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Israeli panel recommends legalising outposts A government-commissioned report has recommended that Israel legalise dozens of unsanctioned West Bank settlement outposts, a move that would defy international opposition to settling land Palestinians want for a future state. The report, written by a committee with pro-settler sympathies, also reaffirmed Israel’s longstanding position, at odds with most of the world, that the West Bank is not occupied territory and therefore Israel has the legal right to settle it. The panel’s recommendations, which include annulling past Supreme Court orders and other legal rulings in order to facilitate settlement construction, have not been endorsed by the government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the panel’s work, saying he would bring its conclusions to a special forum he established on the matter where a decision would be taken. If endorsed, the recommendations could give Netanyahu ammunition to support new settlement activity and fend off pressure from a Supreme Court that has ordered the government to take O believers! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before action against the existing outposts. Jewish settlements are at the heart of a three-year-old impasse in Mideast peace you, that you may learn self-restraint. [Quran 2:183]. efforts. The Palestinians say they will not resume negotiaRamadan Kareem to all readers from our tions until Israel freezes settlement construction. The illegal outposts are unsanctioned enclaves that Jewish settlers advertisers and the Miracle Media Group. began erecting in the 1990s to sidestep Israel’s commitment to stop building new settlements. There are dozens of illegal outposts, in addition to about 120 full-fledged settlements. More than 500,000 Israelis now live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war and claimed by the Palestinians for a future state. The Palestinians and the international comZone after meeting Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on prevented nearly 300 UN observers monitoring from operating. munity consider the settlements illegitimate and obstacles Tuesday. Annan said he would brief the UN Security Council Meanwhile, Russia said on Tuesday that it wanted to host a new to peace. Palestinian spokesman Ghassan Khatib immedion Wednesday on the Syria crisis, pointing out that the primary meeting of foreign powers on the Syria crisis but stressed that ately denounced the report’s conclusions. “This is in comaim should be containing the violence in order to enable talks to the talks should not decide Assad’s fate. Deputy Foreign Minplete contradiction with international law and with specific begin between the conflicting sides. “When I was in Damascus ister Mikhail Bogdanov also said an attempt in Geneva late last resolutions of the United Nations ... and in contradiction we did discuss with the president [Bashar al-Assad] the need month to save Annan’s peace plan needed to be continued with with the official policy of almost every single country in on being creative in stopping the violence,” Annan said. “Now the involvement of countries such as Iran, which both Washing- the world,” Khatib said. “We also think that such posithere are serious pockets of violence around ... and it is suggestton and European powers strongly oppose. But the opposition tions contradict the international efforts to establish peace ed we work with them to end the violence in each of the pockets Syrian National Council (SNC) said its priority was to “work for based on two states, one of them in the territories occupied and build it from the ground up rather than the other way around. the fall of the Assad regime and all its symbols,” insisting there in 1967.” Netanyahu set up the committee in January And I believe where there is will and everyone works on it sericould be no political transition until the embattled president’s ously it could work.” He has declined to reveal details of the departure. The opposition coalition’s new leader, Abdel Basset Continued on pg 5 new approach, saying he must first talk to the Syrian opposiSaida, is due in Moscow on Wednesday at the foreign ministry’s tion. Annan’s visit to Iraq - his first in his role as UN and Arab invitation, the SNC said. Russia was sending a flotilla of six League peace envoy - comes after trips to Tehran and Damascus warships to its naval base at Syria’s port of Tartous, the Interfax earlier in the week. After talks in Tehran with Foreign Minister news agency reported on Tuesday, citing a military source. The Ali Akbar Salehi, Annan warned of a disaster if his peace plan source said the flotilla’s deployment would last until the end of fails. “There is a risk that the situation in Syria gets out of hand September and “was not linked to the escalation of the situaand spreads to the region,” Annan told a joint news conference tion in Syria.” Moscow arms export officials said on Monday with Salehi, who hailed Annan’s “neutrality”. Annan also said that Russia will not supply new weapons to Syria. Lebanon, that Tehran, a close ally of Damascus, “can play a positive role,” meanwhile, began reinforcing its border with Syria following and that he would continue to work with the Iranian leadera series of deadly attacks, a military spokesman said in Beirut. ship to resolve the crisis. Activists say the violence in Syria Syrian troops traded gunfire with men overnight in the border has killed more than 17,000 people since the uprising began in area and shells fell inside Lebanon, wounding civilians, the army March 2011. Annan presented a peace plan earlier this year, said, just two days after border clashes killed two girls. Syrian Canada Day celebrated calling for a Syrian-led political transition and an end to all viostate news agency SANA confirmed the violence and said troops with fervor by Muslims at lence. Government forces and rebels have widely disregarded a foiled attempts by “armed terrorist groups” to infiltrate from ceasefire that was to begin in April, and spreading violence has Lebanon during the night. Source: Al-Jazeera Islamic center and parks

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

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i n t e r n a t i o n a l

Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

Immigration Minister asks Canadians to thank him for cuts Canadians who wants to sign a petition showing their support for Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s decision to reduce medical benefits for refugees can do so online — on Jason Kenney’s own website.

“We, the undersigned, thank Jason Kenney for his efforts to streamline benefits afforded to [refugee] claimants under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) and bring them in line with the benefits received by tax-paying Canadians, including new Canadians,” says the petition posted on jasonkenney.ca. The health program in question came into effect last month and eliminated certain health benefits for refugees, including dental work, vision care and prescription medication. Kenney justified the cuts, which have been decried by some Canadian physicians, by saying refugee claimants shouldn’t get better care than average Canadians. The cuts will also save the government $20 million a year, he said. Meanwhile, doctors today sounded more alarms about changes to Canada’s refugee system. An opinion piece in the

Canadian Medical Association Journal says a new law could pose a serious danger to the mental health of refugees. Bill C-31, the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act, includes provisions that allow the immediate detention of refugee claimants designated as part of irregular arrivals. All those over the age of 16 will be held for a minimum of two weeks before their detention is reviewed, while those under 16 can be informally detained with their parents or released to child care authorities. The bill became law at the end of June and the detention provisions are now in force. The authors of the piece cite several studies suggesting high levels of psychiatric symptoms among detained refugee claimants, even after short periods. The article cites statistics from the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, all showing adverse mental health outcomes following detention. In the United Kingdom, after a median 30 day detention, 76 per cent of detained refugee claimants were clinically depressed, compared with 26 per cent of a non detained com-

parison sample. In the U.S., after a median detention of five months, 86 per cent of refugee claimants showed clinical levels of depression, 77 per cent had clinical anxiety and 50 per cent had clinical post-traumatic stress disorder. In Australia, where there is mandatory detention for refugee claimants who arrive by boat, there were more than 1,100 incidents of self-harm and six suicides in a population of about 6,000 people detained for a median of 10 months, the article says. The authors say that’s roughly 10 times the suicide rate in the general population in both Australia and Canada.

“Yet, in Australia, close to 90 per cent of ’irregular’ claimants are later accepted as refugees and settle there permanently,” the authors write. The new Canadian law was introduced following the arrival of a ship carrying almost 500 asylum claimants in 2010. Six men among those passengers reportedly remain in detention. In a 2010 evaluation of detentions and removals, the Canada Border Services Agency raised concerns about how they handled mental

health issues among detained claimants.

Earlier this year, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released a federally funded blueprint for overhauling mentalhealth care in Canada, which included the needs of immigrants and refugees as one of its priorities. The opinion piece in the CMAJ follows weeks of protests by doctors over cutbacks to health benefits for some refugee claimants. Included in the original interim federal health program had been coverage of counselling or psychiatric treatment for refugee claimants, as well as coverage of the cost medications. But changes to the program — which took effect at the end of June — only provide those services to those resettled in Canada by the government. Otherwise, treatment will only be given if the claimant poses a public health or safety risk. In a letter to Kenney in June, the Canadian Psychiatrists Association voiced their concerns about the impact on mental health.

Source: National Post

Donor nations pledge $16bn to Afghanistan US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has made a pledge to continue Afghan aid at its current levels until 2017, as some 70 countries gathered in Tokyo to announce a four-year civilian assistance plan. Altogether, the countries promised on Sunday to give $16bn to Afghanistan through to 2015. The White House will ask Congress to sustain US assistance for Afghanistan near the average amount it has been over the last decade through 2017 as part of the international effort to stabilise the country, even as most international forces pull out over the next two years.

The funds would help Afghanistan build its economy and make necessary reforms, Clinton said. She said Afghan security “cannot only be measured by the absence of war”. These statements at the Tokyo summit came shortly after roadside bombs killed 35 people, including seven Nato soldiers, in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province close to the Pakistan border.

Provincial police chief General Abdul Raziq blamed the attack on Taliban fighters who have been waging a decade-long campaign to topple Karzai’s government. The deaths come a day after bomb blasts and a rocket attack in southern Afghanistan killed 11 civilians, including at least four children, in a space of 24 hours. These attacks add to fears about security as NATO prepares to hand responsibility to Afghan forces and recall the vast majority of its 130,000 combat troops by the end of 2014. A US diplomat said the money will come with conditions to ensure it does not fall victim to rampant Afghan corruption and mismanagement. Clinton said Afghanistan has made substantial progress over the last decade, but needs effective collaboration between its government, private sector, neighbours and international donors “so that this decade of transformation can produce results’’. Annual US civilian assistance since 2001 has ranged from $1bn to this year’s high of $2.3bn. Clinton said the aid request

to congress through 2017 would be to maintain funding at or near the average level, without specifying further.

Kabul can cover only one-third of the $6bn it spends each year, not counting security costs, and has for a long time been heavily dependent on aid. But many, both inside and outside the country, fear that once the US and its allies withdraw their troops in 2014, the country could be left to fend for itself.

Roadside bombs, which remain one of the Taliban’s weapons of choice along with suicide bombers and commandostyle raids, are known to regularly kill civilians. For the past five years, the number of civilians killed in the war has risen steadily, reaching a record 3,021 in 2011, the vast majority caused by fighters, according to UN figures.

According to the World Bank, spending on defence and development by foreign donors accounted for more than 95 per cent of Afghanistan’s GDP in 201011. A security conference in Chicago in May, involving the countries of the NATO-led coalition, adopted a plan to provide $4.1bn in annual security aid in coming years. The focus in Tokyo will be on development.

In an interview with the Asahi Shimbun newspaper published on Friday, the Japanese foreign minister, Koichiro Gemba, said he hoped the conference would result in pledges worth at least $3bn a year. But he warned the money would come with strings. On Saturday, Gemba said donors will stump up more than $16bn for four years to 2015, adding Japan would provide up to $3bn over five years, in addition to $1bn for Afghanistan’s neighbours. His announcement came hours after Clinton said the United States had designated Afghanistan a major non-NATO ally, giving it special privileges. Clinton announced the move, which provides a long-term framework for security and defence cooperation, during a brief visit to Kabul where she had a breakfast meeting with Karzai.

Blasts and gunshots rock Kandahar province At least 19 people are reported to have been killed and 39 others wounded in four bombing and shooting attacks in southern Afghanistan. Officials said Gunmen begin attacking in three locations in Kandahar, in southern Afghanistan, on Monday, sparking a two-hour gunfight with Afghan security forces.

Iran will ‘block’ Strait of Hormuz if pressed Iran will block the strategic Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Gulf, the passageway through which a fifth of the world’s oil flows, if its interests are seriously threatened, a senior Iranian military commander said. “We do have a plan to close the Strait of Hormuz,” state media quoted General Hasan Firouzabadi as saying on Saturday. “But Iran, acting rationally, will not close the corridor through which 40 per cent of the world’s energy passes, unless its interests are in serious trouble,” he said, referring to the country’s crucial crude revenues. The comments by Firouzabadi, the chairman of Iran’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, come days after the European Union enforced a total oil embargo against Iran for its refusal to halt its uranium enrichment program. The comments also come after the US moved new forces into the Gulf to support anti-mine operations in the Gulf to keep the strategic waterway open, the US Navy said Friday. A fleet spokesman in Manama said the USS Ponce, described as a “afloat forward staging base”, had arrived on Thursday after undergoing refitting for its new mission. “Ponce’s primary mission is to support mine countermeasures operations and other missions, such as the ability to provide repair service to other deployed units,” the spokesman said in a statement. “Additionally, Ponce

also has the capability to embark and launch small riverine craft.” Vice Admiral John Miller, commander of regional navy forces, said the Ponce boasted “enhanced capability to conduct maritime security operations, and gives us greater flexibility to support a wide range of contingencies with our regional partners”. A halt in crude oil imports from Iran is intended to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic to stop enriching uranium to the 20 per cent level, an issue at the center of an international dispute. Western powers fear material produced at that level, well above the 3.5 per cent enrichment needed for energy-producing reactors, can be turned into weapons-grade material in a matter of months.

Iran insists its reactors are only for energy and research. Iranian lawmakers have prepared a bill that would order the country’s military to stop tankers headed to countries that have joined the oil ban. But Iran’s parliament speaker, Ali Larijani, was quoted by Iranian media on Saturday as saying that the proposed bill has not yet been studied by parliament.

Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard has warned in the past that Tehran would order the closure of the Strait of Hormuz if the country’s oil exports are blocked.` Source: Al Jazeera

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

A grim reunion for Muslim families in Srebrenica’s ‘valley of death and pain’

Hundreds of people lined Sarajevo’s main street Monday as trucks bearing 520 coffins passed through on their way to Srebrenica, where the newly identified victims of Europe’s worst massacre since the Second World War will be buried.

Whispered Muslim prayers turned louder and mixed with sobbing when the three trucks appeared, slowly approaching the Bosnian presidential building where they stopped for a few minutes in a sign of respect. The weeping crowd tucked flowers into canvas covering the trucks as they drove down a street sprinkled with ceremonial rose water. Many stood silently praying in front of the trucks, others caressed the yellow canvas covering the coffins.

“Uncover them!” demanded Ajkuna Muhic. “Let me see him. Oh, my son.” Ms. Muhic’s son and husband were found in mass graves around Srebrenica that Serb forces dug up to hide evidence of their mass execution of the city’s men and boys in July, 1995. She will bury both on Wednesday. The Bosnian Muslim town was under UN protection when Serbs overran it and carried out the carnage.

“Our children are returning to where they left from in 1995. Unfortunately, they are not alive,” Munira Subasic, who heads an organization of women of Srebrenica whose husbands and sons were killed, told Agence France-Presse as she watched the vehicles. “Srebrenica is the deepest wound our people have suffered. It is a black spot on humanity’s conscience and a black spot on the conscience of those who committed [the massacre] and those who allowed it,” the Muslim member of Bosnia’s tripartite presidency, Bakir Izetbegovic, said. The 520 sets of remains, identified through DNA tests, will be buried at a memorial centre near Srebrenica on the 17th anniversary of the massacre of 8,000 men and boys, defined by the International Court of Justice as genocide. The bodies have been excavated for years. The perpetrators secretly dug up the original mass graves with bulldozers, then drove decomposing remains to other locations and buried them there. That is how many bodies were ripped apart and parts of the same person can be found at several locations spread across eastern

Bosnia. “Srebrenica is the deepest wound our people have suffered. It is a black spot on humanity’s conscience and a black spot on the conscience of those who committed [the massacre] and those who allowed it,” Mr. Izetbegovic said as the procession passed. Ahmo Catic, 53, had been looking for his father, Bekir, since 1995. He will finally bury him this year. Parts of his father’s body were found in five different mass graves, reassembled and identified through DNA analysis by the International Commission for Missing Persons. “May those who killed him look for their loved ones the same way I have for 17 years,” he said. Currently, former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic and Bosnian Serb army general Ratko Mladic are on trial for genocide at the UN war-crimes tribunal in The Hague. But Suhreta Malic, who already was waiting for the coffins at the memorial centre near Srebrenica, thought The Hague was not the right venue for the trial. “They can’t see this sea of graves from The Hague,” she said, looking out at more than 5,000 white gravestones. “Here! We want him back here, in this valley of death and pain, among the gravestones. He must be brought here for the trial, so he can see for himself what he has done.” So far 5,137 victims have been laid to rest after their remains found in mass graves were identified. Those who will be buried on Wednesday include “48 youngsters, aged between 15 and 18 when the massacre took place. There are also three women, of whom one was killed at the age of 94,” Bosnia’s Missing People Institute spokeswoman Lejla Cengic told AFP. Each year on July 11, the day the UN-protected enclave fell to the Bosnian Serbs, a mass burial is held at the memorial centre in Potocari. Many come from countries where they have settled after surviving the massacre. Snjezana Tigerman, 49, came to her hometown of Sarajevo from Canada on vacation and decided to join the crowd in the heat on Monday. She always watched Srebrenica funerals on TV or on the Internet but being here was overwhelming, she said. “It is really hitting me,” she said, wiping tears. “This is real.”

Source: Globe and Mail

Euro finance ministers agree on Spain bailout Euro area finance ministers agreed early Tuesday

on the terms of a bailout for Spain’s troubled banks, saying that 30 billion euros ($36.88 billion US) can be ready by end of this month. The finance ministers for the 17 countries that use the euro as their official currency will return to Brussels on July 20 to finalize the agreement, having first obtained the approval of their governments or parliaments, eurozone chief Jean-Claude Juncker said early Tuesday morning. As part of the agreement with Spain, finance ministers from all 27 European Union countries are expected Tuesday to approve a one-year extension, until 2014, of Spain’s deadline for achieving a budget deficit of three per cent. There will be specific conditions for specific banks, and the supervision of the financial sector overall will be strengthened, Juncker said. “We are convinced that this conditionality will succeed in addressing the remaining weakness in the Spanish banking sector,” he said. Dutch Finance Minister Jan

Kees de Jager said the agreement should be finalized soon. “We have a tentative deal on the bailout conditions for a bailout of Spanish banks,” De Jager said. “The total will likely be 100 billion euros [$124 billion]. Some countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Finland need to get parliamentary approval. We hope this can be wrapped up within a week.” The exact amount of the bailout will likely not be known until September, when individual examinations of different Spanish banks have been completed. De Jager said Madrid’s partners agree that “financial sector reforms in Spain must be ruthlessly implemented.

These reforms include notably a cap on salaries of bank executives and a ban on bonuses.” However, he said a system of EU-wide banking supervision still needs to be worked out. “There are still differences over this,” he said. “The details will be worked out by the end of the year.” But on Monday, before the eurogroup meeting began, Mario Draghi, the chief of the European Central Bank, said he was confident that a banking union in the European Union would be achieved. “The first thing to be created will be the supervision,” Draghi told a committee of the European Parliament. “We are talking about the long-term sustainability of the European monetary union. We are going as fast as we can. It is better to do things right than in a hurried fashion. We certainly want to see this thing wrapped up by the end of the year,” he said, referring to banking oversight. “By the end of this year we will have something that is not perfect, but achievable.

Source: CBC News

Egypt court rules against parliament recall Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court has frozen the decree issued

by President Mohamed Morsi reinstating the Islamist-led parliament.

“The court ruled to halt the president’s decision to recall the parliament,” Judge Maher el-Beheiry said in court on Tuesday.

Morsi, a former member of the powerful Muslim Brotherhood, ordered on Sunday for the lower house to reconvene, just eight days after taking office.

Tuesday’s ruling came hours after the 508-seat chamber held a brief session, following the president’s request for the legislators to convene. They voted to seek further judicial opinions on the court’s decision that had invalidated one-third of the lawmakers because of voting irregularities. President Morsi’s move highlighted the power struggle between the presidency and the Supreme Constitutional Court, which last month said certain articles in the law governing the parliament elections were invalid, annulling the lower house. News of the verdict was greeted with chants of “batel”, or illegitimate, by thousands of Morsi supporters gathered in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

“Everything now depends on the reaction by parliament,” said Al Jazeera’s Sherine Tadros, reporting from Cairo. “The Supreme Court has once again reiterated that the parliament is dissolved,” our correspondent said. “It’s the third decsion by them saying that Morsi’s decison to reinstate the parliament was illegal. They cannot say it in any more certain terms than that.”

“They’re saying that the parliament sessions cannot continue, which would mean legislative powers would stay in the hands of the armed forces - in this power struggle between the military and the president.” Islamist parties, including the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party, which Morsi headed before becoming president, and Salafist parties, attended the parliamentary session on Tuesday. “We are gathered today to review the court rulings, the ruling of the Supreme Constitutional Court,” speaker Saad al-Katatni said. “I want to stress, we are not contradicting the ruling, but looking at a mechanism for the implementation of the ruling of the respected court. There is no other agenda today,” he added. Lawyers representing Morsi criticised the court’s latest decision and said Tuesday’s ruling was a political move that would further complicate the crisis. “This ruling is null and void,” lawyer Abdel Moneim Abdel Maqsud told reporters while another member of the team, Mamduh Ismail, called it a “political decision” Meanwhile, thousands of protesters rallied on Tuesday evening in Tahrir Square, the hub of the revolution, in support of Morsi and chanting “Down with the military” and other slogans hostile to judges and TV anchors they accuse of being anti-Islamist. Earlier in the day opponents of Morsi’s decree had protested outside the presidential palace. Morsi’s decree was hailed by those who want to see the army return to barracks, but it was criticised by those who fear an Islamist monopolisation of power as a “constitutional coup”. Katatni said parliament had referred the case invalidating the house to the Court of Cassation. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is due to visit Cairo on Saturday, urged all parties to engage in dialogue. “We urge that there be intensive dialogue among all of the stakeholders in order to ensure that there is clear path for them to be following,” she said in Vienna. The Egyptian people should “get what they protested for and what they voted for, which is a fully elected government making the decisions for the country going forward”, she added.

Source: Al-Jazeera

Israeli : Continued from pg 1 to examine land use issues in the West Bank after concluding that a 2005 report on unauthorised settlement outposts was tainted by leftist bias. The author of the report, which had been commissioned by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, a staunch settlement champion, was a former state prosecutor who ran for parliament on the dovish Meretz Party’s ticket after leaving the civil service. The new committee was headed by former Supreme Court Justice Edmond Levy, who opposed Israel’s 2005 Gaza Strip withdrawal. It was considered sympathetic to setters and was expected to issue the recommendation to legalise outposts. Although they skirted official approval procedures, government officials knew the outposts were being built and supplied them with the infrastructure hookups and military protection given to sanctioned settlements. About 100 illegal outposts, home to several thousand Israelis, dot the West Bank, in addition to more than 120 fullfledged settlements. The Israeli government had promised the US in 2003 to tear down two dozen outposts built a decade ago but it has never honoured that commitment. The 2005 report on outposts by Talia Sasson was sharply critical of government complicity in their construction and noted that dozens were built on Palestinian-owned land, in violation of Israeli law. Israel’s Supreme Court recently rebuffed the Netanyahu government’s efforts to preserve one of the outposts, and it is due to be demolished next month. A second outpost was evacuated this month in spite of Netanyahu’s efforts to avert the settlers’ eviction.

Source: Al- Jazeera

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

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p a k i s t a n

Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

PM orders uniform load shedding across country

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday directed that equitable load shedding should be ensured throughout the country, besides taking special measures regarding load shedding in the month of Ramazan, reported by Daily Times.

The cabinet also decided that there would be no load shedding at the time of taraveeh, sehar and iftar.

Ministry of Water and Power would set up an interactive website where public could register their complaints if there was unscheduled load shedding during the specified timings, the cabinet was informed. The complaints would be redressed immediately, said the ministry’s officials.

The water and power secretary updated the cabinet on the energy situation in the country. He said that due to the steps taken by the government on the directions of the prime minister during the last one month, production of electricity had increased to 13,650MW, bringing down the shortfall to 3,500MW. He said that with the commissioning of new projects, approximately another 2,000MW of electricity would soon be added to the national grid. The cabinet also approved a relief package for the month of Ramazan, amounting to Rs 2.5 billion. The subsidy on food items would be extended to the common people through 5,700 Utility Stores in Pakistan, the cabinet was told.

The cabinet in principle approved to increase the number of seats reserved for non-Muslims in assemblies proportionate to their population. Briefing the media after the cabinet meeting, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said, “The cabinet constituted a committee

comprising law minister, interfaith harmony minister and religious affairs minister to submit a comprehensive report to the cabinet for bringing in a constitutional amendment in this respect.”

He said the seats would be increased in the provincial assemblies in proportion to the population of non-Muslims.

The minister said it was a long-time desire of non-Muslims to increase their seats.

Speaking about the relief package regarding Ramazan, he expressed hope the package would provide relief to lowincome groups at their doorsteps in the remote and far-flung areas of the country.

Kaira said the prime minister had also directed the Ministry of Industries to open Utility Stores in FATA before the Ramazan started.

The prime minister informed the cabinet that he had, through the attorney general, received a letter from the Supreme Court registrar asking for government’s position with regard to the decision of the Supreme Court for the implementation of the NRO judgement. He directed the law minister to present the opinion of the Law and Justice Ministry. The law minister informed the cabinet that he had received the letter on July10. The law minister also informed the cabinet that he and the law secretary had recently taken the charge and needed some time for thorough study of the case to brief the cabinet and present their view in the court.

The cabinet allowed the Law Ministry to do their work.

However, the prime minister directed the law minister that response should come on urgent basis.

Long march against NATO supplies ends peacefully in Islamabad

A two-day long march organized by a Pakistani alliance of dozens of religious and political parties to protest against the government’s decision to reopen the land supply routes for NATO forces in Afghanistan ended here in the wee hours of Tuesday morning peacefully with more such moves pledged by organizers. At a big gathering outside the parliament in the capital, leaders of the Defense of Pakistan

Council (DPC) said that thousands of people will march in the southwestern Balochistan province on July 14-15 and a third long march will be held July 16- 17 in the country’s northwest.

Pakistan announced reopening of NATO supply line after a nearly seven-month closure over the killing of 24 soldiers in a NATO airstrike last November.

The supply line was unblocked following apology by the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over the losses of Pakistani security personnel.

Chief of the DPC, Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, told thousands of people in Islamabad at the end of a two-day long march that the people of Pakistan will end the supremacy of the U.S. “We will throw the Americans and their supporters from Pakistan, “ Haq told the big gathering outside the parliament house in the capital.

The long march was started from the eastern city of Lahore in Punjab province on Sunday and after a night stay on the way, the marchers arrived late Monday night in Islamabad, their last destination.

Tight security measures had been taken in the capital prior to the arrival of the marchers with additional police force de-

Continued on pg 27

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

O Allah. I fasted for You and I believe in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance

I intend to keep fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan

AH 1433 RAMADHAN TIMETABLE 2012 Days

Date July

Fajr

1* 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30* Shwl 01*

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

*20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Aug 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

3:22 3:24 3:27 3:29 3:31 3:34 3:36 3:38 3:40 3:43 3:45 3:47 3:50 3:52 3:54 3:57 3:59 4:01 4:03 4:05 4:08 4:10 4:12 4:14 4:16 4:19 4:21 4:23 4:25 4:27 4:29

Sunrise

Zawaal

Dhur

Asr

Maghrib

5:29 5:30 5:32 5:33 5:34 5:35 5:37 5:38 5:39 5:41 5:42 5:43 5:45 5:46 5:47 5:49 5:50 5:52 5:53 5:54 5:56 5:57 5:59 6:00 6:02 6:03 6:04 6:06 6:07 6:09 6:10

1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:18 1:18 1:18 1:18 1:18 1:18 1:18 1:18 1:17 1:17 1:17 1:17 1:17 1:17 1:16 1:16 1:16

1:26 1:26 1:26 1:27 1:27 1:27 1:27 1:27 1:26 1:26 1:26 1:26 1:26 1:26 1:26 1:26 1:26 1:26 1:26 1:26 1:25 1:25 1:25 1:25 1:25 1:25 1:25 1:24 1:24 1:24 1:23

6:41 6:41 6:40 6:39 6:39 6:38 6:37 6:36 6:36 6:35 6:34 6:33 6:32 6:31 6:30 6:29 6:28 6:27 6:26 6:25 6:24 6:22 6:21 6:20 6:19 6:17 6:16 6:15 6:13 6:12 6:11

9:13 9:12 9:11 9:09 9:08 9:07 9:05 9:04 9:03 9:01 9:00 8:58 8:57 8:55 8:54 8:52 8:51 8:49 8:47 8:46 8:44 8:42 8:40 8:39 8:37 8:35 8:33 8:31 8:29 8:28 8:26

Isha

10:43 10:42 10:41 10:39 10:38 10:37 10:35 10:34 10:33 10:31 10:30 10:28 10:27 10:25 10:24 10:22 10:21 10:19 10:17 10:16 10:14 10:12 10:10 10:09 10:07 10:05 10:03 10:01 9:59 9:58 9:56

Source: BCMA

Ramadan Date

May Allah bless everyone with peace and happiness in this Ramadan

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

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11

e d i t o r i a l

Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION IN SELF DEFENCE

The contempt laws are regarded as a sound piece of legislation in the United States, United Kingdom, India, Australia, Canada and many other countries, because ridiculing the courts of law and publicly criticizing the judicial verdicts or trial proceedings does have serious consequences. During Clinton-Lewinsky case, the then serving US President Bill Clinton did not have any immunity nor does any parliamentarian in the neighboring Canada ever dare break the contempt law. Even the Australian judge may impose a fine or convict any wrong doer irrespective of the social status of the culprit.

On the contrary, the federal cabinet of Pakistan has recently approved a bill in hurry to change the contempt law to clip the judiciary’s wings before July 12.

In other words, previously guilty of having broken the ‘contempt law,’ the PPP regime of Pakistan is bent upon “customizing the constitution” through rubber stamp parliament just to protect unlawful deeds of the top brass, come what may.

Additionally, the cabinet also approved a draft bill tabled by the ministry for overseas Pakistanis proposing amendment to enable Pakistanis having dual nationality to contest election for the membership of parliament.

Currently, the Supreme Court is hearing several cases against parliamentarians and has suspended membership The said controversial bill allowing some amendments in the existing contempt of court law is a major source of frustration among the members of legal fraternity, civil society and the unbiased media.

Furthermore, the passage of the bill would allow the beneficiaries to be more dis-

respectful towards the authority of the honourable judges.

Would the new contempt law rescue the defiant PM Raja Pervaiz? Only time will tell – because rule of law enforced by the Supreme Court is the ultimate interpreting and controlling factor on which the Constitution is actually based. Therefore, the Supreme Court and high court judgments aimed at upholding the constitution must be accepted by all.

The Zardari regime, nevertheless, is more focussed on bringing a constitutional amendment for simplifying the cumbersome procedure of the impeachment of the Chief Justice to save the current Prime Minister who is also refusing to write to the Swiss authorities for re-opening money laundering cases against Pres Zardari.

It’s noteworthy that the proposed constitutional amendment draft consists of four paragraphs and four sections; the sections 1 and 2 of the proposed amendment are related to the Supreme Judicial Council.

The proposed Section 1 says only one senior judge of the Supreme Court, except the chief justice, will be included in the Supreme Judicial Council. Section 2 says the chief justices of all the four provincial high courts will be included in the Supreme Judicial Council as its members. Sections 3 and 4 of the proposed amendment are related to the impeachment of the chief justice.

The Upper House of the Parliament (The Senate), with two-thirds majority can impeach the chief justice under Section 3, while Section 4 of the proposed constitutional amendment says the impeachment process of the Chief Justice will start with a resolution, which would be required

L E T T E R S

Reforming TransLink Governance

By: Harry Bains New Democrat MLA Surrey-Newton Reforming TransLink governance is crucial to better transport in the metro region One way to address TransLink’s current funding problem is to look at one of the root causes - its governance. What is needed is greater voice in the process through the involvement of the local municipalities with elected representatives. This is something the Mayors’ Council sub- committee has been working toward to reform the governance structure.

However, the B.C. Liberals, continue to make a mess of TransLink and ignore the input of elected officials.Last April, the transportation minister unilaterally added two mayors to the TransLink board without waiting to hear input from the mayors’ sub-committee.

This week the Mayors’ sub-committee rejected the offer, as according to them it would not allow them to make a meaningful contribution to the board on how to best serve their communities.

Minister Lekstrom’s offer to put the Chair and Vice Chair of the Mayors’ Council on the board of TransLink simply did not go far enough. The Liberals’ are once again clearly not listening to

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to have the signatures of at least half the members of the Senate.

The proposal says the chief justice could be declared disqualified after the impeachment trial.

On the other hand, Justice Chaudhry said, “the parliament cannot legislate any law repugnant to the constitution - adding that no one could claim supremacy over the law and constitution.”

Obviously, if a PPP friendly law is promulgated, the Supreme Court under its power of judicial review can review it.”

“The underlying object of judicial review is to check abuse of power by public functionaries and ensuring just and fair treatment to citizens in accordance with law and the constitutional norms,” said Justice Chaudhry while addressing a delegation of Youth Parliament at the Supreme Court.

Furthermore, the government is attempting to interfere with the exercise of judicial powers in pending proceedings which amounts to obstruction of justice.

Like various other countries, the Supreme Court of Pakistan established that once judicial power has been exercised in a case pending before a court, legislative power may not be used to interfere in the exercise of judicial power.

Such use of legislative power is nothing but an unconstitutional legislative judgement.

Everyone knows that the PPP government has been continuously defying the Supreme Court orders ever since it came to power.

Maliciously amending the contempt law means the courts will be irrelevant.

Fairly speaking, the holders of dual nationality should be allowed to vote and contest elections, but once elected they must surrender their foreign nationality before

taking oath as people’s representatives.

Although, the parliament has a right to amend the Constitution and law, yet such a move would be considered mala fide in the current scenario. Just a simple majority is required to amend a law, while for making a constitutional amendment, a two-thirds majority of the two houses of parliament is needed.

With regard to the current Prime Minister, he is absolutely required to write to the Swiss authorities right away without delay, because the issue already stands adjudicated upon. Actually, PM Pervaiz Ashraf is liable to be convicted and disqualified on July 12 unless the judicial order is executed by him immediately as directed by the apex court.

On July 9, the contempt of court bill 2012 has been passed to provide a shelter to the top office holders including Prime Minister, federal ministers, ministers of state, chief ministers and provincial ministers against contempt of court proceedings.

Apparently, the new law would benefit the rulers’ cronies to defend their contempt, but the Supreme Court is empowered to review it upon petitioning and it may declare “the new law” as unconstitutional after due process.

Most importantly, as the Constitution is supreme, the Supreme Court is responsible to make sure that all institutions do respect “the Constitution and Rule of law” in true letter and spirit.

Waan laysa lil insani illa ma’ sa’aa That man can have nothing but what he strives for.

O P I N I O N S

Liang Versus Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (Docket # IMM 9634 of 2011) and Phool Maya Gurung Versus Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (Docket # IMM 137 of 2012) – By: Gulshan Aalani Vancouver both the cases are reported in 2012 F.C. 750) Mr. It is unbelievable that Sister Wafa is not with Jason Kenny, the Hon’ble Minister of Immigraus anymore.I met her and the other crew tion, Citizenship and Multiculturalism, has come Officers (Canadian Armed Officers) at the out with the detonation of a mighty bombshell BBY Masjid, and I was most impressed by with the legislation and enforcement of the Opher friendly pleasant attitude. She gave such erational Bulletin 442 of June 29, 2012 (formerly a positive pleasant picture of working with Bill C-38), where under the processing of certain the respectful non-Muslim Officers who applications made under Federal Skilled Worker truly respected her as a Muslim Woman and (FSW) program prior to February 27, 2008, supported her for her Islamic practices of is to cease effective June 29, 2012. Although Prayers etc. I believe her combination of the ostensible purpose of the Hon’ble Minister Hijab with the Officer’s uniform earned her a endeavors to target the forthwith negation of the lot of respect from her colleagues. May Allah positive impact of the law as laid down in 2012 bless her soul.

F.C. 750, nonetheless, his virtual intention is incontrovertibly the kicking out of the majority of (almost 95%) the Foreign Skilled Workers, who are long-sufferingly awaiting for the last over 8/9 years for the issuance of their respective Immigration visas. The termination of tentatively 3,00000 application-files, barely in one strike By: R.C. PURI Surrey only and that too with no amount of culpabilAs we all are abundantly cognizant of ity on the part of the visa seekers, definitely the fact that after receiving a very severe brings to the forefront the blameworthy neglect, setback at the hands of the Hon’ble Federal agonizing failure of the office staff, dealing with Court of Canada in the matters of Dong the Immigration files at the overseas Embassies IMPORTANT NOTE: and High Commissions, and above all the lack of We do not publish anonymous letters or the letters of the people who do not disclose their transparency in their working, is indicative of the identity to ‘The Miracle.’ A writer can use a pen name or request ‘The Miracle’ to withhold his /

stakeholders. We have seen issues, such as the huge shortfall in funding, that are having an impact on the region’s transportation system.

More recently there has been public concern over proposed changes and cuts to the HandyDart and TaxiSaver services that serve vulnerable community members.

The current TransLink system is fraught with problems, not only in funding, but in the processes and time it takes to look at issues and come up with viable solutions. Layers of governance which add time, cost and accountability issues are also problems that need to be addressed. Riders and drivers just want an effective, cost-efficient system that gets them where they need to go. Instead, they see reviews come and go while nothing changes with full buses, spiking gas prices and a lack of long-term planning.

We need an external audit that is truly independent of TransLink and the Liberal government in order to find real answers. And we need to listen to the mayors in the region who know best what their communities need. It is clear that the Liberals’ overhaul of Translink governance in 2007 has been a failure.

Inna-llillahi wa innaillahi Raajioon.

Foreign Skilled Workers suffered New Immigration Law

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Continued on pg 26 Contents Editorial & Letters Int. News Local Special Articles Faith Lifestyle Youth Health Sports Urdu

1 11 4,5 14-19 18,20,24 12 25 26 27 28 29-41

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

Being Shaped by Ramadan

By: Khalid Mahmood - IslamiCity* At this time when we experience occasions, of much sorrow and some contentment, we sense the promise in the advent of Ramadan, the month of mercy and forgiveness. In the climate of this month of light, we feel both spring and autumn at the same time in our inner worlds, seasons of lovely expectations and longing.

With their profound, spiritual breezes, every sound and breath of air in Ramadan announces in a most exalted and exhilarating style all the pleasures we would like to taste in life and the hopes of good we deeply cherish.

Coming like successive rays of light, the smiling days of Ramadan envelop us with the expectations, hopes and joys they carry from the worlds beyond, and present to us samples from Paradise.

When Ramadan begins, our inner life, its thoughts and feelings, is renewed and strengthened. Breezes of mercy, coming in different wavelengths, unite with our hopes and expectations, and penetrate our hearts.

In the enchanting days and illumined nights of Ramadan, we feel as if all the obstacles blocking our way to God are removed and the hills on that way are leveled.

Like rain pouring on the earth, Ramadan comes with streams of meanings and emotions that water dried and thirsty hearts, making the inner worlds of people propitious for new meanings and conceptions. By means of the light of the days, hours and minutes of this blessed month, hearts attain such spiritual depth and become so purified that they never desire to leave its climate of peace.

As Ramadan approaches, we live the delight of anticipation and preparation for it. The food and drink that come into our kitchens in the days before it comes, put us in mind of it with a thrill of expectation. And then it comes at last, laden with mercy and forgiveness. As soon as it honors us, each of us finds himself in a spiral of light rising toward the heavens and advances toward the Unknown Existent One in a new spiritual mood in the night-time and in another, different spiritual mood in daytime. We open our eyes to each of its days with a different solemnity and self-possession and reach every evening in an enchanting, delightful serenity.

The pleasant nights of Ramadan receive warmest welcome from all souls. Eyes look more deeply in them and people feel deeper

love for each other. Everyone desires to do good to everyone and passions and ill-feeling are subjugated to a certain extent. In Ramadan everyone feels so much more attached to God and is so careful in his relations with others that it is impossible not to see this.

Believing souls taste the contentment of belief more deeply and experience the blessing of the good morals prescribed by Islam and the spiritual ease of doing good to others.

Moreover, they try to expand, to share, this contentment, blessing and ease with others.

Since these souls at rest are convinced that one day will come when this life will end in an eternal happiness and whatever they suffer and sacrifice here for God’s sake will be returned with very great reward, they struggle against their animal appetites in a mood of doing an act of worship. The meals they take at sunset to break the fast give them the pleasure of worship and are followed by early night prayer with the addition of the supererogatory service of worship particular to Ramadan. The meals they take before dawn to start fasting are united with supererogatory night prayer (tahajjud) and become a dimension of their nearness to God. Streets are filled with the people going to and returning from mosques, in which declarations of ‘God is the Greatest’ resound as in the Masjid alHaram in Makkah. You would think that the streets are each a mosque and each mosque is Ka’bba. The people shaped by Ramadan in this way, though mortal in nature, gain a sort of eternity and each of their acts done in the consciousness of deliberate worship becomes a ceremony pertaming to the Hereafter.

Nights are experienced more deeply and in consideration of the afterlife, and days are spent as portions of time dominated by resolution and strong will-power. Those fasting for God’s sake feel a thrill of joy, and spend every and each day in the excitement of a new re-union. They reach every morning in an indescribable feeling as if they were called to a new testing. You can discern on their faces a sign of humility mixed with solemnity, a feeling of nothingness before God together with serenity and seriousness and melancholy combined with a feeling of security. Their every act reflects spiritual peace and exhilaration coming from adherence to God’s will and confidence in Him, and sincerity and kindness acquired by being cleansed in the cascades of the Qur’an. As if created from light and

The Month of Mercy

By Dr. Yunus Aidaroos “Ramadan is a month whose beginning is Mercy, whose middle is Forgiveness and whose end is freedom from the fire.”

-Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) Ponder on the inherent logical sequence ( subhanAllah ) of the above! We cannot be exempt from fire without first being forgiven.

And to be forgiven, we must be graced by Allah’s mercy.

The first one third of Ramadan (10 days) is MERCY from Allah 1. Can we expect to receive mercy if we only deprive our bodies of food and drink?

Of course not. Because Ramadan is meant for spiritual development through fasting.

Physiologically, by fasting the body eliminates toxins efficiently and the mind becomes clear for “power thinking” so that one may ponder on the meaning of the Qur’an, Hadith and the necessity of Zhikr. One must also do some self-analysis to monitor and correct one’s behaviour if necessary. With meditation the mind becomes quiet and so should our tongues!

2. Allah is looking for a sincere commitment from us and not just physical starvation till sunset and then returning to the status quo.

Ramadan does not end at every iftar. It ends only on sighting the hilal of Shawwal. So the hard spiritual work must carry on for the whole of the month.

3. One must plead for mercy and sincerely cry to receive it because without it, we are stuck at stage one and our prospects of “freedom from fire” will be bleak.

4. Therefore this stage one is for sincere confession to Allah that we are weak and sinful and that we desperately need His mercy. We have only about 10 days to qualify to stage two.

The second one third of Ramadan is FORGIVENESS 1. We must now beg for Allah’s forgiveness because we have broken so many of His rules and covenants and disobeyed His commands during the year, both knowingly and unknowingly. We must say istighfaar day and night and ask in every sajda for forgiveness. We must be afraid that if Allah does not forgive, we will surely be among the losers. Here again, Allah will be assessing the degree of sincerity in our repentance. He looks not for lip service but for soul service!

2. We must also be forgiving to other people’s mistakes and tempers.

The last one third of Ramadan is FREEDOM FROM FIRE These are our last ten days or so. Instead of just focusing on Laylat Al-Qadar (the night of power) one should intensify supplications for the whole last third of Ramadan. If possible and affordable then do go for Umrah ... it will be probably the most spiritually fulfilling experience you will have, aside from Hajj.

consisting in only their shadows, they are very careful to give no one any harm or trouble. Respect and courtesy are so much a part of their nature that, even after a day of thirst and hunger and resisting their carnal desires, they remain gentle and pure-hearted. They display a mood shaped by fear and reverence, discipline and contentment, solemnity and politeness. They are respectful and reverent toward the Almighty and well-mannered and sincere toward one another.

Their faces and eyes reflect different degrees and dimensions of depth of spiritual realms and are radiant with the lights of the unseen world. Though each individual may have been shaped by a different climate and different ideas,-all of them, including the intelligent and pure-hearted, those used to a disciplined, careful life and those a bit untidy and careless, the nervous and the calm, those very sensitive to problems of the age and those a little unfeeling, the rich and the poor, the happy and sorrowful, the healthy and the ill, the white and black-share almost the same feelings in Ramadan. They reach the night and morning together, listen to the call to prayers and perform the prayers together, take the meals before dawn and break their fasts together. They feel together one of the two instances of rejoicing promised for those who fast [The Prophet said: There are two instances of rejoicing for one who fasts: one when he breaks his fast, the other when he will receive the reward of fasting in the Hereafter.]

All Muslims, whatever their nationality or country of origin or temperament or social status or physical state, come together and breathe the same ‘air’ in the climate of Ramadan. In it, their souls are shaped in a way particular to that climate, and they share a sort of deeply-felt happiness which can be experienced only by spirit beings. Ramadan has a fascinating effect on Muslims that leaves its positive imprints on even the souls of the poorest and most oppressed people.

Ramadan envelops us with many beauties: the pleasure in the supererogatory prayers performed after the prescribed night service; consciousness of the blessings of Ramadan; the light that pours on us both from the heaven and from the lights that decorate the mosques; the nearness of the Creative Power and Its message of compassion and forgiveness whispered in our hearts. As if planned and commanded in order to kindle such feelAnd Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to having done a Hajj with our Rasool pbuh! At the completion of the last fast, be optimistically hopeful that you will be alive to give similar pious worship during the forthcoming Ramadans. And if you remain guided in your life then you’ll be will be admitted to Paradise, insha’Allah, by the Ryan gate of Paradise!

Indeed Allah swt does not break His promise to his slaves.

NOTE: The month after Ramadan is Shaw’wal.

Those who fast just 6 days of this month, get the reward of fasting the WHOLE of the year! So if one has missed fasting for 12 yrs of his/her life, just 6 days ( in any order) of Shaw’wal fasting gives one an opportunity to make up for our past deficiency of fasting days. SubhanAllah , isn’t Allah swt indeed SUPER-MERCIFUL? The Relationship Between Supplication and Ramadan: Making dua is a part of the month of Ramadan. The connection between the noble practice of supplicating to Allah and the honored month of Ramadan is shown in the following ways.

The ayah of supplication is preceded and followed by ayaat of fasting (2:183-187).

183. O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,184. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up)

Narrated ‘Aisha: Abu Bakr AsSiddiq had never broken his oaths till Allah revealed the expiation for the oaths. Then he said, “If I take an oath to do something and later on I find something else better than the first one, then I do what is better and make expiation for my oath.” ings and thoughts in us, each element of the public rites in Ramadan causes the ‘strings’ of our heats to resonate: the calls made from minarets and the blessings called on the Prophet, upon him be peace and blessings, and the pronouncements of Divine Unity, Grandeur and Glory which resound in our ears, all prepare our souls for worship. They awake us to spiritual and celestial truths and enable even the crudest soul to perform its duties of worship in the way those duties are meant to be performed.

The voices rising from minarets meet with the voices of the inhabitants of the heavens and resound throughout the heavens and the earth.

They penetrate our souls and take us through a climate of purest meanings and poetry, a realm of sweet imagination. In this pleasant atmosphere, we feel as if it is Ramadan which pours from the heavens, which is discerned on the faces of people and scents the air and is written in the lights of the mosques.

Enchanted by this calm and peaceful atmosphere, we achieve a sort of infinitude and feel as if comprehending the whole of existence.

Ramadan captivates particularly those open to eternity to such an extent that they experience nothing else than it.

I remember well that during my childhood when there was as yet no electricity in cities, people walked to mosques with kerosene lamps in the darkness of night. We imagined that Ramadan was walking around in the alleys in the lights of those lamps. Under the influence of poetry, meaning and deep spirituality which Ramadan poured into our souls, we desired that it should never come to an end. Nevertheless, despite our heartfelt desire, it flew away and the festive day followed it with all its pomp.

from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.

185. Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later.

Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

186. When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.

Continued on pg 26

13

Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

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Canada Day Celebrated @ Burnaby Mosque &Islamic Centre

For the 4th consecutive year, the BC Muslim Association hosted 145th Canada Day community celebration at the Al-Salaam Mosque in Burnaby The event featured the largest Canadian flag in the city which measured 20 by 40 feet and draped over the East Wall of AlSalaam Mosque and Islamic Centre.

The event is popular with the general public and people of various faiths as the mosque is located directly across the street from the Burnaby Village Museum which hosts a well-attended Canada Day party.

Many visitors walk over from the museum to the mosque where they enjoyed a delicious food, barbecue, refreshments, a Birthday Cake for the country, displays on

Muslims in Canada, bouncy castles, magicians, face painting and balloon animals for children, and tours of the facility which includes a prayer space, a library and a traditional Islamic Minaret.

This year, the event attracted hundreds of visitors. The BCMA Burnaby women chapter and directors made this event very successful. Many political and other dignitaries were present there and celebrated the Canada Day with the Muslim community.

The Muslim community proved that as Muslim Canadians, like the rest of Canadians love to celebrate Canadian National events at their centres with all community members.

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

Pakistan Canada Association Celebrates 145th Canada Day

On July 1st, Pakistan Canada Association (PCA) was proud to host Annual Canada Day Potluck and Sports Extravaganza with hundreds of people in Bear Creek Park, Surrey. A large number of families arrived to participate in this picnic. There was a variety of dishes on the food tables for the people to enjoy. A main course item of Chicken Biryani provided by Pakistan-Canada Association for all to enjoy which was catered and served by Gulberg Market & Tandoor Surrey. The picnic was wellorganized by many volunteer men, women and children. Women in charge of organizing and serving the food and Cake performed their duties in a very decent, polite and well-organized manner, despite the large crowd. Many activities were organized by PCA at the picnic. Kids

enjoyed rides and participated in activities.

Meanwhile, adults were busy in discussing different topics of their interest. The Men’s Volleyball tournament was one of the major highlights of the picnic. A large cake was cut honoring 145th Canada Day. At the end PCA presented trophies to the winners of volley ball tournament. In another corner at the picnic there were joy rides and jumping castle for kids to enjoy courtesy ofMr. Irfan Rana. NDP MP Jinny Sims, and NDP MLA Sue Hammell, Harry Bains, Jagrup Brar, BC NDP candidate of MLA Raj Hundal were also present at the occasion. Overall, Pakistan Canada Association deserves a big thank-you from the community for organizing such a great event successfully.

Ramadan & Iftari Program at Al jamia Masjid Vancouver 655 west 8th avenue, Vancouver, BC. Under the management of Pakistan Canada Association Call for donation and volunteers: Inshallah, the Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver will host daily Iftari during the Blessed Month of Ramadan. The Blessed Month of Ramadan is upon us and once again the Historic Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver, the First Mosque in British Columbia continues the tradition of hosting daily Iftari for the full 30 days of Ramadan. A very limited number of days are available to sponsor Iftari on behalf of yourself, your family, a loved one and in memory of our dear departed.

You can donate funds, sponsor a day Iftari program and/or in-kind donations needed to cover food and related costs for hosting the Iftari at the Vancouver Masjid. We invite volunteers living in the Vancouver area to assist in preparation, set up and clean up at the Mosque. Your continued efforts ensure that we are able to provide Iftari this and every year Inshallah.

A number of options are available: • Cash donations, payment by cheque or via paypal link at www.pakcan.com • Food Donations - Rice, Meat, Dates, Drinks, Fruit, Salad, Utensils, Plates, cutlery, Home cooked and Catered Meals.

• If you or your friends and family would like to sponsor a day among the thirty days for $500.00 per Iftari • Make a group and share the cost to jointly sponsor an Iftari Meal!

• Start Cooking - prepare and provide the food for the evening - ask for details and requirements.

• Act Now! please contact us ASAP to secure your booking.

Make Cheques payable to Pakistan Canada Association -A Tax Deductible Receipt will be issued. This is a strictly non-profit effort for and by the community. Any amounts left over from donations will be used to fund direct renovations and programs for the benefit of the Al Jamia Masjid, Vancouver Inshallah. May Allah SWT accept and reward you for your kind contributions and support during the most blessed month of Ramadan. This is truly the best of all months.

Please email Br. Haroon at khanproperties@gmail.com or call at (604) 720-8054 to schedule for volunteering, donations and sponsor an Iftari day food program. We will be making further announcements regarding the Ramadan Spirit Food Program, Ongoing international relief efforts and Eid Milan Programs. For further information, please contact PCA any director.

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

Shab-e-Barat (the night of reverence and Fervor) Celebrated in Pakistan House

The 15th night of Shabaan is known as SHAB-e-BARAAT, which is next to Lailatul Qadir (27th night of Ramadaan) in auspiciousness. The Holy Prophet is reported to have said: “People are not aware of the excellence of the month of Shabaan, the month that comes between the months of Rajab and Ramadaan. In this month, the action of the people are presented (to ALLAH).I wish my actions to be presented whilst I am fasting.”On this night which begins from Magrib salaah Azan, the record book of a person’s deeds containing all his deeds of the past year (amaal naama)are closed and kept away in preservation till the day of resurrection and new Record books are started. Also, on this night, the various angels in charge of births, deaths, etc, are assigned and instructed by ALMIGHTY ALLAH their various duties-the names and number of people who are to die during the coming year, births and the dates and times they are to take place during the coming year.

On June 30, a beautiful program was hosted by SMC-Rumi Rose Garden at Pakistan House for the blessed Shab-eBarat, the Nisf Shabaan. The organizers took the time to make sure that the hall was very clean and fragrant. The evening began with the praising of the Prophetic Light (Salawats), Qasidas, and Naats followed by a few word

delivered by Mr. Kaleem Sharma. Thereafter, the entire hall began to recite Zikr-Allah all together (praising of Allah) lead by Mr. Junaid Khan. What an amazing atmosphere was created, SubhanAllah!

After the duas, the crowd listened to the guest speaker Shaykh As-Sayed Nurjan Mirahmadi. Shaykh Nurjan specifically emphasized the importance of Shab e- Barat.

The month of Shabaan is a most auspicious one. The holy prophet has referred to it as “my month” and during this month, he used to fast more than in any other month besides ramadaan. He also told everyone to do Zikar of Allah and make Duaa and pray Nuaffel when we empower the Love of the Prophet(s).

The evening program concluded with a delicious buffet dinner served by the hosting volunteers. The women and children were served first. These gatherings, including recitation of Salawats and Zikrullah, are conducted

by SMC not only once a year, but three times a week .

“O ALLAH,GUIDES US TO THE RIGHT PATH AND GRANT US WISDOM TO DO WHAT THOU HAST ORDERED SO THAT WE MAY RECEIVE THY FAVOUR.” Ameen

63K Fund Raised for Al Ihsan WVC in Bangladesh On July 7th, The Al Ihsan Social Development Centre (AISDC) organized its 7th Annual fundraising dinner for Al Ihsan Women’s Vocational Centre in Bangladesh in Sangam Palace, Surrey. After recitation of Holy Quran and summary presentation of Al Ihsan Social Development Centre (AISDC), M.C Faizel Kathrada invited the key note speaker at podium. Sheikh Ahmad Shehab (from Toronto) delivered an inspiring address in the light of Quran and Sunnah. He emphasized on the charity and softly encouraged the audience to help aid and assist this very Islamic cause. Sheikh Ahmed helped in raise more than 63,000 dollars. A video presentation was played which reminded everyone about the shortcomings of poverty stricken families in Bangladesh.

Al-Ihsan began its journey in 2004 at the village of Hashara in Munshigonj district, Bangladesh.

Islamic education had to be the top priority. But this too required a general education. The only feasible way of accomplishing this is by

establishing a school. To attract the students and their parents it was necessary to provide this education completely free –with no strings attached. Alhamdullah by the blessings of Allah and the strong support of donors and volunteers Al-Ihsan is going to reach to its goal.

At the end Mr. Haroon Khan on behalf committee thanked all the directors, volunteers and the contributors of Al-Ihsan for the success of its 7th annual fund raising dinner.

Mr. Khan also appreciated the great efforts for this project Mr. Taufeeq Hussain President of this committee and also acknowledged Br. Faizel Kathrada, and Mr. Ijaz Ahmed for their dedication to Al Ihsan Women’s Vocational Centre in Bangladesh. At the end he also requested everyone to sponsor a Child at $30 / month to cover the operating cost.

You can find further information at this website: www.aiwvc.com and join in helping our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh.

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

145th Canada Day Celebrated by Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association

On July 1, Pakistani Canadians gathered at Crescent Park in South Surrey .They had been invited by the Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association (PCCA) to celebrate 145th Canada Day. Dignitaries including NDP MP Jinny Sims, Jasbir Sandhu and NDP MLA Sue Hammell, Harry Bains, Jagrup Brar, Bruce Ralston and MLA Candidate Raj Hundal joined the crowd and cut a large cake honoring Canada Day. A large number of Pakistani families came with their contributions to pot luck picnic table, filling it with a large variety of delicious food, fruits, sweets, and drinks.

Meanwhile the park was filled with the pleasant smell of delicious BBQ being prepared by PCCA volunteers for hours.

President of PCCA Mr. Nasir Khan, Senior Vice President Mr. Talib Hussain, Media Director Mr. Ifthikar Ghuman, General Secretary Mr. Naveed Waraich and many other directors of PCCA did a great efforts and made success. Some directors showed their perfection in Sizzling Chicken Tikkas on the grill with other fellows for all.

After lunch, people enjoyed many games included volleyball, cricket, badminton, musical chairs, Pakistani Music and kids enjoyed playing e in the Children’s Park. This hugely successful event was a collaborated effort of not just the PCCA Directors but also their families. Everyone fully enjoyed their time at the picnic.

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

ICNA organizes Dawah booths Vancouver Activists Organize Public Forum Against Coloat Lower Mainland events nial Powers Attacks on Syria

Two dawah-booths were organized by “Islamic Circle of North America” at local events.

On June 16th at “Surrey Fest Downtown” at Surrey city center and on July first at Canadaday festival in Queen’s park, New Westminster.

We reached to over three hundred families and individuals through these events and distributes free literature and DVDs so that people can get to know the real image of Islam. People of other faiths also get a chance to talk to us first hand and get answers of their questions and concerns about Islam.

Our sisters worked hard to keep the “Free Hinna booth” going for women and kids, which is always a big hit.

These events helps to spread the word of Allah subhanu-ta’ala as well as gives us opportunity to engage with community at large. May Allah accept the efforts of brothers and sisters who spent their weekends for this cause.

We have plans to organize more events like this in future inshaAllah Please contact us if you would like to help us in future Dawah-booths. There are two ways our muslim brothers can help us. One can help us to buy books, brochures and translation of Qur’an which we distribute free in theses events OR volunteer your time.

Resource centre is open Fridays & Saturday 7pm to 9pm and Sunday 11:30am to 1:30pm.

Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Office established in Surrey, BC

On July 9, Pakistani community members gathered at Pakistan Muslim League’s (Nawaz) new office at first floor of the Rana Signs Surrey.

Mr. Rana Irfan of Rana Signs announced that Allhumdulilla the PML(N) Canada appointed him as the President of Canada chapter in BC. Other selected members are Mr. Sabir Ali Pannun as a Chairman, Mr. Syed Riyaz Ahmed as a vice President and Mr. Rana Shahzada as a General Secretary of BC chapter. He also briefly described the purpose of this Pakistani political party office in British Columbia. Mr. Sabir Pannun said that everyone knows what is going on in Pakistan.

The existing government of Pakistan People’s Party are unable to provide basic needs to the poor people like roti , Kapra aur Makan (Food, Cloth and shelter) and it is not easy to survive with the rising costs of daily commodities. The corruption rates are very high. This party will be struggling for the sake of our country Pakistan and try to bring it on the right track. He added that in Canada the corruption rate is may be below less than 5-10%, but in Pakistan it is inverse.” Our Public can change the system and we pray and help for that cause”,he added. Mr. Syed Riaz Ahmed told about his involvement in Muslim League since his childhood at the time of partition. He said that he is very disappointed as after 1947, Pakistan should be a model in the world, because this is the only country which came in existence at the two Nations Ideology basis. Many resources are available in Pakistan, but unfortunately they leaders are not sincere with Pakistan. Today the National Assembly passed a new bill to protect more blunders of the Government officials.

Mr. Rana arranged live addresses via phone. The first call was from chief organiser of PML(N) Canada Mr. Shehzad Khokhar from Toronto. Mr. Khokhar spoke for about five minutes and described the purpose of this political office in Canada as well as in BC. He congratulated all BC chapter office board members from him and his board. He said that PML(N) will become a big political party in future.

At the end of this message he thanked all Pakistani community members who came to support Mr. Rana as an president in BC. The second on line phone call from a former MLA PML(N) who came in USA on visit . He congratulated Mr. Rana Irfan and his team to gathered the Pakistani community under the platform of PML(N).

By Alison Bodine On July 10, Vancouver’s peace coalition Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO) organized a public forum and discussion titled “State of War in Syria!

US, EU, NATO Hands Off Syria!” The forum began with a multimedia presentation of news clips from the past two weeks of escalating threats against Syria. These videos exposed the lies and manipulations of mainstream media.

Following the videos, Janine Solanki, Cochair of MAWO spoke about the last 16 months that the people of Syria have felt the effects of deepening foreign intervention as sanctions, covert and overt attacks and threats of direct military invasion continue on a daily basis. She also spoke about the role of the United States and other colonial powers in funding and arming the “Rebels” and the so-called Syrian Free Army. Janine explained the great hypocrisy that these groups that claim to be fighting a war for democracy and social justice in Syria are being supported by the world’s biggest occupying powers like the U.S., Britain and France. “Colonial powers have declared a ‘State of War’ in Syria and are discussing the best way to advance their campaign for destabilization and the overthrow of the President of Syria, Bashar al-Asaad. As the world’s most powerful

countries plan their march towards war, peace-loving people in Canada must also begin to educate ourselves and mobilize against war, sanctions and foreign intervention in Syria,” Janine ended.

The next speaker was Ali Yerevani, editor of the Fire This Time Newspaper and participant in the 1979 Iranian revolution.

Ali spoke about the attacks against Syria within the entire view of wars, occupations, and mass movements in North Africa and the Middle East. He spoke about the drive by the U.S. to establish their complete control over all of the countries in the region, beginning with governments that now stand in their way, Syria and then Iran.

A lively discussion followed the speakers, with participants in the forum bringing their own ideas and analysis and most importantly discussing what people in Canada can do to stop the drive towards more attacks on our brothers and sisters in Syria, North Africa and the Middle East.

Mobilization Against War and Occupation organizes public forums twice a month. We invite everyone interested in building a better world without war and occupation to join us.

Please see the MAWO website for more information: www.mawovancouver.org

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

Over 116K Raised for Masjid Al-Iman in Victoria at Crystal @ York

The (BCMA) Victoria Branch hosted a fundraising dinner for Masjid Al-Iman and Education Centre Capital project on July 8 at Crystal Banquet Hall in Surrey B.C. After the recitation of Holy Quran, President BCMA Mr. Musa Ismail told the audience that with the blessing of Allah(swt), brothers and sisters of Victoria have been working hard to collect more than $ 1.2 Million to start construction. So all of us need to come together and raise another $700 thousand to complete this Al-Iman Masjid project. This masjid located in the heart of Victoria, the capital of BC is going to be very special, and serve as a symbol of Islam InshAllah. It will become a centre of Dawah and education for all the legislators and others and this Masjid will also play a major role in the lives of our new generation of Muslims on the Island. Muslims visit Victoria from all over the world and they will love to see this Masjid AlIman so please donate generously.

Mr. Abdul Rahiman BCMA Vice President- Planning & Development then provided an overview of this Victoria project. He said that there has been a growing need in Victoria for a better and larger facility to cater to the needs of the community, including an Education Centre. The Management Team looked at various options, but came to a conclusion to utilize the existing land on Quadra Street to rebuild a new Masjid and Education Centre.

Drawings were completed using a local Architect familiar with Capital Regional District Requirements, and the project was tendered and successfully awarded to a local contractor with experience in building Churches and place of worship.

The Project started on February 6th, and completion is scheduled for November 1st. Presently all prayers are held at a temporary facility where the lease expires on November 30th, 2012.

Three Titles on two residential lots were consolidated into one and the site Area is 9619 sq. ft.

The Basement Floor (2931 sq. ft), comprises of utility rooms, elevator shaft, Gusul facility, office and kids play area. The First Floor (2097 sq.ft) is the main prayer hall with Wudu facilities while the second Floor (1510 sq.ft) will be Sisters Prayer Hall, storage & Wudu facility.

The total building area is 6538 sq.ft with Onsite parking is for 16 vehicles.

Total projected cost including all Engineering and Civil work is $2,200,000. The Victoria Branch had deposited 50% into the account before the work was approved, while the rest is financed through the BCMA. The Branch held two Fund Raising Dinners, one in Victoria and the last one on Sunday in Surrey to get the community behind them in making this project a success.

Sheikh Abdalla Idris Ali from Toronto was the key note speaker for this fund raising event. He quoted many Ayats from Quran and Haidths reference for charity.

He urged all brothers and sisters to donate generously and help the Muslim community in Victoria to accomplish their goals.

Sheikh helped in raising over $116,400.00 in this small gathering of Muslim community and that is a big achievement.

The management of BCMA informed all the donors of all projects that a tax deductible receipts for the full amount will be issued. If you would like to make donations online, please visit to www.thebcma.com BCMA sincerely thanks you all for your continued support and generosity in achieving Association’s goals. May Allah (SWT) reward you all abundantly. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the head office or any other directors.

First Woman to wear Hijab in Canadian Forces dies of Cancer Wafa Dabbagh rose to the rank of Lt. Commander in the Royal Canadian Navy and as a Muslim, was the first member of the military to wear a hijab. She died of lung cancer.

The first woman to wear the hijab in the Canadian Forces died June 5. 2012. Lt. Cmdr.

Wafa Dabbagh was an energetic, optimistic

person who entered the naval reserve in 1996 in search of adventure and a job. She got both.

In 2010, Dabbagh was awarded one of the first Operational Service Medals, and in May she received a Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal ceremony was held in the hospital where she was being treated for lung cancer, a diagnosis she received in 2010. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation while continuing to work.

‘I wanted an adventure and I wanted a job’ A Tenacious Spirit; As the first member of the Canadian Forces to wear a hijab, Wafa Dabbagh is a pioneer and has risen to the ranks of lieutenant-commander. Ms. Dabbagh had many things. She was a tiny, bubbly bundle of energy who loved Zumba fitness. She prayed five times a day, kept an immaculate home and baked a cake for her beloved neighbours each weekend. She had a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in business administration and a cancer diagnosis, the last of which she treated like a bothersome cold. Dabbagh was also a pioneer, the first member of the Canadian Armed Forces — and still only one of a handful — to wear a hijab, the Muslim head covering for women. After almost 15 years in the naval reserves, she is now a lieutenantcommander, the equivalent of a major in the army. Dabbagh is certified to shoot a C7 rifle and a 9 mm pistol, and is in the process of studying to qualify for promotion to a command position. On Monday at Rideau Hall,

Gov. Gen. David Johnston awarded the first Operational Service Medals to 50 recipients, including Dabbagh, who was recognized for her participation in Operation Proteus, a Canadian training mission in Jerusalem. The medal recognizes those who completed noncombat overseas missions that involved a level of risk or intensity. “I wasn’t trying to prove anything or be the first at anything,” said Dabbagh about her military career.

“I wanted an adventure and I wanted a job.” That’s the frame of mind Dabbagh was in when she wandered into an Armed Forces Recruiting Centre in Windsor.

A Palestinian born in Egypt, Dabbagh was raised in Kuwait and came to Montreal in 1990 at the age of 28. Armed with a bachelor’s degree from Kuwait, an MBA from the United States, fluent English and Arabic and functional French, she thought she’d find work easily. But the best she could do was a telemarketing job. After she moved to Windsor in 1996 to be with her sister, Dabbagh went to the Canada Employment Office. When she had trouble getting into the building, she went next door, to the Armed Forces recruiting office. They told her how to get into the employment office, and she turned to go. “But something made me turn back and say ‘What do you have here?’ “ said Dabbagh.

“They told me about the training I could get, the trades available, and I said ‘Count me in.’

“After several hours of aptitude tests and a long interview with the senior officer at the recruiting centre, Dabbagh chose the naval reserves, knowing that the security clearance required for the regular forces would be lengthy because of her time spent abroad. The topic of her faith, or the hijab, did not come up until a few days later, when she went to see the commanding officer of HMCS Hunter, the naval reserve division in Windsor “The commanding officer sat me down and said ‘I don’t know what to do with you,’ “ says Dabbagh. “He had called every branch of the forces and no one had a covered Muslim woman in their ranks. I told him, ‘What you see is what you get, sir. I don’t drink alcohol, I don’t eat pork, but I can do everything else.’ “ Dabbagh later learned other officers had advised him to talk her out of joining. “He told me that he’d said, ‘If she wants to do it, she can stay.’ “Dabbagh left for basic training, where she stood out not just for the hijab, but for being much older than most

of the teenage recruits. She did everything demanded of them — the gruelling marching, the crawling through mud, the weapons training — and was touched by what she calls the “many beautiful people” who went out of their way to be supportive. When Dabbagh asked to shower alone, after her female platoon-mates, she emerged to find that two of them had decided to stand guard outside the shower to keep latecomers from barging in. The cooks adapted meals so there would be pork-free dishes for her, and officers let her know when there was a 10-minute break coming up, so she could pray. “One time, I moved away from the group to pray, and an officer came up to me, asking why I went away, and if somebody was bothering me,” says Dabbagh. “I thought that was so sweet, and I explained to him it was the opposite, that prayer is a quiet, personal time for you and God, and everything was OK.” Dabbagh was used to charting her own course. She startled her family by putting on the hijab at age 15, becoming the first woman in her family to cover herself.

After she passed basic training, an instructor confessed that when he heard a Muslim woman in a hijab was coming for training, he had said he didn’t want her in his platoon.

“I had no idea you would smile so much,”

he told her. Aside from the hijab, Dabbagh’s uniform varies only slightly from standardissue. She wears a longer skirt and the shirt she wears day-today is a maternity smock, as the navy shirt was too Still, she was proud to have cleared the way for other women who want to wear the hijab and serve in the military. “I want the Muslim community to know the door is open for them in the Forces. My experience has been 95-per-cent positive, and if I can do it, they can do it,” said Dabbagh. “And I want other Canadians to know that there are people serving Canada who are not white with blond hair and blue eyes. We are all working together, white, black, Asian, Arab, aboriginal — and I’m one small face among them.” Earlier this year, Dabbagh was about to leave for a United Nations military observer mission in Sudan, when a routine X-ray found a spot on her lungs: cancer. She has since been doing chemotherapy and radiation while holding down her office job, and baking for her neighbours, most of whom are military families.

Source: http://www2.canada.com/story.

Note: The Miracle had a a chance to interview Sr. Wafa while she visited Burnaby Mosque and found her to be a true role model. We offer condolences to her family on their tragic loss.

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20

Home & Garden

R

Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

oofing & enovation Solutions

Miracle’s Building Construction and Maintenance series

Imran Tipu, B.Sc. Civil Eng In the last article I mentioned some of the brushed painting techniques and this current one will explain roller painting and airless spray painting.

Rollers Working with a roller is even less exacting than working with a brush. As with brushes, moisten the roller first with water for latex paint or the appropriate thinner for other types of paint. Fill the well of the roller pan about half full, and set the roller into the middle of the well. Lift the roller and roll it down the slope of the pan, stopping just short of the well. Do this two or three times to allow the paint to work into the roller. Then, dip the roller into the well once more, and roll it on the slope until the pile is well saturated.

Airless Spray Painting If you have a large indoor painting job, an airless sprayer is the best tool to use.

WHY SPRAY PAINT? Well, two good reasons come to mind: It is the least costly of the two primary brush and roller painting methods, and is the fastest application method.

An airless spray apparatus consists of the pumping unit, hose and a gun. No compressor is needed because the paint is pumped through a high pressure hose and forced through very small tips which break up the paint into various size spray pattern fans.

The biggest advantage to airless spraying is that since no air is used to force the paint out, there is very little overspray and the air in the room is not filled with paint laden mist.

The amount of paint delivered is determined

by the size of the tip used and by the amount of pressure used.

Tips normally are numbered in thousands of an inch. Example: .019 tip indicates a somewhat large tip suitable for most latex paint, a .015 would be ideal for oil base paints, enamels and varnish coatings. Insulating ceramic paints spray best with tips in the .021 range.

CAUTION: The pressure at the tip is normally in the 3000 psi range and it can not only cause a severe cut but also inject paint into your skin! Keep your hands and fingers clear of the tip while pressure is on the machine!

Tools and equipment you may need: a 5 gallon bucket to mix all your paint together in (boxing), to insure you have the same color throughout the mix. Masking tape and lots of plastic to mask off areas not to be painted, a respirator or spray mask, a hat, long sleeve shirt, and some hand cream or lotion for your exposed skin.

When you pick up your spray unit from the paint or rental store, ask for an “extension” for the gun. These simply screw onto the gun allowing you extended reach and eliminating ladders.

Procedure: Mix all your paint into the 5 gallon pail, insert the dip tube from the pump into the bucket or fill the hopper depending on which unit type you have, make sure all your fittings are tight.

Now, all units have two control knobs, a pressure control and a pump/re-circulate knob. In the re-circulate mode the paint simply re-circulate thru the unit, pumping out trapped air and allows the pump to prime.

Turn the knob to re-circulate and turn on the power switch. Allow the pump to run for 2 minutes or so and it will prime and push out any trapped air. Now we are going to adjust the pressure. The biggest mistake most people make, even some professionals, is spraying with too much pressure.

You need just enough pressure to create an even fan with no “tails” which are thick lines at the edge of the spray pattern. Back out the pressure knob and screw it in about 1/3rd of the way (screwing in increases pressure), point the gun at the surface to be painted or a piece of cardboard for testing and with your hand in motion, pull the trigger. If you see a thick stream at the edge of the fan increase the pressure 1/4 turns at a time until the tail is gone.

Now you have the proper amount of pressure for the material you are spraying.

Technique: Every time you pull the trigger you must follow the same routine. Remember that the second you pull the trigger the paint comes out instantly so start your hand in motion first and then pull the trigger. Release the trigger just before you reach the stopping point of your swing, just remember... hand in motion, pull trigger, spray, release trigger, stop hand motion.

Should you mess up and load an area with too much paint simply take a brush and spread it out.

Maximum transfer of paint is accomplished

by holding the gun at the proper distance from the surface to be painted. Too close and you apply too much paint, too far away and you introduce a lot of spray into the air as it is not hitting the surface. This distance varies and depends on the amount of pressure you are using and the viscosity of the paint so experiment until you find the proper distance, normally 12” or so is about right.

Cut pieces of cardboard about 12” wide and 3’ long and use them as a shield holding them up against the areas you want to protect. Cut several and when they become loaded with paint lay them aside to dry and you can reuse them later. It’s a good idea to keep a bucket of clean water and a sponge handy too, you are going to slip up and overspray onto something you don’t want painted and this way you can clean it easily.

When you have finished be sure and clean the equipment up, most rental places charge a pretty hefty cleaning charge if you return the unit dirty.

Put the dip tube into a clean bucket of water, back off on the pressure and put the gun into the 5 gallon pail of paint holding the tip just under the surface of the paint. The line has about 1 qt of paint in it and you can push it through with water. As soon as you see the water coming out release the trigger, move the gun over to the bucket of water again holding the tip just under the surface, and pump the water for about 2-3 minutes.

For more information about these article series and/or all our previous articles, please visit: www.rtmroofingandrenovations.com

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

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25

LIFESTYLE

Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

THE SILENT KILLER…

Fatty liver disease used to be associated with alcoholism, but it is no longer limited to heavy drinkers. Conventional medicine has little to offer in the treatment of fatty liver disease — that’s why you’ve likely heard nothing about this serious illness that affects 1 in 3 adults living with a ticking time-bomb known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition in its early stage has virtually no symptoms until the liver becomes inflamed or scarred from decades of dietary abuse. Left undetected, NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.

What are some causes of a fatty liver?

1. Primarily high animal fat diet will most likely cause the liver to malfunction over time. Animal fats tend to contain toxicity trapped by the animal’s body. When we ingest these fats the toxins are released into our liver where they have the ability to cause damage, interfering with liver function.

2. Another cause of fatty liver is artificial sweetener use. Artificial sweeteners have been unsafely hyped by the food industry as a zero calorie sensation that will help consumers reduce calories to lose weight. What is not revealed is that artificial sweeteners generally lead to long term weight gain. How, you may ask? Artificial sweeteners completely bypass the normal digestive stages and are immediately taken into the liver. The liver basically has to shut down all other metabolic processes, including metabolizing fat, to deal with the sweetener. The fats in the liver are either released - without being fully metabolized - into the blood stream to be stored as unprocessed material or they attach themselves to the liver. Either way, this is disaster for your weight and health.

3. Excessive alcohol use. Praise be to Allah, those who are God-fearing and follow the orders of Allah they will protect themselves from much harm. Before alcohol causes cirrhosis, it makes the liver fatty, which is the beginning of dysfunctional health and weight gain.

4. Finally, prescription and over-the-counter medications have adverse effects on the liver.

Notice that almost all of the pharmaceutical commercials mention warnings related to the liver and liver function. This is so, because drug companies know their medications are detrimental to the liver. Of course, I advise you to continue taking your prescriptions but to also seek a holistic health professional who can assist you with eliminating the underlying cause(s) of your condition which would eliminate the need for the drugs.

Understanding the Cause of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease The liver has two distinct and highly important functions: the body’s chief blood detoxifier and the body’s primary fat metabolizer (cholesterol). Once the liver becomes sluggish and fatty it can do neither job well and we begin to pack on the weight earnestly and have great difficulty losing the weight once it is on. We also increase the burden on the liver when we eat a surplus of calories from sugar, refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated fats. Fat metabolism is disrupted as high levels of blood fats become stored in the liver. Eventually leading to a decline in liver function where finally you have total organ failure and death. The best strategy for reversing the spread of fatty liver disease is to treat the underlying causes.

The first step in any important change is proper EDUCATION. Since the 1950s, we were told to eat refined carbohydrates as the biggest part of our diet — breads, pastas, and cereals and reduce our fat intake (including good fats). Supposedly, that was the formula

to good health. So society followed those misleading instructions – resulting in steep consequences...the result – Americans are the heaviest people in the world.

Next, change your dietary habits. Do your best to avoid the whites: white sugar, white flour, white rice and table salt (all of which wreck havoc on your blood sugar levels). Eat only foods dense in nutrients - whole grain and whole foods including: whole grain flour products, brown rice, Celtic sea salt, organic meats, fruits and vegetables wherever possible, free range eggs, nuts and beans and use stevia, agave, honey or real maple syrup as sweeteners in moderation only. Foods that contain refined grains are devoid of basic nutrients and vitamins. Next time you reach to buy a loaf of white bread remember this metaphor...you boiled an egg and peeled it – you choose to eat the eggshell and throw away actual egg– choosing to eat white bread over whole grain bread is similar to choosing eggshells over the egg. Would you prefer to eat eggshells over the actual egg? No, I’m sure not.

Keep in mind, eating food that contains no nutritional value other than bulk in your belly, often also has toxic chemicals added to it thereby, making your body lack vitality and energy from the toxins that poison your liver too; just as the refined food lacks vitality and nutrients But what if you arrived at work tomorrow to find a tray of cinnamon buns loaded with sugar for everyone to enjoy– it tastes SO good, how can anyone say ‘no’ to such a treat, right? The answer is simple; eating something like this once in a while will not permanently harm your liver, however if this is your version of a daily breakfast, you must find alternate food full of nutrients to eat instead otherwise the toxic burden on your liver is high. Of course, you don’t have to listen to me, if you want you can be carefree, following your taste buds, eating only highly refined and processed foods every day that your brain will agree with vigor ‘yes, yes’ (‘cause the brain loves sugar) and you’ll end up with a deficient body of basic nutrients that will go into a state of stress resulting in an imbalanced hormonal system (causing thyroid and adrenal malfunction), a reduced metabolism (making you gain weight), and inflammation (the cause of many diseases including: cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, allergies and arthritis). Think of inflammation like a fire burning in the body. The more devitalized food you eat, the more oxidant stress (free radicals) the body is under and the more inflammation will develop. The fire grows larger so to put out the fire, you need antioxidants such as vitamin C. And just as you need more water to put out a larger fire, you need more antioxidants when you eat a lot of devoid of nutrient foods.

The bottom line, the body will literally store toxins into your fat to survive the imbalances it senses. Since the liver is the body’s main filter, exhausting it by eating many bad foods will leave the liver in a state of stress and inflammation.

Finally, it is important to drink enough water.

It’s better to drink tap water that is polluted with toxins i.e. chlorine, fluoride, lead, other people’s prescription drugs, etc than it is to remain dehydrated - the damage is much greater. How much water should you drink?

Take your weight in pounds, divide by two and the resulting number is the amount of water to consume in ounces. i.e. 150 lbs/2 = 75 oz /8 oz = 9 cups of water to consume daily. It is nearly impossible to reverse fatty liver if you are dehydrated.

Antioxidant Power of Vitamin E - 800 IU per day was shown to provide significantly lowered enzyme markers and improve scarring.

Fish Oil Fatty Acids Improve Blood Lipids, Improve Liver Function - Especially DHA Omega-3 fats positively regulate cholesterol ratios and lower triglycerides. 1,000 mg of Omega-3 fats per day markedly decreased serum markers of liver cell damage, triglyc-

eride levels and glucose.

Milk Thistle Shown to Directly Target the Liver - Silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, is a potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent that directly impacts liver function.

Choline for the distribution of fat - A shortage of Choline prevents the liver from making VLDLs (very low density lipoproteins) and delivering fat stores to the appropriate tissues – Recommended intake: 425 mg/day for women and 550 mg/day for men. The BEST dietary sources of Choline: organic liver, free range eggs and wheat germ. Supplementation with lecithin is an effective and affordable way to get enough Choline.

Avoiding or Reversing a Fatty Liver • Avoid Alcohol consumption •Avoid Soft Drinks (pop) and Natural Juices (people who drink more than a quart of sweetened beverages daily develop fatty liver 5x the rate of those who drink 1 per day – it’s best to eat the fruit whole without juicing) • Avoid Artificial Sweetener use (i.e. Splenda, Nutrasweet, Aspartame, Sorbitol, Mannitol, Saccharin, Sucralose) – Stevia is the best alternative sweetener • Nourish the liver with fresh squeezed citrus juices, milk thistle, and licorice (Avoid Licorice if you have high blood pressure already). A mixture of cayenne, lemon juice and (room temperature) water on an empty stomach is a great hydrator, cleanser and metabolism booster; or cayenne and fresh juiced vegetable juice is a great liver nutritive • Do a colon cleanse at least once a year to keep your digestive system flowing increasing your metabolism and aiding the liver’s proper

function • Do a liver cleanse for 4 months if you already have a Fatty Liver or twice a year if you don’t Vitamin E, DHA Omega-3 fats, Milk Thistle and Choline each help to restore normal liver function for the millions of men, women and children that suffer the silent effects of fatty liver disease. Including all 4 of these powerful natural nutrients in your daily disease-fighting arsenal will provide you many levels of protection against NAFLD. If you been diligently exercising and eating right but still struggle to lose weight - check your liver function perhaps you’ll uncover this hidden aspect to weight management success.

Do you have a Question or Comment?

Please email your questions to: info@vipresultscoaching.com and RSVP at: www.meetup. com/Lower-Mainland-Muslim-Meetup About the Author: Nada Adams is a 13-years natural health researcher, author and master coach with a strong interest in personal health/wellness, heart and mind connection, living in core values and authenticity and the power of herbs to help us all heal. She is a devout religious teacher and a life, success and wellness coach helping men and women live an Islamically Authentic Life.

She has been an Islamic teacher since 1990 and youth teacher for over 12 years. Adams was the ‘Dear Diary’ columnist for 2 years in the GCDA Magazine, a National Canadian Magazine focused on educating Teens. She’s also the founder of “Lower Mainland Muslims Unite” meet-up group primarily to teach the authentic creed of Islam to new converts and those individuals wanting to learn the genuine meaning of Islam.

His Signs to men: that they may learn selfrestraint.

The Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) said that the du‚a of unembellished fact that the Hon’ble Minister is simply trying to hide from the public vision the fasting one is accepted. „Indeed for the fasting person, when he the dirty linen of the people working under brakes his fast, is a supplication that will his control and punish the ill-fated applicants never be rejected.‰ instead for the people, who are otherwise, guilty of the neglect and the dereliction of their “Three people‚s supplication will not be duties. This, however, is not fair on the part of rejected: a just ruler, a fasting person until he brakes his fast, and an oppressed person.”

Mr. Jason Kenny and awfully erodes his own It is encouraged to make du‚a in laylat‚ultrustworthiness as a competent, credible and qadr. impartial functionary of the Coast-to-coast Aisha asked the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) „What government of Canada. At the present, the should I say on Laylat‚il-qadr?” And he news is circling around both in the electronic replied, “O Allah, indeed you are a Pardoner, and print media that the Feds of Canada are looking for the opportune time for bringing to and you love pardon; so pardon me.”

The Prophet (s.A.w.s.) supplicated all night an end the rights of citizenship to the babies before the battle of badr, which occurred durborn on the Canadian soil to the parents, who ing Ramadan. just come here to have a baby. This is being done through the requisite amendment in the Pakiatan : Continued from pg 7 Citizenship Act of this country. When the proposed change becomes the law of the land, ployed and aerial surveillance used in Islamathen Canada will be singled out as a country where at the Canadian born children even will bad to maintain peace and order.

The march ended peacefully in Islamabad after invariably be divested of the acquisition of central leaders delivered speeches and claimed their lawful right of citizenship by birth and that the march was expression of thousands will become aliens for the land of their birth. of Pakistanis against the U.S. and its NATO It is absolutely discriminating on the part of allies. the Feds and will affirmatively blemish the image of the Conservative government (whose Haq said that following the end of the firstphase long march thousands of people will graph of popularity is already on the decline) march from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan in the estimation of the people of Canada, a big chunk whereof (Ethnic communities of the province upto Chaman, the border point with Afghanistan, on July 14-15, and a big South Asian origin, whose loved ones have march will also be organized from Peshawar, been virtually kicked out by Hon’ble Jason the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa up to Kenny and his coterie at the Federal level) is Torkham, the border point with Afghanistan, by this time annoyed with it because of the on July 16-17. legislation of the Operational Bulletin 442 of Chaman and Torkham are two border points June 29, 2012. through which NATO supplies are shipped into Ramadan : Continued from pg 12 Afghanistan via Pakistan.

A central leader of the DPC, Hafiz Saeed, told 187. Permitted to you, on the night of the the marchers that the long-march was aimed at fasts, is the approach to your wives. They getting rid of the Americans. He regretted that are your garments and ye are their garments. the U.S. has continued drone strikes but the Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly rulers allowed the Americans to use Pakistani among yourselves; but He turned to you and routes for supply to its occupation forces in forgave you; so now associate with them, Afghanistan. and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami party, Munawar and eat and drink, until the white thread of Hasan, said on the occasion that the mamdawn appear to you distinct from its black moth march reflect the anti-U.S. sentiments in thread; then complete your fast Till the night Pakistan. He said Pakistanis hate the U.S. but appears; but do not associate with your unfortunately the rulers are begging American wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. friendship.

Those are Limits (set by) Allah. Approach Source: GNA not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear

Letter : Continued from pg 11

26

Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

y o u t h

BCMA Summer Day Camp 2012

The third Annual BCMA Summer Day camp commenced on July 3rd and will continue till August 3rd. The camp is held at the BC Muslim School in Richmond for 5 consecutive weeks. Its intended for children between the ages of 6 – 13 years. Campers are enjoying a number of great field trips, including; Playland (most popular), Granville Island, Go Karting, laser tag, paddle boating, horseback riding and more. They will also enjoy indoor activities such as Arts and crafts, baking, Islamic activities, sports and water games; in addition to performing daily prayers at the Masjid or out during field trips. Currently, the camp is full to its capacity with few spaces available for weeks 4 and 5. New this year: BCMA Summer Camp become the first and the Only licensed Muslim facility. Qualified parents will be able to apply and receive subsidies. For more information about the camp, call 604.270-2511 ext 103 or via e-mail: programs@thebcma.com

SMASHERS Wins the Pakistan Cup 2012 On July 7, the Pakistan Youth Council organised a Tape ball Cricket Tournament at Unwin Park-Surrey from 9am-9pm.

More than 6 teams participated, in Final SMASHERS defeated FURSATGANG GREY by 27 Runs. Mr. Pirzada, Mr. Afzal Malik and Mr. Naseem Akber Awarded the Medals and trophies to winners and run up team.

Indonesian students join hundreds at Vancouver Masjid for Jummah

The Vancouver Al Jamia Masjid had over flow capacity which saw the regular congregation of over 300 expand to nearly 500 people. Onlookers were greeted with the site of Muslims standing shoulder to shoulder on the street and entrance of the mosque offering their juma prayers and bringing their foreheads to the sidewalk pavement in prayer and supplication to the all mighty.

“It was a very moving demonstration of faith” said long time Vancouver City Councillor Geoff Meggs who was also at

the Mosque to announce his candidacy as an NDP candidate for Vancouver Fairview.

180 youth, boys and girls from the International Islamic conference from Jakarta Indonesia attended the Vancouver Masjid for Juma Prayers and to talk about their program of Islamic education for youth and the cultural exchange they are receiving and giving to all who come in contact with this lively and engaged group of youth.

Brother Shafqat Bajwa, Jamil Chaudhry and Ihsan Malik hosted the contingent and Liaqat Ali Khan and Haroon Khan helped to coordinate the over capacity crowd in and out of the Masjid.

It was an invigorating moment and we look forward to hearing more about the great work that this group from Indonesia continues to do Inshallah.

8-year-old Pakistani becomes world’s youngest IT expert

ISLAMABAD: Shafay Thobani, an eightyear-old Pakistani boy, has won the honour of being the world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, popular private news TV channel Geo reported.

Born on March 13, 2004, Thobani grew interested in computers ever since he was a baby. On April 9, 2012, Thobani appeared in the Prometric test and secured 91 per cent marks, thus making him the world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Training Specialist (MCTS) at the age of eight years and 24 days.

The boy is certified professional in Microsoft Windows 7 Configuration and Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2. Before appearing in the exam, he remained under training of Microsoft certified trainers for

13 months.

His trainer Faisal Durrani said it was a challenge for him to teach complicated concepts such as Domain Name System (DNS) and Internet Protocol (IP) address to a child as young as Thobani.

“So we split the 40-hour course designed for grown-up IT specialists into 13 months for the child. We taught him by giving him easy examples in order to grasp the concepts. Teaching him for three to four hours everyday, we would also allow him breaks to let him be the normal kid that he is, swimming, playing football or rollerblading,” Durrani said.

Speaking of the boy’s main areas of interest, Thobani’s father Dr Shah said he liked network and communication programming.

“He has already completed 65 per cent of Microsoft Hyper-V virtualisation, too,” he added.

“Shafay was born in 2004, the same year Arfa was declared the world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional at the age of nine. Arfa was an inspiration for us and I hope that Shafay, too, would be a role model for more children to show their tremendous achievements,” Shah said. Shafay said he was proud of himself and he would work for Pakistan in any way possible.

MSA UBC Sisters conquer the Grouse Grind

By Samira Rahmani, MSA UBC Community Outreach Director What an exceptionally splendid day it was to do the ferocious hike on Grouse Mountain, if you love the rain.

Welcomed by splattering droplets of rain throughout the path of mostly staircases, shoes full of water squishing like a sponge with every agonizing step, and clothes soaked wet, dripping from scarf to toe, a group of sisters overlooked the rainy weather on Saturday, June 16 to take part in the Sisters Grouse Grind event held by MSA UBC. The trail was streaming with flowing, running waters in some parts of the grind. As one sister describes, “Half the time I felt like I was climbing a waterfall”. (Side note, snow was still in the process of melting due to unusually cold weather at this time of the year).But with the will power from Allah (swt), they proudly made it to the peak of the mountain, drenched, cold, but undeniably satisfied by their accomplishment while they took turns huddling to dry off by the fireplace, and also hanging their socks to dry.

Despite their spongy shoes and dampness, the sisters had many positive things to say about their adventure in the rain. They took pleasure in the sisterly bondage and felt it was worth the sense of completion when reaching the top of the mountain. The sisters found the rain very refreshing and beautiful against the thriving natural scenery. One sister exclaimed, “It was cold, wet, but super fun. And the feeling

of climbing up a mountain even in the rain was quite amazing.” Another who was grouse grinding for the first time appreciated the cool weather, claimed that she preferred to do it in a weather that kept her cool.

And another sister stated: “Personally, I enjoyed hiking in the rain and I would definitely do it again. It felt really nice to look up and let the rain splatter on my hot cheeks. My intention was to enjoy an intense workout in a beautiful environment, rain or shine, which reminds me of our Creator. By the grace of Allah (swt), this was accomplished.”

A day with weather like this is a perfect day to sit comfortably at home with a nice cup of tea.

But a day with weather like this is a perfect day to sit comfortably at home with a cup of tea AFTER doing the grouse grind. Now THAT’S what makes it ever more worthwhile!

Stay tuned for future MSA UBC events. Join us on facebook or visit our website at www. msaubc.org. Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us at askmsaubc@gmail.com.

27

health

Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

Mental exercises key to better brain function

Go ahead, do it: Grab a pencil. Right now.

Write your name backward. And upside down.

Awkward, right?

But if researchers and neurologists are correct, doing exercises like these just might buy you a bit more time with a healthy brain.

Some research suggests that certain types of mental exercises -- whether they are memory games on your mobile device or jotting down letters backward -- might help our gray matter maintain concentration, memory and visual and spatial skills over the years.

“There is some evidence of a use-it-or-lose-it phenomenon,” says Dr. Michael Maddens, chief of medicine at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Makers of computer brain games, in fact, are tapping into a market of consumers who have turned to home treadmills and gym memberships to maintain their bodies and now worry that aging might take its toll on their mental muscle as well.

But tweaking every-day routines can help.

Like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand. Or crossing your arms opposite from the way you’re used to, says Cheryl Deep, who leads Brain Neurobics sessions on behalf of the Wayne State Institute of Gerontology.

At a recent session in Novi, Deep encouraged several dozen senior citizens to flip the pictures in their homes upside-down. It might baffle houseguests, but the exercise crowbars the brain out of familiar grooves cut deep by years of mindless habit.

“Every time you walk past and look, your brain has to rotate that image,” Deep says.

“Brain neurobics is about getting us out of those ruts, those pathways, and shaking things up.”

Participants were asked to call out the color of ink that flashed on a screen in front them.

The challenge: The colors spelled out names of other colors. Blue ink spelled o-r-a-n-g-e, for example.

Several in the crowd at Waltonwood Senior

Living hesitated -- a few scrunching up faces in concentration. The first instinct is to say “orange.”

In another exercise, participants had to try to name as many red foods as possible. Apple?

Sure that’s an easy one. It took a while, but the crowd eventually made its way to pomegranate and pimento.

Elissa and Hal Leider chuckled with friends as they tested their recall.

Hal Leider, 82, a retired carpenter, was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s, and he tries to challenge himself mentally and physically -- bowling and shooting pool and playing poker.

“I think anything we can do might be helpful,” says Elissa Leider, 74.

The idea of mental workouts marks a dramatic shift in how we understand the brain these days.

“We want to stretch and flex and push” the brain, says Moriah Thomason, assistant professor in Wayne State University School of Medicine’s pediatrics department.

Thomason also is a scientific adviser to www.

Lumosity.com, one of the fastest-growing brain game websites.

“We used to think that what you’re born with is what you have through life. But now we understand that the brain is a lot more plastic and flexible than we ever appreciated,” she says.

Still, like the rest of your body, aging takes its toll, she says.

The protective covering of the neural cells -- white matter -- begins to shrink first. Neural and glial cells, often called the gray matter, begin to shrink as well, but more slowly.

Neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, decrease.

But challenging the brain stimulates neural pathways -- those tentacles that look like tree branches in a cluster of brain cells. It boosts the brain’s chemistry and connectivity, refueling the entire engine.

“Certain activities will lay more neural pathways that can be more readily re-engaged,”

Eating healthy in Ramadan With the fast of Ramadan upon us, we thought it might be useful to look at ways of trying to maintain a healthy diet while fasting.

Fasting for 12 to 24 hours or more can lead to dizziness and fatigue and a lowering of meta-

bolic rate as a means of conserving calories or energy. Here are some simple guidelines to make sure that your diet remains balanced and healthy during this fasting period: Don’t skip breakfast (Sahoor)!

Even though the thought of sleep may be far more appealing than waking up to force down some food, don’t skip breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

For years, research has shown that breakfast (the breaking of the overnight fast) provides the essential nutrients and energy needed for concentration while keeping hunger symptoms like headaches, fatigue, sleepiness and restlessness at bay. In addition, it also gets our metabolic rates up and going - it is therefore vital to ensure an adequate intake at breakfast time.

Eat a wide variety of foods Especially now, when your daily intake is limited to two meals per day, you need to put extra effort into including foods from all the food groups.

Our bodies need at least 40 different nutrients

every day to ensure that we grow adequately and maintain good health. Although most foods contain more than one nutrient, no single food provides all the necessary nutrients.

Moreover, foods have benefits that can’t be replicated by a pill. It is thus important to eat a wide variety of foods every day, so as to ensure that we get all of these nutrients. The way to ensure variety, and with it a wellbalanced diet, is to select foods each day from each of the five food groups: • Breads, cereals and other grain products • Fruit and vegetables • Meat, fish and poultry • Milk, cheese and yoghurt • Fats and sugars (these contain very little nutrients and are high in calories and therefore their intake should be limited).

• Use low glycemic foods at breakfast to help control blood sugar levels Carbohydrates are now classified according to their glucose response or glycemic index (GI). The GI measures how fast the carbohydrate of a particular food is converted to glucose and enters the bloodstream. It therefore tells you which carbohydrate foods satisfy hunger for longer.

The lower the number of the GI, the slower the food is converted to sugar and the better it is. Selecting low GI foods therefore helps maintain normal blood sugar control, minimizes hunger pangs and satisfies appetite without providing excess calories.

Also, by controlling blood sugar levels, you prevent excessive eating binges as a result of low blood sugar levels. Remember to include low GI foods at each meal, and to avoid eating high GI foods on their own, but rather to

Thomason says. “The hope is that there are ways to train and strengthen these pathways.”

Maddens explains it this way: Consider the neurons of your brain like electrical wires and the white matter like the insulation. When the insulation breaks down over time, things can misfire.

In labs, those who engaged in mentally challenging games do, in fact, show improvement in cognitive functioning. They get faster at speed games and stronger in memory games, for example.

What’s less clear is whether this improvement transfers to everyday tasks, like remembering where you parked the car or the name of your child’s teacher, both Thomason and Maddens say.

But when it comes to the link between physical exercise and the brain, researchers and clinicians agree: Physical exercise is good for the brain; it has also been linked to lower rates of chronic disease. Good nutrition is essential too.

Oxygen, itself, is essential, Deep told the Novi group. “Your brain is an oxygen hog.”

Diet, exercise and mental maneuvers all may boost brain health in ways science still doesn’t understand. In the best cases, the right mix might stave off the effects of Alzheimer’s and other age-related disease too, Maddens says.

All this is good news for an aging, stressed out, and too-busy society, he says.

Reading a book, engaging with friends or going out for a walk and paying attention to what’s around you -- that’s not really about goofing off. Rather, it’s critical time that stimulates neural pathways and boosts the odds of longtime brain health.

“It’s talking to friends. It’s getting out socially.

It’s engaging in life. The question is ‘How do I force myself to learn?’ “ Thomason says.

The same might be true when it comes to mentally challenging computer games.

Says Maddens: “Would I have patients playing computer games eight hours a day in hopes that they can delay Alzheimer’s by

two months? No. But you can enjoy (playing such games) and possibly get a benefit from it, too.”

Keeping your brain agile needn’t take a lot of time, money or even a crossword puzzle. Here are some fun, quick challenges from local brain neurobics presenter Cheryl Deep: -- Switch it up: Use your nondominant hand to drive your computer mouse or brush your teeth. Slip your watch on the opposite wrist.

Turn it upside down.

-- Refocus senses: Turn off the TV volume and follow the action by the visuals only, or keep the volume on and close your eyes to imagine what’s going on.

-- Fine-tuning senses: As a passenger in a car on a familiar route, close your eyes and follow the route in your mind. Open your eyes periodically to see if you are right.

-- Turn the page: Read a book upside down.

-- Trash talk: Avoid the word “the” for a twominute conversation challenge. Partners keep count of each other’s “the’s” while trying not to say any of their own.

A few more tips for everyday living from researchers and clinicians: -- Grab your sneakers and a friend: A good walk is not only aerobic exercise, chatting with friends -- discussing a recent book, for example -- can stimulate new ways of thinking.

-- Join the club: Visiting friends, volunteer work and other social connections may protect against cognitive decline over the long run.

-- Get your zzzz’s: Sleep deprivation blunts memory and executive functioning. A power nap -- no more than 20 minutes -- can help too.

-- Toss the tobacco, limit alcohol: Research has linked smoking to a quicker loss of memory as we age; likewise, drinks should be limited to one a day for women and two for men.

-- Play: Some research suggests that online games involving problem-solving, speed and memory might sharpen cognitive prowess.

mix them with low GI foods, which will give an intermediate GI overall.

Be aware of your cooking methods By making small changes in your cooking habits, you can create great tasting foods that are also healthy for you. Although special recipes are an important part of family tradition, many of those treasured favorites have too high a fat content for today’s generation of health-conscious cooks. You do not have to give up those old favorites - convert them!

Here’s how: Always trim off all excess fat from before cooking or use veal, venison, chicken and soya as lower fat options. Remove poultry skin before or after cooking. Choose light meat (breast) instead of dark meat (leg, wing).

Cut down on fat • Cook onions in a small amount of water or even vegetable stock rather than oil or butter.

• Use non-stick frying pans and non-stick sprays (like Spray ‘n Cook) rather than oil or margarine if frying.

• Bake, grill or roast foods rather than frying.

• Cook roasted meat or poultry on a wire rack so that the fat can drip off.

• Vegetables should be steamed or boiled with as little cream or margarine as possible.

• When preparing rice, noodles and other grains, season with herbs, spices and broths rather than added fat.

• Prepare soups, gravies and sauces in advance, so that they can be refrigerated and the layer of fat that forms on top removed.

• Experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor and zest to low-fat cooking. Herbs, such as basil, bay leaf, oregano, or rosemary adds distinctive flavors and colors to meat and vegetables. Spices, like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg enhance the sweet taste of foods, and seasoning blends, such as chili powder, curry powder provide a complex array of flavors.

Avoid taking in too much salt • Use garlic, dry mustard, pepper, onions, mushrooms and tomatoes to add flavor to meat and vegetables.

• Add sliced lemon or lemon juice to white meats and fish.

• Use herbs and spices instead Make healthy changes to recipes Use your regular recipes, but start cutting the fat in half. If a recipe calls for cream or whole milk, use evaporated or fresh skim milk. If a recipe calls for a whole egg, use two egg whites, etc.

Eat enough fiber-rich carbs These foods provide the body with energy.

They are often incorrectly labeled as fattening and unnecessarily limited. They are rich in vitamins belonging to the B group, and are an excellent source of fiber. Bear in mind that hi-fiber foods have a greater effect on satiety than their low-fiber counterparts. Examples of foods high in fiber include brown rice, wholegrains, fresh fruit and raw veggies.

Remember your fruits and vegetables Fruit and vegetables add color and variety to the menu. They are often termed our ‘protective’ foods as they help the body fight off sickness and disease. This is because they are rich sources of a variety of vitamins and minerals. An added benefit is that they are relatively low in calories and also contribute to our daily fiber intake.

Drink sufficient fluids Always include water in your diet and limit your intake of caffeine-containing beverages.

Caffeine is a diuretic and will not provide adequate hydration.

We all know that maintaining a balanced diet by eating healthily has a vital influence on your well being. Try following the above principles so that this fast period does not sway too much from the principles of good nutrition.

Source: iAfrica.com South Africa

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Volume 12 Issue 314 Shabaan 23, 1433 AH / July 13, 2012

Abdullah brothers put NFL on hold to pursue faith

NFL free agents Hamza and Husain Abdullah are putting their football careers on hold -- perhaps permanently -- to pursue a higher calling. The brothers -- both practicing Muslims -- will sit out the 2012 season to speak at mosques across the country this summer before making a pilgrimage to Mecca. “It has been a blessing to play in the NFL for both Husain and I,” Hamza said in a statement, “but we would be remiss if we didn’t

give thanks to the One who made it all possible.” Added Husain: “I visited Makkah, Saudi Arabia in March and a strong sense of urgency overcame me to attend ‘Hajj’ in October. I love the game of football but it would directly coincide with my pilgrimage.

So, I’m taking some time off.” Husain has turned down contract offers from the Minnesota Vikings and other teams to pursue religious obligations, according to the St. Paul

Pioneer Press. Hamza spent the last three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Husain’s playing career was in jeopardy before this decision. The Star Tribune reported Abdullah made 24 starts the past two seasons for the Vikings, suffering concussions in his first, fifth, 22nd and 24th starts. He visited a concussion specialist in Pittsburgh to see if he was endangering his long-term health by playing football. This isn’t the first time the

brothers’ faith has made headlines. Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and prayer, typically falls during training camp each year. Despite participating in physically draining summer practices, the brothers did not eat or drink at all during daylight hours for the 30-day period. Husain has not ruled out a return to football, but he understands his playing future now becomes uncertain.

Source: NFL.com

Abu Rmeileh becomes first Palestinian to qualify for Olympics

CANUCKS RE-SIGN RAYMOND Mason Raymond and the Vancouver Canucks achieved contract harmony while avoiding a potentially acrimonious salary-arbitration hearing Monday. The left winger agreed to a pay cut as he signed a one-year, US$2.275-million deal.

The signing came after the Canucks made the rare move of filing for arbitration against Raymond in a bid to reduce his salary

Hijab-wearers still sidelined Despite a decision by the Quebec Soccer Federation to lift its controversial hijab ban, women wearing head scarves will have to sit on the sidelines for at least one more season. “We still have to iron out exactly what kind of hijabs can be

worn to create the safest environment possible for our players, so it will take a few months to come into effect,” QSF spokesperson Michel Dugas told The Gazette on Monday. “Right now, we’re looking at October at the earliest.” The QSF’s announcement comes just days after soccer’s regulatory board overturned its 2007 ruling prohibiting players from wearing the Islamic head scarf.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has approved two sport-specific hijab prototypes after its medical committee determined neither model posed a safety threat. Responding to the FIFA ruling, some members of Quebec’s Muslim community are saying the ban was never about safety concerns. “The idea that somehow the hijab would get tangled and suffocate a player was always absurd to us,” said Salam Elmenyawi, a spokesperson for the Muslim Council of Montreal. “It’s hypothetical baloney that has more to do with bigotry and religious intolerance than anything else.” The banning of hijabs on the soccer pitch has been a lightning rod for controversy in Quebec since the rule was instituted in 2007.

That year, an Ottawa-area soccer team

pulled out of a Laval tournament when one of its players, 11-year-old Asmahan Mansour, was asked to remove her scarf.

The incident came to symbolize Quebec’s reasonable accommodation debate.

Another incident involving the hijab rule sprung up last weekend in Gatineau, when a 9-year-old girl was kicked out of a soccer tournament for wearing her head scarf. The girl had reportedly worn her hijab during league games in the Outaouais region since May. “I think what happened was that you had 12- and 13-year-old referees who didn’t want to start any trouble by enforcing the rules,” Dugas said. “But then she played in a tournament where the rules were enforced. Until the rules officially change, until we get word from FIFA, we’ll enforce what’s on the books.”

Athletic commissions in Ontario and British Columbia have had rules in place that specifically allow their athletes to wear hijabs since 2005, fueling criticism of Quebec’s ban. “It’s just sad because our daughters aren’t trying to convert anyone, or impose their beliefs, they just want to have fun,” Elmenyawi said.

“The rule-change is too little too late because now you have a generation of girls who have given up on the sport.

They’ve missed out on an aspect of their childhood and they’ve been made to feel different, to feel inferior because of their religion.” FIFA’s ruling is welcome news for Montreal-based designer Elham Sayed Javal, whose athletic hijab design is one of the two being studied for international use by soccer’s governing body. “I was very touched by the fact that athletes could not practise because of their culture,” she told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “The whole idea was to solve the problem.”

Source: Canada.com

matter of minutes you can walk among the four quadrants and move from the Dome of the Rock (Islam) to the Western Wall (Judaism) to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Christianity). The great irony is this: the three sites, so holy and ethereal, drawing millions of visitors -- some tourists, but some pilgrims -- are connected by a vast network of shops in a typical Middle Eastern market. The Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus walked carrying the cross on the way to his crucifixion? A main artery of the Old City, it’s now lined with stalls selling everything from knockoff Gucci sunglasses to Kobe Bryant Laker jerseys to religious relics (all prices are negotiable). In the Old City, the spiritual is connected by the rational, the devotional exists alongside the promotional.

At one of the market stalls in the Muslim Quarter, a compactly-built vendor smiles and sells Islamic attire. Most of the inventory is women’s head scarves. They come in all colors and patterns and the bidding starts at 10 shekels, roughly $2.50. The man, a 28-year-old Palestinian with a big smile and a diminishing ration of black hair, can’t set the first price much higher because the surrounding competitors will undercut him. He can’t go much lower because he has to make some profit.

While it might help for leverage in the negotiations, he never reveals to prospective buyers that, in a matter of weeks, he’ll be an Olympic athlete. The vendor, Maher Abu Rmeileh, puts in countless hours at his family’s shop near the Damascus Gate entrance. A husband and father of two young sons, Abu Rmeileh can’t afford not to work. But when he’s not in the market, he is practicing judo. He was seven or eight when his father introduced him to the combat sport. By the time he was in his 20s, he was good enough to compete internationally for the Palestinian Federation. A few weeks ago, he was working in the market when his coach called him up on his cellphone. “Come see me now,” the coach said. “Why?” asked Abu Rmeileh. “What is it?” “Just come,” said the coach. “And bring something sweet.”

Abu Rmeileh did as told, stopping at another market stall to pick up some knafeh -- basically philo dough stuffed with honey and goat cheese -- on the way over. When he arrived, his coach was choking back tears. Abu Rmeileh had recently competed in an international judo competition in Tokyo in the 73-kg (roughly 161-pound) weight class. He beat several opponents including the best judoka from Hong Kong and, based largely on his scores at that meet, he had accumulated the necessary points to qualify for the Olympic Games. “You’re going to London.” Ten other Palestinian athletes have competed in the Olympics since 1996, but they failed to meet the qualifications and attended by dint of a special IOC invitation. This includes two runners and two swimmers who will be on hand in London. In Abu Rmeileh’s case, he is the first to have qualified on his own merits. “No wild card, just me sweating,” he says cheerfully outside his stall, the afternoon Call to Prayer from a nearby mosque, blasting in the background. “At first I did not believe it ... but now I know I achieved something great.”

When he’s not training, Maher Abu Rmeileh sells head scarves at a market in Jerusalem.

Proving again that success has many fathers, Abu Rmeileh has quickly become something

of a cult figure among the Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied Territories of Gaza and West Bank, and especially in annexed East Jerusalem, where he lives. An attempt to find him on Saturday, triggered all sorts of boasts of personal connections. “I know his uncle!” one man inside a falafel shop offered, while Imad Shemech, a local boxing judge, showed off photos on his iPhone of himself posed with Abu Rmeileh.

At the market, one of Abu Rmeileh’s six brothers, Sallah, 17, was working at a nearby stall.

His face etched with filial pride, Sallah happily led an American journalist down the stone path to where his brother was working and offered to help translate. Abu Rmeileh normally trains only two or three times a week. But in preparation for London, on most days, he has been training before and after work. After his father takes over his shift, he often heads to Al Quds Sports Club, a modest sweatbox located in an alley off Haron Harashid Street a few blocks from the Old City. There, as middle-aged men smoke and play backgammon and talk on their cellphones, Abu Rmeileh disappears behind a curtain, changes out of his work clothes and into a gi cinched with a black belt (there are no locker rooms or showers). He places threadbare mats on a stone floor and then spars with others or rehearses and re-rehearses his throws alone.

Unless they are using the room for a wedding celebration, in which case, he goes elsewhere.

A view of his gym makes his success all the more remarkable. Inasmuch as judo is still a highly niche sport in the U.S., it is immensely popular in Asia and the Middle East in particular. Abu Rmeileh claims that his grandparents, parents and uncles are all devotees. He is currently teaching moves to his boys, though, he says, “my four-year-old is stronger than my six-year-old!” His coach, Hani Halabi calls Abu Rmeileh’s qualification for the London Games “the greatest achievement in the history of Palestinian sports.” Israel, too, has had success in judo. Three of the seven Olympic medalists in Israel’s history have been judokas.

One of Israel’s most prominent martial arts facilities sits just a few miles from the Old City.

Abu Rmeileh, though, restricts his training to Al Quds and another gym in Ramallah. Halabi has been outspoken about what everyone here simply calls “the conflict” and the challenges it presents to Palestinian athletes. For Abu Rmeileh, though, it’s a conversational no-fly zone. Would he be willing to compete against an Israeli, as so many Arab athletes have to do?

“For political [questions] you should talk to the Federation,” he says. “I just want to focus on the sport.” It shouldn’t be much of a problem in London, where reportedly he will carry the Palestinian flag in the Opening Ceremonies.

None of his family members are making the trip. By the time Abu Rmeileh had learned of his qualification, it was too late to make arrangements. “And it costs so much, anyway,” Sallah adds. Besides, summer is high season in the Old City market. Which is why Abu Rmeileh was still putting in a full day of work barely two weeks before the judo competition.

“The Olympics are a dream,” he said. Then he gestured around his stall. “But this is still my life.”

Source: Si.com

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