Ignited Conflicts...Hope of Change ..

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti and Anna Baltzer discussing a non violent approach to healing the conflict in Palestine. Please email comedy central in your support of this clip..via http://www.comedycentral.com/help/questionsCC.jhtml (make sure to choose The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as your topic).

Thank you! ...remember it is a HUMAN ISSUE! it is a issue of FREEDOM!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Exclusive - Anna Baltzer & Mustafa Barghouti Extended Interview Pt. 1
www.thedailyshow.com
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No...It is NOT a crack pipe..smh!

My response to Gabby's blog about her being demonized for smoking hookah ..




- Sozit

::Crazy Art::

VIDEOGIOCO by Donato Sansone from Enrico Ascoli - Sound Design on Vimeo.

It's a Hookah... DUH

Michelle Obama on Jay Leno

deadliest day in four years...

Fourteen US soldiers and civilians have died in two helicopter crashes in America's deadliest day in Afghanistan for four years... When will this war stop??

GOD :: the ignitor of faith

As you have seen, we ignited this blog with discussion of religion and faith. I am Catholic, born and raised. In my younger days, I found my faith rewarding, enlightening, and exciting. But, now that I look at it --it seems that those feelings came from being involved in a Catholic Organization that kept me constantly involved. In that organization, I helped the underprivileged, served GOD by assisting my neighbor and was an advocate to the younger Catholics around the USA... But now I am having a problem connecting with GOD, I want more of a relationship. At this time I have been evaluating, and I don't feel Catholicism has brought me to the extent my ideal faith should lead me to.

I have many friends and family that have a different opinion and I am in no way questioning or disrespecting their belief. Which brings me to my next topic... I have been researching Islam. Several things have attracted me... such as equality and the five basic pillars. Equality means so much to me in every aspect of my life. Growing up in an ethnically diverse family, where I found my own family to be prejudice because of my skin color. Being around that has completely changed my perspective, in terms of how all people should be treated and how I should be treated as a child of God. Islam teaches that all of us are equal in sex, race, economical status, etc...

In Catholicism, I have always wondered why women have never had a high position in the church, and the few times I found they had any control its like the church created controversy, which usually resulted in the woman leaving the church. The highest level in holy orders for a woman in a Catholic Church is a nun. The formal definition of a nun is a "sister" of prayer and worship; she is usually assisting the needy, sick, poor, and undereducated... and is equivalent to a monk...?? Not even equivalent to a Priest, which is known as "father", who is primarily responsible for delivering the word to the congregation. --Nun (Sister) Vs Priest (Father)-- Like I expressed, equality is important to me, and in this aspect Islam is more appealing.

In Islam’s Five Pillars, I find the importance of prayer challenging yet intriguing. Honestly, I don't pray often. I admit that prayer is not a habit of mine. It is not like I don't want to pray… It's because of lack of practice... Or more so not doing it daily and really consciously making an effort to pray. I’m thinking that with... learning, living, and understanding the five daily prayers may help me fully appreciate the power of prayer and how it could be the life changing experience I need, just maybe. With all of these differences, there are some similarities that truly captivate me as well. Islam is belief in one God (Allah) the creator, Islam also obeys the ten commandments (as Christians do), fasting is prevalent in both, charity, and Eschatology has some similarities as well. With ALL of this said, I have quite a journey ahead of me... I will keep you informed!

Lord, guide me in this Journey. Amen.

- Gabrielle

In His Beautiful Memory..

The follow is a video tribute to the slain Oscar Grant, May God rest his soul. We pray for JUSTICE, INSHALLAH ! JUSTICE FOR OSCAR GRANT! ..beware of the pigs!



For more information please visit: www.indybay.org/oscargrant

Ignited Hate ...Sigh...STILL?!!?

My friend brought this video to my attention. It is an illustration of bigoted hate brought to via the congress's GOP ...depressing. Apparently if Muslims work on capital hill its , " unnerving" and a threat to society. We're not allowed to lobby like EVERYONE ELSE on capital hill..pathetic really. We hope you despise this ignited hate.



-Sozit

The Beauty of Faith

The Ignited Beauty of Faith: ISLAM

Let me start by saying that I am by no means a theologian nor am I an Islamic scholar, but I am a Muslim who practices Islam on a daily basis. I will do my best to explain the beauty, the fundamentals of Islam and what it means to me.

What is Islam?

Islam consists of five basic pillars that are:

1. Proclamation of faith or the Shaddah; “ I proclaim that there is no God but God and Muhammad son of Abdullah is his last and final messenger.

2. Five daily prayers or Salat.

3. Zakat or Alms giving

4. Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan

5. Performing the Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca.

An important element is the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the final prophet of God, who we believe placed the seal on the monotheistic faith. We believe that NO prophets will be sent after him and he was sent for ALL of mankind. Therefore, he is loved and held to a high standard by all Muslims.

Now to discuss what about this faith seems to ignite my heart with humility?

It is no secret that my family has been immersed deeply in this faith for over a thousand years, and that of course has had a huge impact on the woman I am today. It is present in the choices I make, the people I surround myself with, and my daily behavior. One must understand Islam is not only a religion but also a lifestyle.

Islam is one of the three major monotheistic faiths of the world; the other two being Christendom and Judaism. All three faiths have much in common, but also differ…

For instance, we do not believe that Jesus ( pbuh) is divine but that he is a prophet of God but NOT the son of God. The idea of having God having a son is considered blasphemy in Islam. The Quran explains it here,

"Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how God makes His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!" (5:75).

"He [Jesus] said: 'I am indeed a servant of God. He has given me revelation and made me a prophet; He has made me blessed wheresoever I be; and He has enjoined on me prayer and charity as long as I live. He has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable. So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)!' Such was Jesus the son of Mary. It is a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is" (19:30-35).

Makes sense doesn’t it?

Equality

Another thing that I love about this religion is the emphasis on equality between all people, regardless of sex, race, or economic status. When you’re Muslim, you’re that first and that sort of mentality creates a unity. Not to say that all Muslims adhere to this, but it is fundamental part of Islam, equality among all people.

Modesty

Islam also encourages women to dress modestly, so that they are noticed for their minds instead of their physical beauty. However, western media has twisted this into an image of oppression. ß Simply not true. Nothing in Islam is forced. You only do because its what you believe is right. One must remember, Islam only requires you cover your hair, NOT your face. Unfortunately, much of what is culture is confused for faith. Although, I have not committed to covering my hair, I plan to do so soon, Inshallah (God willing).

Love

My favorite thing about this faith is the love, God’s love, compassion, and mercy that he has bestowed upon mankind. In Islam we are taught that God is the most forgiving and compassionate, and he will forgive and answer prayers that one comes to him with. Being able to go to God with one’s problems gives mankind hope, because knowing that one can absolved of their sins gives them the motivation to do better. Personally, knowing that if I honestly repent my sins and that God will forgive them makes me feel loved. And its an unconditional, eternal love.

In Islam I know that God is ALWAYS there to listen and forgive. ß This is the upper echelon of infinite love.

Also, in Islam God encourages love within family, and elevates family to the upmost importance. The Quran dictates that a child must obey their parents unless what the parents are asking goes against an Islamic belief. Illustrated in this statement made by the prophet Muhammad ( pbuh) when asked what would help one the most when trying to obtain a place in heaven.

“ Heaven is underneath the foot of your mother”

Beautifully said isn’t it?

In addition, Muslims look at one another as family and this sort of mentality encourages a strong community, or Ummah. This is expressed beautifully through the Muslim greeting, “ As Salaam Alykum” meaning, “may peace be upon you” ß an obvious expression of love, granting someone peace.

Islam is my foundation, my heart, and the light of my life. I am humbled to have been blessed enough to be apart of this faith. I hope that you may now understand why I have this faith to me is beautiful.

--Sozit