A step in the right direction

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Finally a counter narrative released by our Religious clerics to defeat the ever rising menace of extremism .Religious scholars from all schools of thought on Saturday issued a fatwa (religious decree) that declared suicide attacks, armed insurgency against a state and use of force in the name of imposing Shariah as ‘Haram’ or forbidden in Islam. It states that waging jihad is a prerogative only of an Islamic state. The religious decree declared suicide attackers and their supporters as traitor, and disallowed use of force in the name of enforcement of Islamic laws

The Fatwa was issued at the concluding session of a national seminar entitled “Reconstruction of Pakistani society in the light of Madina Charter and announcement of Paigham-e-Pakistan,” arranged by the Islamic Research Institute of International Islamic University. Islamic Research Institute, established in 1960 under a constitutional provision, initially worked as a research unit of Government of Pakistan. The main objectives of the Institute are to identify contemporary problems and to study and interpret the teachings of Islam in the context of the intellectual and scientific progress of the modern world in order to assist the Pakistani society and the Muslim Ummah to live according to the imperatives of Islam.

We have been in a dire need of a counter narrative to negate the distorted concept of extremism and hate to protect the basic rights of the people of our country but also promote peace and harmony to give the real picture of Pakistan and Islam to the rest of the world. The twisted interpretation of Islam by the extremist has brain washed thousands to suggest that those who kill in the name of religion will be rewarded after death. This recent declaration is a historic step taken by scholars in the right direction. The only way to exhibit the true essence of Islam to the rest of the world is by renouncing violence.  *

From: Daily Times

Bakhtawar Bhutto: this is not Islam

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Daughter of Benazir Bhutto condemns jail terms for people eating during Ramadan

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/bakhtawar-bhutto-benazir-bhutto-ramadan-islam-pakistan-a7734981.html

Ramadan 2017

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Ramadan marks the ninth month in the Islamic calendar when the Quaran is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammed.
The holy month of Ramadan will start at the end of May this year, marking a period of fasting and religious focus for millions of Muslims across the globe. Here we look at what the month means for Muslims, why people fast during this period, and why it falls at a different time each year.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and marks the month that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammed. For many Muslims it means a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, forgoing food and water, smoking and sexual activity during daylight. When fasting, Muslims will have one meal before sunrise, called suhoor, and share another meal with friends and family after sunset, called iftar.

Why do Muslims fast?

Ramadan is a holy month where many Muslims will focus on prayer and reading the Quran, while generosity and giving to good causes or neighbours is encouraged. It is a period of reflection, patience, self-restraint and generosity that is intended to bring Muslims closer to Allah.

Fasting during Ramadan is required for all Muslims from when they reach puberty, generally between the ages of 12 and 14, though some families start their children fasting at the age of 10. Those exempt from fasting are those who are too ill to fast, the elderly, those suffering from a mental illness, those who are travelling, and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating. People who would normally be able to fast but have been unable to due to travelling long distances or being ill are required to complete their fast at a later date.

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan starts on either 26 or 27 May this year and lasts until 26 or 27 June this year. The start of the month of fasting will be determined by the sighting of the new moon, the Muslim Council of Britain says.  

Why does Ramadan vary each year?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is based on a lunar calendar where each month begins at the start of a new moon. As lunar months are shorter than solar months it means the Islamic calendar does not correspond with the Gregorian calendar followed in the West. It means Ramadan occurs around 11 days earlier each year.

The start of Ramadan also varies from country to country by about a day, depending on when the new moon is sighted.  

*source The Independent

Yaaaayyyyyy

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 On 19th I celebrated 6 years living in Pakistan yaaayyyyy!!!  So many things to say, so many things to tell, so many experiences, privileges and situations (perrengues hehe) and so many things to be thankful and many people to thank. Only me and God know how much I grew up during this time. I am thankful to God for bringing me here to become stronger, educated and etc etc. 


Mubarak ho to meeeeee!!!!!!!

Patricia Cassolatto