huff

kia kerun kia na kerun:S

king kong

achi movie thi! but its bit toooo long, never felt it was while watchin tho, so i do recommend(Y)

baqi im in manchester...just time guzar reha hai, had to see my old mate and just relax for a bit, shud b back in day or two :)

...

acha bura jisa bhi hoon apnay hi liya hoon
main khud ko nahi dekhta auroon ki nazar say...

My Vision...

Okay i do accept all the material i have posted earlier wasn't my own but....

Its really sad to see these days muslims and specially muslims like me, who are Alahamdulillah, muslims by birth, don't really like to read their religious history. We believe what we believe in, 'bcoz thats what my dad told me so', 'dats how things are done in my family', 'thats what maulvi ji told me in the mosque'. Well thats true in my case as well, if not today, it used to be!

I first started studying or you can say looked into my religious believes when i was subjected to study of Philosophy in first year of my degree back in Lahore at University Of Lahore. I just admire my teacher of that time, i really can't remember his name now but he used to come in the lecture room and just start any sort of discussion. From the very first day he said we won't have any framed course structure of this module rather than we will have open discussions and most of the time we wont have answers to those questions but atleast its a brain exercise we all should go through.

Most of the students in our university called him Athiest, even called him Kafir sometimes. But don't know he always had logic in his words. We used to discuss creation of Universe, Morality and Ethics and most interestingly he used to stay away from religious discussions as religion is most of the time based on certain believes which cant be 'challenged'. Or in country like Pakistan, you could be hanged to death :P

But the most important thing i learnt from him was, DO ASK!. Do question things which are going around you, do question your believes ( which includes your religion ) and think logically. keep your mind open and you should always be prepared to defend your 'faith'.

And trully this made me THINK about what we all do. Those 4 months were revolutionary in life because i never thought like this before. He pointed out few things which i really used to think when i was young, like in school but never ever mentioned to anyone around, which was:" May be whole this religion stuff is made by one or few genious people who made an invisible entity, such as GOD who cannot be challenged? but they did it all in good faith?"

Yes, it is possible for people who dont believe in Allah, but whats to lose if i follow Islam? i really can't see anything wrong with it?

We all need a system to live in, a system where out rights are protected and where we dont have any chance to subdue our fellow human beings of their rights. We all know that we need a traffic lights on our roads to make the driving safe, why cant we be aware enough to stop on our own? because we CANT, we are human beings, we do have laws in which we all live, if you speed on road you get tickets, if you litter around you get tickets, if you dont repay your debts you get court orders, and we all follow that with calm and never argue with a police officer then why with religion?

These were the things i asked myself during that semester and did try to answer myself. But again this world is not made according to the laws of LOGIC or atleast human logic is still not mature enough to understand that. We learnt Stephen Hawkins, a great American Physisict and Philosopher who proved existence of God and disapproved existance of God in his other book, both based on Logic, which at the moment no one can challenge. So what we suppose to do? The very best answer science gives us is: Universe came into existence by a BIG BANG. But what was before that? so even the science of reasoning doesnt works beyond that, so to comfort myself, yes i do believe there is someone out there, Allah (SWT).

Now, based on this, when i assume that there is someone, who is the creator of this universe, which is now belief, i go towards my basic religion. If i can believe in that, why should'nt i believe in his Prophet Muhammad( S.A.W) and if i do, then whats stopping me from believing what he taught?

As a muslim i do believe in all what is said in Holy Book Quran. If there is order or hukm of 'Pardah, Niqaab, Veil, or Burqah' i do believe that there must be something good in it. But as i have logical perspective of my religion as well, and i see no reason why we should'nt have these things, they all make sense, atleast to me.

It is very natural for a men to see towards a women who is wearing a revealing dress, revealing here means, such a dress which shows the 'figure' of her body, and surely its a start of something we believe is immoral stuff to do. Yes you may ask, why a women should suffer because of this ill-habit of male genre?, Do you think its possible to cover eyes of a person? i dont think that to be very practical so only remedy is to make women such clothes which should not reveal themselve in such manner. And again didnt we see that in Quran, its been asked from men to lower ther gazes when they see a women? and dont tell me its un-practical dress to wear, please do abit of research and look into 'Womens role in Iran', they ain't allowed to leave there place without burqa but they do work in almost every aspect of life! ( I am not claiming its huge, we dont want that! but its quite significant as compared to other muslim countries)

And again, if i believe in Allah and his Messenger, why not to believe in his laws? Don't we all know that in Quran its mentioned that Husbands are protector of their wives? So, if you are a muslim you should believe in the fact that women are not suppose to earn for their families, its the mens job! they are naturally made stronger for this reason and women should stay home to look after the family, the family of his husband such as his ageing parents and her kids. I really cant see any reason why people wants to change it? whats wrong with it? its not depriving women of their right to work but its the case of different genders made for different reason! if all the women will go to work? what gonna happen to your parents? where should go? old homes? ask them about it, ask the people who lives in old homes, where they wanna stay? what gonna happen to your kids? just put them into caring homes/nursring homes? do you really think thats the best they deserve?

Again it comes to believes, if you believe whats said in Quran and Hadeeth, why you wana deviate from it? if you really want then just please dont follow westerns blindly, put a bit of thought in it first.

You talk about free society? free speech? equality of male, female? well okay, USA,UK, Europe has opened up there societies, living in england i do see old buildings such as schools where they mark entrances on the basis of gender classification but certainly thats not the case anymore which means they used to have some type of pardah earlier but well what they got out of new system? Far more cases of sexual harrasment than a century earlier? more killings? more rap cases? and all sort of crimes related to female harrasment on rise, is that what we want?

Okay may be, i have deviated a little from my original topic but i do want to discuss with people who think Islam is an old fashioned religion and it is not applicable in todays society, we need to change things? huh i really dont think so. Just give it a try on personal basis atleast and see what it does for you, surely there is a Hikma in all the words/orders/ahkaam of Allah (SWT) and it all ends on my believes. These are the believes based on limited logic and practical experiences.

For all you out there, specially my muslims fellows, Please do follow what you believe in! If you are muslim you have to accept whats in the holy book, yes you do have the right to question, but seek answers and do sort yourself out, because without that your belief in Islam is pointless.

Note: Everything i have said in this writting i based on my personal views, i am not here to change your views, dictate anyone or even affect your thoughts in anyway. It is just something personally i think how things should be:) .

The headscarf Part.3

Hijaab (viel) is an Attitude, not a Fashion!

Wearing the Hijaab isn't just a matter of simply putting a piece of cloth on your head, it is an attitude, a way of thinking and behaving, and accepting yourself for who and what you are. Basically it constitutes an Islamic way of life, it is a statement which indeed should portray a certain attitude.

A woman may indeed wear a long skirt and a scarf, but if she flirts constantly, then she can't be really described as wearing the Hijaab (Indeed clothes should be long, loose and not see through, after which any style of clothing is applicable). The whole idea involves conducting oneself with dignity at all times (that means running for the bus and boisterous behaviour in public is not a good idea!!). As previously mentioned, the Hijaab depicts a statement, and that is something one should be continually aware of. It identifies you as a Muslim, and ultimately people will judge Islam by you, and that is a heavy responsibility!!

Yet sisters, we must also be thankful that by wearing the Hijaab, we go a long way in fulfilling our duties of Dawah. Curiosity prompts people to question us, giving us the opportunity to show the non-muslims the beauty of our religion. O.k., so we may get the stares at times (to which one rapidly becomes immune), but it is amazing how many are sincerely interested, oh and not to forget the redoubtable old British ladies on the Tube ("Oh I do like your headdress, my dear!!!").

Hijaab isn't meant to restrict you from doing the kind of things you want to do, it is a blessing because it makes us check our behaviour continuously, preventing us from doing the things that muslims shouldn't be doing anyway. Anything (with the blessings of the Almighty, is possible) -studying, working etc. etc. -provided it is within the bounds of Islam (Halal).

Sometimes, however the decision to wear the Hijaab can become extra complicated through external pressures, notably family and friends. Unfortunately, even some muslims nowadays look upon the Hijaab as being too "extreme", and the like and when these attitudes come from members of your family then the decision becomes all the more difficult. Speaking from experience, things do change, because ultimately, you are doing this for Allah (s.w.t), and he will make it easy for you, by "softening" the hearts of those that may not be all that encouraging. Eventually they themselves will want to follow you because deep down they know that it is the right thing to do. If that doesn't help, then this should convince you:

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said : Allah the Almighty says:

"I am as my servant thinks I am...If he draws near to Me a hand's span, I draw near to him an arms length; and if he draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a fathom's length. And if he comes walking, I go to him at speed."

On the other side, it is important to ascertain the motive for wearing the Hijaab. If you are thinking of wearing it to please your husband, to impress people at the mosque, or just as a change, then please think again. Hijaab (as with everything else) is to please Allah (s.w.t) only, any other motive will not sustain that conviction.

A word also to our brothers; Hijaab may seem to be merely a woman's issue, but that is not so. Muslim men have to follow a dress code too, no matter if it isn't as extensive as for women it still exists! The men, like women, should also wear loose clothes -so no tight fitting jeans please!! Their attitude to all women should also always remain respectful and business like, as the women's attitude to men should be.

Finally, all of the above pales in significance to the words of our Creator (s.w.t):

"Say to the believing men
That they should lower
Their gaze and guard
Their modesty: that will make
For greater purity for them:
And Allah is well acquainted
With all that they do.
And say to the believing women
That they should lower
Their gaze and guard
Their modesty: that they
Should not display their
Beauty and ornaments except
What (ordinarily) appear
Thereof; that they should
Draw their veils over
Their bosoms and not display
Their beauty except
To their husbands, their hers,
Their Husband's fathers, their sons,
Their brothers or their brothers' sons,
Or their sisters' sons,
Or their women, or their slaves
Whom their right hands
Possess, or male attendants
Free of sexual desires.
Or small children who
Have no carnal knowledge of women;
And that they
Should not strike their feet
In order to draw attention
To their hidden ornaments.
And O ye Believers!
Turn ye all together
Towards Allaah in repentance that ye
may be successful."

(Al -Quran, ch.24:30-31)

By: Fauzia Malik www.therevival.co.uk
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The headscarf Part.2

Hijab (head covering) - Unveiling the Mystery

American Muslim women today are rediscovering the pristine Islam as revealed by Allah, God, to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, more than 1,400 years ago but without any of the contradictions of ancestral culture. Consequently they are essentially engaging in a life-long exercise of rediscovering their own selves – what it means to be a human, a Muslim, and more so, a Muslim woman.

Wearing the Divinely Mandated hijab, the veil or head covering, as a part of their everyday dresses is among the first steps toward this rediscovery.

In a society which shamelessly publicly exposes a woman’s body and intimate requirements where nudity somehow symbolizes the expression of a woman’s freedom and where the most lustful desires of men are fulfilled unchecked – it is little wonder such an introspection leads many Muslim women to the decision to wear hijab

However, generalizations about Islam and Muslims are replete in today’s media and, by extension, in the minds of many Americans who shape their image of the world through the media. Veiled Muslim women are typically unfairly stigmatized. They are regarded on the one hand as suppressed and oppressed, and on the other, as fanatics and fundamentalists. Both depictions are grossly wrong and imprecise. Such portrayals not only misrepresent these women’s strong feelings towards hijab, but also fail to acknowledge their courage and the resulting identity hijab lends to them.

Amongst such misconceptions is also the belief that any Muslim woman who wears hijab is forced to do so. Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, the final determination to wear hijab is often not easily reached. Days of meditation, an inevitable fear of consequences and reactions, and ultimately, plenty of courage weigh heavily in reaching the decision. Wearing hijab is a very personal and independent decision, coming from appreciating the wisdom underlying Allah’s command and a sincere wish to please Him.

"I believe hijab is pleasing to Allah, or I wouldn’t wear it. I believe there is something deep down beautiful and dignified about it. It has brought some beautiful and joyous dimension to my life that always amaze me," said Mohja Kahf, assistant professor of English and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in an internet posting.

"To me hijab is a gift from Allah. It gives me the opportunity to become closer to Allah. Also quite importantly, (it provides me) the chance to stand and be recognized as a Muslim," Fariha Khan, 18, of Rockville, Maryland, said.

However, with this recognition comes tremendous responsibility as highly visible representatives of Islam and Muslims. Anywhere covered sisters go, Muslims and non-Muslims alike recognize them as followers of Islam. In a land where misinformation about Islam and Muslims abounds, Muslim sisters have the opportunity to portray Islam in its true light.

But the greatest responsibility related to hijab is the understanding that there is more to hijab than just the scarf; the internalized modesty really matters. This internal moral system gives meaning to the external scarf. This can be perceived from the overall demeanor of any Muslim woman – how she acts, dresses, speaks, and so on. Only when the internalized modesty manifests itself through the external hijab can sisters represent Muslims according to the beautiful example set by the Prophet, upon whom be peace, and followed by his companions.

"Hijab by itself is just a piece of cloth, at some level. I do not think we should take (it) as an exclusive marker of a woman’s moral worth or level of faith. It is the surrounding context – the etiquette, the morals – which make it anything" Kahf said.

Saba M. Baig, 21, is a recent graduate of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. She was 17 when she seriously started wearing hijab, and feels she is still in the process of learning internal hijab. "My biggest realization was that hijab was not just about wearing a scarf on my head, but more of a (veil) on my heart," said Baig. "Hijab is more than an external covering. That’s the easy part of it all. It has a lot (more) to do with modesty and just the way you present yourself."

"In this life, I couldn’t think of anything better than being a Muslim. Wearing hijab signifies it and reminds me of it. Hijab is important to me and it means everything to me when I wear it," Khan said.

"Unfortunately, it also has its down side: you get discriminated against, treated as though you are oppressed… I wear it for (Allah), and because I want to. Period," said Imaan, a convert to Islam, currently studying in Australia.

Yet, the general society, to some extent defines the image of hijab. "The surrounding context can make it oppressive," explained Kahf. "For example, in social contexts where observing hijab includes (the practice) of separating women from the resources of society including education, mosques, sources of religious and spiritual guidance, economic livelihood, etc., … (hijab) develops oppressive qualities. Or when hijab is literally imposed through punitive sanctions rather than encouraged benignly, this distorts the underlying beauty of hijab and turns it into something ugly.

"I believe hijab is pleasing to Allah, or I wouldn’t wear it. I believe there is something deep down beautiful and dignified about it. It has brought some beautiful and joyous dimension to my life that always amaze me."

"(At the same time,) the surrounding context can make it liberating, as we in the United States often experience. For many of us, in a society which imposes degrees of sexualized nakedness on women, wearing hijab has been a liberating experience. To us hijab has meant non-conformism to unjust systems of thought. We have experienced social sanctions for wearing it, and these experiences are seared in our memories, rather than experiences of being forced to wear it," Kahf concluded.

For many women hijab is a constant reminder that unlike other women they should not have to design their lives and bodies for men. "Before I started covering, I thought of myself based on what others thought of me. I see that too often in girls, their happiness depends on how others view them, especially men. Ever since, my opinion of myself has changed so much; I have gained (a lot of) self-respect. I have realized whether others may think of me as beautiful is not what matters. How beautiful I think of myself and knowing that Allah finds me beautiful makes me feel beautiful," said Baig softly, her eyes glowing.

Furthermore, modest clothing and hijab are precautions to avoid any social violations. Contrary to popular belief, this is not limited to women only. Preceding the verse in the Qur’an about women lowering their gaze comes the following verse,

"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is Aware of what they do."
[Al-Qur’an 24:30].

In addition, on the authority of Sahl ibn Sa’d, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones (the tongue) and what is between his two legs (the private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him." (Bukhari).

Hijab is not worn for men, to keep their illicit desires in check. Rather, Muslim women wear it for God and their own selves. Islam is a religion of moderation, of balance between extremes. Therefore, it does not expect women alone to uphold the society’s morality and uprightness. Rather, Islam asks men and women to mutually strive to create a healthy social environment where children may grow with positive, beautiful, constructive and practical values and concepts. Men are equally required to be modest and to conduct themselves responsibly in every sphere of their lives.

In fact, in this society, enough emphasis cannot be placed on the necessity for men to keep their gaze lowered, as a concerned brother put it. "Think about it -- what has the potential to cause more damage a sister otherwise modestly dressed but no scarf, or a brother who goes about gawking in the streets, (or) on campus? I cannot exactly quantify it, but guess the latter," he said.

Islam asks men and women to mutually strive to create a healthy social environment where children may grow with positive, beautiful, constructive, and practical values and concepts.

According to Jabir ibn Abdullah, when he asked the Prophet, peace be upon him, about a man’s gaze falling inadvertently on a strange woman, the Prophet replied, "Turn your eyes away." (Muslim) In another tradition, the Prophet, on whom be peace, chided Ali for looking again at a woman – he said, the second glance is from Shaitan.

The concept of modesty and hijab in Islam is holistic, and encompasses both men and women. The ultimate goal is to maintain societal stability and to please God.

Since Muslim women are more conspicuous because of their appearance, it is easier for people to associate them with the warped images they see in the print and broadcast media. Hence, stereotypes are perpetuated and often sisters seem "mysterious" to those not acquainted with Muslim women who dress according to Divine instructions. This aura of "mystery" cannot be removed until their lifestyles, beliefs and thought-systems are genuinely explored. And, frankly, this cannot be achieved until one is not afraid to respectfully approach Muslim women – or any Muslim for that matter. So, the next time you see a Muslim, stop and talk to him or her – you’ll feel, God-Willing, as if you’re entering a different world, the world of Islam: full of humility, piety, and of course, modesty!

by Saulat Pervez http://women.islamic-perspective.co.uk/

The headscarf

Why do Muslim women cover their heads? Is this a sign of subjection?

This instruction from God is only one aspect of a wider context of purity of thought and action for men and women. Islam has very strict rules against adultery and fornication, and introduces many cautious measures to ensure the prevention and avoidance of such sins. One measure is the prescription that men and women should avoid intermingling as far as possible (see Qur’an 33:53). This is why men and women pray in separate areas or separate rows in the mosque.

Another measure is that men and women should cover the specified areas of their bodies the sight of which arouse sexual desire in others (see Qur’an 7:26; 33:59).

Yet another measure is that men and women should lower or turn their gaze away from looking at a person of the opposite sex (see Qur’an 24:31).

The idea that the head covering is a sign of subjection of women is found not in the Qur’an but in another religious book with which the Qur’an does not always agree. That other book teaches that women should have a sign of authority over their heads because man was not created from woman, but woman from man. The same book says that a man should not cover his head because he is the image and glory of God; and a woman should cover her head because she is the glory of man. The Qur’an does not identify with any of these ideas. The Qur’anic prescription of head cover does not in any way imply the subjection of women.

People often confuse the Islamic prescriptions with ideas they are already familiar with. Therefore when they see Muslim women covering their heads they hastily conclude that it is for the same reasons mentioned in some other religious book. But to gain a better understanding of Islamic prescriptions, they have to be viewed within the framework of Islamic thought.

Another mistake made by many is as follows. When they hear that the Qur’an includes the story of Adam and Eve they conclude that the Qur’an also upholds the idea that Eve was responsible for the fall of man, and that the subjection of women is a necessary result of God’s curse on them. On the contrary, the Qur’an is free of such ideas. In the Qur’an, Adam and Eve were both approached by the Devil. The Devil did not approach Adam through Eve. Adam is therefore specifically blamed in the Qur’an 20:121. In other verses they are both blamed; but in no verse is Eve alone singled out to be blamed for the fall of man. Although men are charged with the responsibility of leadership in Islam too, this is in view of the practical dynamics of human interaction as prescribed by God. It is not because of a curse on women.

It would be a mistake to take the prescriptions of Islam and associate them with ideas held outside of Islam. Within Islam, women are capable of as much good as men, and they stand before God equally honoured.

Reference: www.islaminfo.com
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pressures...

OKay, this time its Antenna assignment.

The first part was easy, just followed the example taught it lab session with few more calculations and thats it, your antenna for Metoer Packet Radio Service is done. All the 3D graphs with simulations are working fine and again i was so relaxed by 'achieving' this goal that i left the second part of assignment, a thing to do at end!

but well well, been helpin around other fellows in lab sessions with there designs, as so many of students in my class come from Pakistan with computer science background and they do struggle a bit with engineering aspects but still most of them are doing great, some of them better than me $

as for sure i didnt start my assignment till thursday this week. The task is to make 50 ohm antenna with 8 dBi minimum gain and 15 dBi F/B ratio and frequency for UHF Amateur Radio Service.
So, i started with my usual search engine i.e. www.ask.com but again whatever you try to search, all the figures come up are for: United States of America's standards. We aint suppose to work on them:S i wanted to know what frequency im suppose to work for UHF in UK or Europe after a long search, and going through some not-so-serious websites, i decided to make it 430-440 MHz.

Anyway, everyone in class is doing Yagi-Yuda antenna, the kind of antenna we all have seen, specially coming asian regions where Cable and satellite wasnt that in fashion, but i never realised such a simple thing would have name like this:s , yes you have guessed it right, it is named after its japenese inventor, a very typical TV Aerial, with 6 to 10 elements is called Yagi-Yuda antenna in technical terms. But, i wanted to make something else, was just trying to be different, as we suppose to be! in lectures we learn about atleast 7-8 kinds of antennas, so why yagi only?

Well well well, spent whole evening doing calculations for QUAD-LOOP antenna, which im sure none of my readers ( except Rf engineers, if any* ) have seen before, but it was looking very simple in my text book and calculations were also cheap, but as predicted it didnt work! I cant get the 50 ohm impedence in it! and im not sure how to use to matching circuit in NEC4WIN95, the software im using for simulations. So after all that hassle, i think i need to scrap that design.

Now, only yesterday, yes back to basics, go on try yagi-yuda...deadline date is 09/12/05, which isnt that far! did all the calculations as per lecture slides and simulated it...still...cant get the impedence right!!!:'( pata nahi kia hai isko:( haan aik aur baat, the actual simulations are for folded dipole which act as a feeder, but i cant make folded elements in this software!!! not my fault? guess wat:D rather than making it folded i tried making it rectangular, i can get wire connected on one side but my software doesnt like the wire on other side and just crashes! yani k yeh kia baat hui bhala, i spent so much time last night on this stupid thing and it still does the same! khair i got one new software from internet, its from US university, i have requested them to send me a trial license copy, which im sure they do, but hope i can get hold of it soon:)

P.S: Im writing this in hope if some out there could help me!!! :(