The Last Messenger of God

There is much written about the character traits of the Last prophet of God, Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him). From his mannerisms, conduct, military expeditions, treatment of the poor and frugal life, his illiteracy ( not being able to read and write)and many Rabbis' of the Jewish faith acknowledge the prophet hood of Mohammad (just go to YouTube and you will be astonished).

Islam has a revealed book, the Quran (often spelt as Koran), which is a "test for Mankind" in its divinity . A proof and challenge open and without doubt a miracle [1].

But still I do not want to touch on any of these areas. I want to simply highlight the single aspect of fasting of the Prophet. Since many Muslims fast in Ramadan we are all aware of its difficulty, self sacrifice and sometimes harshness Yet we see the Messenger of God constant in his fasting throughout the year. A proof of his truthfulness, sheer belief in his message and revelation.

No: 372: (Muwatta of Imam Mohammad)

"The Messenger of Allah use to fast so much that it would be said "he would not break the fast, and
would break the fast so much that it would be said, "He will not fast", I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) fast a complete month except Ramadan. I never saw him fast so much as he would in Sha'ban.

And they say: "O you (Muhammad) to whom the "the Quran" has been sent down! Verily, you are a mad man. (Quran, Surat Al-Hijr)

_____________________________________________________________________________________
[1] For more details , see Hamza Tzortis page : http://www.hamzatzortzis.com/

The Iraq Invasion of 2003

The Iraq Invasion of 2003


Everyone remembers the Injustice Iraq has suffered due to secularist, capatilist and imperial adventures..

The rate of aproximately 500,000 deaths , at a an average estimate, destruction of the land and it's sovereignty, honour and
pride, which are some of the hidden losers of the invasion

The deaths exceeeded that of Britain suffered during World War 2.
It would be accomodating to mention a quote from Stalin at this point, "One death is a loss, a million a statistic"

The guilty in this war in pioneering and instrumenting the war would safe to be said to be the
Politicians and Media . The Politicians just following their "usual" snake like nature and the media just chasing fame.
During this was i tended to Noam Chomsky's philosohy that all governments are the root of Evil.

What is appaling is that no matter of any compliance with the UN on weapons inspections, Britains and the US policy over the sanctions
would not of been lifted "For as long as he was in Power" through the Power of the Veto and other means [1]

Whilst it is not always good to dwell on the past, I still feel that the Media
elludes a self rightrous character in the "Us and Them Model"

But what has been forgotten? The devastation and injustice what i feel much more a devastation was the UN sanctions on
Iraq during the Sadam era. The effects of these sanctions was propably the most Cruel inflicted on a race by another set
of opressors, that of the collective of any nation who supported the sanctions. Again, Politicians, Ambassadors who all want to
enter the elite social circle advancing their credibility and status amongst the Veto powering ones. John Pilger [1] interviewed
and documented one of the heads of the sanctions committee on why he resigned due to the implementation of the sanctions.

After a country which suffered a devastatiing war with Iran was crippled after with an inefficient and dictatatroial
regime, the injustice of these sanctions must be known. It is often commented that sanctions often hit the people, rather tha nthe regime , was this the case
with these sanctions ? surely the efect of one of the most intense sanctions every to be placed on a country was applied to Iraq and to not effect
the people combined with after effects of War and depleted Uranim with an impoverished state, Was this justice of the politicians ? and Governments ?
and yet i find that the effects of these sanctions are hidden from the masses, hidden by the same people "Media" who were the speareads in getting the
Invastion of Iraq in 2003 off.

Estimates of excess deaths during sanctions vary depending on the source. The estimates vary due to differences in methodologies, and specific time-frames covered.[39] A short listing of estimates follows:
Unicef: 500,000 children (including sanctions, collateral effects of war). [2]

"[As of 1999] [c]hildren under 5 years of age are dying at more than twice the rate they were ten years ago."

Former U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq Denis Halliday: "Two hundred thirty-nine thousand children 5 years old and under" as of 1998.
"probably ... 170,000 children", Project on Defense Alternatives, "The Wages of War", 20. October 2003
350,000 excess deaths among children "even using conservative estimates", Slate Explainer, "Are 1 Million Children Dying in Iraq?", 9. October 2001.

Economist Michael Spagat: "very likely to be [less than] than half a million children." He claims that these estimates are unable to
isolate the effects of sanctions alone due to the lack of "anything resembling a controlled experiment".
"Richard Garfield, a Columbia University nursing professor ... cited the figures 345,000-530,000 for the entire 1990-2002 period"[45] for sanctions-related excess deaths.[46]

Zaidi, S. and Fawzi, M. C. S., The Lancet (1995, estimate withdrawn in 1997):567,000 children.
Editor (then "associate editor and media columnist") Matt Welch,[47] Reason Magazine, 2002: "It seems awfully hard not to conclude that the embargo on Iraq has ... contributed to more than 100,000
deaths since 1990."[29][46]

Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark: 1.5 million (includes sanctions, bombs and other weapons, depleted uranium poisoning).[48]

Iraqi Baathist government: 1.5 million.[29]

Iraqi Cultural Minister Hammadi: 1.7 million (includes sanctions, bombs and other weapons, depleted uranium poisoning)[50

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Pilger
[2] Wikepedia iraq sanctions
[*] Mark Curtis, Web of Deceit, Page 12

Ternery ("Shortcuts"for the rest of us who speak English!") Expression in C#

Probably the least well (clear) documented aspects of C# , so i decided to list a few basics


var f;

if (a == b)
f = DoThis()
else
f = DoThat();



Ternery ->

f = a == b ? doThis() : DoThat()



var f;

if (a != null)
f = DoThis()
else
f = null;


Ternery ->

f = a && DoThis() ;




var f;

if (f == null)
f = DoThis()


Ternery ->

f ?? DoThis() ;

wcf/webservice installation notes

1.Create application under the default website

2.Create new apppool and select .net framework version 4

3. Assign app pool in website->advance settings -> select pool

4. In case IIS installated after the Visual Studio installed, then register asp.net to IIS by following command.

aspnet_regiis.ex -i

5. Error : Could Not Load Type ‘System.ServiceModel.Activation.HttpModule’
Solution: aspnet_regiis.exe -iru

6. Errors: handlers missing or module are missing
Solution: Following command will enable the ports for diffirent bindings.

CD c:\windows\Microsoft.Net\Framework\v3.0\Windows Communication Foundation\
ServiceModelReg -i






/*************************************************************************************/
Web Service hosting on IIS7
/*************************************************************************************/

1. Create webservice and test locally

2. Publish webservice to wwwroot (or) any publishing folder

3. Go to IIS manager

4. Create new WebSite and assign the physical path of webservice

5. Create new Application pool and assign framework as "Classic .NET AppPool".

6. Assign this app pool to website

7. Click on IIS server root level and click on the feature called "ISAPI and CGI Restrictions".

8. Set Allow for "ASP.NET V4.30319 (32bit)".

9. Browse the content and view "asmx" file.

Reference: http://geekswithblogs.net/chenl/archive/2010/11/19/http-error-404.2---not-found-the-page-you-are.aspx

Our indebtedness to the Islamic civilization (HP Chief)

A great summary from an excerpt of a speech .... i thought it was well summarized and to the point ....


We are Often Unaware of our Indebtedness to the Islamic Civilization, says Hewlett Packard Chief

POSTED: 27 RAJAB 1422, 15 OCTOBER 2001

Carly Fiorina, the CEO of Hewlett Packard, recently gave a speech defining the relevance of leadership in today's world. Here is the quote from the final part of her speech.

"I'll end by telling a story.

There was once a civilization that was the greatest in the world.

It was able to create a continental super-state that stretched from ocean to ocean, and from northern climes to tropics and deserts. Within its dominion lived hundreds of millions of people, of different creeds and ethnic origins.

One of its languages became the universal language of much of the world, the bridge between the peoples of a hundred lands. Its armies were made up of people of many nationalities, and its military protection allowed a degree of peace and prosperity that had never been known. The reach of this civilization's commerce extended from Latin America to China, and everywhere in between.

And this civilization was driven more than anything, by invention. Its architects designed buildings that defied gravity. Its mathematicians created the algebra and algorithms that would enable the building of computers, and the creation of encryption. Its doctors examined the human body, and found new cures for disease. Its astronomers looked into the heavens, named the stars, and paved the way for space travel and exploration.

Its writers created thousands of stories. Stories of courage, romance and magic. Its poets wrote of love, when others before them were too steeped in fear to think of such things.

When other nations were afraid of ideas, this civilization thrived on them, and kept them alive. When censors threatened to wipe out knowledge from past civilizations, this civilization kept the knowledge alive, and passed it on to others.

While modern Western civilization shares many of these traits, the civilization I'm talking about was the Islamic world from the year 800 to 1600, which included the Ottoman Empire and the courts of Baghdad, Damascus and Cairo, and enlightened rulers like Suleiman the Magnificent.

Although we are often unaware of our indebtedness to this other civilization, its gifts are very much a part of our heritage. The technology industry would not exist without the contributions of Arab mathematicians. Sufi poet-philosophers like Rumi challenged our notions of self and truth. Leaders like Suleiman contributed to our notions of tolerance and civic leadership.

And perhaps we can learn a lesson from his example: It was leadership based on meritocracy, not inheritance. It was leadership that harnessed the full capabilities of a very diverse population–that included Christianity, Islamic, and Jewish traditions.

This kind of enlightened leadership — leadership that nurtured culture, sustainability, diversity and courage — led to 800 years of invention and prosperity.

In dark and serious times like this, we must affirm our commitment to building societies and institutions that aspire to this kind of greatness. More than ever, we must focus on the importance of leadership– bold acts of leadership and decidedly personal acts of leadership."

For the full speech, please go to:
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/execteam/speeches/fiorina/minnesota01.htm

Is the UK a Christian Country ?

I had my eyes opened up, is the UK a Christian Country ?

What i admire about America is their affinity with God ... The Christian values which do not exist in the UK. The simple mannerisms of praising God and saying God bless you is something shared among both Muslims and Christians alike.

Is the U.K. totally devoid of this ...

Someone told me, that the all "polls" such as the Gallop poll and Census determining what religion you follow are FLAWED.
By leaving out the vital question, that is, "Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God"
in his opinion the majority would answer with a resounding "No!"

Therefore rendering its (UK) inhabitants as "Non-Christian" ... Contradicting all "Polls" on the subject.

Slavery and the European and Islamic Cultural Context

An ideological attack is occurring against Islam, one that masks the truth of the transatlantic slave trade.

It aims to mark the European transatlantic slave as just another enslavement example in history and at the same time draw the Arab (often stated as Islamic) world into the same frame as "Guilty" by association" in slavery. This is just another devious lie amongst many other lies in such as the one hiding the real spiritual, moral, intellectual and ethical foundations that has given to Europe its birth.

What are the differences that make the European(Christian) transatlantic slave trade so unique ? Well we shall delve into some details.

The Eurpean transatlantic slave trade is very unique purely because of the size of enslaved people, "tyranny", "racism", "focus on a continent", "exploitation", "death", "torture" and "mobilization". Approximately 12 million people were shipped across and an estimated 100 million + effected. So as Muslims we need to be aware of some facts.

To differentiate Slavery within the Islamic cultural context and that of the European transatlantic slave trade is a difficult one. Because the differences are in the "details" and "subtleties" which often makes the distinction masked in this "slogan" orientated world.

First we need to understand that not all slavery is the same, just as we cannot Lump all Religions into one. Two religions can be vastly different in their details, history and belief and so i think is the case similarly with the topic of slavery.

Some global principles of note

- Slavery existed in every part of the world since ancient times. Iranian, Roman, Greek, Chinese and Arabs and others all partook in some form of Slavery.

- In the Islamic world, slavery was not by skin colour, for example, Turkic slaves were common in being the slaves of Central Asia and so were Greeks , ibn Battutta (the 13 the Century traveller) notes this in his travels . Arabs were themselves enslaved by fellow Arabs. Africans by fellow Africans, European slaves "Slavs" were also common since the age of Roman.

- In Islam, slave "trading" was not in itself sanctioned. Slavery was allowed via the prisoner of War Scenario/Captives taken through war. So it was not a money making institution as in the case of the transatlantic slave trade.

- The Quran and hadiths (sayings of the prophets) teaches the meritorious (highly praiseworthy) act of freeing slaves. Freeing slaves is to the level of a highly praised act of Worship for the individual.

- Islam denigrated the institution of slavery to the point that slavery became almost nonexistent in parts of the Islamic world and was never a highly held institution AND when Islam came the "freeing" of slaves became an institution in itself.

Why the European transatlantic slave trade was the worst form of slavery.

- The Volume of slavery

In the mobilization of slaves approximately 2 million died in the ships during the transport to the new World itself. this is a huge figure taken that the "World population" at that time was estimated at 400-500 million.

- The treatment of slaves

Islam introduced rights for the slaves, Salves had rights which came from God. Many sayings of the prophet talk about the treatment of slaves and their God given rights.

From the prophets (Mohammad) last sermon

The sayings of the prophet teaches "That all man is equal before God"

"... All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any
superiority over white except by piety and good action...." (Last Sermon)

Again, this in stark contrast to the transatlantic Empire slaves who were considered sub human and based on the "Slave Code".
- the enduring "Racism" the product of the transatlantic slave trade.

1964 Oxford union debate, Malcolm X, made his famous statement of "by any means necessary for justice". So racism and extremism was an institution and part and parcel of Europe and the New World until very recently. Itself an end product of the transatlantic slave trade, even though the "trading of slaves" had ended, Racism and its various manifestations continued. So the mentality that the slave was Sub human continued socially and institutionally.

This is in stark contrast to the "slaves" of Islam, who were, since the start of the Last prophet sent from God, of the highest ranks in society.

- Slaves as Royalty, Leaders and Rulers within the Islamic cultural continent

Examples of these are many, but some notable ones are :

-Qutb bin Aybek - Delhi sultan - a Fearless leader
-Mohammad Ali Pasha - Ruler of Egypt - of Illyrian origins
-Mahmud Ghaznavi - central Asia
-The Rulers of Baghdad, Baghdad use to be one of the centres of learning in the Islamic golden age

-One of the first men to embrace Islam was Bilal of slave origins was given the high position of Muezzin "Caller to prayer" during the prophets time.

-Slaves also were and are part of Royal families within the Arab and Islamic world. to this day


- Through divide and rule strategy the slave trading European Empires processed slavery more efficiently for. Even in the case of indirect Slavery, When Africans were enslaving Africans they were doing this in part via their sponsors who were the European Empires.

- We as Muslims cannot apologise for every ruler or Kings actions, as in the case of certain leaders in Islamic history, since Not every Muslim follows what islam preaches.

The Media labels "Arab" slavery as "islamic" but not "European" slavery as "Christian". So via misinformation Every wrong and injustice a ruler of sultan done is marked as being from Islam.

Below is a Rendition from a chapter of a book about the Governors of Regions in the Islamic empire, and it will become clear to a sincere reader the distinction between the types of slavery.

Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Aal ash-Shaykh writes in Qurrah ‘Uyoon al-Muwahhideen, while explaining Chapter 40 of Kitaab at-Tawheed of his grandfather Imaam Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahumallaah):

In Tahdheeb al-Kamaal from al-Waleed al-Muwaqqaree from az-Zuhree, who said: I reached ‘Abdul-Malik bin Marwaan, so he said: Where have you come from O Zuhree?
He said: I said: From Makkah.
He said: Who did you leave in charge of it and its people?
I said: ‘Ataa bin Abee Rabaah.
He said: So is he an ‘Arab or a freed slave?
I said: He is a freed slave.
He said: So how will he take charge of them?
I said: With his piety and his narrations.
He said: Indeed it is befitting that the People of Piety and Narrations are in charge.

He said: So who is in charge of the people of Yaman?
I said: Taawoos bin Kaysaan.
He said: So is he an ‘Arab or a freed slave?
He said: I said: He is a freed slave.
He said: So how will he take charge of them?
I said: In the same way that ‘Ataa would.
He said: Indeed that is certainly befitting.

He said: So who is in charge of the people of Misr?
I said: Yazeed bin Abee Habeeb.
He said: So is he an ‘Arab or a freed slave?
He said: I said: He is a freed slave.

He said: So who is in charge of the people of Shaam?
I said: Makhool.
He said: So is he an ‘Arab or a freed slave?
I said: He is a freed slave. [‘Abd Noobee]. A woman from Hudhayl freed him.

He said: So who is in charge of the people of al-Jazeerah?
I said: Maymoon bin Mihraan.
He said: So is he an ‘Arab or a freed slave?
I said: He is a freed slave.

He said: So who is in charge of the people of Khuraasaan?
He said: I said: ad-Dahhaak bin Muzaahim.
He said: So is he an ‘Arab or a freed slave?
I said: He is a freed slave.

He said: So who is in charge of the people of al-Basrah?
I said: Al-Hasan al-Basree.
He said: So is he an ‘Arab or a freed slave?
I said: He is a freed slave.

He said: Woe to you! And who is in charge of the people of al-Koofah?
He said: I said: Ibraaheem an-Nakha’ee.
He said: So is he an ‘Arab or a freed slave?
He said: I said: He is an ‘Arab.

He said: Woe to you O Zuhree! You have relieved me, while Allaah has certainly put the freed slaves in charge of the ‘Arabs, such that they are on the Minbar-s giving the Khutbah-s, while the ‘Arabs are [sitting] below.

He said: I said: O Ameer al-Mu-mineen! This is a religion such that the one who preserves & memorises it, takes charge, while the one who loses & neglects it, falls.