hata baada ya kuachwa na idadi ndogo tu ya wafuasi. Hii ni kwa sababu alisikia kutoka kwa baba yake maneno yafuatayo yenye umuhimu na thamani kubwa: 'Mkiwa kwenye njia ya wongofu, msihofu kutokana na uchache wa wafuasi wa njia hiyo."

Imam Hussein (as) alikuwa akielewa vyema kwamba hangeweza kushinda kijeshi umati mkubwa wa maadui wake waliokuwa wamejizatiti vyema kwa silaka kwa kutegemea wafuasi wachache aliokuwa nao wala hakutegemea kupata ushirikiano na uungaji mkono wa watu waliokuwa na imani dhaifu na waoga kupindukia. Jambo lililokuwa na umuhimu kwa imam huyo ni utekelezaji wa majukumu yake ya kidini bila kujali matokeo yake. Alikuwa akiwaza tu juu ya udharura wa kutekelezwa majukumu aliyopewa na Mwenyezi Mungu hata kama jambo hilo lingepelekea auawe shahidi. Ushindi na kushindwa ni mambo yaliyokuwa na maana tofauti kabisa katika mantiki ya Imam Hussein (as). Msafara wa Imam Hussein (as) haukuwa umefika katika mji wa Kufa kabla ya kuzingirwa na jeshi la askari 30,000 la Yazid katika jangwa la Karbalaa. Kukabiliana kwa watu wachache wenye imani thabiti kwa upande mmoja na jeshi kubwa lenye imani dhaifu kwa upande wa pili katika siku ya Ashura mwaka 61 Hijiria kulidhihirisha tukio muhimu na lisilo na mfano wake katika historia ya mwanadamu. Mapambano ya Imam Hussein (as) yalikuwa dhihirisho halisi la kimaadili na kiutu. Hii ni kwa sababu medani ya vita katika siku hiyo ulikuwa ni uwanja wa kukabiliana imani na umaanawi na kufri na ufisadi. Hii ni kwa sababu katika siku hiyo watu wenye imani thabiti hawakutarajiwa ila kuonyesha hamasa na thamani za kiutu. Ni kutokana na ukweli huo ndipo harakati yenye thamani kubwa ya mwamko ya Imam Hussein (as) ikadhibitiwa na kubaki milele katika historia ya mwanadamu na kunukuliwa kutoka kizazi hadi kizazi kingine hali leo hii.

Source: www.kiswahili.irib.ir

WAZAYUNI (ISRAEL) WAENDELEZA MASHAMBULIZI UKANDA WA GAZA

Wapalestina wasiopungua wanne wameuawa shahidi baada ya ndege za utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel usiku kushambulia maeneo kadhaa ya Ukanda wa Gaza. Ashraf al Qudwa Msemaji wa Wizara ya Afya ya serikali halali ya Palestina inayoongozwa na Hamas amesema kuwa, kombora la ndege ya Israel ilikita katika nyumba ya familia ya Abu Jalal, na kupelekea watu wanne wa familia hiyo kuuawa shahidi. Ameongeza kuwa, tokea yaanze mashambulizi ya kinyama ya Wazayuni huko Gaza siku ya Jumatano hadi sasa, zaidi ya watu 30 wameuawa shahidi na wengine 270 kujeruhiwa. Wakati huohuo, jeshi la utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel umekiri kuangushwa ndege ya kijeshi F16 katika anga ya Gaza. Brigedi ya Izzuddin Qassam tawi la kijeshi la HAMAS ilitangaza jana usiku kwamba ilitungua ndege ya kijeshi ya Israel katika eneo la magharibi mwa Ukanda huo. Kwa upande mwengine, William Hague Waziri wa Mambo ya Nchi za Nje wa Uingereza ameitahadharisha Israel juu ya kuendeleza mashambulizi yake huko Gaza, na kusisitiza kuwa, bila shaka mashambulizi hayo yatakuwa na mwisho mbaya kwa utawala huo. Hague ameongeza kuwa, mashambulizi hayo yatapelekea Israel kukosa uungaji mkono wa jamii ya kimataifa. Hata hivyo, Hague ameshindwa kulaani jinai za majeshi ya Israel na badala yake amelaani mashambulizi ya roketi yaliyofanywa na wanamapambano wa Kipalestina dhidi ya vitongoji vya Israel.

Source: www.kiswahili.irib.ir

DRC YATAKA VIONGOZI WA RWANDA WAWEKEWE VIKWAZO

Waziri Mkuu wa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Kongo ameutaka Umoja wa Mataifa uweke vikwazo dhidi ya viongozi wa serikali ya Rwanda. Augustin Matata Ponyo amesema kuwa, Umoja wa Mataifa unapaswa kuweka vikwazo dhidi ya viongozi wa ngazi za juu wa Rwanda, kinyume cha hivyo taasisi hiyo ya kimataifa itapoteza itibari yake. Waziri Mkuu wa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Kongo amelaani uungaji mkono wa Rwanda dhidi ya waasi wa M23 na kusisitiza kuwa, Umoja wa Mataifa unapaswa kuweka vikwazo dhidi ya Rwanda ikizingatiwa ripoti ya siri iliyotolewa na wataalamu wa umoja huo inayoelezea njama za viongozi wa Kigali za kuwapa silaha waasi hao. Kabla ya hapo, Umoja wa Mataifa ulizikosoa Rwanda na Uganda kwa kuwapa silaha na zana za kijeshi waasi wa M23 wanaopambana na serikali ya Kongo na kusababisha ukosefu wa amani katika eneo la mashariki mwa nchi hiyo. Hata hivyo, nchi za Rwanda na Uganda mara kadhaa zimekadhibisha tuhuma hizo za wataalamu wa Umoja wa Mataifa za kuwapa silaha waasi wa M23.

Source: www.kiswahili.irib.ir

AMIR WA QATAR ATUHUMIWA KUWAUZA HAMAS

Duru za kuaminika zinasema kuwa, safari iliyofanywa hivi karibuni na Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani Amir wa Qatar katika eneo la Ukanda wa Gaza, ilifichua makazi ya viongozi kadhaa wa ngazi za juu Hamas. Kwa mujibu wa Shirika la Habari la FARS NEWS, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani aliwapa viongozi wote wa ngazi za juu wa Hamas zawadi za saa za mkononi na kalamu ambazo ndani yake mulikuwa na zana zilizokuwa zikiwasiliana na satalaiti za utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel na kuwasaidia kuonyesha nyendo zao na mahala wanapoishi viongozi hao. Ahmad al Ja'abari mmoja kati ya makamanda wa ngazi za juu wa Izzuddin Qassam aliyeuawa shahidi siku chache zilizopita, alilengwa na ndege za kivita za Israel baada ya kufuatiliwa nyendo zake kwa usaidizi wa saa na kalamu alizopewa zawadi na Amir wa Qatar. Kwa upande mwengine, imeelezwa kuwa, Amir wa Qatar amemueleza wazi Ismail Haniya Waziri Mkuu wa serikali iliyochaguliwa na wananchi wa Palestina inayoongozwa na Hamas kwamba, kama wanataka misaada ya kifedha kutoka Qatar, wanapaswa kuacha kushirikiana na Jamhuri ya Kiislamu ya Iran na wakati huhuo wautambue rasmi utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel. Aidha Amir wa Qatar alitoa masharti matano kwa Harakati ya Hamas ili iweze kupata misaada ya kifedha na kiuchumi kutoka Qatar, ikiwa ni pamoja na kuacha kushirikiana na Iran, kuanzisha mazungumzo na utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel bila ya masharti, kuutambua rasmi utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel, kuitambua Quds Tukufu kuwa ni mji mkuu wa utawala huo ghasibu na kuacha kabisa muqawama na mapambano ya kutumia silaha.

Source : www.kiswahili.irib.ir 

HAMAS YATUNGUA NDEGE YA ISRAEL HUKO PALESTINA

Wanamapambano wa Palestina wametungua ndege ya kijeshi ya utawala wa Kizayuni wa Israel iliyokuwa inafanya mauaji dhidi ya wananchi wa Palestina.

Televisheni ya al Quds imezinukuu Brigedi za Izuddin Qassam, tawi la kijeshi la Harakati ya Mapambano ya Palestina HAMAS zikisema kuwa, ndege za utawala wa Kizayuni zimefanya mashambulizi makali katika eneo ilipoanguka ndege hiyo ya Israel ili kufuta ushahidi na kuwazuia wanamapambano wa Palestina wasipate mabaki ya ndege hiyo.

Vile vile wanamapambano wa Palestina wamefanikiwa kwa mara ya kwanza kushambulia maeneo ya Wazayuni katika mji wa Baytul Muqaddas na kuzusha kiwewe katika safu za utawala wa Kizayuni.

Kabla ya hapo pia HAMAS ilikuwa imetungua ndege ya Israel isiyo na rubani na ilishambulia pia Tel Aviv mji mkuu wa utawala wa Kizayuni na kuwalazimisha viongozi wa Israel wakimbilie mafichoni.

Televisheni ya al Quds imetangaza pia kuwa wanapambanao wa Palestina wamelishambulia kwa kombora bunge la utawala wa Kizayuni, Knesset, huko magharibi mwa Baytul Muqaddas. Taarifa zinasema pia kuwa hoteli za kitalii za Wazayuni zimefungwa huko Baytul Muqaddas baada ya maeneo yanayokaliwa kwa mabavu na Wazayuni ya mji huo kushambuliwa kwa makombora ya wanamapambano wa Palestina.

Source: www.kiswahili.irib.ir

HUSSEIN (A): THE END OF A TRAGEDY OR THE BEGINNING OF AN UPRISING?

When certain seasons of worship come around like the months of Ramadan and Muharram, it is very important that we re-evaluate ourselves to see what blessings we have gotten from them. Were they in proportion with the power of the season? Have we preserved these blessings? How can we best invest these blessings after the season is over? Many people are pleased with the condition they have at the time, without worrying about what will come after the season. The Devil is eager to take away whatever the believer has earned at the first possible opportunity. Are we cautious about that? 

The movement of Imam Hussein (A) was a method for dealing with one’s own soul and with others, for he wanted to teach us a lesson about servitude at every stage of his blessed movement. We see him depart from the safety of the Divine Kaaba when he saw that it would please his Lord. We see him exposing his family to capture when he saw that his Lord willed for them to be captured. He exposed himself to the greatest forms of insult and torture when he saw that his Lord willed for him to be killed. His sister Zainab summarized all of these lessons when she confronted the oppressor of her era saying: I didn’t see anything but it was beautiful. God willed for this group of people to be killed, so they came out to be killed, and God will gather you and them together to be judged. So wait and see who will be victorious on that day!

The principle of dialogue through speaking is the well-known method of explaining the messages of the Prophets (A), and this is what was referred to when Almighty God said, {And each nation had its own warner.} But the corruption of the leadership sometimes reaches the point where warning and explanation are not sufficient to put an end to the greatest falsehood: the corruption of one who corrupts the entire nation by his actions – because the people follow the religion of their leaders. So it would be necessary to establish a movement beyond explanation and dialogue, an unusual movement in which blood is sacrificed. This movement would awaken the nation from its depths, to see the corruption of the leader’s soul after it had neglected the corruption of the leader’s deeds! And thus the rule of the Umayyads collapsed shortly after the killing of Hussein (A). His revolution was considered the source of all revolutions which arose throughout the nation which hadn’t been seen before the killing of Chief of Martyrs (A). 

We notice this year and every year the spread of the majlis of Imam Hussein (A) all over the world. This revives our sense of hope that there is still a heart beating in the body of this nation, a heart which draws its blood from the pure blood that was spilt at Kerbala. All of that is by the blessing of the commemoration of one of the Imams from the chain of the Holy Family of the Prophet (A), so how many more blessings would there be if the last in this chain were present? We can imagine how much the hearts which thirst for justice would welcome this Imam after they lost hope in all the theories which promised to bring human happiness. 

One of the lessons of Kerbala is connecting between the highest degree of chastity and the defense of the religion by whatever power the individual is given. Thus we see Zainab (A) who observed hijab and shyness like no one else. Ali (A) would even try to keep her shadow from the view of outsiders by extinguishing or turning down the lights when she was visiting the grave of her grandfather the Holy Prophet (S). However when it came time, she was the tongue speaking in the name of the sacred law even in the presence of the Imam of her time, Ali ibn al-Hussein al-Sajjad (A). There is a saying that Islam owes its existence to Muhammed but its preservation to Hussein. While this is correct, we could also say that the origin of the reform movement was Hussein, while its preservation belongs to Zainab. 

There is a great likeness between Ibrahim (A) the beloved friend of God and Hussein (A) the sacrifice of God. God made the hearts of the people incline towards both of them. What we notice amongst those who gather for the remembrance of Hussein (A) and establish his mourning is something truly amazing! Just as we see people who don’t follow the sacred law throughout the year attracted to perform the Hajj, we see the same group showing a loyalty towards Hussein (A) which is not in proportion to their nature. This shows us that there is divine control over the hearts, and it appears that the movement during these two seasons of Hajj and Muharram are an answer to the prayer of Ibrahim (A). The reason for loving the family of the Prophet (A) in their valley of martyrdom is no less than the reason for loving the family of Ibrahim (A) in their valley of barrenness! 

Whatever we have done during the days of Muharram is a divine lesson in which God tests us for the heat of love for Hussein (A). The Holy Prophet (S) made it one of the tests of true faith. At the same time it is a claim against us, because after we get these divine blessings the judgement against us is swifter than if we hadn’t participated in them. The one who receives these blessings is not like the one who does not, and the one who has knowledge is not like the one who is ignorant. Is it enough to emerge from this season with tears and crying without seeing an important change in our life?! 

One of the important lessons of Ashura is to beware of coming to a bad ending in our lives. Some of the companions of Ali (A) participated in killing Imam Hussein. There are many people like this in history who have been cursed by the Imams and who were once their companions! All of us have to beware of the hidden seeds of major corruption, especially in the area of our beliefs, as one of the signs of the end of time is mental corruption. Some of the causes of this are committing major sins, companionship with corrupt people, profiting from what is forbidden, taking the material world over religion, finding pleasure in the fancy words which the Devil distributes to his friends, as the Holy Qur’an says, {The devils inspire their followers to argue with you.} 

Source : www.duas.org

MUHARRAM, KERBALA & IMAM HUSSAIN (AS)

Muharram, Kerbala & Imam Hussain (as)

EVENT & PERSONALITIES

Imam Hussain was the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, through his daughter, Lady Fatima and son-in-law, Imam Ali, peace be upon them all. 

In less than half a day on the 10th of Muharram ( Ashura) in the year 680 A.D. (61 A.H.), on the hot desert sands of Karbala in Iraq, Imam Hussain(as), and 72 of his family members, friends and followers, including his 6 month old infant son, were martyred under most gruesome circumstances. These included His brother Hazrat Abbas (as) the standard bearer, His young 18 yr old son Ali Akber & his 4 year old daughter Sakina who died while in prison in Damascus. The Oppressive ruler; Yazid son of Mu'awiya son of Abu Sufiyan & his very large army of over 30,000 men, committed these heinous crimes against the small group which included the household of the Prophet. Lady Zainub (sister of Imam Hussain) also played a key role especially subsequent to the battle to inform people of the truth.

The group, including the six-month infant Ali Asgar, was without food and water for 3 days before their martyrdom. Ali Asgar was martyred thirsty in his father's arms when his tender throat was pierced by a three-pointed poisoned arrow, while his father implored the tyrants to allow water to the infant, after all his other companions were martyred at their hands.

Imam Hussain resolved to defend his thirsty entourage from the killer army’s onslaught, rather than submit to their forcible extraction of allegiance to a criminal despotic regime which used the name of Islam. He was going to stand to his principle to defend True Islam, even though he might be the last man standing with no support, no help.

The martyrs were beheaded & their heads were put on spears, while their corpses were trampled upon and left unburied. The ordeal did not stop at this as the women and children in the Imam's entourage were held captives and tortured while being led on an arduous journey to Damascus to be paraded and later imprisoned . The only male survivor was Imam Zainul Abideen (as) son of Imam Hussain (as) who was ill at that time, yet chained & repeatedly beaten. He subsequently wrote a 'Treatise on Rights' & a monumental prayer book called Sahifa Kamila ( see www.Duas.org)

In the history of Islam, al‑Husayn ibn 'Ali, the martyr of Karbala, wrote one of the most brilliant chapters; a chapter which still and after more than fourteen centuries, echoes in the minds and hearts of Muslims everywhere. It is remarked by a modern Muslim writer that 'With every Karbala Islam is renewed'.

Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) considered the greatest British historian of his time. Wrote “In a distant age and climate the tragic scene of the death of Hussein will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader." [The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, London, 1911, volume 5, pp. 391-2] 

Each year during the first Islamic month of Moharram and upto 40 days (Arbaeen) thereafter, mourning sessions are held all over the world, wherein the trials and tribulations of these martyrs are recounted, mourned and lamented, while expounding the values and teachings upheld by them. These practices are an institution in themselves and are being continuously held for the past 14 centuries. 

The Martyrdom is unique and unparalleled in a number of ways, the most obvious of all being its sacrifices from - men, women and children of all age groups, every conceivable human relationship, rich and poor, noblemen and slaves, military commanders and commoners, and individuals coming from different specters of human society.

REASONS 

Imam Hussain(as), his family and friends sacrificed everything ( life ,wealth, family honor) that they had ,in their struggle against tyranny and despotism and for upholding the human values of truth, justice and liberty of thought, word and deed. Their struggle was aimed at the ultimate goal of awakening human beings of all times to uplift the human spirit beyond short-sighted materialistic pursuits, and establish a just and equitable order in society. 

Imam Hussain wrote a will and handed it over to his brother Muhammad Hanafiyyah. The will read, ‘’I have not risen against Yazid in order to create corruption or discord, nor to elevate myself in the eyes of the people, nor to oppress.’’ Innama kharajtu litalabil islahi fi ummati jaddi wa abi’’ I have only risen to rectify, to reform the affairs of the Ummah of my grandfather and of my father. ‘’Uridu ‘an aamura bil ma’ruf wa anha ‘anil munkar.’’ I want to invite people towards good and forbid them from evil.’’ 

Yazid the oppressive ruler openly indulged in sinful activities like drinking, womanizing, terrorizing /killing innocent people, making fun of scholars etc & yet claimed to be rightful successor /leader of Islam & the Muslim ummah. The silent majority scared and terrified by the overflowing military might and power, did nothing about this. 

Yazid demanded that Imam Hussain (as) pay allegiance (bay'aa) to him. When asked to give bay’aa to Yazid, Imam Hussain said, ‘’ We are the household of the prophet hood, the source of messengership, the descending place of the angels, through us Allah had begun showering His favours, whereas Yazid is a sinful person, a drunkard, the killer of innocent people and one who openly indulges in sinful acts. ‘Mithli la yubayi’u mithlah’. A person like me can never do bay’aa(pay allegiance) to a person like him (Yazid). I look upon death as but the felicity of martyrdom and I regard life among oppressors and transgressors as nothing but agony and torture. By God I will never give you my hand like a man who has been defeated; nor will I flee like a slave.’’

He rejected the rule of a man who was generally agreed not to have been fit to rule. In this sense he was a revolutionary, as indeed he is now regarded by contemporary writers.

EFFECTS 

The event is of great significance because of what this martyrdom meant for the religion of Islam in exposing the wrong and upholding the right through the sharp contrast between him and his followers on the one hand and his antagonists on the other.

Mahatma Gandhi in 1924 writing in ‘Young India’’ about the battle of Karbala said among other things ‘’ I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind….the utter self-effacement of Hussain, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission to save Islam.’’

The Martyrdom has also prompted a vast body of literature in a multitude of languages all over the world, a phenomenon that continues to this day. Outstanding examples of this are the elegies written by Mir Anis, one of which holds the world record for the longest verse for the past two centuries. 

The largest gathering on the face of the earth since time began now occurs in Karbala in Iraq on Arbaeen ( 20 safar) where over 10 million pilgrims visit the shrine. 

Imam Hussain embodied in himself magnificent qualities - wisdom, knowledge, leadership, patience, humility, forbearance and total submission to the Almighty, to name a few - and his life is a source of inspiration and a role model for all generations to condemn all forms of oppression & Injustice.


Source: www.duas.org

HUSSAIN, THE UNIVERSAL LEADER

It is in the very nature of great reformers that they belong to everybody, everywhere.

Hussain’s noble deed is so relevant to the entire human race that I am sure there is a far bigger audience waiting for him somewhere than the one he already has. All that is required is to draw people’s attention.

Contemporary society, irrespective of race and religion, would do well to have a closer look at the Hero of Kerbala as his message transcends the barriers of caste creed, race and religion. Advocates of human rights, sociologists, reformers, theologians, all included, will find “delightful wisdom, sweet instructions, and a meaning suited to their mind”, in his story. His message is certainly not an exclusive preserve of any particular group. It embraces the entire human race. It was not a power struggle. Hussain persistently and explicitly expounded;what matters to me is to “correct not conquer” – An affirmation that he would die in the firm belief that a despot’s idiosyncrasies could never be an effective instrument of religious policies.

Yazid became too big for his boots and assumed the characteristics of a despot who, almost as a condition of his position, made boastful and frivolous claims that he alone could lead the nation

Hussain was, however, committed to redeeming Islam and maintaining the faith intact.

He hoped that matters would improve and kept a low profile to preserve amity. He had a clear choice: stand aside and let Yazid act according to his whims; (and thus join in and implicitly justify his abominable escapades) or counter his devious bluster. Hussain had to decide: to take the situation in its stride as a price worth paying for the “status quo”; or view it as an ominous foretaste of the consequences of the extensive damage done by the far-reaching anti-Islamic activities of Yazid, the mammon of unrighteousness, whose lust for power prompted him to beat the nation into the mould he favoured. He and his profane crew conspired to scuttle the ship of Islam by worse than heinous deeds, violating the aims for which Islam was born.

Hussain had no desire to live under such a corrupt Caliph. He wanted to act as quietly and as “spontaneously” as possible so as to limit the possibilities of an open clash with the Caliph. But Yazid bargained hard. Hussain could not take his effervescent nonsense perpetually and did what was right.

If the moral standards of human behaviour were as high as they were in the person of Hussain the world would be a better place to live in, is the obvious inference. His incredible cool and superhuman moral courage to achieve his mission stirs our deepest emotions. His exemplary conduct, throughout, and adorable conscience tore Yazid’s monstrous designs to shreds.

The virtuous people will continue to do their duty to maintain righteousness in this world and in this they are entitled to universal recognition and support.

Hussain’s acceptance of persecution in the cause of humanity was most convincing and moving proof of God’s immanence in men. He was a man par excellence who maintained the highest standards set by the martyrs and heroes of all ages. With a courage that was more than human he managed to leave a message for the entire world, “Do not submit to exploitation, of any kind; maintain a tenacious grip on veracity; better die with honour than live in shame”. He surely deserves universal recognition. “He is an immortal heir of universal praise”. More than Fourteen hundred years have passed but the memory of that adorable hero, who resolutely faced the soul-searching trials and tribulations, has not diminished. On the contrary, it has grown in intensity.

Imbued with exemplary fortitude, moral fibre and aplomb, Hussain has emerged as the most revered and meritorious martyr the world has produced, who established the highest standards of excellence of which humanity prides itself.

Shaheed Murtadha Mutahhari

Source: IBNTV

HUSSEIN: SYMBOL OF LOVE AND SACRIFICE

It is usually thought that Islam views God as a heartless Ruler of the world, an angry Judge, and a wrathful Lord who is looking meticulously for a wrongdoer to punish them. For those who have thoughtfully read the Quran only once in their lifetime it is very easy to discard this view beyond any doubt.

However, for those who have not carefully read the Quran, or do not have the necessary means and knowledge to analyse its verses, there stands, in the living memory of the history, an episode which, very clearly, epitomizes the notion of love between the creator and the created, and the sacrifice and suffering that could be endured readily and contentedly by a human being for the sake of the beloved God.

This episode is the event in which Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet of Islam, offered not only his soul and his flesh to the Lord, but that of his sons, his nephews his cousins and his closest friends, and bore the grief of the foreseeable capture of his wife, his daughters and his sisters. This happened on the 10th day of Muharram in a land called Karbala in the year 682 AD.

As the grandson of the Prophet and someone who was very much adored by him, Hussain could have lived a very comfortable and well-heeled life after his grandfather, much honoured and revered by his contemporaries. However, he was devoted to the cause of the Lord, concerned about the guidance that was revealed to his grandfather and eager to make sure that the path of love towards God was not obstructed by voracious, materialistic type of people who had joined Islam only to fulfil their mean and mere worldly ambitions.

And he did well. On one single day he demonstrated a degree of love and sacrifice towards the Lord that could hardly be paralleled by any similar incident in the history of mankind. He loudly cried his dissatisfaction of what was going on in the name of the Lord and with recourse to the authority of his grandfather;a cry that can be heard even today through the long stretched tunnel of history.

Hussain used to say in his supplications:

“My Lord! You are the One who removes all others from the heart of those whom You love, in a manner that they do not love but You, and do not seek refuge from anyone but from you; You are their intimate company when the trials of the world frightens them. My Lord! Those who have lost You, what do they find, and those who have found You, what do they lose?”

Hussain had nothing to loose since he had found a Love that gives life to everything.

By Sheikh Muhammad Saeed Bahmanpour

Source : ibntv

STATUS OF WOMEN AND FAMILY IN THE OPINION OF IMAM ALI (PBUH)

Woman is a delicate creature with strong emotions who has been created by the Almighty God to shoulder responsibility for educating society and moving toward perfection. God created woman as symbol of His own beauty and to give solace to her partner and her family.

Women’s status in Imam Ali’s (AS) opinion

Due to high importance that Islam attaches to women, there are many recommendations about venerating and respecting women and being kind to them. Islam lauds women and Imam Ali (AS) has quoted Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) as saying that “Nobody respects women but those who are dignified and generous and nobody insults them but those who are mean and contemptible.” In another tradition, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) appreciates a mother noting, “The entire respect that a child has for his/her mother would not be equal to one day of suffering that she has underwent to bring him/her to this world.”

In pre-Islamic Arab society, people considered no value for women and girls and some tribes even went as far as burying their female infants alive. However, after the advent of Islam, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) did his best to change women’s status and promote new attitudes toward women. Every time that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) saw his daughter, Fatemeh (AS), he greatly respected her and kissed her brow. Basically, respect for women is prominent in traditions as well as the conduct of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and his progeny. Ali (AS) has been quoted as saying, “Girl is good deed and boy is bounty. Good deeds are rewarded while people are held accountable for bounties.” He has also been quoted as saying that “He who has a daughter will avail of blessing and forgiveness of God.”

A major issue which has been addressed by leaders of Islam is to keep women out of the way of harm, both physical and psychological. In our time, inattention to this issue has caused many women to fall victims to moral and sexual assaults. Anthony Giddens, a Western sociologist, has noted that sexual abuse of women has become ordinary in the West and it also includes working women.

A British journalist has noted that violence against women is escalating in the United States, adding, “Every day a number of women fall victims to violence of their husband or friends and are killed. The violence has dramatically increased after terror attacks of 9/11. It may look strange for a society like the United States, but this is a reality that women continue to be victims of violence as well as moral and administrative corruption or are abused in many ways.”

Imam Ali (AS) enumerates ways to prevent physical as well as psychological damage to women and notes that women can take part in economic, political and social activities while behaving in such a way as to keep off offenders. Imam Ali (AS) advises women to cover their bodies properly when they get out of their homes to shoulder social responsibilities or attend public places.

Although chastity is good for everybody, it is even better for women.

Therefore, Imam Ali (AS) has noted in Epigram 474 of Nahj-ul-Balagha, “The reward given to a combatant killed for the cause of God would not be bigger than the reward of a chaste person who is able to do sin, but stays away from it. Verily, a chaste person is an angel among angels of God.” Today, women in many parts of the world guard their human status in proper ways.

Nadia is older daughter of a British – Asian family who is studying medicine. She has chosen Islamic code of dress and says, “As a woman, I want to remain chaste and modest. Observing hijab (Islamic dress) will protect me against social harm.” She adds, “I am honored to have Imam Ali (AS) and Fatemeh (AS) as my role models.”

Imam Ali (AS) has considered modesty, caution and being calculating as major characteristics of any Muslim woman. It seems that women should be both modest and firm in social encounters because this would prevent evil men to harm them. Imam Ali (AS) has also noted that women should be wise in social interactions to prevent others from exploiting them and look at them as a consumer commodity. Imam Ali (AS) has opined that a Muslim woman should be calculating and protect honor and property of their spouses. Therefore, if a woman is modest, calculating and cautious, she would be able to take constructive and effective steps.

Woman’s status in family

Marriage and family formation is among basic needs of all human beings which will help them prosper. Undoubtedly, relations among family members are important and leave their mark on the society. At present, Western thinkers are concerned about collapse of family institution and growing number of single parent families and are trying to find solutions for this problem. An American researcher has noted that modern families which are not the result of legal marriage lack good resources for upbringing of their children and cannot help shape moral conscience of their offspring. He says that such families are doomed to collapse. Today, 22 percent of children are born out of wedlock, while the figure was only 11 percent in 1970. Therefore the situation is alarming.

Islam attaches great significance to family institution. Men and women are supposed to do their part in social, religious and educational system of families. Imam Ali (AS) has noted that “woman oversees domestic as well as her husband’s affairs.” 

Through good supervision over family, a woman can create a warm and understanding atmosphere and lay suitable grounds for a healthy, vivid and successful family life.

Imam Ali (AS) did his best to make women understand true value of women and know that they need attention and kindness more than anything else and do not deserve to be treated harshly and violently. Imam Ali (AS) has been quoted as saying, “God will not accept prayer and good deeds of a man who harasses his wife and he is among the first people to enter the Hell.”

Imam Ali (AS) has also noted, “every man who is unfair to his family cannot be hoped to do good to others.” In other words, such a person would not be qualified to undertake social responsibilities and cannot even be trusted to manage a family life. Since women are susceptible to emotional upheavals, they should be able to rely on their spouses in such times. At the same time, a woman should give solace and comfort to her man.

Most family problems are due to trouble caused by one of the spouses. Sometimes domestic problems are a result of quibbling over trivial matters or illogical demands on the part of wife or man. Imam Ali (AS) maintains that such demands are detrimental to the marital life and calls on both men and women to love each other and do not ask for something that would end in resentment. During nine years of his marital life with Fatemeh (AS), Imam Ali (AS) had a warm and affectionate relationship to his wife. When he was asked about their marital life, Imam Ali (AS) said, “I bring God as witness that I never made Fatemeh (AS) angry and never made her do anything. Fatemeh (AS) was also like that and she never made me angry and never disobeyed me.”

Since the main goal of marriage is to attain peace of mind and produce offspring, criteria used for choosing one’s spouse should be such that they would guarantee establishment of a lasting family relationship. Imam Ali (AS) has frequently explained about suitable criteria for marriage. One of those criteria is that man and woman who are intent to marry should be similar in social status and rank. They should understand each other and have common ideals and ideas as much as possible so as to supplement each other.

He has advised both men and women to choose a spouse that would match them in status. From the viewpoint of Islam, similar status, religion, culture, and personal characteristics constitute major factors which will cement a marital relationship. Apparent feathers such as intelligence and age may be also taken as additional criteria.

Therefore, to prevent future problems, men and women should pay due attention to each other’s characteristics and select a spouse which matches them more closely. It is through correct selection that one can provide his/her spouse and children with a calm, healthy and productive home environment.

Source: Iran Review

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND JESSICA BIEL SPEND THEIR HONEYMOON IN TANZANIA

TANZANIA is becoming an increasingly popular destination for world's top celebrities following the arrival in the country of a new couple Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel for honeymoon.

The newlyweds opted to honeymoon among Tanzanian wildlife as the loved-up pair were seen arriving at the Kilimanjaro International airport two days after their nuptials.Justin and Jessica had tied the knot in a romantic week-long extravaganza at the Borgo Egnaza resort in Southern Italy two weeks ago.

Newly-released shots show the blissed-out couple exiting their private plane and boarding a helicopter to the reserve of Singita Grumeti in the world-famous Serengeti Park.Landing in the Sasakwa landing strip on October 21, Jessica covered her famous face with a white cloche hat.The 30-year-old bride also wore a white tank top under a grey cardigan, white trousers, and sensible flats.

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old groom was seen in a hat with matching khakis and a black T-shirt.Justin and Jessica reportedly stayed at the luxurious Sasakwa Lodge. According to the resort's website, each air-conditioned cottage has a heated infinity-edge pool overlooking 'where the land stretches forever'.

The lovebirds are believed to have enjoyed adventurous game drives with professional guides and a picturesque hot air balloon safari across the sprawling plains of the Serengeti.The posh resort also offers activities such as horseback riding, archery, lawn croquet, mountain biking, yoga and tennis.

Five days later, the famous couple reportedly continued their celebration at the riverside Faru-Faru Lodges in the same 350,000-acre preserve before leaving October 30 by helicopter, then boarded a private plane destined for yet another exotic location.Tanzania seems to be one of Biel's favourite tour destinations. She visited Tanzania back in 2010 when she scaled the 19,341 peak of Mount Kilimanjaro after a week-long charity climb alongside Emile Hirsch, Isabel Lucas, Santigold, and Lupe Fiasco for the global clean water crisis.

It's the first marriage for the twosome, who were engaged for 10 months after Justin proposed to Jessica in Big Sky, Montana with a custom-designed ring last December.Celebrity guests of the destination wedding included SNL's Andy Samberg, music producer Timberland and Jessica's 7th Heaven co-star Beverly Mitchell.

It was estimated that the week-long celebrations might have cost the on/off couple, who dated for five years, $10 million.And as Jessica walked down the aisle in her custom pink Giambattista Valli gown, Justin serenaded her with a new original song.'I figured if there was something I was going to be able to offer, it would be to sing her down the aisle,' the crooner told Hello! magazine.

'Grown men were weeping. Hopefully it's because I didn't sound bad.'One celebrity guest who admittedly weeped at their Italian ceremony was talk show host Jimmy Fallon.'It was just insane. Everything was just beautiful. It was really, really a beautiful night, the perfect temperature,' the funnyman revealed on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live.

NO BAIL FOR SHEIKH PONDA

A supporter warns a colleague over exchange of words with a riot commander at the court yesterday.

Investigation into the case facing Sheikh Issa Ponda and others has been completed, the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court was informed by the prosecution yesterday.

Ponda (54) and 49 others are prime suspects in five criminal counts including stealing of property worth up to 59m/- and inciting the commission of an offence.

The case was brought up for mention yesterday with the prosecution led by principal state Attorney Tumaini Kweka informing the court that the investigations into the case are complete and requested the court for a preliminary hearing date.

Resident Magistrate Victoria Nongwa setting the bail, instructed the accused to present one surety each to sign a bond of one million shillings while a second condition was that the accused not visit the crime scene until judgment is passed. 

The bail privilege was however not extended to Ponda while the other accused failed to meet the terms and were remanded in custody. Ponda was denied bail because apparently the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) filed a ‘certificate of urgency’ to expedite the proceedings, which the court has no power to overturn.

The accused appeared at the Kisutu magistrate court ground around 7:00 in the morning under heavy guard. The court house perimeter was ringed with prison cars packed with fully armed askaris. 

On top of that, there was foot patrol police, horse riot police, the Field Force Unit (FFU) as well as plain cloth policemen. 

Apart from journalists, who were screened through metal detectors, the proceedings were behind closed doors and security cameras were installed to keep an extra eye on the numerous onlookers. Only other persons allowed into the court premises were the employees. All proceedings were supervised by government security officers.

Background on the Ponda case has it that, in Dar es Salaam, on October 12th last month, the 50 accused did willingly and in good conscious, conspire to commit offences contrary to section 386 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).

They are also accused of, in a violent manner, trespassing the land that is the lawful property of the Agritanza Company this contrary to section 86 and 35 of the CPA cap 16 revised 2002. The case was adjourned until November 15th this year, when it comes up for preliminary hearing.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

OVER 300 MUSLIMS KILLED IN RECENT ATTACKS IN MYANMAR: MUSLIM LEADER

File photo shows Rohingya Muslims inside the Bawdupha internally displaced persons camp on the outskirts of Sittwe, capital of Myanmar's western Rakhine state, on October 30, 2012.

Over 300 Muslims have been killed in recent attacks by Buddhist extremists in Myanmar as a new wave of ethnic and sectarian violence has targeted Rohingya Muslims in the country, Press TV reports.

A Muslim community leader told Press TV on Tuesday that at least 50,000 Rohingyas have been displaced in the fresh round of violence in the country’s western regions. 

Authorities said on Monday that 88 people were killed this month. 

"Altogether 49 men and 39 women have been killed," a government official -- who did not want to be named -- told AFP, bringing the total death toll since June to about 180. 

"About 300 houses were burnt down in Pauktaw town on Sunday but there were no casualties in that incident," the official added. 

However, rights groups fear that the actual death toll could be much higher. 

Earlier on Tuesday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that there is a shortage of food, water and medical help at the already overcrowded camps in western Myanmar. 

"It is clearly urgent that law and order be restored to prevent further violence, and that access is facilitated so that aid can be provided to those in need," the agency said in a statement. 

The statement also said that over 28,000 people have been forced to escape from their homes this month as a result of escalating sectarian violence in the country. 

Thousands of mainly Muslim Rohingyas in Rakhine state have sought shelter in the UN camps already struggling to cope with the 75,000 people displaced by earlier violence sparked in June.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have issued separate statements, calling for Myanmar to take action to protect the Rohingya Muslim population against extremist Buddhists. 

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has called on the international community to step in and ease the suffering of Rohingya Muslims in the country. 

Myanmar’s government has already been under fire for not doing enough to contain the deadly unrest. 

The government in Myanmar refuses to recognize Rohingyas as citizens and holds that the only solution to the crisis is to send the one-million-strong community to other countries willing to take them. 

Rohingyas are said to be Muslim descendants of Persian, Turkish, Bengali, and Pathan origin, who migrated to Myanmar as early as the 8th century.

Source : Presstv

IRANIAN RED CRESCENT SOCIETY OFFERS AID FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS IN US

The view of the Hurricane Sandy damage over the Atlantic Coast from a helicopter in New Jersey, the US, October 31, 2012.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has offered humanitarian aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy, which recently wreaked havoc in the northeast of the United States.

In a message to the American Red Cross on Wednesday, the IRCS expressed its condolences to the American people and the families of the victims. 

The Iranian Red Crescent Society also voiced its full readiness to dispatch humanitarian aid to the disaster-hit areas.

Hurricane Sandy, the most devastating storm to hit the United States in decades, has killed at least 50 people in the country. 

Power cuts affecting millions, nearly 19,000 flight cancellations, over 100 leveled homes and widely disrupted subway rail systems were among the immediate aftereffects of the hurricane on the northeast of the US. 

On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama described the destruction and loss of lives as "heartbreaking for the nation" and warned of further damage yet to come. 

At least 17 states have suffered severe damages from the storm. The estimated property and business losses have been put at USD 20 billion and USD 10 to 30 billion respectively, making it one of the costliest natural disasters on record in America, according to the IHS Global Insight, a forecasting firm.

FACEBOOK MORE ADDICTIVE THAN SEX

Facebook and email trump sex in terms of sheer irresistibility, researchers say.

The German study used smartphone-based surveys to probe the daily desires of 205 men and women, most of whom were college age.

For one week the phones, provided by the researchers, buzzed seven times daily, alerting study subjects to take a quick survey on the type, strength and timing of their desires, as well as their ability to resist them.

The study found that while the desire for sex was stronger, the study subjects were more likely to cave into the desire to use media, including email and social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

“Media desires, such as social networking, checking emails, surfing the Web or watching television might be hard to resist in light of the constant availability, huge appeal, and apparent low costs of these activities,” ABC News quoted study author Wilhelm Hofmann from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business as saying.

The urge to check social media was so strong that subjects gave in up to 42 percent of the time.

One explanation is that it’s much more convenient to check email or Facebook than it is to have sex.