America Responsible for This Misery

In a city that boasted tens of hammams about half a century ago, many of which were turned into touristic sites, a bath or even a shower has now become a luxury. Aleppans may even be obliged to use a calculator to count the amount of water they are consuming.
Some have opted to shower with mineral water bottles, although their price has also doubled.

Abu Kamel Kalawi, a citizen who had to use mineral water bottles to shower, told Al-Akhbar “yes, I had to do that under pressure, we do not have a single drop of water at home and I do not know any source to fill my house’s tank.”
“I had to shower using mineral water, I only used four bottles and I felt bad about it, but what else can I do?” he said. Read Full

An incident at Jannatul Al-Baqie

A Wahhabi Sheikh in Jannatul Baqie said to Ayatollah Qar'ati: 
"What do you proclaim to your Imams who are dead?"
Then the Wahhabi threw his pen on the floor.
Then called,
"O Zain El Abidine Give me the pen... No one answered him. 
Then called: O Muhammad Baqir Give me the pen... did not hear an answer.
Then called: O Fatima O Imam Sadiq give me the pen..no one answered him."
Then he turned to Ayatullah Qar'ati and said to him: Did you see how that they do not respond? They are dead.
Then Ayatollah Qar'ati looked at him and threw his pen on the floor and said: "O my God give me the pen ..did not hear an answer."
Ayatollah turned to Wahhabi and said: "According to your logic which is corrupt, God is dead because he did not give me the pen and this does not mean he is server for you."

Laylatul Qadr: the Night of Power

The month of Ramadhan has been singled out for special worship (`Ibadat) and exclusive favours. It is a month unlike other months. One reason for this, as defined by the Qur'an, is because the Holy Qur'an was revealed in this month. Says Allah in Sura al­Baqarah: The month of Ramadhan, that in which the Qur'an was sent down; a guidance for mankind, and clear signs of guidance and distinction (2:185). In fact, according to a hadith of the 6th Imam (a), the other holy books were also revealed in this month.

Among the nights of Ramadhan is one special night, which is better than a thousand months (HQ, 97:3). Good deeds performed on that single night are equal to those performed over a thousand months. It is the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr), when the Qur'an was revealed. Some commentators believe it was the night when the Qur'an was brought down from Baytul M`amur (Heavenly abode), for Jibrael to reveal in parts to the Prophet (s). Others say it was the night when the Prophet received the entire Qur'an, but was asked to transmit it as and when the occasion demanded.

Laylatul Qadr is a celebration to commemorate the arrival of the final guidance for humans. It is a tribute to the commencement of the message revealed to mankind by their Creator, a message which shows them the way to achieve happiness in both the worlds. Just as the arrival of a child is celebrated, on its birth and then every year, as a bringer of joy and fulfilment for the family, Laylatul Qadr is celebrated as a bringer of light and guidance for mankind. Unlike the birthday which is celebrated with a feast for the senses, Laylatul Qadr includes a feast for the spirit, a feast of worship and prayers.

Some Ahadith indicate that the fate of every believer for the coming year is decreed on this night. That is why the Du`as for this night ask for special favours in the decree for the year. Believers are encouraged to stay awake the entire night, and pray for blessings and forgiveness. It is the holiest night of the year, and it would be unwise to be heedless of the tremendous benefits of this night.

Unity: Key Factor in Muslims’ Success

Muslims can only become successful if they put aside their differences and unite around key political, social and economic development issues. Akbaruddin Owaisi

He said the party has successfully managed to get college scholarships from the local government for Muslim students from poor communities. There are now 240 Muslim students getting these scholarships, with plans to increase the number and ensure others get free books and education allowances.
On the establishment of Telangana, he said there is a lot of hope and expectations, but only time would tell whether the new state would benefit Muslims.

It also wants to develop an English-language newspaper, set up an official language commission to promote Urdu as a national language, and establish Urdu-medium kindergartens, schools and colleges with qualified teachers. There is also a plan to ensure that Muslims have access to bank loans.
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