Dr Bilal Philips – world renowned, yet humble.

I had the great opportunity of meeting the visiting Islamic scholar, Dr Bilal Philips. Being a person who has been seeing his great lectures and reading his books, he had assumed a larger than life halo in my mind. So it was a real pleasure to get a chance to meet the real Bilal Philips. As expected he turned out to be extremely friendly, simple and humble person, all of which are essential qualities of all great callers to Islam. He gave us (me and another medical colleague) valuable insights about Da’wa work that can be done by those in the medical profession. For one thing, he emphasized the need to arrange free medical camps.
Arranging free medical camps is something that we ought to have started long ago. There are many specialists among us who would volunteer. Insha-Allah we will very soon start on it.


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Spare our children from this nonsense please!

While taking my eight years old son home from school and while waiting at the junction of Chandhanee and Majeedee Roads, we have to endure an extremely immoral and stupid advertisement on the “Big Tv”. The ad is apparently put up there by those promoting the condom. A man and women, alone in an apartment, woman sitting on a bed suggestively, the man cutting some vegetables and cutting his finger and the woman coming and putting a balloon (?) on the cut finger, this sort of thing. A message is displayed: Safety first, then pleasure.I am sure a lot of us have suffered through this stupid ad while waiting in the light. I am always afraid that my son may ask me: Dad, why did she put a balloon on his cut instead of a proper dressing? Or something like that. But luckily he hasn’t. So far.
Why is this nonsense being paraded this much? It has little to do with health or HIV or STDs but everything to do with business. Condom is big business. Not only business, it is a way of life! It is one of the pillars of the modern uncivilization. So the purveyors of the condom culture must promote it as an article of faith!
Few years ago, while I was attending an E.N.T camp in Kulhudhuffushi, some parents came and complained to me that a group of people calling themselves “counselors” were teaching ‘safe sex’ (translated as : how to fornicate without getting pregnant) to the upper grades of the school. According to the infuriated parents they were demonstrating how to put on the rubber with bananas and all. And one brave counselor is supposed to have asked the kids not to be shy. He can make a real life demonstration, if they want.
The rubber may be the best friend of those who does not have any values or a belief in Allah and a day of accounting. For them fornication is as normal a thing as having breakfast.
“ Condomization” of the society is not the solution for AIDS. Rather, promoting decency, family values and observing the limits set by our Creator is the only solution.
I wonder if some of our public health officials who are hell bent on pushing the condom as the ultimate solution and preaching immorality will dare to demonstrate it to their own children in their own living rooms! If so hats off to them and they are most welcome! But please spare us.
Please visit the page: http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20081223-109976.html


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Dr. Salman Ouda giving a Dharus at Islamic Center tonight.

Renowned Saudi scholar Dr. Salman Ouda , who is visiting the Maldives by invitation of the Minister of Islamic Affairs, is scheduled to give a speech at the Islamic Center tonight. Dr. Ouda is a scholar who spreads the true message of Islam including peace, co-existence with the other religions. For being critical of the Saudi regime, he was imprisoned, along with some other prominent intellectuals for 5 years from 1994 to 1999. Opposed to extremism and terrorism, but advocating justice, he is well known and popular especially among the youth of the Islamic world. A crowd of 20,000 youth flocked to London’s East End when he visited in 2006. Dr. Al-Ouda is the superviser of the popular four language website Islam Today.

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Dr Bilal Philips coming to Maldives!

Dr Abu Ameena Bilal Philips, who is one of the most well known English speaking scholars of Islam is coming to Maldives. According to the organizers of the event, Jamiyyathussalaf, Dr Bilal Philips is scheduled to give two speeches on 8th and 9th of August at Alimas carnival grounds.
Dr Bilal reverted to Islam in 1972. He completed a diploma in Arabic language and a B.A. degree in 1979 from the Islamic University of Madinah. At the University of Riyadh College of Education he completed his M.A. in Islamic Theology in 1985, and in 1994 he completed his Ph.D in Islamic Theology in the department of Islamic studies at the University of Wales. He is author of many books on Islam, including the well known book on Tauheed or Islamic Monotheism. Being a great communicator and being well versed in Islamic and secular knowledge, he is well known for his intelligent and practical way of approaching the problems. We are happy to have this world famous scholar in Maldives.
For more information regarding the event, visit www.thecall2009.com
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Mavota Shareef during his good old days...

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Mavota Shareef, a fine example of "poacher turned gamekeeper"!

Poacher turned gamekeeper! The phrase I came across in that hilarious but illustrative political comedy "Yes Prime minister" by Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay. It was used by Right Honorable James Hacker to describe a situation in which a former journalist was put as media coordinaor. But the phrase more aptly describes our foul mouthed, double speaking, hypocritical character with a “forked tongue” - Mavota Shareef. During his MDP days, he was literally out to eat Maumoon alive. He called Maumoon all sorts of names that only a person of the caliber of Mavota can think of. According to Mavota, Maumoon was a corrupt, inept, unjust, selfish old gaga. He described Maumoon as an old and broken engine and famously beat the podium shouting "baalaanamey, baalaanmey, baalaanamey!" (meaning that they will pull Maumoon down at any cost).
Then, something happened, and Mavota took a complete u-turn. No wonder the people of Addu chased him out of the parliament. He is a pitiful and laughable character when he tries to defend the same Maumoon now, explaining why Maumoon cannot be summoned to the Presidential commission for investigation of corruption of the previous regime. Amazing, what money can do to people!
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The other side of Global Warming hype...

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Don’t even think of messing with Article 9 (or any other article that safeguards Islam) of the constitution!

Maldives is a Muslim country where every citizen is a Muslim by legal definition and Maldivians intend to keep it that way. There may be a few loonies who refuse to be citizens of Maldives by going out of the pale of Islam. It is their problem and 95% of Maldivians can’t care less if these people lose their ‘ rights’ (something they have voluntarily given up themselves!)

Even though this is the plain truth, some outsiders are unnecessarily bothered about us.

The champions of selective human rights. Selective because they would very happily participate in, condone or close their eyes to the cold blooded killing of thousands of women and children as in Palestine and Iraq and elsewhere but would go head over heels to advocate for the rights of some prisoners. Even though we cannot operate independent of the foreign influence, and we should certainly have good relations with other nations, none of us feel comfortable when they meddle too much in our affairs. We all know that the MDP has substantial foreign connections, and it is ok to have substantial foreign connections, but we find it unacceptable when some foreigners, whoever they may be , openly boast that they have got huge influence in our government. I bring the following link to the kind of attention of the readers where some British Conservative Party people boast that they have got a substantive say in the present government. Some of them have even gone as far as suggesting that they should use their influence to revise the Maldivian constitution! I find this absolutely infuriating!

The revealing article is in the website / blog of British Conservatives. The writers to this blog include British Conservative Party Shadow Ministers and centre right campaigners. The post of our concern is entitled “Conservatives have influence in the Maldives - and should use it…” and is put by one Dr Martin Parson, who is supposed to be an “expert in Islam – Christian relations” and specializes on the “persecuted church in Muslim countries” and has worked (in "reforming the heathens") in Afghanistan and in Pakistan. A little research of this man's writings reveals him to be a typical stinking orientalist and he has slandered our holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallah alaihi wasallam saying that he, Sallallah alaihi wasallam taught his Ummah to lie and cheat! This man writes: “the newly elected president - Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldivian Democratic Party - relied heavily on Conservative Party expertise to win the country's first democratic election in thirty years. It is reported that his election campaign was run by a former aide to London mayor Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party was also instrumental in securing funding for his campaign.’’ This is news to some of us. Very disturbing news if it is true. But there is more to it. It seems they have a fly in their soup and they must get rid of it. It is the clause in the constitution of the Muslim Maldives, which says that only Muslims can become citizens of the Maldives. So he declares there is a “real opportunity for Conservative shadow ministers to exercise quiet diplomacy behind the scenes.” (emphasis added.)

We the people of Maldives do not want any of our leaders do any shady business with these shadowy figures behind our backs. We must be wary about the politicians who might take orders from abroad. It was the Muslim people of the Republic of Maldives that voted to elect the MDP led coalition to power and not the British Conservatives.

I found it amusing that some disgruntled Maldivians have commented that the “Wahhabi fanatics” are calling the shots here and things did not go as they expected. These loonies will not be happy until all name of Islam is obliterated from the Maldives. They will not succeed. Insha-Allah!

We in the Adhaalath Party are eager to have good and cordial relations with foreign countries. This something we firmly believe in and repeatedly assure the dignitaries that meet us. But nobody should overstep the limits.

We must be vigilant in electing ours MPs. We should actively try to block the people with dubious loyalty to Islam from getting elected. To whichever party they might belong.

People who are willing to sell our religion and the nation and revise the constitution to suite the foreigners better be warned. The people of Maldives, Insha-Allah will never allow that to happen. They are watching.

Read the full article here (http://conservativehome.blogs.com/centreright/2008/11/conservatives-h.html). Judge for yourself!

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Gaza Fund closed yesterday after collecting 100,000 US Dollars.

In an effort to provide humanitarian assistance to the suffering people of Gaza in occupied Palestine after the recent rampage by Israeli military, a fund raising event which lasted for one month was closed yesterday after the targeted 100,000 US Dollars were raised. Like all the just people of the world, the people of Maldives have proved again their solidarity and affinity with the just cause of Palestine. The total amount collected was 1, 295, 728.31 Maldivian Rufiyaas (an equivalent of 1,00831.89 US Dollars). Efforts are now underway to convert the money into US Dollars. Arrangements are also being made to have the aid sent through a well placed international aid agency.
We take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those who generously donated to the fund and the participating political parties Adhaalath party, IDP, Qaumee Iththihaad Party, and the all the NGOs, specially Muslimunge Gulhun, , Tourism Employees Association, Airport Reps Association, Maldivian Teachers Association , Nadhwatu Shabaabul Islamee, Bandos Recreation Club, Ihavandhoo Development Society, Dawn Jam’iyya and all others whose efforts made it a success. The details about sending the money will be announced once the final arrangements have been made.
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Gaza fund crosses 1 million mark

A meeting arranged by Adhaalath party was held on the evening of 1st February on Alimas Carnival grounds. Speakers were Shaikh Mohmmed Didi, Sheikh Nasrullah and Sheikh Ilyas Hussain. Sheikh Mohmmed Didi spoke on the issue of Palestine. He elucidated on the history of Palestine and the fallacy of Jewish claim to the land and how the Zionists stole the land. He also spoke on the Israeli plans for expansion. Sheikh Nasrullah, a highly articulate scholar mesmerized the huge gathering speaking on the issue of Valentine’s Day, its pagan roots and how celebrating such a day is not for Muslims. Sheikh Ilyas Hussain, the charismatic vice president of scholar’s council of Adhaalath Party spoke on the importance of remembering death and accountability to God.
It was announced that the donations to the Gaza Fund has crossed 1 million Rufiyaas (1 million and 84 thousand now). After the meeting, many people queued up to make their donations to the fund.
The fund collection was started on 9th January on which a rally was held for Palestine. The rally was participated by a number of political parties and NGOs and was one of the biggest rallies seen in Male’ in recent times. The sheer number of the gathering demonstrated how the people of Maldives feel about the murderous Zionists and our love and affinity for our brothers and sisters in Palestine.
Here I paste the short speech which I gave during the rally on 9th January.
“In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
From the streets of Washington DC to London, from the streets of Cairo to Manila, we hear the whole world, the just and peace loving people of the world, whether they are Muslims, Christians, Hindus or even Jews condemning the latest aggression of the Zionist state. The world watches helplessly as the most murderous and brutal military machine in the world, the IDF or the Israeli Defense Force bombs an innocent population, kills small children and women. As usual the Jewish state simply ignores the outcries of the world and is carrying on with its genocide.
Israel is a racist state. It is built on apartheid. It was built on stolen land. It has driven away the inhabitants of Palestine from their homes and made them refugees and scattered them all over the world. It has persisted in carrying out a program of systematic genocide against entire polulations. It has consistently violated every international law, from the Geneva convention on human rights to all the resolutions of the United Nations that were passed against it. Do you know? Form 5 March 1948 to 11 August 2006, 101, I repeat, 101 resolutions have been passed against Israel. And it has simply ignored all of them. What do you call such a state? A rogue state, an outlaw state, a terrorist state. They can get away after cold blooded murder of more than 50 innocent civilians taking shelter in a UN compound.
We must all teach our children how the Zionists stole our land. It was the British who agreed to give the Zionist Jews the land of Palestine. They gave it for a price. The price was that the Zionists must get the Americans into First World War, to fight along with the British. After the World War 1, the British agreed to make a Jewish nation in Palestine, the agreement was called the Belfour Declaration, and Jews from all over the world migrated to Palestine. From then on, the Jews engaged in terrorism. They killed and terrorized and drove away the native Arab population, they massacred entire Arab villages. They even attacked the British who gave them Palestine. They blasted the British run King David Hotel in Jerusalem. Do you know who was leading the terrorist gang called the Irgun gang, that blasted King David Hotel. It was Menachim Begin, the first Prime Minister of Israel.
How does the Zionists get away with all the terrorism, and all the genocide. The answer is they have too much influence in the government of United States. They run the world media. They control what we see, hear and read. Do you know that the founding fathers of the United States warned against the Jews? About 200 years ago, George Washington the father of American Independence said; I quote “The destructive Jewish influence over our lives and future, surpasses the danger of all our enemies' armies. They are even a hundred times more dangerous and fatal for our freedoms'’. Another elder of American Independence Benjamin Franklin said, while the constitution of the United States was being written in the year 1789: 'Oh gentlemen, in every land where the Jews have settled, they caused the moral level to be lost, corrupted its commercial covenant and are still isolated and do not merge with the others'. Then he said: 'If they are not driven away from the United States by the very words of the constitution, then their flood will pour forth to such a degree that they will be able to rule our nation and destroy it. Not two thousands years will pass before the destiny of our descendants will be to be workers in the fields in order to guarantee food for the Jews, while the Jews remain in the treasure houses, rubbing their hands with delight'. How prophetic these leaders were! How true they were!
Jews have no right to Palestine. Their only claim is that their ancestors lived in Palestine thousands of years ago. If such claims are valid, then Muslims have a right to Spain. Because Muslims ruled Spain for more than 500 years.
Palestine is close to our hearts. Because it is the land of the great prophets of Allah. It is the land of Al Aqsa. Even though we cannot do anything to help the helpless brothers and sisters of Palestine our prayers are with them. We grew up loving Palestine. Insha Allah we, will die loving Palestine. And Insha Allah we will raise our children loving Palestine. We must teach our young generation the truth about Palestine. How the Jews stole our lands, what schemes they have to expand their territories from the Nile to Euphrates. Their master plan for the so called Greater Israel.
The problem in Palestine is not Islamic terrorism. The problem is occupation, the problem is oppression. The problem will never be solved till Israel vacate all occupied territories, and give the Palestinian their full independence and rights with Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. This is recognized by all the just people of the world. Some of the most vocal people who campaign for the rights of Palestine are from among non Muslims, like British Parliament member George Galloway who campaigns on every satellite channel and newspaper for Palestine. We, the people of the Maldives stand united with all the justice loving people of the world, in supporting the Palestinians in their just struggle for their homeland.
May Allah, Azza wa Jalla, give victory for those valiant men and women who are fighting the oppressor Zionist State.”
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Beware of that nut!

One of our most innocent extra culinary activities is to chew a few pieces of betel nut after meals. But some of us may be overdoing it. Because al lot of young people are falling prey to a most troublesome affliction of the mouth. It is called Oral submucous fibrosis.

We used to see the condition occasionally in India when we were in medical college. But I was surprised by the relatively common occurrence of this disease in Maldives. Simply put, the normal mucosa of the mouth, especially the soft palate area gets fibrosed and loses its elasticity. Many young people come to consult us for a minor complaint of burning sensation in the throat and on examination we are confronted with quite a severe case of oral submucous fibrosis. The problem with this condition is that it is basically incurable, irreversible and it is progressive. As the condition gets worse, the palate gets more and more fibrosed causing less and less mouth opening till some unfortunate souls can open their mouth just enough to get a single finger in! It is probably one of the most distressing conditions that can affect the mouth. Eating and cleaning the mouth will be hampered. Treatment? Well, we are as desperate as the patient. Oral steroid applications and injections and such like measure give very little relief. Maxillofacial surgeons attempt dividing the fibrous bands in severe cases with restricted mouth opening. Once the condition sets in, it follows its insidious course. So next time you put in that piece of areca nut, think twice. Oral submucous fibrosis is certainly one condition where prevention will be better than the ‘cure’ (if there is any!)

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Just calm down, Mr Nasheed!

Dr. Moosa Murad is a quiet, intelligent and extremely decent medical officer who was working in the medical ward of IGMH till he left to pursue his post graduation. He was having dinner the other night, when he was called by the duty nurse. Apparently some VIP wants to talk to him immediately regarding a patient. Dr Murad enquired about the patient and was told that patient was stable and ok. He explained that he was having his dinner and will come shortly, which was an acceptable proposition by any standards. But the nurse called him two or three times as the VIP was letting out steam. Dr Murad finished his meal and went to see who this big shot was, as such puffing up was not uncommon in our practice. To his amusement, it was not just a VIP, but the VVIP. It was Mohammed Nasheed, the then Information Minister and he was fuming.

"Do you think you are god?" Asked Honorable Nasheed. Apparently Nasheed cannot tolerate any competition in this regard and he made clear who was the boss. Being the intelligent and the gentle soul he is, Dr Murad listened quietly to the minister's ranting. Infuriated with Nasheed's behaviour, the Maldivian Medical Association was about to condemn him in a statement. For the next few days, there were some delicious sms doing the rounds among the doctor community. All about Kutti Nasheed.
I recollected this incident beacuse it illustrates the typical Nasheed: all important and arrogant. But there is another facet to this interesting personality. An intense dislike of Islamic scholars, a feature which he shares with people like the late and lamented Abdul Hakeem Hussain Manik, Majid Abdul Wahhab and Thasleema Nasreen. Like them he also cannot resist the compulsive obsession to attack those representing Islam. Like his female counterpart across the Bay of Bengal, Nasheed's voice is also hoarse from hysterically crying Taliban at every turn.
The point is well illustrated by his behavior on the Ministry of Islamic Affairs decision to block the DJs arranged by some misguided youth. DJs may look ok and even holy to the jaundiced eyes of people like Nasheed. But the vast majority of Maldivians, including the desperate parents of the youth who were going to party that night, find the idea of some youth dancing jammed all night long an abhorrent thing. Any child knows that such behavior is not for Muslims and is clearly against the norms of Islam. But Nasheed knows better. Apparently he knows Islam better than Dr Abdul Majeed who holds a doctorate from the university of the City of the Prophet of Islam. Nasheed's outbursts on the issue and his low grade excretions on Dr Abdul Majeed shows that he is determined to harass Dr Abdul Majeed, the most respected Islamic scholar of Maldives, in the same way he harassed Sheikh Rasheed, a man old enough to be his father. Coming days will probably prove this. People with this sickness simply cannot help it. We pity them.
It was also wrong for Shafeeq (Sappe) of Dhivehi Observer to say that the action of Islamic Ministry will cut down President Nasheed's popularity. True that 60% of Maumoonic generation is into drugs. But the youth in question, the DJ type, are usually so high they cannot tell day from night.
The most disturbing allegation thrown against President Nasheed by Maumoon and cronies was about Nasheed’s (Anni’s) lack of commitment to Islam. Firm action from Nasheed's government on Islamic front will go a long way in dispelling peoples fears in this regard. Despite Maumoon's 30 year campaign of mellowing down Islam to his own version where everything goes (incubating "moderates" ala Nasheed), poisoning of our youth with narcotics, the vast majority of Maldivians love Islam. Politicians hoping to keep their chair will ignore this fact only at their own peril.
Nasheed may be very good debator, probably the best in Maldives at present. We were all really impressed by his show during the "Nizaamee" referendum debate. He did a good job in reforming the media during his mentor’s regime. He may be intelligent and his blog may be number 1 in the world. But that doesn't mean that everything is right with him. He certainly needs a little bit of wisdom and a wisp of humility to go along with his overburdened grey matter.
When the Islamic Ministry asked the Imams to make a special dua for the besieged Palestinians who are being slaughtered by the most ruthless military machine in the world, the IDF of the Zionist State, some people opposed it too, just like the DJ fans. One Thuthu Didi, an Imam in one mosque in Fua Mulah refused saying the “Adhaalat beards” don't know anything. Like his more educated colleague Nasheed, Thuththu Didi also went for the beard. Even though both don’t know each other, both these characters have much in common. Both are hardcore DRP fanatics and both arrogantly think they know Islamic law better than the scholars. Thuththu Didi is well known for his hatred and vocal abuse of Adhaalat scholars.
I hear that Honorable Nasheed talked about personal hygiene and refinement in his attack on Dr Abdul Majeed. I am amazed at the impunity of this man. It seems that in the democratic Maldives, we should have our facial hair set upto Kutti Nasheed’s standards!
Adhaalat party will, Insha-Allah, continue its struggle of trying to deliver the message of Islam and save the soul of this nation. The Thuthuthu Didis, Mavota Shareefs and Nasheeds just cannot bear to see the Islamic awakening that is sweeping the Maldives like elsewhere. Seething with fury, they are like the pressure cooker, letting out the steam and blowing the whistle on and off. We have to tolerate their shrill whistles because otherwise these kettles may burst. It is their pressure outlet valve. It gives them the much needed catharsis.

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Welcome back dear friends!

Assalam Alaikum!
After a long break, I am starting to update my blog, Insha-Allah.
Please keep visiting.
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