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Maybe some or most in the West might have forgotten how and why. Not the Free World. The 1897 First Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, organized by Theodor Herzl, is widely recognized as the formal launch of the political Zionist movement, which sought to establish a Jewish state in Palestine. However, the 1898 Zionist Federation's Baltimore Conference, The Baltimore Conference, was one of the earliest gatherings of American Zionists and marked a critical moment in the mobilization of Western support for the Zionist project. The conference aimed to rally American Jews, mobilize Christians and secure financial and political backing for the colonization, Invasion of Palestine, which was then under Ottoman rule. Following this, the League of Nations attacked Palestine and defeated the Ottoman Empire. The United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have consistently demonstrated their unwavering support for the systematic genocide and eradication of Palestinians, a brutal campaign aimed at clearing the land of Palestine for the establishment of a state exclusively for European Jews. This complicity in ethnic cleansing is not a recent development but a long-standing policy rooted in colonial and imperialist agendas. Key policy dates and actions underscore the West's active role in this atrocity: The 1897 First Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, organized by Theodor Herzl. The 1898 Zionist Federation's Baltimore/USA Conference. 1917: The Balfour Declaration The British government, through Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour, issued a declaration supporting the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, disregarding the rights and existence of the indigenous Palestinian population. This marked the formal beginning of Western-backed Zionist colonization. 1947: UN Partition Plan (Resolution 181) The United Nations, heavily influenced by Western powers, proposed the partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. Despite Palestinians constituting the majority of the population, the plan allocated 56% of the land to the Jewish minority, laying the groundwork for the ethnic cleansing that followed. 1948: The Nakba With the establishment of the state of Israel, over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes in a campaign of terror and mass displacement. The U.S. and European powers not only recognized Israel but also provided political and financial support, enabling the continuation of this ethnic cleansing. 1967: The Six-Day War and Occupation Israel's occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem was met with tacit approval and military aid from the U.S. and Europe. This marked the beginning of a brutal military occupation that continues to displace Palestinians and confiscate their lands for illegal settlements. 1993: Oslo Accords While framed as a peace process, the Oslo Accords effectively normalized Israel's occupation and allowed for the continued expansion of settlements. The U.S. and EU played key roles in legitimizing this process, which further entrenched apartheid and denied Palestinians their right to self-determination. 2006: Siege on Gaza Following Hamas' electoral victory, the U.S., EU, and Israel imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza, collectively punishing its 2 million inhabitants. This siege has been described as a form of slow genocide, with the West providing diplomatic and military support for Israel's repeated assaults on the besieged enclave. 2017: U.S. Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's Capital The Trump administration's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move the U.S. embassy there was a blatant endorsement of Israel's illegal annexation of Palestinian land. The EU, while offering mild criticism, continued to maintain strong economic and political ties with Israel. 2020: Trump's "Peace Plan" The so-called "Deal of the Century" proposed by the Trump administration sought to legitimize Israeli annexation of large parts of the West Bank, leaving Palestinians with fragmented, non-contiguous territories. The plan was widely condemned as a blueprint for apartheid but received support from key Western allies. 2023: Escalation of Genocidal Policies As Israel intensified its bombardment and siege of Gaza, leading to mass civilian casualties, the U.S. and EU doubled down on their support, providing military aid and diplomatic cover. The West's complicity in the ongoing genocide has reached unprecedented levels, with calls for Palestinian eradication becoming increasingly normalized. The West's descent into moral bankruptcy is evident in its unwavering support for Israel's colonial project. By funding, arming, and politically backing the genocide of Palestinians, the U.S., UK, and EU have revealed their commitment to the eradication of an entire people for the sake of settler-colonial expansion. This is not merely a failure of policy but a deliberate and calculated endorsement of ethnic cleansing, marking one of the darkest chapters in modern history. https://x.com/kanduvai/status/1885859025860116722

“US media reported that the ground operation in Lebanon will begin within the next few hours.” Reportedly footage near Lebanese border in occupied Palestine. Hezbollah hasn't attacked the tank positions. https://t.me/Mimews/548 The Western Medias. ️Israel tells US it plans imminent ‘limited’ ground operation in Lebanon – Washington Post ️Israeli ground operation in Lebanon ‘could start as soon as today’ – BBC

“US media reported that the ground operation in Lebanon will begin within the next few hours.” Reportedly footage near Lebanese border in occupied Palestine. Hezbollah hasn't attacked the tank positions. https://t.me/Mimews/548 The Western Medias. ️Israel tells US it plans imminent ‘limited’ ground operation in Lebanon – Washington Post ️Israeli ground operation in Lebanon ‘could start as soon as today’ – BBC

Netanyahu addressing Iran Public. Netanyahu speaks to the Iranian people - in English and with English subtitles. He has a habit of pretending to reach out to the people of the countries he intends to bomb next. https://x.com/netanyahu/status/1840740049299583355

“Hezbollah says it fired a Noor missile at Kfar Giladi - and this missile has not been used throughout the war so far”

SALAAM PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST AND UNTIL THE LAST FULL STOP. SUSPEND JUDGEMENT OF THE TITLE.: I BELIEVE CONSERVATIVE-LIBERTARINISM IS THE WAY IN THE MODERN WORLD. HERE'S WHY: Libertarian Islam by S. Hammad Haider | Feb 12, 2017 A commonly used epithet to describe Islam is ‘The Religion of Peace,’ but this is inaccurate and confusing. The phrase became more commonly used after 9/11 by politicians. The Quran never describes the faith in these terms. It is more accurate to describe Islam as a religion of non-aggression and justice. The Non-aggression principle (NAP) is considered to be a defining principle of libertarianism. Many libertarians today like to bend, or flat out break this principle, however, a Muslim can be a Rothbardian libertarian, like Ron Paul, who manages to encompass economic and sociological theories while using the NAP as an axiom. Libertarians who want to learn more about the NAP are blessed to have the many resources such as the Libertarian Institute, the Scott Horton Show and the Ron Paul Liberty Report. The other day I found some time to listen to one episode of the latter. Afterward, the live chat feature remains open, where many libertarians sing praises for Dr. Paul. To my surprise, in the live chat, there were many libertarians or those who call themselves libertarian, who rejected the NAP! If libertarians are wavering on the NAP, then how can a Muslim, who is supposedly in an inherently aggressive religion, adopt this principle? Again, there are many resources available to libertarians who want to better understand how Muslims can adopt libertarian ideals. Dr. Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad is a scholar and libertarian activist who ran for US Senate as the Libertarian Party candidate. He is currently the President of the Minaret Freedom Institute, a libertarian Muslim think tank. I urge those who want to know more about Islam and libertarianism to read his publications. Furthermore, the roots of Muslim libertarianism are historically much deeper. Dr. Denise Spellberg, an associate professor in the Department of History, at the University of Texas-Austin has a fascinating interview online about her book on Thomas Jefferson’s Quran. She explains that Jefferson saw a place for Muslims in his free society through the writings of John Locke: “Neither pagan nor Mahometan,” meaning Muslim, “nor Jew ought to be excluded from the rights of the commonwealth because of his religion.” It may also be a surprise to some readers that Muslims have a rich tradition of secularism. According to the International Humanist and Ethical Union, the father of secularism is the influential Muslim philosopher Ibn Rushd, also known as Averroes. In his work The Decisive Treatise he provided the justification for the separation of state and religion. Dr. Gary Adler Jr., an associate professor at Penn State University, summarized Ibn Rushd’s secularism in his book on Secularism, Catholicism and the Future of Public life: “In other words, secularism can be seen as an instrument of the Divine, ensuring that the righteous Muslim would be wise in matters affecting them on earth in the same way as the Quran ensures his correct path with respect to matters eternal.” (Secularism, Catholicism and the Future of Public life Adler; p.86). The Prophet Muhammad himself can be an example of the NAP in practice. Imam Tahir ul-Qadri, the scholar who controversially issued a 600-page fatwa against terrorism and suicide bombing, spoke to the United States Institute of Peace about the life of the Prophet. According to Qadri, the Prophet of Islam had a military career for thirteen years, and he only fought back any aggression imposed on him by the enemy. The scholar summarized five verses in the Holy Quran, Islam’s holy book, which mentions ‘self-defense,’ was revealed to the Prophet in the city of Mecca. He believes the word ‘Jihad’ to have many meanings but in a military context as a ‘defensive war’. Jihad, he maintained, is not an aggression, rather it represents self-protection according to the Quran. Ron Paul, a champion of the NAP and libertarianism, echoes this idea of defensive wars, by consistently clarifying his position of non-interventionism, not isolationism. If you have read this far you may assume that I am a typical Muslim apologist. My intention is not to be an apologist, but to offer you a line of reasoning which allows Muslims to fully adopt the NAP. That said, as a believer in the NAP, I fully condemn all forms of terrorism including that from radical Muslims. The Islamic State is led by Sunni Muslims who follow a radical interpretation of Sunnism in order to feed their aspirations. These radical interpretations are rooted in The Ridda Wars conducted after the death of Prophet Muhammad and in the writings of Sunni thinkers Ibn Taymiyah and Abdul Wahab. The Ridda Wars, or Apostasy Wars, were a bloody and influential innovation in the name of Islam, especially from a libertarian perspective. Many libertarians believe in a voluntary tax system, whereby the citizenry can hold the state accountable. Well, in 7th century Arabia, the Prophet Muhammad held a voluntary tax system, and never fought a war for taxes. This took a drastic change after his death when the Islamic empire began to spread by the sword. The beginning of this evil expansion is exemplified in the Ridda Wars, where the first caliph implemented the first statutory taxes. The caliph mandated that anyone who did not recognize his leadership, and held back taxes in opposition to this authority, was an apostate, and an enemy of the state. This began the killings for Apostasy, and taxes, which were never conducted under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (Sunan an-Nasa’i volume 5, Book 37, Hadith 3978, Eng. Ed., Sahih Darussalam). Ibn Taymiyah and Abdul Wahab aimed to give an academic relevance to this form of terrorism against apostates. Richard Bonney was a History Professor at the University of Leicester, and he wrote the book titled Jihad: Quran to Bin Laden. In his book, he describes Ibn Taymiyah and Abdul Wahab as the inspiration for Osama bin Laden: “Ibn Taymiyah thus should be seen as a revivalist of the doctrine of jihad…His fatwa regarding the Mongols established a precedent: in spite of their claim to be Muslims, their failure to implement shariah rendered the Mongols apostates and hence the lawful object of jihad. Muslim citizens thus had the right, indeed duty, to revolt against them, to wage jihad. For Osama bin Laden, Ibn Taymiyah, along with Shaykh Muhammad Ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab, is one of the great authorities to be cited to justify the kind of indiscriminate resort to violence which he terms jihad (Jihad: Quran to Bin Laden Bonney; p.121-2). Libertarian Islam is an oxymoron under the violent interpretations of Sunnism, but all major religions have a history of violent and peaceful interpretations. This gives an added importance to Muslims, and fellow libertarians, to use the NAP as a foundational principle. A principle of non-aggression can have the power to unite people. Libertarianism in its purest form has a profound attraction to people of all backgrounds, and I am proud to call myself an American libertarian Muslim. Like many Americans, I am a small business owner, a husband, and a father of two young girls. Yes, I do sport a full beard and my wife wears a headscarf. Yet we still attended the Republican caucuses and proudly wrote in Ron Paul as our vote for president in 2012, not only due to Dr. Paul’s unwavering NAP-based philosophy but due to our belief in wholly American ideals. Freedom of religion is an important part of our society, and if we want American libertarianism to triumph then we should trust our ideals. Scott Horton, a founder of the Libertarian Institute, summarized it best on his podcast. He described the difficulties we will face if we reject Muslims based on their faith, and do not give them a place in our society, as envisioned by John Locke and Thomas Jefferson: “The Islamic state has been saying ‘see fellow Muslims, the Westerners, the Christians, and the Jews, they hate us and they will always hate us. We have no place in the west!’ In other words, pushing for a clash of civilizations that they need because War is the health of the (Islamic) state… Instead of (the Trump administration) arguing that, oh yeah, we believe in the enlightenment and freedom of religion… Muslims absolutely have a place in our society, plenty of places in our society… instead this (immigration) policy plays into the hands of those on the other side.” Salam Ya Ali Madad

Salam, The title to this thread says it all, which in your opinion is the better country to live in biased on three things, education, healthcare, overall quality of life.

Wisconsin Is Hotbed of Satanism (too old to reply) Outlaw Satanic Cults 15 years ago Permalink Raw Message As a cleric with many years of study, experience and knowledge in this area, I am alarmed and dismayed by statistics that confirm that Wisconsin is the nation’s most Satanic state. There are more Satanic cults in Wisconsin per capita than any state in this great land of ours. Here are the facts as shown in government reports: Wisconsin has over 87,000 practicing Satanists; this is more than all those in California, Texas and New York combined. Wisconsin has 297 Satanic covens. That is more than the entire continent of Europe. Wisconsin was home to serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer, Ed Gein and Charles Manson. This is due to the Satanic influences of Wisconsin cults. Wisconsin habitually lets pedophiles out to prey on more children. Examples include the Spanbauer and the Gerald Turner Halloween Killer cases. This is caused by the Satanic influence of devil-worship cults over the Madison liberal clique. It is these liberals that support the pedophiles and Satanists. The Wisconsin Parole board is mostly Madison liberals. The mark of the beast ‘666’ is often scrawled in Wisconsin on hidden places in Wisconsin wooded areas and in Wisconsin schools. Wisconsin is slow to ban Satanic cult influences over the liberal, corporate media. That is why television channels show nudity and Satanic violence on Wisconsin airwaves. Most Wisconsin people are addicted to these Satanic television shows, even if they are not Satanists.

One thing that I do not really understand is that liberal Democrats in the U.S. are being labelled “communists” by political rightists. Obviously the Democrats are pushing liberal social agendas. But on economics I can’t really see any “communistic” aspects. A look at the Biden administration shows this. A key plank of communism is the abolition of profit. Under Biden public programs such as Medicare are being privatised through subcontracting. Profiteering is being encouraged through the use of direct contracting entities (DCE). (Incidentally, by resorting to DCEs, the Biden administration is actually continuing a Trump-era policy, as the preceding article notes.) The Biden administration, which opposes Medicare for All, also approved the largest increase in Medicare premiums on record. Future Medicare cuts are planned. In addition to supporting Clinton’s welfare reform, Biden has repeatedly voted for neoliberal free-trade agreements such as NAFTA and the TPP. Open borders certainly helps complement these pro-capitalist agreements. In Latin America Biden has supported widespread privatisation and militarisation. I don’t see the Biden administration collectivising agriculture, as was done in the Soviet Union and other communist states, for instance. He certainly isn’t nationalising the privately-owned Federal Reserve. Aside from the social issues, what is the basis of calling Biden and Co. “communists”? On economic issues there isn’t a trace of communism.

Salaam, In this post I seek to explore some disturbing and eerie similarities between the 3 nations mentioned in the title. Of course, this may all be coincidence, but I still would like to show you what I've found: 1. These 3 nations have a government that follows a deviated, extremist and political form of the 3 Abrahamical religions. As we all know, Saudi Arabia is a Salafist state, Israel is a Zionist state, and while the USA is supposedly laic, it was originally founded and populated by pilgrims who were Protestant dissenters, and today Evangelicalism is rampant. 2. These 3 nations are named after people. The USA, or United States of America: America is derived from Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian merchant and explorer. Israel is one of the names of Prophet Jacob (عليه السلام) and Saudi Arabia comes from Muhammad bin Saud (his father named Saud ibn Muhammad ibn Muqrin), founder of the Saudi state. 3. These 3 nations have good relations with each other. Without a doubt, Israels biggest supporter is the USA (those 3 billion $ each year speaks volumes); and while Saudi Arabia doesn't (still) recognize Israel, we all know they have relations and are "signing papers under the table", like we way. 4. These 3 nations hate Iran. Whatever your opinion is about the Islamic Republic of Iran, you can't deny that these 3 countries are united in their hatred for Iran. 5. These 3 nations were directly or indirectly founded by the British. The USA was a colony that later gained independence by revolting. Israel was formed after what previously was "Mandatory Palestine", a British entity in the Middle East. And finally the UK signed many treaties with the Saudis and was among the first countries that recognized Saudi Arabia. And we all know that during that era, if you were recognized by the UK, then your legitimacy was established. 6. These 3 nations are built on genocide and the eradication of ethnic and religious minorites of the land. The USA practically wiped out the Native Americans. Israel is killing and expelling the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia is cracking down on the Shia population and even on the Sunnis that don't agree with them; and non-Muslims are also treated badly. 7. These 3 nations have and still are committing foreign wars, genocide and killing millions of innocent people. The USA has committed many atrocities (Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Banana Republics, installing dictators in South America, and the list goes on...). Israel is eliminating all its enemies thanks to secret intelligence, not to mention all the wars it had with its Arab neighbors. Saudi Arabia is currently bombing and starving Yemen to death, and all the financial and military support it receives is from no other than the USA (what a surprise !). 8. These 3 nations are in the top 15 countries by military expenditure. So much money that could have gone to Education, Health, Infrastructure, but nah... 9. These 3 nations are very young in history standards. The USA was founded in 1776, Israel in 1948 and Saudi Arabia in 1932. 10. These 3 nations began as weak and poor, losing wars and suffering huge losses, but eventually became rich and superpowers. The USA began as a colony composed of pilgrims that were escaping religious persecution from Europe. Their beginning in the New World was very harsh, with many dying of starvation, cold, sickness and attacks by the Natives. The USA evolved very slowly, with many internal problems (like the Great Depression and other things) but is today the leading world superpower, with many calling it the New Rome. Israel began also as a colony with many Jews migrating from Europe, escaping hundreds of years of oppresion and massacres, and eventually the tables turned with them committing the same acts to the Palestinians, and with the help of the USA, Israel is considered a rich and developped country in the Middle East. Saudi Arabi began as literally a bunch of Arab bedouins lead by the Saud family, who despite being almost completely eliminated by the Egyptians and Ottomans 2 times, they eventually conquered the rest of Arabia, and with the discovery of oil, the economy skyrocketed ever since. 11. And last but not least, these 3 nations have eschatological importance and have been allusionned to in Qur'an and Hadith. I'm not an expert, but from what I know, there are Hadiths which say that Imam al-Mahdi (atf) will wage war on Rome (a possible reference to the USA). We all know about the Sufyani, who very possibly are the USA or Israel (or both). It is mentionned in the Qur'an: And We warned the Children of Israel in the Scripture, “You will certainly cause corruption in the land twice, and you will become extremely arrogant." (17:4). The second time that Bani Israil will cause corruption very possibly refers to modern state of Israel. And there's the well known hadith: "O Allaah bestow your blessings on our Shaam. O Allaah bestow your blessings on our Yemen." The people said, "O Messenger of Allaah, and our Najd." I think the third time the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said, "There (in Najd) will occur earthquakes, trials and tribulations, and from there appears the Horn of Satan." This very possibly refers to modern day Saudi Arabia and Wahhabism.

Salaam everyone. I am very nervous about who's going to win. Trump is slightly edging out Hillary Clinton. I fear for the Muslims living in the US. I fear that something bad might happen. I really hope they are ready for when Trump starts his plan of banning Muslims, they need to find a safe place to reside. Luckily, I am in Canada which is a very safe home where I was born. I am fine with Justin Trudeau as prime minister succeeding Stephen Harper (who was going to make things worse for Muslims). Justin Trudeau is not that racist towards Muslims like Trump is, he is actually nice when compared to the racist garbage that Trump spews out. Canada is a good home for Muslims. I am really worried as I am writing this. I really do not want Trump to win.

Selam! I just saw a really powerful video about the recent events. I dunno if its Anonymous behind it? anyhow it made me tremble and really expressed my feelings!! Allahu Akbar!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vZqrQEpfgU

Salam, Can someone please provide contacts or links for scholarships for Shia students (MS/MBA) from India, studying in the United States (If any scholarship like this is available though). Thanks in advance

Salamun Alaykum, My name is Mehdi. I am from India and I am travelling to Salt Lake City, Utah, on 29th Dec. I will be attending graduate program at the University of Utah. I need to know Shia brothers and community centres who can help me get a rented apartment near the U (zipcode :84102) (The apartment should not be expensive). We are 3 students(the other 2 are not shia) who will reach SLC on 29th Dec 11pm. Kindly help connect me to the Student body/ Shia centres around here in Utah. I need this urgently done. Thank you for your help.:)

Trump says Saudi King wouldn't last 'two weeks' without US support https://edition.cnn.com/2018/10/03/politics/trump-saudi-king-intl/index.html

Salam, My husband and I would like to go for Umrah this year. I was wondering if anyone can recommend any shia travel agencies that can help us from the US? I would prefer one in Texas, but open to anywhere in the US. Does anyone know of any shia groups going to Umrah during Ramadan? And is it permissible to do Umrah during Ramadan? We just want to go for a maximum of 3 days, possibly the last 3 days of Ramadan.

https://www.globalresearch.ca/isis-is-a-us-israeli-creation-top-ten-indications/5518627 Indication #1: ISIS Foreknowledge via Leaked DIA Doc Indication #2: ISIS Never Attacks Israel Indication #3: Toyota Trucks Indication #4: ISIS’ First Class Social Media Skills Indication #5: Israeli Group SITE First to Release ISIS Footage Indication #6: ISIS Leader Baghdadi a Mossad Agent Indication #7: Leaked Cables Showing US Plotting Syrian Overthrow Indication #8: Russia Bombs ISIS, US Protects ISIS Indication #9: ISIS Always the Excuse for Further Intervention Indication #10: ISIS is an Acronym for Mossad. [The Israeli Secret Intelligence Service. Interesting Coincidence]

Why release now your mantra Mr. Putin ? It has been quite long time the dog barking. http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/01/31/550746/putin-russia-us-sanctions

Question explains everything.

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A Christian Nation? Ryan LaMothe Photo by Forsaken Fotos | CC BY 2.0 Over the years I have often heard Christians of various political stripes assert that the United States is a Christian nation. More recently, Christian evangelicals, who supported Trump and his campaign slogan of “Make America Great Again,” seemed nostalgic for a white Christian America. One might be tempted to call the belief that the U.S. is a Christian nation a myth, the seeds of which were sown in 1630 when John Winthrop challenged his community to establish a city on the hill, reflecting the covenant of God and Christian charity. Many myths contain a grain or two of truth. Nevertheless, the belief in a Christian nation is more illusion than truth. This might be a provocative claim to many people that requires justification. Let me begin by acknowledging that most of the people who immigrated to America, taking native peoples’ lands, were primarily of various Christian denominations. Some saw this country as the new Promised Land, overlooking the fact that by occupying the land they removed any possibility of promise to the non-Christian people who lived here for millennia. So, I am willing to concede that white European settlers were mainly Christian. This was also true after the War of Independence and in this sense one might say this was a Christian nation in that most of the settlers called themselves Christian. I will come back to this, but for now let me say that this new “Christian nation” was clearly neither a Christian theocracy not a parliamentary system advocating a particular religion. Indeed, the Constitution enshrined the free exercise of religion, while establishing a wall between church and state. If we were to call this budding nation a Christian nation, it was oddly one that proclaimed the freedom of individuals to practice other religions—at least ideally—or no religion at all. Proclaiming the inalienable right of religious freedom would leave open the possibility that another religion might be dominant, which would mean we would no longer be a “Christian nation.” While some people cite numbers or percentage of Christians as a reason for calling the U.S. a Christian nation, others have argued that the U.S. is a Christian nation because it was founded by Christians and, therefore, some of their beliefs and principles were woven into the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. In reality, the Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights influenced those who penned the Constitution. Also, House Congressional Resolution 331 (1988) acknowledged the influence of the Iroquois Confederacy of Nations in writing the U.S. Constitution. To be sure there are references to God in the Declaration of Independence, but not in the Constitution, which is not to deny that Christian principles, to some degree, shaped the writing of the Constitution, though it is not entirely clear which principles. More apparent is the secular political influences that shaped founding texts. Indeed, it is more accurate to say the U.S. was founded on English and Enlightenment political values. This will not deter those who will insist that since most colonial and later U.S. citizens nation were Christian, then the U.S. was, by and large, a Christian nation. Fast forward to the present and polls indicate that approximately 84% of people in the U.S. identify as Christians. So, our stalwart believer may proclaim that we are still a Christian nation by percentages alone. Of course, we might look more closely at those numbers to discover that many of those who self-identify as Christians do not actually belong to a Christian community of faith. In some polling less than 38% of Christians actually go to church. What percentage do we rely on for being a Christian nation—51% or above of those who believe in Christ? Or do we count those who are actually practicing their Christian faith? If it is the latter, then we do not qualify as a Christian nation. Percentages and numbers, though, are hardly adequate measures for determining whether we are a Christian nation or not. It would seem fairer to consider not so much belief, but whether the majority of citizens and their elected representatives embody and live out core principles associated with Christianity. This would be akin to considering whether the claim that we are a democratic nation is valid based on whether citizens and institutions uphold and live out the principles and practices of democracy. Do citizens act in democratic ways? Are there state and non-state institutions that uphold democratic values and principles? Let’s shift to whether we are a “Christian” nation. Do citizens and elected officials adhere to the core principles of Christianity as reflected in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ? Do state and non-state institutions promote Christian principles and practices? The simple answer is no, but it is important to at least identify a few key principles of Christianity. It is apparent in any cursory reading of history that there are various renderings of what it means to live a Christian life. Yet, it is safe to say that the ministry of Jesus Christ incarnates the love and compassion of God, which includes mercy and forgiveness. As Karen Armstrong (1993) notes, the three Abrahamic faiths elevate compassion as a central principle for living a religious life. If we consider love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness as central principles of being a Christian, then it is evident that these principles are less about mere belief than they are about actions or practices. I think most individual Christians and communities of faith, if they are honest, would say that they fall short of living out these principles. Indeed, Kierkegaard, surveying the landscape of Christian Europe, asked whether a Christian could be found in all of Christendom. No doubt he was aware of how far he and others fail to live out and up to Jesus Christ. More importantly, his query was not just about individuals, but calling Christendom itself into question. Individuals who call themselves Christian should be assessed in terms of the principles of Christianity, not so much to deny their identity, but to indicate to what degree they live out this faith. Those of us who call ourselves Christian know we do not measure up, yet we retain a Christian identity. When individuals use the term Christian to describe their nation, which includes identity, then it is fair game to use the principles as criteria. What does it mean to be called a Christian nation given the violent appropriation of land from Native Americans, which may rightly be called ethnic cleansing? Our ruthless treatment of Native peoples, which continues today, seems a far cry from any Christian principle. Consider how many American Christians legitimated slavery, Jim Crow, and racism. By what Christian principle do these fall under? The exploitation of Cuban, Philippine, and Central American peoples during the decades when the U.S. was a colonial power seems more in line with the principles of the Roman Empire than Christian values. The fire bombings of Dresden and Tokyo and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians. Has the U.S. ever asked for forgiveness for these acts? This kind of sociopathic brutality is a far cry from Christian compassion, though it is important to acknowledge that Christian communities perpetrated if not supported brutal actions (e.g., lynching). Let’s turn to the killing of around 2 million Vietnamese, which was more in line with the principles of realpolitik than Christian justice. Speaking of justice, read Acts and ask how Christian is it to have huge income and wealth disparities, millions of people without healthcare or inadequate healthcare, food deserts, and 7 million people in the penal system. Does this so-called Christian nation embody or even uphold any of the core values of Christianity? If this is not enough to dissuade people from calling the U.S. a Christian nation, I also raise the fact that I am not sure any nation could be Christian, except in only one sense and that is the view that we are a Christian nation because most citizens self-identify as Christian. That said, it is crucial to recognize that while religious communities can hold forth about their Christian values and principles vis-à-vis organizing the life of the community, nations abide by other principles, principles more in line with Machiavelli and Clausewitz, rather than Christ. To be sure, Constantine launched the West onto the idea of a Christian state, but this idea seemed to be far from anything Jesus had in mind. Moreover, Christ’s motivation, if I can talk about his motivation, seemed to be more about compassion, feeding the poor, healing the sick, etc., than it was about founding a nation. In short, Jesus’ kingdom is not to be found on earth, even though the kingdom of God is among us in acts of love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. These are virtues that are inimical the advancement of a nation state, let alone, an empire. So, let’s be honest and acknowledge that the U.S. and its government do not and, perhaps, cannot uphold Christian principles in organizing social or international relations. For this reason, we cannot claim the U.S. is a Christian nation. But I am not sanguine about people accepting this, especially those Christian individuals who are more likely to think of themselves as staunch patriots. By adhering to this belief, more accurately an illusion, they avoid facing the fact that the fundamental principles that actually operate in state-craft, namely, ruthless, rational calculation in the advancement of U.S. economic and political interests, are contrary to Christian principles used to organize the first Christian communities, namely sacrificial love, compassion, forgiveness, and distribution of resources according to needs. I also think there are a few other reasons why many Christian Americans are steadfast in their belief that the U.S. is a Christian nation. First, Christianity has long been the dominant religious tradition in this country and has become, for many, intertwined with a national identity. Even if people recognize that one can be American and from other faith traditions, patriotic Christians’ identity is wedded to national identity. To begin to believe we are not a Christian nation can evoke anxiety and rage because it is a threat to that identity. A second reason for retaining this illusion is that it deflects one from the inherent cruelty of the state’s actions (e.g., drone warfare and the killing of civilians, policing the poor). Even when we find ways to justify violence (e.g., they attacked us first—just war), we can continue to hold out that we are Christian nation. “Christian” denotes something good, unsullied by our excesses. It is analogous to someone saying, after being cruel to someone, “All have sinned. I know this as a Christian and that God still loves me.” Pasting the title Christian over the notion of the state or nation is like trying to cover over the indelible stain of our national sins. Third and relatedly, to come face to face with ourselves, as Carl Jung noted, is a terrible shock for we will see how far we really are from our cherished ideals of ourselves. Our shared histories, which undergird our shared identities, are, more often than not, facades that screen the reality of wrong on the throne and right on the scaffold (Niebuhr, 1941, p. 40). Better to hold onto the soporific illusions of the title “Christian” than to face our collective past and present sins. As James Baldwin noted Americans “have the most remarkable ability to alchemize all bitter truths into an innocuous but piquant confection and to transform their moral contradictions, into a proud decoration” (1955, p.31)—the proud decoration that we are a Christian nation. Baldwin also wrote, “(F)or there is a great deal of will power involved in the white man’s naïveté” (p.166)—a naiveté fostered by the illusion of a Christian America. So, there are three basic rationales for citizens proclaiming the U.S. is a Christian nation. The first is the view that sheer numbers of people who believe in Christ indicates we are a Christian nation, but this fails because of the low percentages of people who actually practice some version of Christian faith. More importantly it also fails because the Constitution not only does not proclaim this, but actually leaves open the possibility of some other religion having greater numbers of believers, let alone practitioners. A second argument is that the founding documents of the nation are heavily influenced by Christian beliefs and principles. This might seem to be true, but the reality is that there were other influences, including those of Native peoples. Third, individuals may claim that we are a Christian nation because Christian principles and values guide how we understand ourselves and organize society. The truth, however, is that the United States has operated out of other principles more suited to Machiavellian principles of statecraft. One might ask why is it so important to rid ourselves of the illusion that we are a Christian nation. What good will come of it? Isn’t holding this belief an inducement to live out a more moral existence as a nation? As for the second question, one need only go down the depressively long list of cruel, destructive, exploitive, and oppressive actions perpetrated in the name of a Christian nation to see that it has not been an inducement to live a more moral life, though people like Martin Luther King Jr. and others used this to [Edited Out] the consciences of white Americans. If we work to get rid of or limit this illusion, people of other religious and secular faiths may feel more at home in the U.S. Perhaps another benefit would be a growing awareness of the misdeeds done under the name of Christian nation. In facing the sins of our past, there might be a sliver of hope for change. As James Baldwin (2010) notes, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” (p.34). Notes. Armstrong, K. (1993). A History of God. New York: Ballantine Books. Baldwin, J. (1955). Notes of a Native Son. Boston, MA: Beacon Press. Baldwin, J. (2010). The Cross of Redemption: Uncollected writings. New York: Pantheon. Kierkegaard, S. (1846). Concluding unscientific postscript to the philosophical fragments: A mimic-pathetic-dialectic composition: An existential contribution, by Johannes Climacus. Responsible for publication: S. Kierkegaard. Trans. D. Swenson and W. Lowrie (1941). Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Niebuhr, H. R. (1941). Meaning and revelation. New York: Collier Books.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. On the first day of Muharram, the Islamic New Year is observed by Muslims. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year. Hence it is a little different from the Gregorian calender that is used in the western nations. When compared with the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar, the lunar month of Muharram shifts from year to year. The month of Muharram is of great religious significance to Islamic people the world over. It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan. The word "Muharram" is often considered synonymous with "Ashura", the tenth day of the Muharram month. "Ashura" is a highly important day for both sects of Islam - the Shias and the Sunnis. The Shia muslims believe that Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, became a martyr at the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram in 61 AH(680 AD). The pre-Islamic period in the Arabian peninsula was the era of warring tribes. In the absence of a strong leadership, there were conflicts and battles on minor issues. But fighting was prohibited in four months of the year. These months, of which Muharram was one, were considered sacred. Muharram is so called because it was unlawful to fight during this month; the word is derived from the word ‘haram’ meaning forbidden. This period of inactivity was a necessity in heavily decorated replicas of the tomb of the Imam and his family are made for Muharram the era of warring tribes. The tradition was maintained even after the advent of Islam, though provisions to accommodate and accept war in special situations, like a threat to the sovereignty of an empire, were introduced. The gory battle of Karbala was fought against this law and tradition of Islam. The inhabitants on the banks of rivers Euphrates and Tigris were traditional rivals. Their animosity was contained to some extent by Muhammad. But when his son-in-law Hazrat Ali was the Caliph(Muslim civil and religious leader considered to be Allah's representative on earth), the old enmity re-surfaced. Hazrat Ali had two descendants, Hazrat Imam Hussain and Hazrat Imam Hassan. Hussain was the ruler of the part of the empire known today as Iran. The other part in modern Iraq was ruled by the Umayyads. Hussain was called upon by the Shiahs of Kufa, a small town in the Umayyad kingdom, to accept their allegiance and claim his place as the leader of the Islamic community. This was against the wishes of the ruler of Kufa, Yazid, who instructed his governor, Ibn-e-Ziad to take appropriate action. Meanwhile, in response to the call of the Shiahs, Hussain accompanied by his family members, headed for Kufa. When they reached Karbala, en route to Kufa, the forces of the governor surrounded them and their 70 men. Hussain, his family and his troops were tortured and killed, and Hussain's head was severed and presented to the king. They received no help from the Shiahs of Kufa. As this tragic incident happened on the tenth day of Muharram, Shia Muslims consider this a day of sorrow. They commemorate the martyrdom of Hussain as a religious occassion called "Muharram" (named after the month of its observance). The occassion starts on the 1st day of Muharram and lasts for 10 days until 10th of Muharram. As Muharram approaches, they put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a color of mourning. During the entire 10 day period, they keep themselves away from music and all joyous events (e.g. weddings) that can distract them in anyway from the sorrowful remembrance of that day. During each of the first nine days of Muharram, "Majalis" (assemblies) are held where Shia orators vividly depict the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his party. Mainstream Shia Muslims fast until the evening. On "Ashura", devoted Muslims assemble and go out in large processions. They parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala. Some Shia sects observe "Ashura" by beating themselves with chains in public, cutting themselves with knives and sharp objects and holding mournful public processions. This is an expression of their grief on the death of their favourite leader Hussain, considered to be the representative of Allah. (But no Shiite scholar affirms any extreme behavior that harms the body and Shia leaders consider such acts as "Haram", or forbidden.) It is a sad occasion and everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussain", wailing loudly. Generally a white horse is beautifully decorated and included in the procession. It serves to bring back the memory of the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Husain after his martyrdom. Drinking posts are also set up temporarily by the Shia community where water and juices are served to all, free of charge. While Shia Muslims consider "Muharram" to be a sorrowful occassion, Sunni Muslims observe it as a festival and look at "Ashura" as a happy day though the religious aspect remain intact. Pious Sunnis keep a fast("roja") on "Ashura" as per the "Hadith"(a tradition based on reports of the sayings and activities of Muhammad and his companions) of Prophet Muhammad. According to the "Hadith", the Prophet saw the Jews fasting on the 10th of Muharram to commemorate their liberation from Egyptian slavery and the extermination of the army of the Pharoah in the waters of the Red Sea. Prophet Mohammed liked the custom for he believed that it was Allah who saved the Israelites from their enemy in Egypt. He started to fast on the same day as the Jews but he planned to fast on the 9th and 10th from the following year. But death came in between him and his pious wish. Usually, Sunni Muslims are recommended to fast either on the 9th and 10th Muharram or on the 10th and 11th

Salaam, can someone let me know where I can order customized authentic gemstone rings online or someone who has such a business? I live in the USA. Thank you in advance

Salaam. I am Masters student in reputed American Universities. Alhamdullilah! I was able to get scholarship which pays my most of the tuition fee but still I have to pay $4k in this (spring semester) to cover Health insurance and other fees. I want to know about any Shia foundation which provides educational scholarship in USA. It can be Muslim foundation in general or even any organisation for that matter so that I can continue my studies. Thank-you. Iltemas-e-dua for my scholarship

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful An Important Announcement Regarding Participation in the Elections Dear Believers in the United States, May peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of God. As we are approaching the November elections, we would like to remind our beloved readers that every general election is not just about the Presidential election, rather it encompasses important issues that affect the lives of all Americans. These issues include matters pertaining to state and county laws as well as representatives. As such, we have reissued our February notification below in the hope that it will answer questions addressed to I.M.A.M. about the position of the supreme religious authority. We are continuing to see a rise in the number of questions on the participation of Muslims in the national, state, and local elections in the United States and who they should vote for. This announcement will serve to address such issues once more, however, please note from the outset that I.M.A.M. does not and will not endorse any candidate or political entity as it is a non-profit organization. The right of American citizenship is accompanied by a number of responsibilities toward our nation—a country with many diverse ethnic and religious communities. I.M.A.M. has made clear on many occasions that the position of the supreme religious authority is to encourage the believers to practice their constitutional rights according to the principle of good citizenry and integration while preserving their religious identity and noble culture. The subject of participating in elections, whether as voters or candidates, is an example of this principle. It is also mentioned in ‘A Code of Practice for Muslims in the West’ that, “At times the higher interests of the Muslims in non-Muslim countries demand that Muslims seek membership of political parties, enter parliaments, and representative assemblies. In such cases, it is permissible for Muslims to engage in such activities as much as is demanded by the interest [of the Muslim community] that must be identified by consulting the trustworthy experts” (A Code of Practice for Muslims in the West, No. 223). In the past decade, Islamophobia has been on the rise and is being used to attract votes from ultraconservative groups. Some media outlets, as well as a number of political leaders, have been portraying Islam in a repulsive manner, such that the true face of Islam is being replaced by stereotypes and false characterizations. Accordingly, it is our duty as Muslim-Americans to bring the true face of Islam to our fellow Americans, revealing to the world the true essence of our enlightened and uplifting religion, through involvement in our communities and to make our voices heard in our nation. An effective way to do so is through participation in local politics and by voting in the general elections. Nevertheless, voting without a full understanding of the issues and standpoints of politicians on local, national, and international policies can be harmful. As such, community members are strongly encouraged to research candidates and political topics in order to make an informed decision. I.M.A.M. expended its efforts in gathering a number of experienced and trustworthy experts and activists who met with religious scholars and discussed this subject and its various aspects during the 12th annual conference of the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America and provided essential recommendations to the believers. Thus, we deem it important to stress the need for Muslims to understand their role in the future of their homelands1; and fully practice their constitutional rights to contribute to the development of their countries and the advancement of their societies. This subject needs more intense consultation2; and cooperation3; among members of the community so that every vote counts. Through true citizenship and real unity, the Muslim-American communities can surely make a huge difference in the present and the future of the United States of America and, indeed, the world. If you are still not registered to vote, you can register online. May peace, mercy, and the blessings of God, be upon you. I.M.A.M. View Original