The Fallacy of Israel's self-claim as “the only democracy in the Middle East"; some facts:
1- It is defined as the state of the Jewish people, providing exceptional rights and privileges to anyone who is Jewish over and above longtime Arab residents.
2- It blocks any candidate from holding office who thinks the country should be a secular and democratic state with equal rights for all.
3- Non-Jews are restricted in terms of how much land they can own, and in which places they can own land at all, where there are laws granting preferential treatment to Jewish residents.

In addition to the above, recently the ultra-right party tried to pass a law where all citizens must “swear allegiance to Israel as a "Jewish, Zionist and democratic state" before receiving a national identity document”. Even though this bill didn’t pass, however the cabinet already approved a law banning Nakba and gave “preliminary approval” to outlaw any challenges to Israel’s existence as a Jewish state making it punishable by prison sentence. And this is called Democracy?

Israeli cabinet rejects proposed loyalty oath

JERUSALEM, May 31 (Reuters) - Israel's cabinet rejected on Sunday a proposal to require that residents swear loyalty to the Jewish state, dealing a setback to a measure critics said could have curbed the rights of Arab citizens.

The measure, proposed last week by the ultra-right Yisrael Beitenu Party of Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, may still be introduced privately in Parliament, though without government backing its chances for approval were uncertain.

A draft introduced by lawmaker David Rotem called for all Israelis to swear allegiance to Israel as a "Jewish, Zionist and democratic state" before receiving a national identity document the law requires all Israelis over 16 to carry.

The bill also would have forced all citizens to either serve in the army or perform a period of national service.

Israeli liberals had denounced the measure as liable to restrict the rights of minority Arab citizens, most of whom are not drafted for military duty that is compulsory for Jews.

Arab citizens make up about a fifth of Israel's population and are descended from those who remained while hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled what is now Israel or were driven out during a 1948 war over Israel's founding.

Jamal Zahalka, an Israeli Arab lawmaker, hailed the vote by the Israeli cabinet's law committee as "an achievement in the fight against fascism and racism", Israeli media reports said.

Yisrael Beitenu spokesman Tal Nahum called the results "very regrettable" and a vote "against strengthening Israel's standing as a Jewish state". In a statement, he vowed the party would "continue to fight against expressions of disloyalty" in Israel.

A party official said no decision had been made as to whether to introduce the bill in parliament privately, where without government backing it would need to pass an extra vote or four rather than three in order to become law.

Israel's parliament has a right-wing majority since a February election held after a 22-day offensive in the Gaza Strip in which 1,400 Palestinians and 14 Israelis were killed.

Last week lawmakers gave preliminary approval to a measure that would outlaw any public challenges to deny Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and make it punishable by a sentence of up to a year in prison.

The cabinet has separately approved a measure to outlaw public displays of mourning over Israel's birth which Palestinians call "naqba", an Arabic word for catastrophe.

(Writing by Allyn Fisher-Ilan; Editing by Michael Roddy) http://bit.ly/9L5WU

Excerpted, with slight modifications, from:
http://islam.about.com/library/weekly/aa060401b.htm 

We’d like to state that “the crescent moon and star symbol actually pre-dates Islam by several thousand years. Information on the origins of the symbol are difficult to ascertain, but most sources agree that these ancient celestial symbols were in use by the peoples of Central Asia and Siberia in their worship of sun, moon, and sky gods. There are also reports that the crescent moon and star were used to represent the Carthaginian goddess Tanit or the Greek goddess Diana.

The city of Byzantium (later known as Constantinople and Istanbul) adopted the crescent moon symbol. According to some reports, they chose it in honor of the goddess Diana. Others indicate that it dates back to a battle in which the Romans defeated the Goths on the first day of a lunar month. In any event, the crescent moon was featured on the city's flag even before the birth of Christ.

The early Muslim community did not really have a symbol. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) Islamic armies and caravans flew simple solid-colored flags (generally black, green, or white) for identification purposes. In later generations, the Muslim leaders continued to use a simple black, white, or green flag with no markings, writing, or symbolism on it.

It wasn’t until the Ottoman Empire that the crescent moon and star became affiliated with the Muslim world. When the Turks conquered Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, they adopted the city’s existing flag and symbol. Legend holds that the founder of the Ottoman Empire, Othman, had a dream in which the crescent moon stretched from one end of the earth to the other. Taking this as a good omen, he chose to keep the crescent and make it the symbol of his dynasty. There is speculation that the five points on the star represent the five daily prayers, but this is pure conjecture. The five points were not standard on the Ottoman flags, and it is also not standard on flags used in the Muslim world today.

For hundreds of years, the Ottoman Empire ruled over the Muslim world. After centuries of battle with Christian Europe, it is understandable how the symbols of this empire became linked in people’s minds with the faith of Islam as a whole.

Based on this history, many Muslims reject using the crescent moon as a symbol of Islam. The faith of Islam has historically adopted no symbol, and many refuse to accept what is essentially an ancient pagan icon.”

The American Muslim scholar, Sheik Yusuf Estes, Director of islamtomorrow.com, and National Chaplain WAMY, adds:

“The symbol of Islam IS NOT the crescent moon and the star, but it was used by the last Islamic Dynasty, the Ottoman’s. The Ottoman Empire deemed it appropriate to use the star and crescent as their symbols, but not the symbols of Islam. I repeat, the star and the crescent moon are not a part of the religion of Islam. Because Islam is so strict on the concept of no other gods with Allah; and no images of any kind; it is a mistake to consider that Islam authorized the general use of such things. Additionally, Islam forbids the images (statues) of any kinds of humans, animals or any of Allah’s creations, so how about using a symbol for Islam?”

Men are being emasculated by the media, fashion industry, movies and sitcoms. This is witnessed in the rise of the "metrosexual" trend; the straight man who, like a woman, is obsessed with his appearance to the extent of daubing on make-up, opting for cosmetic surgery and carrying a man-purse. The idea of a "real man" as the provider and protector has been crushed out of our social consciousness. Generally in sitcoms/movies men are accused of being closed emotionally, the cause of all “evil” and unable to "communicate" like girlfriends; hence the only way to fit in society is to become more “feminine”. Contemporary men are being robbed of their essential masculinity. Why are Hollywood and the fashion industry feminizing men?

Women's oppression in general is propaganda; sex roles were never as inflexible as feminists propagate. They were free to pursue a career/education, bear witness and vote. The difference was that their role as wife and mother was understood and socially validated. Men and Women were not created emotionally or physically the same; they complete each other while both have rights in their own way. Feminist masquerading as equal rights for women, impose an ideology designed to undermine the nuclear family by destroying the fatherly authority. Feminists relentlessly advance the idea that our inherent male and female characteristics, crucial to our development as human beings, are mere "stereotypes." This is taught to children in elementary schools! It is echoed in the media. Feminists/Lesbians like Rosie O'Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres are advanced as role models.

Homosexuality has become normal. Straights can't even defend their own sexuality for fear of accusations of "homophobia" and "sexism." In 1973, gays harassed the American Psychological Association into declaring homosexuality as normal. Together with feminists, gays began to dismantle all heterosexual institutions: masculinity, femininity, marriage, the family, the education system and religious principles. As a result of this propaganda the modern culture hates seeing men and women acting according to natural roles.

Singers, actors and actresses who vulgarly express their sexuality are elevated as role models. As a result of this sexual revolution, our society now suffers from epidemics of family breakdown, pornography, pedophilia, rape, violence, teen pregnancy, and AIDS/STDs’. Sex is detached from love and procreation and reduced to merely another physical activity. Since when is it normal for women to parade in “hooker” clothes? Why is Hollywood too sexual?

Why is there too much violence in Hollywood? Why are children’s cartoons portraying so much aggression? Why are video games too vile? We have become insensitive and cannot distinguish between real wars and war movies. 

Many movies in the 80’s/90’s including the Simpsons have encouraged delinquency, frivolousness and rowdiness in school and society. Bart defined the epitome of coolness with his misbehavior; which he rarely got punished for. Deficient moral quality is characterized as hip/cool role models. Why is it cool to have poor morals? Why does Hollywood promote these ideas to the youth?

Violence, poor morals, delinquency, heartless sexuality, emasculation and feminism are some of the leading factors of a dysfunctional family.  More than half of all children are now born out of wedlock; single parent households has tripled. William Bennett writes: "Most of our social pathologies, crime, imprisonment rates, welfare, educational underachievement, alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, depression, STD's, are manifestations, direct and indirect, of the crackup of the American family."

We have become socially engineered and brainwashed to accept the abnormal as the norm (progress) and to pursue our lusts without restrain or guidance. However we ought not to stand in the way of social progress. Is it really social progress?

The threat against Al Aqsa: settlers storm the area chanting racial slurs and carrying Israeli flags; 23.05.09 - 21:01 

Jerusalem / Maisa Abu Ghazaleh for PNN - A number of young Jewish extremists attempted to storm Al Aqsa Mosque after noon prayers Saturday.

The Muslim holy site was full and the congregation confronted the marauding youth just two days after settlers tore through the Old City streets smashing store fronts and lights.

Eyewitnesses said some 30 extremist Jews gathered at the door, called “the beholder” in English, carrying the Israeli flag and wearing T-shirts with a picture of a menorah. They changed against Al Aqsa and used provocative phrases and racial slurs, said witnesses.

Scuffles broke out when the Israeli police decided to intervene and remove the settlers.

Abdel Azim Salhab of the Awaqf who is heading the investigation into the intrusion said today, “The attempts of settlers to attack Al Aqsa Mosque are almost daily now and unfortunately they are usually guarded by Israeli police. The acts do provoke the feelings of the faithful.”

Israeli threats against the mosque, the compound, Old City and surrounding neighborhoods are sharply increasing by both settlers and the government.

http://bit.ly/CiSqj

Some Facts:

We are faced with the reality that global Freemasonry tightly controls Israel, just as they have since May 14, 1948, when Israel announced her statehood. In fact, Freemasonry controlled the worldwide Zionist movement since 1896, also as is evidenced by the hexagram symbol. You can see the apparent Illuminti and Freemasonry control most evident in the Supreme Court and the Knesset.

The Quatuor Coronati Lodge, (The Four Crowns Lodge) was founded as a special research lodge by the Grand Master of UGLE, the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, in 1884. The inaugurating speech was entitled "Freemasonry as Seen in the Light of the Cabala." The lodge was to focus on Palestine, the Cabala, establishing a Jewish homeland, and rebuilding Solomon's Temple. Sir Charles Warren was the first grand master of the QC Lodge. He was also the president of the Palestine Exploration Fund, and two decades earlier had been the chief engineer for British excavations of the Temple Mount.

Albert Mackey, a 33rd Degree Freemason, called Solomon's Temple as the most cherished of all symbols. Even Freemason occultist Edward Waite mentioned that :"... in the High Grades [of Masonry] we hear of a secret intention to build yet another temple at Jerusalem." [Author, Edward Waite, p. 486-7, "A New Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and of Cognate Instituted Mysteries: The Rites, Literature and History"].

The Quest to Rebuild the Temple
Two weeks after the 1967 Six-Day War which saw Jerusalem and the Temple Mount brought under Israeli control, there occurred the greatest freemasonic meeting in history in London, celebrating 250 years since the founding of UGLE, at which the Duke of Kent was installed as the new Grand Master. Shortly after, the QC Lodge dispatched a member, the Jewish physicist Dr. Asher Kaufman, to begin studies on the exact location of where the Temple originally stood.  In December of 1995, a month after Rabin was assassinated, the Jerusalem Lodge was established adjacent to the Temple Mount in the underground Grotto of King Solomon. This lodge was founded by the Grand Master of the Italian illuminati Giuliano Di Bernardo, and at the opening ceremony he declared, "The rebuilding of the Temple is at the center of our studies!!!"

Palestinians are sounding the alarm that Israel's continuing excavation works beneath the Haram al-Sharif is posing a "real and immediate" danger to its Aqsa Mosque. "Israeli excavations and continuing digging right beneath [Al Aqsa] esplanade have already caused irreparable damage to the stability of Al-Aqsa Mosque’s foundations," Sheikh Raed Salah.

Salah, who has been closely monitoring Israeli excavations in the Old City for over 25 years, says Israel is paying no attention to protests by Arab and Muslim countries over the perils its digging poses to Islamic holy places. In recent years, the Israeli government, in coordination with powerful settler groups, began digging an extensive tunnel network throughout the Old City.  Israel describes the tunnels as "tourist projects" that pose no threat to Islamic holy places.

However, Palestinians and some Israeli organizations [...] believe that the ultimate goal is to create a subterranean access route to attack Al-Aqsa and other Islamic shrines in the area. Last year, an Israeli lawyer representing the anti-settlement group, Ir Amin, revealed that government-funded settlers were trying to establish "irreversible facts" as part of a takeover scheme. "I have no doubt that the Aqsa foundations have been greatly weakened due to these tunnels and other excavations," maintains Salah. "You don’t have to be a great architect to realize this. We have already seen holes and cracks all over the area."

A section of the Aqsa Mosque’s yard caved in last year as a result of Israeli excavations underneath. [...] The one-meter deep hole was viewed as an ominous harbinger for things to come. A school in Silwan neighborhood also partially collapsed due to Israeli excavations in the area. Salah says he is completely certain Israel wants to destroy Al-Aqsa Mosque. "They want to do it in a way that would appear as is happening as a result of natural causes, such an earthquake."

Salah says that Israel has a "diabolical plan" and is acting on it while Muslims are still just watching and contenting themselves with verbal protestations. "Verbal reactions won’t stop Israeli designs against [Al]Aqsa Mosque," he stressed. "We need a proactive stance by Muslim peoples and governments. Muslims must send an unmistakable message to Israel and its supporters that Islamic holy shrines in Al-Quds are red lines." [...]

[...] The Temple Mount Faithful, an extremist fanatical group, is dedicated to the demolition of Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. [They] had prepared detailed plans for the rebuilding of the alleged Solomon Temple on the rubble of Al-Aqsa. It has a large prototype of the temple, special clothes for its rabbis, special places for sacrificial offerings, incense chalice, copper vessels for meal offerings, silver vessel for wine libation and other offering implements.

[...] the Israeli occupation authorities have allowed Jewish extremists to pray inside the Haram al Sharif esplanade. Muslim Waqf officials have warned that allowing Jews to pray at the Haram is only part of the larger scheme to usurp the Islamic shrines. "I think they want to secure a foothold, which they would later use to consolidate and expand Jewish presence," maintains Sheikh Muhammed Hussein [...]. "This is why Muslims all over the world, people and governments, must protest loudly this brazen and provocative aggression on the sanctity of Islamic sanctuaries."

Sheikh Salah [...] says Muslims around the world should realize that his repeated warnings are not at all exaggerated. "When will Muslims come to realize that the dangers are real? When the Mosque is destroyed and the news of its destruction appears on Al-Jazeera?" He had one clear message to Muslims and those who care about Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa. "Only a genuine and fast awakening by Arabs and Muslims can help, and this is exactly what we are trying to effect."

In the movie Angels & Demons, Dan Brown presents the eternal clash between Religion and Science; depicting the resurgence of the Illuminati who are plotting against the Catholic Church. In the movie he further instilled the idea of the superiority of science over religion by depicting the Church as corrupt and fearful of scientific methodology. (To a certain extent there is truthfulness) As the plot unfolds Brown asserts that the Illuminati do not exist anymore and do not possess a threat.

The Order of the Illuminati a secret society was founded on May 1, 1776 by Adam Weishaupt. It was formed of a secret brotherhood made up of freethinkers and intellectuals. Its goal was of overthrowing the Roman Catholic Church and seeking world domination through claiming exclusive right to the illumination of Jesus. In 1784 the order was exposed and forced to disband; because of this fact, historians have used this as a validation to suppose that no conspiracy exists in our time. However Weishaupt himself asserted, “I have considered everything, and so prepared it, that if the Order should this day go to ruin, I shall in a year re-establish it more brilliant than ever.”

Today the word Illuminati is used as a convenient term to refer to secret organizations who continue to pursue the same goals. The goal of the Illuminati has always been to separate religion from the state through secularization. In reality, the order’s existence began long before the eighteenth century. The truth is it began in Ancient Babylon, in the 6th century BC, with the distortion of the Jewish faith by induction of the Cabbala. Similarly Christianity was infiltrated during the 2nd century AD by introducing the Christian creed with the rites of Mithras. Allah (swt) says in the Quran: Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say: "This is from God," to traffic with it for miserable price! Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby. (TMQ 2:79)

By infiltrating Christianity and Judaism, and through propaganda, the Illuminati were able to persuade humanity that progress is achieved only by modernization. This progress as secularization is credited to the cultural shifting in society following the emergence of rationality and the development of science as a replacement for religious belief. Hence religion is backwards as it is both irrational and lacking in scientific support.

The idea of modernization comes from the suggestion of societies having a standard evolutionary pattern, as described in the social evolutionism theories. Accordingly each society would evolve inevitably from barbarism to higher levels of civilization and development. This approach mainly integrated modernization with westernization; hence requiring a society to destroy its indigenous culture and belief by replacing it with a more westernized one for it to become more modernized.

Effectively science, secularization, modernization, and rational become synonymous with democracy and freedom and antonymous with faith. We are reminded that during the Islamic Golden Age, Muslim scholars made significant advances in science, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, engineering, and other fields. Politically, the democratic ideal of a "government by the people" is compatible with the nation of an Islamic democracy. In the Islamic Caliphate, the head of state, the Caliph were ideally elected by the people or their representatives.

Contradictory to the movie’s message, the Illuminati do exist largely with the plan to destroy Allah (swt) religion and humanity’s faith by control and world-wide domination. Detractors brush this of by calling it a Conspiracy Theory in the same manner they factualise the Big Bang Theory and the Theory of Evolution.

It is very sad to see and hear how most Muslims are ill-mannered.  We have become associated with not being punctual, lying, cheating in trade and being rude with a frowned faced.  How often do we hear “This person is always late, he’s running on Muslim time zone”, and “Why can’t you be on time, you should learn to be punctual like the British.”  We have come to associate good manners with modernization hence western attributes.  Islam is perceived as old fashioned and not compatible with modern times.

We surely have forgotten the saying of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), “I was but sent to complement the most noble of manners”.  Our Prophet (pbuh) had the highest morals and manners.  Even before he received the message he was know as the Truthful and the Trustworthy. 

Islam is one unit; Islam is an integral whole.  We can’t separate Islam as this grave separation results in two kinds of people:
The first is an ‘ill-mannered but good worshipper’ kind of person.
The second is a ‘good-mannered but bad worshipper’ kind of person.
These are two deformed models that have nothing to do with Islam.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character”.  We must relearn about Islam and the teachings of our Prophet.  Islam teaches us about being just, equal, fair and having the highest morals.  For these alone can invite people into Islam.  As we all know that Islam has spread in Indonesia and Malaysia by Muslim traders with their high morals and exceptional manners.

Some of the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) concerning manners:
Prophet (PBUH) said, “Smiling at the face of your brother is considered a Sadaqah”.
The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah he does not believe!” It was said, “Who is that, O, Allah’s Apostle?” He said, “That person whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil.”

However during our times we have a tendency to look to at West as the model/standard of etiquette, modernism, freedom and democracy.  Example of predominantly Muslim countries ratifying the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women).  The western concept of equality between men and women is in express conflict with the concept of equality in Islam.  Allah (swt) has made men and women as two distinct species and their duties and responsibilities are also distinct.  Men and women can’t perform the same jobs; strenuous and physically demanding jobs are best suited for men as child bearing is most suitable for the women.  We were not created physically or mentally “equal”; so we can complement each other.   In some cases, Islam gives men more duties and in some variant other cases, women have to perform more.

The Prophet (pbuh) was sent for the mercy of mankind, for the goodness of mankind, and for the guidance of mankind.  Does not Allah, The Almighty, say what can be translated as, “And We have sent you (O Muhammad): not but as a mercy for the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)”. (Quran, 21:107)

Scholars and parents should concentrate on these topics of great benefit and to implant in the present and future generations that Islam is a way of life and a superior system which ensures a society lead by moral behavior and spiritual well-being.

In a recent article "Our World: Opportunity is knocking at Israel's door" by Caroline Glick printed on May. 12, 2009 in THE JERUSALEM POST http://bit.ly/UO8m7; she is stating that Israel should build a strategic alliance with Egypt and the Vatican to fill the void as the Obama administration is stepping up pressure on a two state solution.

Caroline Glick is very neoconservative and very Zionist, she "has come out and stated that she opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state for at least two generations, and that during this time Israel should impose heavy measures to keep the Palestinian population subdued, and also take control of Palestinian schools and brainwash – excuse me educate – Palestinian children into hating everything Muslim and Arabic and turn them into pro – western Zionists." http://bit.ly/Im1ST

The Egypt - Israel strategic alliance is mutually beneficial for both over the "threat" of Iran.  As Iran is viewed as the supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Hamas in Gaza and Hizballah in Southern Lebanon; it is in the interest of both countries to stop Iran from acquiring and building Nuclear Weapons.  The threat Iran poses on Israel is obvious.  For Egypt, it is threatened by the Muslim Brotherhood succession over the government once Mubarak leaves office.  The democratic election in 2006 which put Hamas in government over Gaza threatened the stability of Egypt as it set an example of an Islamic governing.  Egypt has since been in support of Israel's fight against Iran.  This is most evident during the recent war on the Palestinians in Gaza.   It helped Israel by keeping its border closed and by allowing the IAF to fly over its airspace en route to attacking Iranian weapons convoys in Sudan destined for Gaza.  So called Muslim leaders killing and fighting Muslims to secure power and the throne.

As for the Vatican – Israel alliance; by building an alliance with the Vatican, Israel will help maintain its strong hold control over Jerusalem as well as gaining international recognition as the sole sovereign in Jerusalem.  POPE BENEDICT XVI, having already criticized Islam for seeking to spread its message by the sword in his speech in 2006, aligns the Vatican well with the interests of Israel to be the controller over the Holy sites.  In the interests of "protecting" the Christian sites in Jerusalem from the Muslim Waqf.  Glick is spreading blatant lies that the Waqf is destroying the ruins of the Temple Mount and the Christian and Jewish heritage through archeological theft, illegal building and digging.  It is well documented that the zealous Jews are digging tunnels under Al-Aqsa mosque in an attempt to systematically destroy it; and paving the way to build the Third Temple of Solomon as prophesized by many Christians and most importantly the desire of the Jews and Freemasons.

Zionist Israel was never intending and will never give up any inch of land in Jerusalem to be under the control of Palestinians.  On the contrary they are currently constructing more than 50 synagogues near Al-Aqsa mosque. In addition 60 new homes in Jewish Settlements are being constructed currently in Eastern-Jerusalem. Parks, hiking trails and tourist sites are in the development process as well in east Jerusalem.  On the other hand they are planning to demolish several dozen Palestinian homes constructed in Silwan (build on top of ancient City of David) as an attempt to drive them out of the city.

"Everyone knows that there is no chance that the State of Israel will give up a neighborhood like ... Har Homa. It is an inseparable part of Jerusalem," Olmert said during a press conference.  Har Homa is a Jewish settlement in the section of Palestinian eastern Jerusalem. There is no intention of any Real Peace Treaty on the Israeli side.

Is it Haram to celebrate Mother's Day?

Looking back at the origin of Mother's Day we find that the traditional practice of honoring of Motherhood is rooted in antiquity.  In Ancient Egypt the people celebrated the Mother Diety the goddess Isis (considered mother of pharaohs);in her honor they held annual festivals.  The Greeks as well held annual spring festival dedicated to maternal goddesses; they used the occasion to honor Rhea, wife of Cronus and the mother of many deities of Greek mythology. Ancient Romans, too, celebrated a spring festival, called Hilaria dedicated to Cybele, a mother goddess. The celebration made on the Ides of March by making offerings in the temple of Cybele lasted for three days and included parades, games and masquerades.

The highly traditional practice of honoring of Motherhood is rooted in antiquity, and past rites typically had strong symbolic and spiritual overtones; societies tended to celebrate Goddesses and symbols rather than actual Mothers. In fact, the personal, human touch to Mother’s Day is a relatively new phenomenon. Only in the past few centuries did celebrations of Motherhood develop a decidedly human focus.

What does Islam say about the Mother?

A famous saying of The Prophet is "Paradise is at the feet of mothers." (In Al'Nisa'I, Ibn Majah, Ahmad).

A man came to Prophet Muhammad (P) asking: O Messenger of God, who among the people is the most worthy of my good company? The Prophet (P) said, Your mother. The man said then who else: The Prophet (P) said, Your mother. The man asked, Then who else? Only then did the Prophet (P) say, Your father. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

This is to show how important and precious mother is in Islam and how respectable is her status BUT this status never lessen the status of the father at all.  Allah (swt) says in the Quran: to be respectful and kind to parents:

(And (that ye show) kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not "Fie" unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word. And make yourself submissively gentle to them with compassion, and say: My Lord! Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was little.) (Al-Israa' 17:23-24)

This is to acknowledge the compassion and kindness of parents, to be grateful to them, and to do one's utmost to reciprocate that love and compassion. Filial piety and devotion is the second most important commitment of Muslims. Respect and kindness to parents is not just a social duty for us; it is our religious duty and obligation.

In reality we are supposed to be busy celebrating Mother's Day and Father's Day throughout the year and not just on the one dedicated day per year. Mother's Day is another commercial holiday marketed by the cards and the flowers industry.  Yet another occasion for corporations to exploit the consumers.

Viewed in juristic perspective, we can say that celebrating the Mother's day is controversial among the contemporary scholars. While a group of them consider it haram (unlawful) as a kind of blind imitation of the non-Islamic habits, which have no benefit for Muslims, another group see it halal (lawful) on condition that showing gratitude and dutifulness to parents should not be confined to that day only.

Allah knows best!

We are declining into moral darkness; when we are going from believing in God to being attached to material things.  Materialist philosophy continued to exist since Ancient Eygpt to the Greek philosophy Hermeticism to the present time.  The belief that matter is the only thing that can be proven to exist; hence that it is illogical for God to create something out of absolutely nothing.  Materialism denies the existence of both God and the soul; the spiritual essence is gone.  Hollywood promotes materialism directly and indirectly.  What is not normal is becoming the norm.  The abolition of family-ties, increased divorce, promoting homosexuality and promiscuity are becoming the norm.  Too many Hollywood movies involve filth, vulgar, degrading and violent content.  There are hardly any Hollywood movies today setting good moral examples; few are honest and informative.

Does Hollywood have a negative impact on the world?
by Angela S. Young

Hollywood has influence, no one would argue that, but is it a negative influence? I would have to say, in the most part, yes it is. There are several ways in which 'Hollywood' and it's 'stars' negatively impact our world.

One way is in the clothing they wear (or don't wear). Younger and younger children are trying to dress like their idols. In my day, their idols would have been classified as 'bad women' and hidden behind closed doors.

Today they flaunt their nakedness and sexual gyrating in our living rooms every day. I personally turn the channel (or don't turn it on), but I know a lot of people who do not. Some of them don't even realize the effect these people are having on the next generation.

Another way they impact us in a negative way is by their 'beliefs'. Many of them have so much money they have lost touch with the lowly peons who pay their salary by watching their movies, buying their CDs, .... Then go on TV and spout all their rubbish when they don't even really know what's going on. Unfortunately, people tend to believe them because they are celebrities rather than checking out the truth. After Katrina, I was amazed at how many celebs were down there, on camera, 'helping' and putting down everyone else (government,...) for not doing enough or not preventing it.... How do you prevent a tornado? How do you make people leave when they don't want to go? Not that there was no blame to be placed, but most celebrities are really out of the loop, but still tied to political agendas.

Finally, celebrities have a negative impact on our world because they are 'stars'. They are held to a higher level than the average Joe and accorded 'idol' status. They are given far too much money and far too much respect for what they do. Along with that status should come an extra load of responsibility for their words. Whether we like it or not, our kids are looking to them, and they have a major impact on our clothing, our opinions, our politics, our religious beliefs and more. What a sad, sad thing. http://tinyurl.com/pt6x5v