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Sunday, August 26, 2012

JESSICA SOHO Segment on Hijaab: To RECTIFY OR To INTENSIFY Misconceptions About HIJAAB?


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Ahmadinejad's Letter to Bush: Opportunity to REDRESS a WRONG

Ahmadinejad's Letter to Bush
Tuesday, May 9, 2006; 2:54 PM

Mr. President,
Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating towards faith in the Almighty and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things.

 
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written President Bush an 18-page letter discussing religious values, history and international relations. Following is an unofficial translation from the original written in Farsi:
 
"Mr. George Bush, president of the United States of America
For some time now, I have been thinking, how one can justify the undeniable contradictions that exist in the international arena -- which are being constantly debated, especially in political forums and amongst university students. Many questions remain unanswered. Those have prompted me to discuss some of the contradictions and questions, in the hopes that it might bring about an opportunity to redress them.

Can one be a follower of Jesus Christ (Peace Be Upon Him), the great Messenger of God,
Feel obliged to respect human rights,
Present liberalism as a civilization model,
Announce one's opposition to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and WMDs,
Make "War on Terror" his slogan,
And finally,
work towards the establishment of an unified international community -- a community which Christ and the virtuous of the Earth will one day govern,
But at the same time,
Have countries attacked. The lives, reputations and possessions of people destroyed and on the slight chance of the presence of a few criminals in a village, city, or convoy for example, the entire village, city or convoy set ablaze.
Or because of the possibility of the existence of WMDs in one country, it is occupied, around 100,000 people killed, its water sources, agriculture and industry destroyed, close to 180,000 foreign troops put on the ground, sanctity of private homes of citizens broken, and the country pushed back perhaps 50 years. At what price? Hundreds of billions of dollars spent from the treasury of one country and certain other countries and tens of thousands of young men and women -- as occupation troops -- put in harms way, taken away from family and loved ones, their hands stained with the blood of others, subjected to so much psychological pressure that everyday some commit suicide and those returning home suffer depression, become sickly and grapple with all sorts of ailments; while some are killed and their bodies handed to their families.
On the pretext of the existence of WMDs, this great tragedy came to engulf both the peoples of the occupied and the occupying country. Later it was revealed that no WMDs existed to begin with.
Of course, Saddam was a murderous dictator. But the war was not waged to topple him, the announced goal of the war was to find and destroy weapons of mass destruction. He was toppled along the way towards another goal; nevertheless the people of the region are happy about it. I point out that throughout the many years of the imposed war on Iran Saddam was supported by the West.
Mr. President,
You might know that I am a teacher. My students ask me how can these actions be reconciled with the values outlined at the beginning of this letter and duty to the tradition of Jesus Christ (Peace Be Upon Him), the Messenger of peace and forgiveness?
There are prisoners in Guantanamo Bay that have not been tried, have no legal representation, their families cannot see them and are obviously kept in a strange land outside their own country. There is no international monitoring of their conditions and fate. No one knows whether they are prisoners, POWs, accused or criminals.
European investigators have confirmed the existence of secret prisons in Europe too. I could not correlate the abduction of a person, and him or her being kept in secret prisons, with the provisions of any judicial system. For that matter, I fail to understand how such actions correspond to the values outlined in the beginning of this letter, i.e. the teachings of Jesus Christ (Peace Be Upon Him), human rights and liberal values.
Young people, university students, and ordinary people have many questions about the phenomenon of Israel. I am sure you are familiar with some of them.
Throughout history, many countries have been occupied, but I think the establishment of a new country with a new people, is a new phenomenon that is exclusive to our times.
Students are saying that 60 years ago such a country did not exist. They show old documents and globes and say try as we have, we have not been able to find a country named Israel.
I tell them to study the history of WWI and II. One of my students told me that during WWII, which more than tens of millions of people perished in, news about the war, was quickly disseminated by the warring parties. Each touted their victories and the most recent battlefront defeat of the other party. After the war they claimed that six million Jews had been killed. Six million people that were surely related to at least two million families. Again let us assume that these events are true. Does that logically translate into the establishment of the state of Israel in the Middle East or support for such a state? How can this phenomenon be rationalized or explained?
Mr. President,
I am sure you know how -- and at what cost -- Israel was established:
-- Many thousands were killed in the process.
-- Millions of indigenous people were made refugees.
-- Hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland, olive plantations, towns and villages were destroyed.
This tragedy is not exclusive to the time of establishment; unfortunately it has been ongoing for 60 years now.
A regime has been established which does not show mercy even to kids, destroys houses while the occupants are still in them, announces beforehand its list and plans to assassinate Palestinian figures, and keeps thousands of Palestinians in prison. Such a phenomenon is unique -- or at the very least extremely rare -- in recent memory.
Another big question asked by the people is "why is this regime being supported?"
Is support for this regime in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ (Peace Be Upon Him) or Moses (Peace Be Upon Him) or liberal values?
Or are we to understand that allowing the original inhabitants of these lands -- inside and outside Palestine -- whether they are Christian, Muslim or Jew, to determine their fate, runs contrary to principles of democracy, human rights and the teachings of prophets? If not, why is there so much opposition to a referendum?
The newly elected Palestinian administration recently took office. All independent observers have confirmed that this government represents the electorate. Unbelievingly, they have put the elected government under pressure and have advised it to recognize the Israeli regime, abandon the struggle and follow the programs of the previous government.
If the current Palestinian government had run on the above platform, would the Palestinian people have voted for it? Again, can such position taken in opposition to the Palestinian government be reconciled with the values outlined earlier? The people are, also asking "why are all UNSC resolutions in condemnation of Israel vetoed?"
Mr. President,
As you are well aware, I live amongst the people and am in constant contact with them -- many people from around the Middle East manage to contact me as well. They do not have faith in there dubious policies either. There is evidence that the people of the region are becoming increasingly angry with such policies.
It is not my intention to pose too many questions, but I need to refer to other points as well.
Why is it that any technological and scientific achievement reached in the Middle East region is translated into and portrayed as a threat to the Zionist regime? Is not scientific R&D one of the basic rights of nations?
You are familiar with history. Aside from the Middle Ages, in what other point in history has scientific and technical progress been a crime? Can the possibility of scientific achievements being utilized for military purposes be reason enough to oppose science and technology altogether? If such a supposition is true, then all scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, engineering, etc, must be opposed.
Lies were told in the Iraqi matter. What was the result? I have no doubt that telling lies is reprehensible in any culture, and you do not like to be lied to.
Mr. President,
Don't Latin Americans have the right to ask why their elected government are being opposed and coup leaders supported? Or, Why must they constantly be threatened and live in fear?
The people of Africa are hard-working, creative and talented. They can play an important and valuable role in providing for the needs of humanity and contribute to its material and spiritual progress. Poverty and hardship in large parts of Africa are preventing this from happening. Don't they have the right to ask why their enormous wealth -- including minerals -- is being looted, despite the fact that they need it more than others?
Again, do such actions correspond to the teachings of Christ and the tenets of human rights?
The brave and faithful people of Iran too have many questions and grievances, including: the coup d'etat of 1953 and the subsequent toppling of the legal government of the day, opposition to the Islamic revolution, transformation of an Embassy into a headquarters supporting the activities of those opposing the Islamic Republic (many thousands of pages of documents corroborate this claim), support for Saddam in the war waged against Iran, the shooting down of the Iranian passenger plane, freezing the assets of the Iranian nation, increasing threats, anger and displeasure vis-a-vis the scientific and nuclear progress of the Iranian nation (just when all Iranians are jubilant and celebrating their country's progress), and many other grievances that I will not refer to in this letter.
Mr. President,
September Eleven was a horrendous incident. The killing of innocents is deplorable and appalling in any part of the world. Our government immediately declared its disgust with the perpetrators and offered its condolences to the bereaved and expressed its sympathies.
All governments have a duty to protect the lives, property and good standing of their citizens. Reportedly your government employs extensive security, protection and intelligence systems -- and even hunts its opponents abroad. September eleven was not a simple operation. Could it be planned and executed without coordination with intelligence and security services -- or their extensive infiltration? Of course this is just an educated guess. Why have the various aspects of the attacks been kept secret? Why are we not told who botched their responsibilities? And, why aren't those responsible and the guilty parties identified and put on trial?
All governments have a duty to provide security and peace of mind for their citizens. For some years now, the people of your country and neighbors of world trouble spots do not have peace of mind. After 9.11, instead of healing and tending to the emotional wounds of the survivors and the American people -- who had been immensely traumatized by the attacks -- some Western media only intensified the climate of fear and insecurity -- some constantly talked about the possibility of new terror attacks and kept the people in fear. Is that service to the American people? Is it possible to calculate the damages incurred from fear and panic?
American citizens lived in constant fear of fresh attacks that could come at any moment and in any place. They felt insecure in the street, in their place of work and at home. Who would be happy with this situation? Why was the media, instead of conveying a feeling of security and providing peace of mind, giving rise to a feeling of insecurity?
Some believe that the hype paved the way -- and was the justification -- for an attack on Afghanistan. Again I need to refer to the role of media. In media charters, correct dissemination of information and honest reporting of a story are established tenets. I express my deep regret about the disregard shown by certain Western media for these principles. The main pretext for an attack on Iraq was the existence of WMDs. This was repeated incessantly -- for the public to finally believe -- and the ground set for an attack on Iraq.
Will the truth not be lost in a contrived and deceptive climate? Again, if the truth is allowed to be lost, how can that be reconciled with the earlier mentioned values?
Is the truth known to the Almighty lost as well?
Mr. President,
In countries around the world, citizens provide for the expenses of governments so that their governments in turn are able to serve them.
The question here is "what has the hundreds of billions of dollars, spent every year to pay for the Iraqi campaign, produced for the citizens?"
As Your Excellency is aware, in some states of your country, people are living in poverty. Many thousands are homeless and unemployment is a huge problem. Of course these problems exist -- to a larger or lesser extent -- in other countries as well. With these conditions in mind, can the gargantuan expenses of the campaign -- paid from the public treasury -- be explained and be consistent with the aforementioned principles?
What has been said, are some of the grievances of the people around the world, in our region and in your country. But my main contention -- which I am hoping you will agree to some of it -- is:
Those in power have a specific time in office and do not rule indefinitely, but their names will be recorded in history and will be consistently judged in the immediate and distant futures.
The people will scrutinize our presidencies. Did we manage to bring peace, security and prosperity for the people or insecurity and unemployment?
Did we intend to establish justice or just supported special interest groups, and by forcing many people to live in poverty and hardship made a few people rich and powerful -- thus trading the approval of the people and the Almighty with theirs?
Did we defend the rights of the underprivileged or ignore them?
Did we defend the rights of all people around the world or imposed wars on them, interfered illegally in their affairs, established hellish prisons and incarcerated some of them?
Did we bring the world peace and security or raised the specter of intimidation and threats?
Did we tell the truth to our nation and others around the world or presented an inverted version of it?
Were we on the side of people or the occupiers and oppressors?
Did our administrations set out to promote rational behavior, logic, ethics, peace, fulfilling obligations, justice, service to the people, prosperity, progress and respect for human dignity or the force of guns, Intimidation, insecurity, disregard for the people, delaying the progress and excellence of other nations, and trample on people's rights?
And finally, they will judge us on whether we remained true to our oath of office -- to serve the people, which is our main task, and the traditions of the prophets -- or not?
Mr. President,
How much longer can the world tolerate this situation?
Where will this trend lead the world to?
How long must the people of the world pay for the incorrect decisions of some rulers?
How much longer will the specter of insecurity -- raised from the stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction -- hunt the people of the world?
How much longer will the blood of the innocent men, women and children be spilled on the streets, and people's houses destroyed over their heads?
Are you pleased with the current condition of the world?
Do you think present policies can continue?
If billions of dollars spent on security, military campaigns and troop movement were instead spent on investment and assistance for poor countries, promotion of health, combating different diseases, education and improvement of mental and physical fitness, assistance to the victims of natural disasters, creation of employment opportunities and production, development projects and poverty alleviation, establishment of peace, mediation between disputing states, and extinguishing the flames of racial, ethnic and other conflicts, were would the world be today? Would not your government and people be justifiably proud?
Would not your administration's political and economic standing have been stronger?
And I am most sorry to say, would there have been an ever increasing global hatred of the American government?
Mr. President, it is not my intention to distress anyone.
If Prophet Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Joseph, or Jesus Christ (Peace Be Upon Him) were with us today, how would they have judged such behavior? Will we be given a role to play in the promised world, where justice will become universal and Jesus Christ (Peace Be Upon Him) will be present? Will they even accept us?
My basic question is this: Is there no better way to interact with the rest of the world? Today there are hundreds of millions of Christians, hundreds of millions of Muslims and millions of people who follow the teachings of Moses (Peace Be Upon Him). All divine religions share and respect one word and that is "monotheism" or belief in a single God and no other in the world.
The Holy Koran stresses this common word and calls on all followers of divine religions and says: (3.64) Say: O followers of the Book! come to an equitable proposition between us and you that we shall not serve any but Allah and (that) we shall not associate aught with Him, and (that) some of us shall not take others for lords besides Allah; but if they turn back, then say: Bear witness that we are Muslims. (The Family of Imran)
Mr. President,
According to divine verses, we have all been called upon to worship one God and follow the teachings of divine Prophets.
"To worship a God which is above all powers in the world and can do all He pleases." "the Lord which knows that which is hidden and visible, the past and the future, knows what goes on in the Hearts of His servants and records their deeds."
"The Lord who is the possessor of the heavens and the earth and all universe is His court" "planning for the universe is done by His hands, and gives His servants the glad tidings of mercy and forgiveness of sins" "He is the companion of the oppressed and the enemy of oppressors" "He is the Compassionate, the Merciful" "He is the recourse of the faithful and guides them towards the light from darkness" "He is witness to the actions of His servants" "He calls on servants to be faithful and do good deeds, and asks them to stay on the path of righteousness and remain steadfast" "Calls on servants to heed His prophets and He is a witness to their deeds" "A bad ending belongs only to those who have chosen the life of this world and disobey Him and oppress His servants" and "A good land and eternal paradise belong to those servants who fear His majesty and do not follow their lascivious selves."
We believe a return to the teachings of the divine prophets is the only road leading to salvation and have been told that Your Excellency follows the teachings of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) and believes in the divine promise of the rule of the righteous on Earth.
We also believe that Jesus Christ (Peace Be Upon Him) was one of the great prophets of the Almighty. He has been repeatedly praised in the Koran. Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) has been quoted in Koran as well: (19.36) And surely Allah is my Lord and your Lord, therefore serve Him; this is the right path.
Service to and obedience of the Almighty is the credo of all divine messengers.
The God of all people in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, the Pacific and the rest of the world is one. He is the Almighty who wants to guide and give dignity to all His servants. He has given greatness to Humans.
We again read in the Holy Book: "The Almighty God sent His prophets with miracles and clear signs to guide the people and show them divine signs and purify them from sins and pollutions. And He sent the Book and the balance so that the people display justice and avoid the rebellious."
All of the above verses can be seen, one way or the other, in the Good Book as well.
Divine prophets have promised:
The day will come when all humans will congregate before the court of the Almighty, so that their deeds are examined, The good will be directed towards Haven and evildoers will meet divine retribution. I trust both of us believe in such a day, but it will not be easy to calculate the actions of rulers, because we must be answerable to our nation and all others whose lives have been directly or indirectly affected by our actions.
All prophets, speak of peace and tranquillity for man -- based on monotheism, justice and respect for human dignity.
Do you not think that if all of us come to believe in and abide by these principles, that is, monotheism, worship of God, justice, respect for the dignity of man, belief in the Last Day, we can overcome the present problems of the world -- that are the result of disobedience to the Almighty and the teachings of prophets -- and improve our performance?
Do you not think that belief in these principles promotes and guarantees peace, friendship and justice?
Do you not think that the aforementioned written or unwritten principles are universally represented?
Will you not accept this invitation? That is, a genuine return to the teachings of prophets, to monotheism and justice, to preserve human dignity and obedience to the Almighty and His prophets?
Mr. President,
History tells us that repressive and cruel governments do not survive. God has entrusted the fate of men to them. The Almighty has not left the universe and humanity to their own devices. Many things have happened contrary to the wishes and plans of governments. These tell us that there is a higher power at work and all events are determined by Him.
Can one deny the signs of change in the world today?
Is the situation of the world today comparable to that of 10 years ago? Changes happen fast and come at a furious pace.
The people of the world are not happy with the status quo and pay little heed to the promises and comments made by a number of influential world leaders. Many people around the world feel insecure and oppose the spreading of insecurity and war and do not approve of and accept dubious policies.
The people are protesting the increasing gap between the haves and the have-nots and the rich and poor countries.
The people are disgusted with increasing corruption.
The people of many countries are angry about the attacks on their cultural foundations and the disintegration of families. They are equally dismayed with the fading of care and compassion. The people of the world have no faith in international organizations, because their rights are not advocated by these organizations.
Liberalism and Western-style democracy have not been able to help realize the ideals of humanity. Today these two concepts have failed. Those with insight can already hear the sounds of the shattering and fall of the ideology and thoughts of the Liberal democratic systems.
We increasingly see that people around the world are flocking towards a main focal point -- that is the Almighty God. Undoubtedly through faith in God and the teachings of the prophets, the people will conquer their problems. My question for you is: "Do you not want to join them?"
Mr. President,
Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating towards faith in the Almighty and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things.
Reut14:40 05-09-06

..........................
Mr. President,
Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating towards faith in the Almighty and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things.
Reut14:40 05-09-06

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

From SIMMERING...let us STOKE the HIJAB issue ABLAZE...


HijaabNiqaabAdvocacyNetwork 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
 
From SIMMERING...let us STOKE the issue ABLAZE...
in a proactive stance to deaden and ultimately cremate this Violation Against Religious Freedom of Muslims in Zamboanga City.


STOP Moratorium! REVOKE Hijab Ban Policy in Zamboanga City!

Maa laa yutimmu al-wajibu illa bihi fa huwa wajib. 
That without which an obligation cannot be fulfilled is itself obligatory.
Defense of HIJAAB is....
Defense of 
PROGENY!
http://opinion.inquirer.net/34413/unveiled

“Dignitatis Humanae” Invoked By Bro Doncillo To QUASH Balbas' Hijab Ban

Bakit Pumipirma Ang Mga Tao

Sr. Maria Nina Balbas
President
Pillar College
Justice Roseller T. Lim Blvd.,
Zamboanga City 7000,
Zamboanga Peninsula


Dear Reverend Sister;
Pax te Cum!
I am Bro. David Gamay Doncillo BSN, Member-at-Large, and Asian Representative of the International Council of Nurses- Student Network. I am also a seminarian of the Diocese of Cubao under the formation of the Jesuits here at San Jose Major Seminary, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City.

The news from your province had reached me about the issue of wearing hijab of some Muslim (girls) of the college of nursing. Yes we are being formed in our doctrines and dogmas of the Catholic Church. In humility I would like to remind you my Dear Reverend Sister about the encyclical on Declaration on the Religious Freedom “Dignitatis Humanae” on the right of the person to Social and Civil freedom in matter of religious, which was promulgated by his Holiness the Late Pope Paul VI on December 7, 1965.

This Vatican Council declares that the human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits.

The council further declares that the right to religious freedom has its foundation in the very dignity of the human person as this dignity is known through the revealed word of God and by reason itself.(2) This right of the human person to religious freedom is to be recognized in the constitutional law whereby society is governed and thus it is to become a civil right.

In the encyclical it is clearly stated that we are taught to respect the different religion of the different people; as well as their culture, tradition and rituals. Even the Constitution on Human rights we are entitled for freedom of religion. Prohibition of wearing hijab denied our Muslim sisters to exercise their faith.
Thank you for making time to read this letter. With all my prayers.


Your Brother in Christ,
BRO. DAVID GAMAY DONCILLO
Member-at-Large
International Council of Nurses- Student Network
http://www.icn.ch/networks/student-network/
09472090420 / 09154239902
Seminarian, Diocese of Cubao
San Jose Seminary
Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Hgts., Quezon City
http://www.sanjoseseminary.org
(+632) 426-6091; (+632) 426-6597

Monday, August 13, 2012

Give Ramadhan Best Farewell and Peace

Source : Lata’if al-Ma’arif
Ibn Rajab's book: Lataif al Maa'rif. A portion of this book pertaining to Ramadan was summarized by Sheikh Abdur Rahman bin Muhammed bin Qassim the compiler of Majmu al Fatawa by Ibn Taymiyyah, with several additions by Sheikh Abdur Rahman himself.
Translated by Mustafa George

 
The Salaf worked diligently in perfecting their actions and making them faultless, then after that, they showed great concern for acceptance of their actions. They did this because they feared that their actions would be rejected. They are those who gave what was incumbent upon them while their hearts were in a state of fear. It is reported that Ali bin Abi Taleb said: Be more concerned that your actions are accepted than your concern of performing the action itself. Did you not hear the statement of Allah:
{Verily Allah only accepts the actions of the Mutaqeen (pious)}

Fudalah said: For me to know that Allah has accepted from me an action the size of a mustard seed, is more beloved to me than this world and everything within it. This is because of the statement of Allah:

{Verily Allah only accepts the actions of the Mutaqeen (pious)}

Malik bin Dinar said: Fear that an action is not accepted is more difficult than performing the action itself.

"Ataa as Sulamee stated: The pious fear that their righteous actions were not done sincerely for Allah.
Abdul Azeez ibn Abee Ruwaad said: I have met people very diligent in performing actions, and upon completion of those actions they are faced with sadness in fear of the action being accepted or not.

Some Salaf used to say:
" The people of the past would supplicate 6 months to Allah to allow them to reach the month of Ramadan, and then upon completion of the month, they would again supplicate 6 months (begging) for acceptance of their fast. Some of the Salaf would display sadness on the day of Eid. It was said to them: This is a day of happiness and joy! They would respond: You have spoken the truth, but I am a servant, my Lord has ordered me to perform an action but I am not sure if He will accept it from me or not..."

READ MORE: 

RVM-PILAR COLLEGE Needs To Consult Own Conscience, NOT Multi-Stakeholders Re HIJAB Ban Policy

RVM-PILAR COLLEGE Needs Consultation of Own Conscience and 
NOT Multi-Stakeholders' Consultation Re HIJAB Ban Policy

Defense of HIJAB is Defense of Our Progeny



Defense of  H I J A B  
is  
Defense of Our Progeny...
              
Bang di hikapagmahi in hinang marayaw byah na kaagi sin hijab, hsyu pa in panu’bu’an sin manga susungun bar’iman sin lyuran ma’sa natu’?

If we cannot defend the right to do good deeds such as the right to wear hijab, who then will be left among our pious Muslimah to procreate the progeny of successors from these endangered species of faithful generation?

Maa laa yutimmu al-wajibu illa bihi fa huwa wajib. That without which an obligation cannot be fulfilled is itself obligatory.
"...While SOME of our elders and parents have the leisure to vacillate amidst the furor wrought by the Violation Against the Right to Freedom of Worship...let me pose these questions:"

I. Multiple Choice: Encircle the letter only of the correct answer.  
QUESTIONS: Why is there a need to point where the elephant is? When it is wrongfully right on top of their nose? What is there to consult by RVM Sisters of PILAR College?

1. RVM-Pilar College needs to consult....
A. its own untenable position of issuing a Hijab Ban Against Muslim Students
B. NCMF's  tenable position which is elucidated by the ff reasons:
1. It is fully supported by law and State policy;
2. It does not derogate on Pilar College's right to academic freedom;
3. The wearing of the hijab is not injurious to Pilar College and its students, faculty and staff; nor does it impede the teaching and learning functions in the school;
4. The wearing of hijaab is a sign of morality and modesty which Pilar College subscribes to because even nuns wear veils on campus. http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/mehol-k-sadain/message-for-the-dialogue-on-the-hijab-ban/10151064464616166
Obviously, based on the aforegoing arguments which are supported by solid legal bases, the request for multi-stakeholders' consultation made by RVM-Pilar representative is a sham and a mockery of  respecting and fulfilling the religious rights of Muslims. Understandably, the word appeal for moratorium perturbs concerned Muslims.  Al Madzhar J. Ahmadul, Executive Director of Al Furqan Islamic Cultural Center (AICC) and founding member of the Hijaab-Niqaab Advocacy Network, anxiously commented:
"Moratorium sounds ominously between mortuary and crematorium. I hope this issue will not just die and be 'cremated' to ashes. We have a long experience of dragging dialogues and talks in this country."
Indeed, it must be realized that there is no need to "stall for time" in order to save face; what must be saved is the dignity of veiled Muslim students.

Another incident of disallowing the veil jogged my memory. This is a case in ADEZU (Ateneo de Zamboanga University); where in my MAEdAdm class, I was informed by my Professor that ADEZU would have allowed "long sleeved" blouse and long skirt for ALL (whether hijaabi or not) Muslim female ;) students; had not Muslim female students who are non-hijaabi opposed the such proposed uniform code. Thus, ADEZU allegedly said that the uniform must apply to each and every Muslim female students, if not, then it will not be imposed at all.
The above case cited actually violates (by compulsion) two concomitant rights: the right to wear the hijaab; and the right NOT to wear it. 

Infringement of the right to wear either hijaab or niqaab has become a "geographical issue" in Zamboanga City based upon the observation of Anna Leah Dilangalen Dipatuan of CHD-NCR. Violations have been committed by NBI, DFA in the case of phototaking procedures; by some hospitals, schools, and universities. 
Apart from the violations of Muslim women's freedom of religious worship is the greatly alarming "outright defiance" of some personnel from the very agency from which these legal issuances emanated. 

But then again, their temerity must be subjected to the "insubordination test." These provocative questions rankle: Were these people not duly informed of said memoranda and legal issuances? Do they defy the same because these pose immediate and grave danger on their personae? What must be done to rectify their injurious behavior to the inalienable rights of their fellow Filipinos who just happened to be Muslims?
Ironically, while DOH protects and safeguards Muslim ladies' right to don the hijab, it seems that some ZC Hospitals/CIs have the temerity to flagrantly defy MEMO DOH MEMO No. 2009-0107 issued by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, MD MSc. (Re:Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Muslim workers, including but not limited to students and trainees in health facilities).

As a matter of fact, the aforementioned MEMO was duly reiterated by DOH MEMO No. 2011-0232dated 16 August 2011 Re: Reiterating Compliance to DOH MEMO No. 2009-0107 by Nemesio T. Gako, MD, MPH, CESO II, Asst Secretary of Health, Internal Finance and Administration Technical Cluster— BUT STILL SOME ZC HOSPITALS AND CIS NEVER HEED IT.
"Heed" was the word used above but for indignant Dr Sherjan Kalim, IMAN-Pres, "it seems that these people do not know how to READ!"
The long-winded fight for hijaab and niqaab has been intermittent in the Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ), most especially heightening after the demise of the hijab-niqaab defender, former CEO-Pres. Ammar Eustaquio.
CHR-IX Regional Head Atty. Frederick Ian Capin, Legal Commentary Re Wearing of Niqab by Muslim Women in Schools, signed on 27 JULY 2012.
  There is NO need to consult whether or not religious freedom was violated by Pilar College because when it declared a "hijab ban policy" without justifiable grounds , the same is "tantamount to violation of  religious freedom."


Below is the full text of the message of NCMF CEO Mehol K. Sadain...
http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/mehol-k-sadain/message-for-the-dialogue-on-the-hijab-ban/10151064464616166
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
[I am happy that Pilar College has agreed to a dialogue which will take place this morning. In my absence, NCMF Zamboanga City Actg. Regional Director DENNISON ABIDIN will attend. I have asked him to deliver the message that follows. Let us all hope for the best.]

ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN
Secretary, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos
August 7, 2012...
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Friday, August 10, 2012

1 in 10 children in Asia-Pacific suffer abuse--UNICEF

1 in 10 children in Asia-Pacific suffer abuse--UNICEF
Unacceptable physical abuse is causing long-term damage to the lives and futures of far too many children in East Asia and the Pacific, according to a report released by UNICEF on 8 August.  
The report, Child Maltreatment: Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences in East Asia and Pacific, is the first comprehensive analysis of existing studies undertaken by experts and academics about child maltreatment in the region. It examines studies produced between January 2000 and November 2010.
Estimates of the frequency of physical abuse of children vary from country to country and from study to study, but the report found that even the best case scenario suggests that 1 in 10 children experience physical abuse, while the worst case finds that 30.3 per cent of children suffer from abuse.


O, Parents! Must Thou Beat and Abuse the Pleasure of Thine Eyes?
In Islamic societies the main purpose of marriage is procreation, which is an obligatory religious duty.
The advent of a child is not only welcomed and considered a blessing, it is also regarded as essential for strengthening the marriage bond, for the perpetuation of the line of descent,
and for enlarging the community of the faithful.

To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth.
He creates what He wills.
He bestows female (offspring) upon whom He wills,
and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills.
The Noble Qur'an - Ash-Shura 42:49

Every child is born Muslim

Hadith - Bukhari 2.440, Narrated Ibn Shihab
Abu Huraira, narrated that the Prophet said, "Every child is born with a true faith (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) but his parents convert him to Judaism or to Christianity or to Magainism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?" Then Abu Huraira recited the holy verse: "So set you (O Muhammad SAW) your face towards the religion of pure Islâmic Monotheism Hanifa (worship none but Allâh Alone) Allâh's Fitrah (i.e. Allâh's Islâmic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalq­illâh (i.e. the Religion of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism), that is the straight religion, but most of men know not. [Tafsir At­Tabarî, Vol 21, Page 41] " (30.30).



Al Mâ'ûn
Surah 107. Small Kindnesses, Almsgiving



107:1 Seest thou one who denies the Judgment (to come)?
Araayta allathee yukaththibu bialddeeni
107:2 Then such is the (man) who repulses the orphan (with harshness),
Fathalika allathee yaduAAAAualyateema
107:3 And encourages not the feeding of the indigent.
Wala yahuddu AAalataAAami almiskeeni
107:4 So woe to the worshippers
Fawaylun lilmusalleena
107:5 Who are neglectful of their prayers,
Allatheena hum AAan salatihimsahoona
107:6 Those who (want but) to be seen (of men),
Allatheena hum yuraoona
107:7 But refuse (to supply) (even) neighbourly needs.
WayamnaAAoona almaAAoona

O, Muslims! Must Thou Repulse the Orphans?

Children, according to Islam, are entitled to various rights. 
The first and foremost of these rights is the right to be properly brought up, raised and educated. 
This means that children should be given suitable, sufficient, sound and adequate religious, ethical and moral guidance to last them for their entire lives. 
They should be engraved with true values, the meaning of right and wrong, true and false, correct and incorrect, appropriate and inappropriate and so forth and so on. 

Allah, the Almighty stated in the Glorious Qur’an:
"O ye who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones." (66:6) 

Allah’s Apostle, PBUH also said: "Every one of you (people) is a shepherd. And every one is responsible for whatever falls under his responsibility. A man is like a shepherd of his own family, and he is responsible for them." This Hadith is reported by both Bukhari and Muslim.

O, Parents! Must Thou Beat and Abuse Amanah from ALLAH?

Children, therefore are a trust given to the parents. Parents will be responsible for this trust on the Day of Judgement. Parents are essentially responsible for the moral, ethical and the basic and essential religious teachings of their children. 

If parents fulfill this responsibility, they will be free of the consequences on the Day of Judgement. 

The children will become better citizens and a pleasure to the eyes of their parents, first in this life, and in the hereafter. 

O, Parents! Must Thou Beat and Abuse the Pleasure of Thine Eyes?


The father has been instructed to provide for the maintenance of his infant children, whilst both parents have been instructed to provide education for their young children beginning first with the study of the Holy Quran. Of all the properties and which children inherit from their parents, the best is good manners. Parents have been instructed to spend for the well-being of their children. The Hadith states there is no better cause than to spend for the well-being of their children.
If in the case of the father's death, the mother spends her time bringing up the minor children till they attain maturity, instead of taking a second husband, that mother has been assured a place in Paradise next to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
There are Ahadith that state that parents should salute (make Salaams to) their children when entering the house; and parents should often express kindness and affection to their children by hugging and kissing them.





 

Destroy political parties and oligarchs; End Eternal Cha Cha!

AFRIM - AFRIM OFFICIAL NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE''


Warina Jukuy, a civil society representative from Sulu, likened the peace talks from the Tripoli Agreement of 1976 to the present as an “eternal cha cha. Two steps forward, two steps backward.”

“While waiting for cha cha to end – the national dance should be cha cha – I opt for something vey easy but hard to do: destroy political parties and oligarchs,” adding that for as long as they are around, there will always be a “systemic failure” and “ matuwid na landas will never come to be.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)

 website:http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/04/02/fr-mercado-to-gph-peace-panel-abandon-the-%E2%80%9C3-for-1%E2%80%9D-formula/
Author: Carolyn O. Arguillas
Source: Mindanews.com
Date Published : 2012-04-01

Fr. Mercado to GPH peace panel: Abandon the “3 for 1” formula
2012-04-02

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews) –  The executive director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG)  here wants the government peace panel  (GPH) to abandon the “3 for 1” formula it proposed to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), claiming it is merely a formula to reform the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
“’Three for one’ is not a formula for peace agreement but a formula to reform ARMM,” Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr., told a workshop on “Building the Bridge: ARMM to RSD (Right to Self-Determination)”  Thursday afternoon.
Judge Soliman Santos, on the other hand, told a roundtable forum at the Ateneo de Davao University on Wednesday that the GPH panel “should not just think of the current PNoy (President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino) administration and its doables or what it can do up to 2016; it should think also of leaving a more strategic legacy beyond that,” adding, “it is the centuries-old Bangsamoro problem that we are solving here, not just its fate under PNoy.” READ MORE..... website:http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/04/02/fr-mercado-to-gph-peace-panel-abandon-the-%E2%80%9C3-for-1%E2%80%9D-formula/

Thursday, August 9, 2012

TIME FRAME: The Missing Link Between NCMF- Pilar College' Dialogue

Time frame is essential but undetermined, it becomes a missing link between Pilar College -NCMF Joint Press Release.

Dr Sherjan Kalim, IMAN President urged HAN partners to demand that a time frame be posted as well. He believed that this is the only way that HRDs can monitor the progress of the dialogue.

He further commented that Pilar College is not just suppressing religious freedom with its anti-Hijab policy, but also suppressing freedom of information when it appealed for a moratorium in the release of information about this issue from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.
"They are abusing many basic human rights. We believe that the Commission on Human Rights should also be pro-active regarding these issues because Pilar College is adding more violations of human rights," declared Dr Kalim.

Warina Sushil A. Jukuy asserted that requesting for moratorium of media info release- albeit qualified with the word REQUEST-- is still a request to curtail right to information. "Sort of: May we please violate the public's right to information?" explained Jukuy.

According to this blogger, Sr Maria Nina Balbas dropped a bombshell when she wrote:

xxx“Our origin is Roman Catholic and we cannot deviate from that origin...the school freely adopts its own policies, standards,… regulations and sets forth its conditions for those wishing to join the community as students.
“This is part of academic freedom in connection with which the school has the right to choose whom to teach,” the letter emphasized.xxx

"The tone is unmistakably terse and unrelenting. Sobriety and humility are expunged in the process by susceptibility to arrogance and obstinacy, " she ended.

IMAN President Exhorts Pilar College President To Resign

Via a blog comment, Dr Sherjan Kalim, President of IMAN (Islamic Medical Association of the Philippines, Inc.), exhorted Pilar College President Sr Maria Nina Balbas to resign and to go on a retreat. 
Dr Kalim is calling out for Balbas' resignation as President of Pilar College in order to remove any bias or influence on the outputs of the consultative meetings which will be recommending resolution to the issue regarding Hijab Ban Policy. IMAN President is imploring her to resign now out of delicadeza.

Dr Kalim's exhortation is resonated by Warina Sushil A. Jukuy, PAHRA Paralegal Worker Coordinator for WesMin,and SECGEN of HAN (Hijaab and Niqaab Advocacy Network). Dr Kalim is as one among the 10 Board of Trustees of HAN. Jukuy maintains the Jihadul aKbar blog as her peaceful jihad against the SELF.


Call for the resignation of Pilar College President Ma. Nina Balbas. This is to remove any bias or influence the outputs of the consultative meetings which will be recommending resolution of this issue. Out of delicadeza, please, Sr. Ma. Nina Balbas, RESIGN NOW as President of Pilar College. Go on a retreat please.
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Replies


  1. It is disheartening that Sr. Ma. Nina Balbas,President of Pilar College, did not restrain herself.

    Her brashness has dragged the RVM and its institution into this faux pas.

    Sr Balbas singles out Muslim students just because they are garbed in "chastity veils" similarly to Virgin Mary, Mother Theresa, and Mother Ignacia, and for the same reason bans them admission in Pilar learning institution.

    Why would a nun like her do "that"? Her alibi in the letter was "we cannot deviate from our Roman Catholic origin." She even equated academic freedom with Pilar's right whom to teach. Is this her personal belief or the RVM's,too?

    Yes, Doc Sherj. She must resign as President of Pilar College and go on a retreat please. She must extricate RVM and Pilar College from teaching bigotry in practice and not merely in theory.

    Salamun alaykum, Doc Sherj.

    Yes, I resonate your relevant demand for a TIME FRAME which did not manifest on the JOINT PRESS RELEASE .

    Two points were requested and appealed by RVM Superior General Rep Sr. Maria Fe Gedorias:

    xxxx "... 1. requested enough time to REVISIT their policies as it require the proper process and consultation with all stakeholders;
    2. appealed that a MORATORIUM in releasing info re issue to the media be observed..."xxxx

    Alhamdulillaah for NCMF R9a proactive stance, and NCMF did ask for a time frame

    xxxx"...NCMF R-9 a Acting Regl Dir. Denisson M. Abidin had readily agreed with Sr Gedorias' request and asked for a 'time frame' by which
    the institution 'can dialogue and consult'
    all the school's stakeholders namely:
    the students, teachers, staffs, parents,
    alumni,all RVM Administrators in the country
    and their higher superiors."xxxx

    Likewise, a "FUTURE dialogue was agreed upon by both parties to present the result of the dialogues conducted by Pilar College."

    but there was no definite time frame expressed albeit merely implied by Pilar College.

    FUTURE as well as TIME FRAME in the context of time is too indeterminate and vague...
    naturally, reader will think..."Is the RVM stalling for time to protect its interest and to extinguish the fiery uproar or is the RVM really eyeing a "multi-stakeholders consultative process" in "good faith"?

    Couldn't blame us to think that way especially so that in the first place Pilar College President Sr Maria Nina Balbas did not prudently bother to hold a "multi-stakeholders consultative process" when it issued an official declaration that

    xxxx"...the school’s rules and regulation prohibits female Muslim students from wearing “hijab” or veil inside the learning institution in a letter addressed to Mayor Celso Lobregat dated July 09, 2012..."xxxx

    Certainly, this doesn't call for a plebiscite or referendum, doest it? ;) *rolls eyes 360 degrees* so to speak, not in a fit of nystagmus, Doc Sherj :D

    THE ISSUE is NOT about "sticking to your guns" BUT prudence to "discard your guns".
    There is DIGNITY when one has the humility to retract a statement in order to correct an injustice as a result of a grievous wrong unintentionally done to the vulnerable.
    After all, no person shall be deprived of life, liberty and property without due process of law.

    This violation of religious freedom affecting and delimiting Muslims free access to education has become a Human Security as much as a Peace issue.

    Where there is repression and injustice, there is spiral of violence.