Fundamentalism is often a form of nationalism in religious disguise

Last year I attended a conference in the US about security and intelligence in the so-called war on terror and was astonished to hear one of the more belligerent participants, who as far as I could tell had nothing but contempt for religion, strongly argue that as a purely practical expedient, politicians and the media must stop referring to "Muslim terrorism". It was obvious, he said, that the atrocities had nothing to do with Islam, and to suggest otherwise was not merely inaccurate but dangerously counterproductive.

Answer by Shaykh Salim Ghiza:

In the name of Allah the most Beneficent and Merciful.

Pre-marital relationships (boy/girlfriends) are strictly Haram (forbidden) in Islam. For non permissible males to have a relationship with non permissible females is one of the major sins in today’s era.

Unfortunately we see this western influence spreading like an illness amongst the Muslim youth. As barriers of work and study have been relaxed by parents, as they would like to see their children prosper, it has brought its evils with it.

Whilst working or studying is commended and supported by Islam, the values of guarding one’s modesty and chastity are even more important.

Answer by Shaykh Salim Ghiza:

Read the following questions and choose the appropriate response. This will give you an idea of what kind of a Muslim you really are:

A rude scene comes on Telly while you’re sat with your family. Do you…

A - Rush for the remote, switch off the telly, whilst muttering under your breath “ASTAGFIRULLAH”, I can’t believe the amount of filth they show. This is what we get from living in a kufr society”
B - Become embarrassed and quickly change the channel.
C - You watch the Telly from the corner of your eye.

By Irfan Khan

The Palestinian elections and the Sharm El-Sheikh summit of Prime ministers Sharon and Abbas was seen in the Western media as the starting of a new era, after the death of Yasser Arafat who was seen as the main obstacle for peace.

By Naheem Zaffar

Iraq Elections

The Iraqi Elections were held in Iraq on the 30th January 2005. Or not held if you were in a Sunni area. So who won and what does this mean for Iraq and the wider world?

The United Iraqi Alliance, a Shia coalition endorsed by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani won a major slice of power, taking over 47 percent of the ballots cast. The Kurdistan Alliance List came second with 25 percent, whilst the Prime Ministers Allawi's party came third.(1)

A regular feature where we look at the media events that affect the Muslims.

Movie Review: Assault On Precinct 13

Assault On Precinct 13 is more than Hollywood fiction. It is the best example in a long time, a perfect illustration of the state of the Ummah – under siege from all sides. Defence is in the hands of imperfect individuals. There is no time to train, no time to contemplate, no time to get the basics right first.

By Alveena Salim

What is it like being a young Muslim living in Britain? Alveena Salim, a University student from London gives her personal account.

I spend a lot of my time completing questionnaires in women’s magazines. I love hearing what others have to say about me.

The other day I was filling out a questionnaire with my sister, after answering twenty questions she loudly read out the results “You’re a Sad Loner Who Needs To Get A Life”.

I double checked just to make sure she wasn’t winding me up as usual, but she was right my results did indicate that I was a sad loner with no life (Charming!).

If you think the Quran is just about nice stories, do’s and don'ts, history lessons and how to live your life then you’re in for one heck of a shock!

Did you know that there are hundreds of scientific statements in the Quran which have only been discovered by scientists in the 20th century but the Quran has mentioned them over 1400 years ago.

This clearly proves that the Quran is definitely not the work of any human being but has come from none other than God Almighty.

By Sajid Iqbal

Now if I mentioned the words ‘politics’ and ‘voting' what would be your reaction: “Politics! what a waste of time? All politicians are dodgy? Aren't all parties the same? Politics is dull and boring! Politicians and parties are all against Islam and the Muslims? I ain’t got time for politics!”

By Sajid Iqbal & Irfan Khan

Jamal: Assallamu Allaikum Ali . How are you bro?

Ali Wannabe: Yo Wagowaan Jam. Not seen you's in bare time?

Jamal: Last time I saw you was in school. What have you been up to ?

Ali Wannabe: ME, I’m a businessman!

Jamal: Mashallah bro that’s good to hear. So what’s your business?

Ali Wannabe: I’m in the entertainment business. I chill people out.

Jamal: What do you mean bro?