General Issues / Questions

Peace O you who believe, your love for the prophet and the love for your parents are tools of affliction used by the devil. You shall avoid him so that you may be successful. The devil only wants to cause strife between you through this love you have for the prophet and the love for your parents, and to repel you away from remembering God and from the assembly. Will you be deterred? P.S. In the revelation sent to prophet Muhammad it says "intoxicants, and gambling, and altars, and arrows of chance" instead of the bold in the first part / and "intoxicants and gambling" instead of the bold in the second part. I know, they're not the same ('intoxicants etc.' and 'the love for...'), but I'm not talking about the harms or benefits of alcohol etc. But just pointing out to you guys that these verses do NOT prohibit alcohol. Although "affliction" isn't really appropriate in this context, I believe it's clear enough that alcohol is just THE TOOL, like anything else can be used as a tool by the devil; and it's THE DEVIL that should be avoided! (READ Layth's posts on the "Alcohol and Gambling" topic). Wilson

Layth,or any one whom can anwerI have some questions..First of all,How do I eliminate all accounts which are under various e-mail addresses on my p.c?I have 3 accounts to this forum,which all stem from the other day,I have the name "Frank" and of course My brother entered this forum on my pc under the "Muhammad wahhab name and then there is this "one and only Frank" name,I would like to re-enter as simply "Frank' however,I am not sure how to do so because I do not know which E-mail address/password is connected to that name (lol,Yea I m confused].Or UI would like to maybe delete all my names and come back under My "Muslim name" for Frank is actually my birth name.So,What do I do..Also,I was wondering,I have toned down just a weee little bit so as not to be booted out this group,for I find there to be interesting conversation here,owever,I was wodering,is it ok to say things like"Man your hippy" and harmless things such as that as long as profanity or threats are not used?

Peace, I am finding the book an interesting read and enlightening experience. There are going to be many matters that will need verification and GOD Alone can be our helper. One issue I came across is relating to the fast, the book claims that the fast should continue until nighttime, this needs more clarification. I am wondering whether or not the following verse been considered in coming to a conclusion And a sign for them is the night, We remove the daylight from it, whereupon they are in darkness Hence, there is still "light" in "night". Hence the traditional view may not be faulty for the ending of fast after all. What do others think?

Peace, All that one must know about the life of the prophet is in the reading 'alquran'. In each history there is a lesson for us and does not need any amendment because each verse is perfect in the style and the meaning A.L.R., a Scripture whose verses were made firm, then detailed from One who is Wise, Expert. We have in the history of the cow an excellent lesson to submit ourself to the commands of God because they are clear and precise and do not need any other details apart from the reading 'alquran'. to seek other details in others sources or to say this reading isn't fully detailed = to doubt the word of God and to behave like people of the cow The messenger believes in what was sent down to him from his Lord. And the believers, all who believe in God, and His angels, and His Scriptures, and His messengers ?We do not differentiate between any of His messengers?; and they said ?We hear and obey, forgive us O Lord, and to you is our destiny.? God does not burden a soul beyond its means. For it is what it earns, and against it is what it earns. ?Our Lord, do not mind us if we forget or make mistakes; our Lord, do not place a burden upon us as You have placed upon those before us; our Lord, do not place upon us what we cannot bare; pardon us, and forgive us, and have mercy on us; You are our patron, grant us victory over the disbelieving people.? Salam Marie

I came across a post by Layth and would like to know why such postings are tolerated here. I would also like to know if this person was banned and if not why not? I support the armed resistance against occupiers wherever and whoevere they may be. Iraqis and Afghanis and any occupied people should take-up arms and fight until they are "free" and the occupiers are all gone. This is the only language occupiers undersand. This Layth person is talking about killing americans and UN peace keepers. What I want to know is, was he banned or is the advocation of violence the norm of this forum. Another quote from that same person I am pleased that the Iraqis are smart enough to know an occupation when they see one and that more and more young brave men and women are joining the armed resistance to drive the invaders out. What do others on this forum think about advocating and promoting violence.

I was just browsing,and seen the whole Christmas debate,and of course,I just had to add my opinion.Dhulqarnain is of course correct about Christmas.And also -Birth days,Easter,Halloween,etc,are all in-appropiate holidaysfor the believers to aknowledge and celebrate ,because of the fact that they are all based on false beliefs,and all of them ,as we know them today,are full of various pagan customs and superstitions.Christmas,being the worse.Right down to the mistle toe and the wreaths people hang on their doors-interesting- it is . Read the World Encyclopedia of relgion or even a regular encyclopedia.)salaam

Salam everyone, I wonder what you guys think of women leading prayers. I have recently been to a Queer Muslim conference in Los Angeles, and there were times when women led prayers, women and men mingled in prayer and women prayed without hijab. I was surprised to find that some "progressive" Muslims objected to these roll So I want to hear what people here think... ) Afdhere

This is my last post,and While I do not agree with the total abandonment of the sunnah, if you must continue,I hope that you leave your personal desires out of mind when interpretating the Quran,for the Shaytan creates within you false desires ,so that He may lead you astrayThings which are clear,follow them,and try not to read into them things that are not there in order to justify your deviant practices or activities-Whenever you do so you may also mis-lead others whom are New Muslims or Non -muslims,(whom are lacking in knowledge)into thinking it is permissible to engage in practices and activities which are harmful- For example,This issue as to whether or not alcohol is haraam or halal,Which position do you honestly think the Shaytan wishes for you to choose?Speak truthfully when asking your self this questionWould the shaytan,the Rejected and accursed one,The Chief Deceiver,Prefer that I stay sober?Or would He rather that I drink and /or use drugs?I think the answer is pretty clear ,how about you?

Lol,I like this forum,I've got a few days off here and had actually intended to just log on for a minute and leave,and found my self glued for a good while today,for there is so much to debate,so much to challenge in here-Salaams

On verse 443 and 56 God say "....And if you are ill or traveling or one of you has excretion or you had sexual contact with the women and could not find water then you shall make abulation with clean soil...". Is this mean that we have to perform the obulation when we are (1) ill, (2) traveling, (3) has excretion or (4) had sexual contact? I do not know Arabic language but when I read it in English It sound like the above even if I read the tranlation from Yussof Ali.

Reviewing a vast array of research studies across the world, American psychologist Tim Kasser of Knox College, reports "Existing scientific research on the value of materialism yields clear and consistent findings. People who are highly focused on materialistic values have lower personal well-being and psychological health than those who believe that materialistic pursuits are relatively unimportant. These relationships have been documented in samples of people ranging from the wealthy to the poor, from teenagers to the elderly, and from Australians to South Koreans." (Kasser, The High Price Of Materialism, MIT Press, 2002, p.22) Kasser adds "Almost everyone believes that getting what you want makes you feel good about yourself and your life. Common wisdom, as well as many psychological theories, says that if we reach our goals, our self-esteem and satisfaction with life should consequently rise..." However "people who are wildly successful in their attempts to attain money and status often remain unfulfiled once they have reached their goal." (p.42) Martin Seligman, Professor of Psychology at Pennsylvania University adds "In the laboratory, children and adults who are made happy display more empathy and are willing to donate more money to others in need. When we are happy, we are less self-focused, we like others more, and we want to share our good fortune even with strangers. When we are down, though, we become distrustful, turn inward, and focus defensively on our own needs. Looking out for number one is more characteristic of sadness than of well-being." (Seligman, Authentic Happiness, Nicholas Brealey, 2002, p.43) Who says now, that Islam is not the truth?

Salaamun to All Rabbi Urges Pig Fat on Buses to Stop Bombers JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A prominent Israeli rabbi has proposed hanging bags of pig fat in buses to deter Muslim suicide bombers who may want to avoid contact with an "unclean" animal, an Israeli official said on Thursday. The idea -- suggested by Rabbi Eliezer Fisher, a rabbinical judge, in a letter to police -- signaled the extremes to which some Israelis may be willing to go to stop Palestinian bombers who have killed hundreds of Israelis in recent years. Judaism, like Islam, considers pigs unclean. But the ultra-Orthodox rabbi has ruled that special dispensation can be given for placing bags of lard in buses and public places in an effort to prevent attacks. Police had no immediate comment on the proposal. Asked about the deterrent capability of pig fat on Israeli buses, Palestinian sources called it an exercise in futility. Islamic militants are told by those who send them on bombing missions that their souls enter Paradise instantly after they explode despite any contamination or defilement of their bodies. "It's not a problem if it saves lives," Israeli Deputy Public Security Minister Yaakov Edri said, referring to the breaking of Jewish religious law. "I personally support it," Edri told Reuters. "If it can deter even one suicide bomber -- then wonderful. Security authorities must consider it." An article on the rabbi's proposal published on the Web site of the Israeli newspaper Maariv drew dozens of e-mail responses from readers ranging from incredulous to complimentary. LOL! What the Rabbi, obviously isn't aware, because he is as superstitious as most Muslims is, Allah, has only forbidden the ingestion of pork . Allah, has made no mention that wearing pig products or having one as a pet or sitting next to one etc., is haram. What are your thoughts.

Salaamun alaikum Layth, Just went through your translation and find a bit of an inconsistency. In 3/96, you didn't translate bakka although Goinsy already gave us a myriad of meanings. However, in 48/24, you translated makka as 'opposition'. Is there any reason for this , if I may ask ? thanks and salaam

Peace and Blessings Dear Brothers & Sisters, An issue has perplexed my mind for some time now and I would like to seek your thoughts and reflections Koran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed over a span of 23 years. It is claimed that not a word of this glorious book has been changed. It is also claimed that these revelations were written on stones and bones and parchments as they were being revealed. We know that these revelations from Allah did not transpire 24/7 for 23-years. Prophet Mohammed was a human who conducted his life also as a leader, merchant, husband, father, etc and not just a prophet and a messenger. How did one at that time separate Allah's genuine revelations from Prophet's routine conversations to record/write what is in the Koran? How did the recorders know what was a wahi and what was his personal comment? An Inquiring Mind Wanna Know )- Sleepless In Seattle

Islam is a belief system that requires a code of conduct to be followed by irs believers. The code of conduct, if followed, develops the potentialities of human self (nafs). 1+ nafs are required for development. 1+ nafs are available on this forum. Questions to you all What code of conducts should be applied by the willing members of this community as prescribed by Islam? Not all unjunctions can be applied and enforced. E.g, we do not need to enforce injunctions related to slavery. We also cannot ENFORCE injunctions related to adultery ( I have no way of knowing if someone commits it). Yet, we can apply salaat, even zakat and even hajj within the members here. Any thoughts?

Peace All, Here is the link to the 2nd ProgressiveMuslims.Org book that is being planned (save first, then open) http//www.free-minds.org/Final_Edited_Manuscript.zip Here is an excerpt SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS Preface Why Do Muslims Lose? The Enemy Within! Obey God And Obey The Messenger Is This Islam!?!? Do We Follow Religion? The Function Of Salat Pilgrimage - The Lost Legacy Of Abraham Calendar System In The Quran Economic System a. Value Of Money b. Interest c. Financial Institutions d. Land Ownership Environmental Protection Warfare In The Quran Social Responsibility a. Etiquette b. Jihad/Striving c. Slaves And Concubines! d. Dress Code For Women Civil Laws a. Marriage b. Family Responsibility c. Orphans d. Divorce Procedures e. Husband/Wife Disputes f. Adopted Children g. Child Custody h. Death And Burial i. Inheritance Rights Commercial Laws a. Breach Of Contract b. Drug/Alcohol c. Plagiarism d. Property Disputes e. Property Damage f. Financial Interest g. Borrowing Laws h. Insolvency Criminal Laws a. Murder/Violence b. Accidental Death c. Suicide d. Abortion e. Rebellion/Spying/Espionage f. Slavery g. Indecent Exposure/Pornography h. Adultery i. Accusations Of Adultery By Husband j. Sexual Molestation/Rape k. Homosexuality l. Theft/Financial Fraud m. Bribery n. Disturbing The Peace o. Negligence And Impeachment Structure Of Government a. Sample Constitution What Next? Preface Are you a Muslim? If so, are you content with the state of Muslims in the world today? Do you wonder why it is that although the Muslims are sitting atop most of the world?s natural resources, they are among the poorest and most backward of nations? Do you ever wonder what has happened to the people who once led the world in arts, science, architecture, medicine, and, above all else, justice? Where are the people who constructed great libraries and developed works of literature? Where are the people whose example was considered a role model for humanity? Where are the descendants of Ibn Rushd, Al-Khawarizmi, Ibn Sina, and Salah El-Din? What has caused us to reach this state where we are failing at every turn, unable to stand for our rights, unable to defend our lands, unable to protect our children, and unable to look forward to the future? Have we broken God?s covenant without even realizing? ?As for those who break the pledge of God after making its covenant, and they sever what God ordered that it be delivered, and they corrupt in the earth; to those is a curse and they will have a miserable abode.? (Quran 1325) The Iranian Experiment In 1979, the Shia experimented with the idea of an Islamic republic under the directives and leadership of the late Ayotallah Khomayni. Khomayni?s government structure was that a group of the most learned clerics should use their study and knowledge of the Quran, the Sunnah, and the Hadith to make executive decisions and to veto or pass laws. The Islamic state would have laws written by a parliament elected in multi-party elections around the country. This parliament would be made up of people from all walks of life, would be managed by a prime minister representing the majority party, and would be responsible for passing laws and budgets. There is an executive branch represented by a president. But exercising power over the parliament and the president would be a guardian council, made up of the most learned and intelligent clerics. This guardian council would use the judicial principles of fiqh to determine whether laws accord with Islam or are non-Islamic, whether certain measures (such as land reform) are properly Islamic or not. In addition, fiqh courts would replace all secular courts, and these fiqh courts, typically independent and decentralized, would all be organized under a supreme court, which would, like the courts, be a fiqh court. This judiciary, too, would be ultimately subject to the guardian council. In post-revolutionary Iran, the Khomayni himself headed the guardian council before his death. The end result was a government that was enveloped in long bureaucratic and theological debates, yet little movement forward towards the betterment of people?s lives. What also occurred was an increase in restrictions on the Iranian people who were expected to dress and behave in conformity with the guardian council?s view of morality. The Iranian model was not duplicated in any other region as the merits with basing all power in a religious council was shown to be problematic and insufficient to meeting the dynamic needs of the people and the state. The Afghan Experiment In 1996, the Sunni Taliban emerged as the viable political power in Afghanistan feeding dreams that an Islamic utopia could be established. The Taliban established themselves under the strict principles of Shariah law, whereby their judges would rule in accordance with the Quran, Sunnah, and opinions of the learned scholars. The Taliban model was a simple pyramid structure where all legislative and executive power rested with the Amir Ul-Mumineen, who was in this case the a man known by the name ?Mulla Omar.? The Taliban government structure severely restricted people?s lives, and women suffered the most as they were forbidden from attending school or working outside their homes, and publicly beaten if they were improperly dressed or escorted by men not related to them. The Taliban also made murder, adultery, and drug dealing punishable by death and made theft punishable by amputation of the hand. Men were required to grow their beards in emulation of the beloved Prophet Mohammed and women were required to be covered from head to toe. The media frenzy over the Taliban?s backward ways was highlighted in early 2001 during the destruction of a 2,000-year-old, giant Buddha statue, which the Taliban claimed was in opposition to Shariah and represented a form of idolatry. The end of the Taliban came as violently as they had emerged with a massive attack in late 2001 by the United States that decimated the in place government and its forces in a matter of days and left the Islamic world in recoil from the body blow suffered by the Sunni model. The Alternatives Below are some other alternatives that we have seen the Muslim states embracing in their search for the best solution to their ills Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Gulf States chose to be monarchies with a king having absolute power and authority. Egypt, Syria, and Libya are all semi-monarchies, though they call their king a president/leader and give him authority for life. Turkey is secular, removing any trace of religion from its politics. Communism, Capitalism, Socialism, Arab Nationalism, and every other ?ism? has been tried and tested by the Muslims. None of the above systems has provided the solution for the woes and problems of the Muslims. In fact, most of these systems have only added to their detriment, and the clearest proof is where we are today and what lack of choice we have over our own destinies. Is There Hope? After witnessing the inability of all Islamic nations that have emerged thus far to stop the plight of Muslims, the burden now falls on us to secure our children?s future. The source for all our remedies and the answers to all our problems has always been at our fingertips, yet we have been too distracted to pay attention. Be warned that what you will read in this book will be disturbing to many, and that to find the answers we must face the truth about what we have become. ?The Natural Republic? that is described in this book and for which a constitution is provided does not exist anywhere at this moment in time except in the realms of wishful thinking. However, this does not have to be the case. If we are willing to put in some effort and sweat and tears, we could give our children and humanity in general a better world to live in. Perhaps, The Natural Republic may be a viable replacement to Saddam Hussein?s tyrannical Iraq? Or, it may be a solution to Afghanistan?s tribal problems? Or, could it be a solution for the Saudis or Egyptians growing dissatisfied with their current systems? All we know for sure is that we will not progress unless we are willing to take the initiative. ?That is because God was not to change any blessings He had given a people, except if they had changed what was in themselves. God is Hearer, Knowledgeable.? (Quran 853) This book is our initiative. What will yours be? Progressive Muslims www.ProgressiveMuslims.Org

Peace all, I am placing the English text for the Iraqi constution here for input/feedback/comments/ideas. I have sent a copy of this in Arabic to Dr. Mohammed Shahrour (Islamic writer), and Dr. Munther Al-Fadl (Iraqi lawer) for both feedback and endorcement. I believe what may work best is if this constitution is "endorced" by as many people as possible to get attention (we could do a petition like the one for Queen Rania). Anyway, I would like people to think out loud... CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ We, the people of Iraq, hereby enter into a covenant with God, to establish a republic to promote justice, fairness, equality, freedom, and the pursuit of security and happiness for all. (Quran 1690-91) ARTICLE I This constitution shall override and supersede any existing constitutions, legislations, or laws within the republic. The Quran shall be the basis for this republic and shall be the source for all its legislation and laws. This constitution shall take effect in all provinces and geographic areas currently known as ?Iraq? and which shall be defined by its mutually agreed borders. All people and entities within the republic are obligated to uphold and defend this constitution at all times. Baghdad shall be designated as the permanent capitol for the republic of Iraq. Arabic shall be the official language of the republic. Citizenship shall be granted by law to any person who is legally residing within the borders of the republic and applies for such citizenship. ARTICLE II Freedoms and rights are granted by this constitution to every person in the republic and may not be suspended, diluted, or obstructed. (Quran 1770) Freedom Of Speech All people have the right of free speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, the right to protest peacefully, the right to establish unions, and the right to establish political parties. (Quran 718-9) Freedom Of Faith All people have the right to believe in any faith or religion they may see fit. The freedom of faith includes the establishment of temples, mosques, synagogues, churches and any other constructs used for such purpose. (Quran 2256) Freedom Of Movement All people may travel freely throughout the public lands of the republic and exit its borders with no hindrance, restriction, or delay. Such right extends to include the movement of goods. (Quran 2956) Right To Privacy All people have the right to privacy against spying, trespassing, obtaining, and/or sharing private information. (Quran 3353, 4912) Right To Possess Wealth All people have the right to possess wealth, and/or land surfaces, and to engage in trade, development, and commerce. (Quran 314) Right To Welfare The republic is obligated to provide food and shelter and medical services to those in need. All people have the right to be granted security, education, and equal employment opportunities within the ability of the republic. (Quran 2126) Right To Equality All men and women are granted equal rights and opportunities irrespective of race, colour, faith, or any other discrimination. (Quran 4913) Right To Seek Justice All people and/or entities have the right to demand justice against any wrongdoing or crime that befalls them without obstruction or undue delay. (Quran 414 Right To Representation In Government All citizens have the right to petition their elected representative on the national council and seek solutions by such elected representative and/or the national council. (Quran 581) ARTICLE III The legislative powers of the republic shall be vested in a national council that shall be representative of the people and which shall conduct its business through the process of open discussion and consultation in all matters. Each national council member carries one-vote, and council decisions become law based on a 2/3 or more vote on specific issues. (Quran 423 National council members must be 40 years of age or older, and must be of sound mind and character. (Quran 4615, 4913) Each settlement with a population of 100,000 shall be eligible to elect one of its population as a representative for national council membership. Settlements with populations in multiples of 100,000 shall be eligible to have one representative elected for national council membership for each multiple. (Quran 37147-14 Settlements with populations below 100,000 shall have their number added to the settlement geographically nearest until the number reaches 100,000. Eligible voters shall be as those male and female citizens who have reached the age of eighteen or above. National council members are elected as those who achieve the highest number of votes from the settlement where they reside, on condition that they have resided there for a minimum period of three years. In cases where a tie vote has occurred between two or more national council member nominees, a run-off vote will be held between the tying members until the number of available council seats are filled. The total number of elected national council members should not fall below twelve representatives. Should it fall below twelve, then a multiple of each settlement elected national council member will be used to reach a minimum of twelve council members through elections. Elected national council members shall serve one term of four years per election beginning on the first day of the new moon after the autumn equinox. No national council member shall be eligible to be elected for a fourth term. New elections shall be concluded 90-days prior to the end of the existing national council members term of office to ensure smooth transition and handover of duties and responsibilities. In cases of death or resignation, a new national council member shall be elected from the same settlement to serve the remaining term of the departed national council member. The national council is granted the following powers The power to make laws in accordance with, and which must not add to, or change from, the laws stipulated in the Quran. (Quran 548-50) The power to make policies and strategies necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the republic. (Quran 459) The power to appropriate payment and compensation schemes for all levels of government, including the national council. (Quran 2826) The power to stipulate taxation for individuals and corporations, on condition that such taxation does not exceed 20 percent. (Quran 841) The power to establish the benchmark for weights, measures, time keeping, and minimum wages within the republic. (Quran 6152, 785) The power to coin money as legal tender, only if such money is coined in gold or silver or backed by gold or silver. (Quran 934) The power to borrow money, interest free, on behalf of and for the needs of the republic. (Quran 2282, 2275) The power to lease public lands for the purpose of development and betterment. (Quran 774) The power to preserve and protect wildlife and natural ecological balances. (Quran 51-2, 3041) The power to appropriate funds and approve spending budgets for the republic. (Quran 2195) The power to call for audits and/or checks on any branch or department of government. (Quran 1736) The power to enter into treaties and/or agreements with other nations/peoples. (Quran 872) The power to establish a military for land, sea, and air. (Quran 860) The power to establish a security force for the protection of people and their rights within the republic. (Quran 682) The power to end armed conflict in/or between foreign nations. (Quran 499-10) The power to aid and/or assist oppressed people in foreign nations, by granting them asylum and/or negotiating on their behalf, on condition that they have requested such help. (Quran 475, 872) The power to provide humanitarian aid and/or assistance for crisis relief of any foreign nation and/or people in need. (Quran 2177) The power to declare war and appropriate a war cabinet only if the republic is attacked or under an imminent and recognizable threat of attack. (2190-193) The power to call for a public militia to defend the republic. (Quran 865) All national council members shall assemble on the 15th day of each month for a period of three days to discuss legislation and/or appropriation and/or any matters that concern the well being of the republic and its citizens and/or pass laws. The national council may vote to shorten or extend its assembly on condition that the assembly does not fall below one full day and one gathering per quarter. The national council may also be called for assembly at any other time during the year at the request of at least six national council members. ARTICLE IV The executive powers of the republic shall be placed in a prime minister who shall be appointed by the national council. (Quran 2124) The prime minister will serve a term of four years that may be renewed once. The prime minister shall be responsible for carrying out the approved policies and strategies of the national council. The prime minister shall also be responsible for the administration and management of the republic, setting rules and regulations necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of all branches of government, budget preparation and recommendation, and the appointment of all ministers. The prime minister shall also be responsible for the establishment of the infrastructure of the republic of roads, power, water treatment, mail delivery, sewage treatment, public offices/buildings, libraries, schools, hospitals, and any other construct required for the service of the public or the betterment of life for people under the republic. The prime minister shall represent the republic before foreign dignitaries/nations and may enter into non-binding negotiations/discussions regarding all matters that concern the republic. ARTICLE V The Judicial powers of the republic shall be independently placed in a high court and its subsequent lower courts that shall rule according to the laws placed by the national council. (Quran 2150) The high court shall be comprised of twelve justices who shall be appointed by the national council and who shall hold office as long as proper conduct and legal adherence is maintained. The high court shall have the responsibility of appointing court judges, presiding over cases of treason, presiding over impeachment of the prime minister or council members, and having the ultimate judicial authority over lower courts. The high court?s decisions are binding based on a 2/3 or more vote. (Quran 423 All people being detained for prosecution for a crime will have their constitutional rights as outlined in ARTICLE II temporarily suspended and replaced with the following rights Right To Presumption Of Innocence All people accused are considered innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof falls upon the accuser. If the court finds the accused to be innocent of the charges put forth, then no further legal proceedings or accusations on the same case may be presented to any other house of law. (Quran 4912) Right To A Fair And Speedy Trial All people accused of a crime have the right to a fair trial which shall be free of prejudice, influence, or any external factors that may cause injustice to occur. The accused also has the right to be tried quickly without undue delay. (Quran 45 Right To An Attorney All people accused of a crime shall have the right to be represented through a specialized attorney if they should so chose. If an attorney cannot be arranged or afforded by the accused, then it is the responsibility of the republic to provide an attorney with no expenses to the accused. (Quran 2612-14) Punishment Does Not Exceed The Crime Committed The court is responsible for ensuring that all punishments and rulings decreed by its officers are less than or equal to the nature of the crime committed. Therefore, excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unreasonable punishments inflicted. (Quran 16126) Right Of Confrontation Any person being accused has the right to face his/her accusers in any house of law. (Quran 4912) Right To Appeal All people have the right to appeal a ruling that is found to be against them by requesting that a new trail be set with a different judge presiding. An appeal may only be carried out one time, unless it can be proven through credible evidence that both trials did not display fairness or a full analysis of facts, in which case the high court will preside over the matter, and their judgement supersedes all other judgements and shall be final. (Quran 2178-79) ARTICLE VI Government shall be funded primarily through the revenue generated from the legal sale of the product(s) of Iraq?s natural public resources (i.e. fresh water, fish, crops, oil, gas, coal, metals, precious stones), as well as the revenue generated by government through services and/or taxation. ARTICLE VII All branches of the government of the republic shall operate in complete transparency and openness. Records must be made public, and meetings of the council shall be deliberated to an open audience, or through a televised screening. (Quran 5810) The only exception to this transparency requirement shall be matters that are deemed threatening to the security of the republic (Quran 589), and in such cases the records of such deliberations may be concealed from the public for a maximum period of five years or as long as the national council deems there to be a clear and present danger to the republic from the release of such information. ARTICLE VIII Government officials, government employees and elected national council members, shall not hold any other position or title while serving in government or on the national council. All government officials, government employees, and elected national council members shall be obligated to take the oath of the republic as stipulated below and shall be legally bound by it Oath of the republic ?I solemnly swear before God and before the witness of the citizens of this republic to uphold the role of to the best of my abilities to protect the integrity of the constitution and the republic. I swear to live my life according to the laws and regulations of the republic and to uphold the highest moral character. I swear to work in the best interest of the republic and to constantly strive to improve life for its citizens. I swear never to abuse my position or authority in any way shape or form for personal gain. I swear never to carry favour to any person or persons or group be they family members or friends or acquaintances beyond what is fair and just. I swear to stand for and to promote the laws of peace and justice and equality wherever I may be. I have placed God as a witness over this oath of mine, may He have mercy on my soul and guide me to always do what is right.? ARTICLE IX No branch of government or person from the republic may directly or indirectly finance, sponsor, or engage in, the destabilization or undermining of any country or nation by way of design and/or by way of covert or otherwise armed operations. (Quran 2204-205, 382 ARTICLE X Government shall encourage and support the pursuit of creativity, arts, sciences, exploration, and technical innovation within the republic. (Quran 2740, 3413, 5533) Government shall also ensure that intellectual rights be protected from infringement and unauthorized duplication. (Quran 318 ARTICLE XI Amendments towards the betterment of this constitution may be made (Quran 118 based on a 5/6 vote of the national council and a unanimous endorsement from the high court justices as to the legality of the amendment in view of the existing articles of constitution. All amendments must be listed as such and not inserted into the original text of this constitution.

Down the post today came a leaflet with on a backdrop of a beautiful rose titled "In Love with the Beloved" I thought it was about God but got a total shock as it turns out there is a whole event about remembering "Allah's finest creation (Sallahu-alaihi-wassalam)" I think the whole thing is quite distasteful (check http//www.al-salik.com ) esp the way they have chosen Valentine's Day to host the event. And not to mention Mecca Cola sponosoring the whole thing! It's all very bizaare....

France votes to ban signs of faith 10-02-2004 By Tom Heneghan http//www.middleeastuk.com/culture/art/sanders/people26.jpg PARIS (Reuters) - France's National Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to banish religious emblems from state schools, a measure meant to keep tensions between Muslim and Jewish minorities out of public classrooms. Deputies on Tuesday voted 494 to 36 to ban Muslim headscarves, Jewish skullcaps and large Christian crosses and to expel pupils who insisted on wearing them. It will not apply to private schools. The government says the ban does not single out any religion, but cabinet ministers acknowledge its main targets are the Islamic headscarves and anti-Semitic remarks from Muslim pupils that teachers say have become more frequent. "After this debate and the magnitude of this vote, both the republic and its secularism have been reinforced," Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin told deputies. "What is at issue here is the clear affirmation that public school is a place for learning and not for militant activity or proselytism," Assembly Speaker Jean-Louis Debre said. It was the first reading of the bill, which must go to the Senate and then back to the National Assembly for final approval in mid-March, which now should be just a formality. The key passage of the law, which schools would apply from September, reads "In primary and secondary state schools, wearing signs and clothes that conspicuously display the pupil's religious affiliation is forbidden." "This will not solve the problem," said Lhaj Thami Breze, president of the large Union of French Islamic Organisations (UOIF). "Who will decide what's conspicuous and what's not?" He said the UOIF would urge schoolgirls to opt for discrete head coverings such as bandannas or caps and hoped these would be accepted at school. "It's unfortunate that the whole nation is so preoccupied with a simple piece of cloth," he remarked. Nicholas Perruchot, a centrist UDF deputy who voted against the bill, said "The law will not be applicable and the disputes will not diminish." RISING RACISM, ANTI-SEMITISM The ban has wide public support in France, which has the largest Muslim and Jewish minorities in western Europe. Leaders of France's five million Muslims denounce it as discriminatory and likely to stigmatise veiled schoolgirls. It has provoked criticism from Muslim and Christian leaders abroad, including Pope John Paul. Jewish leaders have been split over the ban, with those in favour seeing it as a bulwark against the militant Islam they see spreading in poor neighbourhoods with mixed populations. Lord Greville Janner, vice-president of the World Jewish Congress, said in London it was a sad decision which "disgracefully punished the entire Muslim population and other religious communities". Before the vote, Education Minister Luc Ferry said France had witnessed a "spectacular rise in racism and anti-Semitism in the last three years" and the ban would help to keep classes from dividing into "militant religious communities". He said the law would also make clear pupils could not object to or skip classes for religious reasons. Teachers have complained in recent years of problems with Muslim pupils who interrupt history classes to deny the Nazis slaughtered Jews, boycott classes on human reproduction because they are "immodest", or refuse to attend physical education. It was not clear if France would also ban Sikh turbans, which the country's 5,000 Sikhs say are not religious symbols. In Kuala Lumpur, about 40 supporters of the fundamentalist Islamic PAS, the biggest opposition party in mainly Muslim Malaysia, protested against the law outside the French embassy chanting "Long live Islam" and "Crush the infidels." http//www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=455846?ion=news

Salaam to everyone, could you please share any ayats you may have come accross in the quran to which Aidids solutions can't be applied , either post it here or could you send me an e- mail. Thanks to everyone taking part. [email protected] Salaam