Holy Books
This is spurred from an article I just read about yet another arrest of a Muslim planning to stage yet another attack and kill innocent people. The guy even had my surname! Doesn’t bode well for international travel. *sigh*
This got me thinking about these people’s motivations though, specifically when most of these extremist idiots use books like the Quraan and Bible to justify their crimes. The holy books, from my point of view aren’t any single thing. I’ve studied both, more the Quraan than the bible but it’s occurrd to me that they are more a reflection of the person reading them rather than any one thing you can put your finger on.
Hence, if you’re a retarded extremist idiot with no brain of your own and violent tendencies, it doesn’t matter which book you read, you’re going to end up on an article in the morning Metro. Similarly there are tons of examples of ‘people of faith’ doing extremely good works for humanity spurred on by the same verses from the same books.
It’s who you are, it’s not what you read.
Peace!
So What’s the Big Deal With Drawing the Prophet?
I can’t understand why the media, the west and everyone else who engaged in the “Let’s Draw Muhammad” contest recently couldn’t, in all their secular intelligence, attempt to first UNDERSTAND and then to act instead of the other way round. I am also extremely disappointed with Zapiro for simply “jumping on the bandwagon” which is very unlike him. The Zapiro I’m used to has deep insight, sharp wit and gets to the heart of the issue at hand. Zapiro’s cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) shows only deep ignorance… but I’ll analyse that later.
First, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Why are Muslims going crazy when this happens? Well, at the essence, we do not draw the Prophet Muhammad or represent him in any way or form even though we do have detailed, verified and ratified descriptions of him because it is mentioned in the Quraan not to fall into the trap of our Christian Brethren and end up worshipping the Prophet instead of God. Secondly, Muslims believe in ALL of the prophet’s of God – Moses, Jesus, Noah, Jonah, Adam, etc. (peace be upon them all) and we don’t DRAW any of them.
But still… why is there so much passion in this issue? well look at the content. The depictions are ignorant and horrible. There is no mistaking the intent behind them. It more represents some Hard-line Iranian ‘Terrorist’ Mullah than have any insight into the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims LOVE the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), I mean truly love. For Muslims he is the ultimate example of what a human being is supposed to be. We actually implement the idea that whenever we’re faced with any situation in life the question is automatically… “Well, what did the Prophet (pbuh) do?” You can’t underestimate this point, it leads to the next point in this issue.
Let’s make it personal. Take someone you truly love and would do anything for… say it’s your mother. Now, if someone was talking badly (or drawing nasty pictures) of your mother but did it amongst themselves and, obviously, they have a right to say what they want. It’s all absolutely fine. But when someone comes up to you and waves it about in your face and swears your mother to your face, what would you do? Yes, it is the ultimate example we need to follow to hold our peace and deal with it in an intelligent and civilised manner (in fact this is what the Prophet (pbuh) himself would have done. But being realistic… Your first move would be a punch in the gut of the offending perpetrator. This is the line between having the freedom to say what you want, but respecting the people around you.
Personally, this is the first time I’m writing about this because I can’t believe people’s stupidity and ignorance. In this day and age! For God’s sake (no pun intended) is everyone getting Stupider? Why can’t anyone else see this? Regarding the drawings themselves, I refuse to join any action AGAINST them on Facebook and shout out slogans, etc. because that only fuels the fire of the same idiots who created the group in the first place. I’ve IGNORED them from the beginning and I implore all other Muslims to do the same, or even better, start telling these people who the Prophet (pbuh) was, his example and what he means to them. This is the perfect opportunity.
Finally, I pray… that intelligence dawns on both sides of this conflict. It’s a shame on humanity that BOTH sides are acting like this. Let’s grow up.
Link to original Photo of Zapiro at launch of his book ‘Pirates of Polokwane’
The Night-Time Prayer Fiasco
Was treated to an interesting bit of information just before taraweeh prayer (the special night-time Ramadan prayer) yesterday. Apparently some of the Muslims were being attacked with eggs while leaving the mosque after the taraweeh prayer. A black car (didn’t get all the details) driving around the Epsom mosque and blasting people walking home with eggs. Now that I think back, I was attacked as well… but they missed me.. I remember hearing a ‘Smack!’ while walking home, but they missed me… so I carried on walking… I remember a black car though.
Anyway… I have to give the Epsom Police here major props. The mosque executive members contacted the police gave them details etc. and within 24 hours of the report, the police commissioner (yeah the top dog) knew about it, placed cops outside the mosque, had unmarked cars parked on the road around the mosque, tracked down the car and arrested the perpetrators.
That bit of info blew me away… coming from South Africa where you hardly ever hear of cops working so fast, let alone catching any perpetrators, ever (well regarding crimes that happen particular to you) anyway. All I remember thinking was that I heard the one day that this was and the next day it was over. Guys caught, cops outside. Problem Solved. Damn… that was FAST.
Technorati Tags: Islam, Life, Taraweeh, Epsom, London
Ramadan in the UK
made the above picture wayyy past my bedtime after Taraweeh prayer
Ramadan in the UK is a bit… different.
After years of idiosyncratic Ramadaan and Eid behaviour being drummed into me with the ritual eventually melding into the deeper meaning of how what we do affects who we are and how it will make who we are even better. South Africa was great with the community around me, it gives one an awesome sense of belonging.
In the UK, specifically here in Epsom, there’s a community as well, albeit a younger, less developed one. So, in essence, it can be a little lonely. Not so many friends… some family is here, but with London’s Transport Network – specifically the Road Network – Traffic is 10 X worse than Johannesburg, just to give you an idea, it’s a bit hard. The Public Transport ROCKS! I mean really… trains, busses and the tube are brilliant… but there are costs involved (temporal and monetary), and it does take its toll… makes you think twice before thinking of going anywhere.
It is a very different experience. It takes Ramadaan and puts a magnifying glass on the experience and focuses it. Ramadaan generally makes you forget the outer world and focus on the inner world inside yourself. Being without the general comfort of the family and friends you’ve come to love and trust at a time like Ramadaan takes the whole inner world thing to another level. You start feeling and thinking things about yourself that wouldn’t happen in any other circumstance.
I believe nothing happens without a reason, and so I must be here for a reason. In this situation, in this place. Yet another journey of self-discovery, and from this experience I’m also beginning to realise the truth in the saying that the Final Frontier won’t be space (What’s out there) but it’s going to be Mind & Soul (What’s in here).
Maybe my answer isn’t out there, it’s in me… and now I’m wondering if I’m asking the right questions.
Technorati Tags: Ramadan, Ramadaan, UK, London, Islam, South Africa, Family, Friends
The Prophet’s Hands
It is said, according to sound narrations, that the hands of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) were soft over the heads of children, the prophet’s hands worked in the struggle for peace, built places of prayer, held the sword at battle and grasped the hands of enemies with honor and good will in treaties of peace. The prophet’s hands dug the earth to bury the dead and dug the earth to protect the living. His palms, smooth as silk, rejected the bribe of sun and moon, remaining free and open to carry loads for neighbours, comfort his family, caress his wife and jestfully covered the eyes of his companion in a moment of market place merriment. The prophet’s hands were real, the prophet’s example was true, the prophet’s hands are gone, the prophet’s example lives on. – Dawud Wharnsby Ali
Marketing in Ramadan
Functionally (mostly from an FMCG perspective), Marketing in Ramadan poses real business restrictions and opportunities. For example, you can’t flight certain TV ads during Ramadan, not because of content but because the space will already be booked out and it will be mostly food brands which market their stuff during this time. You have to also take into account that Muslims in general watch less TV during this time.
In terms of actual launches of innovation in the Middle-Eastern/Muslim markets, launching a product in Ramadan doesn’t ever happen. The local marketing teams in these countries will feed this back to anyone trying to push it. Project plans for any launches in or around Ramadan are generally shifted to be either a month before or a month after Ramadan.
Other things which need to be taken into account is that people generally work shorter days in Ramadan, also when it comes to the end of Ramadan, the festival of Eid, most people in the Middle East will be off for a week or two on holiday, very similar to what happens at Christmas time for the western world.
Interesting stuff, eh?
However there are brands that are increasingly starting to market themselves in Ramadan and specifically to a Muslim Audience…
This year, Ramadan really seems to have gotten marketers in a buzz with new product launches and even, as I had mentioned before, New artwork on current products (Coke). Starbucks has also jumped on the band-wagon by introducing a range of Arabic coffees and pastries for its Middle-Eastern consumers specifically for Ramadan. The new coffee range will feature its ‘Anniversary Blend’ coffee along with the traditional ‘Arabian Mocha Timor’ blend.
Rana Shaheen, CSR & Communications Manager, Starbucks Middle East & Egypt said:
Starbucks is committed to provide its customers with the best it can offer during this special time of year and there is no better way to welcome the holy month but with the Traditional Arabian coffees coupled with delicious pastries – a perfect treat you can enjoy after breaking your fast.
From Dubai City Guide, we get this glorious wonderful marketing verbiage on the range Starbucks is proposing for its Ramadan range…
Ramadan pastries include the ‘Fig and Coconut Bar’, a delicious fruity filling of plump figs blended with a taste of exotic coconut on a shortbread base. This marvellous combination of fig jam, walnut and biscuit base, topped with a layer of coconut, is designed to perfectly complement Starbucks featured coffees and iced espresso beverages.
Another treat includes the ‘Pistachio Delight’, a mouthwatering and delicious cake, flavoured with pistachio, creamy filling and rosewater, the perfect traditional combination for Ramadan sweets. Customers can also enjoy the ‘Date and Apricot loaf’, the home-made fruity flavor of Arabia with a hint of apricot and a twist of nuts.
The featured coffee beverage for this month is the classic Iced Caramel Macchiato, a sweet, indulgent treat, available hot as well. Sweet and rich with caramel and featuring a pronounced espresso flavour, Caramel Macchiato delivers an indulgent sweet coffee experience. The cold versions of the beverage provide a revitalising experience for the warm summer months.
It’s okay dudes… we like Starbucks, you don’t have to sell it to us like that… that’s just cheesy. When will Marketers Learn to talk to people and not AT people! The quote above looks like it comes directly from a product pamphlet or maybe even the PR department.
: Ramadan, Marketing, Middle East, Muslims, Fasting, Coke , Starbucks
Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) launches Shariah Index
I-Net Bridge just published this today and I find it extremely interesting. Since the “Oasis Crescent Equity Fund” and Oasis’s other products doing so well in the market due to the shariah-compliant investing, which has attracted lots of Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. I guess it’s all in the spirit of that one uniting driving force of humanity, making money.
Here’s the story published below.
The JSE, in partnership with FTSE Group (FTSE), the global index provider, on Monday launched the FTSE/JSE Shariah Top 40 Index.
The index will open up many opportunities for those interested in Shariah compliant investment, including the 850 000 strong South African Muslim community, the JSE said.
The index is a selection of Shariah compliant companies from the FTSE/JSE Shariah All-Share Index. The calculation of the index and the treatment of corporate actions are similar to the FTSE/JSE Top 40.
“Internationally the market for Islamic investment products is growing exponentially, at an estimated 15-20% per annum,” said Ana Forssman, Senior General Manager: Information Products Sales at the JSE. “This index gives Muslim investors access to the top performing listed companies in South Africa without compromising religious beliefs. With approximately 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, there is huge growth potential for investment vehicles with a faith-based mandate,” said Imogen Dillon Hatcher, Managing Director, EMEA – FTSE Group.
“Shariah compliant investment is one of the fastest growing new areas of finance globally. The FTSE/JSE Shariah Top 40 index will provide institutional investors with an accurate Shariah benchmark as well as help providers create structured investment products tailored to the Islamic market. Today’s launch demonstrates FTSE Group’s commitment to providing innovative solutions to investors both in South Africa and worldwide. ”
The constituents of the FTSE/JSE Shariah Top 40 Index are screened by Yasaar Research Inc, a well-respected authority on Shariah law. To qualify as a constituent of the index, companies undergo a detailed screening process, which filters out any organisations considered unacceptable or non-compliant according to Shariah-law, including businesses involved in conventional finance, alcohol, pork-related and non-halaal food, entertainment, tobacco and weapons.
The remaining companies are then further screened according to Shariah compliant financial criteria. In order to remain in the index, the companies are reassessed by Yasaar quarterly, the JSE said.
: JSE, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Shariah, Investing, Index, Shariah-index
Muslim Page added to Alltop.com
Guy Kawasaki has launched a new initiative on his page aggregator site Alltop.com. the new page, muslim.alltop.com is a great page which aggregates Muslim news and updates from all corners of the globe including blogs and news sites all on a single page.
Check out the main page as well as it covers a wide range of topics for all who are interested. It is similar to your personal Google Page which you can ad your own feeds to , but these are done for you and categorised by topics. I think it’s a great idea and I personally recommend the muslim.alltop.com page to anyone who wants to know what Muslims are thinking about and talking about across the globe :)
Technorati Tags: Muslim, Link, Guy Kawasaki, Web 2.0, Aggregator, Alltop, Muslim, News, Blogs
Presidency of Two Holy Mosques Starts Website
The Presidency of the two Holy Mosques has started a website in order to enlighten the public about its activities. Phase 1 of the website is already launched and allows people to watch the prayers and sermons at the two mosques (The Prophet’s (SAW) Mosque in Madinah and Masjid-Al-Haram in Makkah) as well as offering 45,000 recordings of the recitation of the Quran as well as Islamic Lectures.
Phase 2 will provide e-education services and indexing of rare books and calligraphic writings. English and other Major languages will also be included in the second phase. The website also includes tons of other information such as How to perform Hajj and Umrah, Speeches in Arabic, Urdu and english, Prayer times in Makkah and Madinah, etc.
The website is http://www.gph.gov.sa
Britney Spears may convert to Islam???
Spears and her new British-born man Adnan Ghalib
“U.S. pop star Britney Spears is allegedly so in love with her new Muslim man she’s considering converting to Islam to marry him, British press reports revealed.”
Full story here.
Ummm… Well, if she does… good for her! At least its a positive step this time.
