WHOO! The Democrats in Congress passed a bill! Healthcare for all! Awesome! Right? ...right?WHOO! The Democrats in Congress passed a bill! Healthcare for all! Awesome! Right?... more
[This in my opinion is a really interesting article to read, share, and debate over.]
If you happened to be present in the Anglican Church on London’s Trafalgar Square a few nights ago, you might believe it to be so.
Barclay’s Catholic CEO, John Varley, addressed a captive church audience, “If we fail to pay or are constrained from paying competitive rates then that talent will move to another employer.” Nothing is odd about that statement coming from a banking executive except that Varley was justifying bonuses on purely Christian principles.
In Varley’s view “Christianity and capitalism are compatible” because, “The injunction of Jesus to love others as ourselves is an endorsement of self-interest.”
Okay. Is he seriously tying Self-Interest to the Golden Rule? I wonder if Mr. Varley would have liked his 85 year-old mother to be tricked into a 30 year adjustable mortgage? I can’t be certain, but I don’t think predatory loans were what Jesus had in mind.
Varley’s speech is part of a concerted effort by London’s Christian Association of Business Executives to quell the growing rage against bankers. Also making the church rounds were Goldman Sachs’ International adviser Brian Griffiths and Lazard International Chairman Ken Costa.
Following a lecture at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a member of the congregation said, “People are very, very angry at the gross iniquity of rewards in society.” Griffiths responded with, “We have to tolerate the inequality as a way to achieving greater prosperity and opportunity for all.” He really said that? It’s kind of like the modern equivalent of “Let them eat cake.”
Before the financial crisis hit, John Paulson was just your run-of-the-mill hedge fund operator, worth millions of dollars. But when the market crashed, Paulson made billions. How he did it lies at the heart of a new book called The Greatest Trade Ever. The book's author, Gregory R. Zuckerman, offers his insight.
Well how about that?! Vitamin C: Your Daily Dose On China has just turned 50 years old! Half a century of existence, eh? And who would have thought we'd have made it this far? Well thankfully the more important story is China, and, moreover, where it finds itself exactly after 60 years of independent statehood. As today's "People's Republic" grows with characteristic blistering abandon, is that same PRC starting to fray apart at the seams, ethically and morally? In Episode 50, ADM recounts a common urban Chinese horror story and let me tell you, friends, it ain't pretty. As China surges ahead towards apparent superpower-dom, is the nation somehow checking and balancing itself? Are its citizens safe in their own cities? Is the country going to hell in a handcart, as people disregard their fellows' well-being with their only concerns revolving around the almighty yuan? And as cloying as it sounds: are Chinese citizens still nice to each other? You can decide for yourself at the end of this episode, and thanks again for watching. Looking foward to seeing you at 100!Well how about that?! Vitamin C: Your Daily Dose On China has just turned 50 years... more
Would you like a pro tip for getting people to part with their money, promoting ethical conduct or recruiting volunteers? Spray a few spritzes of citrus-scented Windex around. Because, according to a soon-to-be published study led by a Brigham Young University professor, people are more generous when they are in clean-smelling environments.Would you like a pro tip for getting people to part with their money, promoting... more
"Israel did more to safeguard civilians than any other army in history"Head of British forces in Afghanistan to the UN:
"Israel did more to safeguard... more
Life and the lessons it teaches are both truly amazing, as long as it is without having others intentionally out to teach "their" lessons. It is Life, itself that teaches the necessary lessons, usually in the most trying of times. But, It is the severity of the circumstances surrounding a lesson that allows understanding. Not only just the realization of said lesson, or understanding as to why, but also the knowledge it contains, which is found on a multitude of levels. Events occur the way that Life needs them to, and seeking an understanding will just cause more issues to arise. Understanding comes when an individual is ready for it, and not when one is seeking it. Life will provide the answers in ways that are unfamiliar, but when the time comes for an individual, they will immediately understand the lesson.
Without the severity of the circumstances that Life places around it's lesson, understanding would not be attainable. This is why it is not for individuals to commit acts of revenge, or to intentionally interfere with others lives. Everyone is on their own path, and to intentionally cause others to encounter or experience suffering is in itself an act of evil, Life is too short and complex to intentionally be adding more suffering, and by doing so is the work of evil. Good does not intentionally cause issues or pain, no matter what. The influence of evil must be overcome within ourselves, as change comes from within. The battles between Good and Evil are only found within each of us, and can be seen on a larger scale, as it is the balance between the two that creates what we see in society as a whole.
We can only change ourselves, and to engage in activities that aim at influencing others to be more like "us", is, in actuality, the unwillingness to accept differences in others. This could result in conflict, as it could be seen as "right vs. wrong" "more right than you" or an inflated ego. Judging others' morality based on being gay or having a different belief system, is also the unwillingness to accept differences that surround us. Justifying oneself or seeking validation would be just as sinful as that is someone who murders, Those that believe that they are more important or better than others, or believe that they are "Right" and others are "Wrong" or to trying to make others have the same view, irregardless of what strategy is being utilized for said purposes, are all ways that demonstrate the unwillingness to accept differences.
It is the failure to cherish the differences in others that causes the amount of suffering that we see in our world. And only by changing our individual ways of thinking will we be able to overcome suffering. Cherish all life, not just the people, but all of Life's creatures. Realize that universal knowledge is too vast and is composed of all things. Failure to do so will ultimately have the consequence of causing the fall of civilization as we know it. As it will be our differences that not only saves us, but allows all of us to become fully aware of how amazing life truly is.
---AnonymousLife and the lessons it teaches are both truly amazing, as long as it is without... more
Justice Antonin Scalia said the court needed to consider "the right of people who like cockfighting, who like dogfighting and who like bullfighting to present their side of the debate."
From AP:
Justice Antonin Scalia was having none of it. In the area of free speech, Scalia said, "it's not up to the government to decide what are people's worst instincts."
Scalia also pointed out that opponents of animal fighting may feel more free to use the images to express their views than proponents. "People who like bull fighting, who like dog fighting, who like cock fighting ... that side of the debate is entitled to make its point as forcefully as possible," he said.
Their "side of the debate"? "Entitled to make its point as forcefully as possible"? A Supreme Court justice thinks there's a debate about whether humans should be sadistically training animals to maim and kill each other for humans' amusement, about whether we should pit animals against each other and cheer and bet money on their suffering and gruesome, violent deaths.
A Supreme Court justice thinks that those who enjoy encouraging violence and inflicting extreme suffering on those more vulnerable are "entitled to make [their] point as forcefully as possible" by selling videos of that violence, to show how fun it really is.
You know what, Scalia? There are also people who truly believe that acts of pedophilia don't really hurt children. Should they be able to make their point "as forcefully as possible" too? Are their "rights" as people who like molesting children something we should consider when we make laws meant to protect children?
But according to these initial reports, it doesn't appear the other justices are falling all over themselves to stand up for animals either. No decision is expected until next year, but it doesn't look good. I'll be interested to read (and will pass along) the more detailed accounts of, and reactions to, what went on today later...Antonin Scalia thinks people's "right" to giddily watch animals rip each other apart... more
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Ya Sin. (1) By the wise Qur'an, (2) Lo! thou art of those sent (3) On a straight path, (4) A revelation of the Mighty, the Merciful, (5) That thou mayst warn a folk whose fathers were not warned, so they are heedless. (6) Already hath the word proved true of most of them, for they believe not. (7) Lo! We have put on their necks carcans reaching unto the chins, so that they are made stiff-necked. (8) And We have set a bar before them and a bar behind them, and (thus) have covered them so that they see not. (9) Whether thou warn them or thou warn them not, it is alike for them, for they believe not. (10) Thou warnest only him who followeth the Reminder and feareth the Beneficent in secret. To him bear tidings of forgiveness and a rich reward. (11) Lo! We it is Who bring the dead to life. We record that which they send before (them), and their footprints. And all things We have kept in a clear Register. (12)
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A young child who memorized the whole Quran from cover to cover
Did you know that there are millions of children who memorized the whole Quran from cover to cover .. Every year more than the number ..
Why and how they managed that!!
God says in the Qur'an:
(( And in truth We have made the Qur'an easy to remember; but is there any that remembereth? )) Al-Qamar (17)
ِAnd : Did you know that there are thousands memorized the whole Quran in Arabic and they are not of Arab origin .. And can not speak Arabic !!!Ya-Seen
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Ya Sin. (1) By the... more
They will ask thee of the mountains (on that day). Say: My Lord will break them into scattered dust. (105) And leave it as an empty plain, (106) Wherein thou seest neither curve nor ruggedness. (107) On that day they follow the summoner who deceiveth not, and voices are hushed for the Beneficent, and thou hearest but a faint murmur. (108) On that day no intercession availeth save (that of) him unto whom the Beneficent hath given leave and whose word He accepteth. (109) He knoweth (all) that is before them and (all) that is behind them, while they cannot compass it in knowledge. (110) And faces humble themselves before the Living, the Eternal. And he who beareth (a burden of) wrongdoing is indeed a failure (on that Day). (111) And he who hath done some good works, being a believer, he feareth not injustice nor begrudging (of his wage). (112) Thus we have revealed it as a Lecture in Arabic, and have displayed therein certain threats, that peradventure they may keep from evil or that it may cause them to take heed. (113)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
The Reality! (1) What is the Reality? (2) Ah, what will convey unto thee what the reality is! (3) (The tribes of) Thamud and A'ad disbelieved in the judgment to come. (4) As for Thamud, they were destroyed by the lightning. (5) And as for A'ad, they were destroyed by a fierce roaring wind, (6) Which He imposed on them for seven long nights and eight long days so that thou mightest have seen men lying overthrown, as they were hollow trunks of palm-trees. (7) Canst thou (O Muhammad) see any remnant of them? (8) And Pharaoh and those before him, and the communities that were destroyed, brought error, (9) And they disobeyed the messenger of their Lord, therefor did He grip them with a tightening grip. (10) Lo! when the waters rose, We carried you upon the ship (11) That We might make it a memorial for you, and that remembering ears (that heard the story) might remember. (12) And when the trumpet shall sound one blast (13) And the earth with the mountains shall be lifted up and crushed with one crash, (14) Then, on that day will the Event befall. (15) And the heaven will split asunder, for that day it will be frail. (16) And the angels will be on the sides thereof, and eight will uphold the Throne of thy Lord that day, above them. (17) On that day ye will be exposed; not a secret of you will be hidden. (18) Then, as for him who is given his record in his right hand, he will say: Take, read my book! (19) Surely I knew that I should have to meet my reckoning. (20) Then he will be in blissful state (21) In a high Garden (22) Whereof the clusters are in easy reach. (23) (And it will be said unto those therein): Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in past days. (24) But as for him who is given his record in his left hand, he will say: Oh, would that I had not been given my book (25) And knew not what my reckoning is! (26) Oh, would that it had been death! (27) My wealth hath not availed me, (28) My power hath gone from me. (29) (It will be said): Take him and fetter him (30) And then expose him to hell-fire (31) And then insert him in a chain whereof the length is seventy cubits. (32) Lo! He used not to believe in Allah the Tremendous, (33) And urged not on the feeding of the wretched. (34) Therefor hath he no lover here this day, (35) Nor any food save filth (36) Which none but sinners eat. (37) But nay! I swear by all that ye see (38) And all that ye see not (39) That it is indeed the speech of an illustrious messenger. (40) It is not poet's speech - little is it that ye believe! (41) Nor diviner's speech - little is it that ye remember! (42) It is a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds. (43) And if he had invented false sayings concerning Us, (44) We assuredly had taken him by the right hand (45) And then severed his life-artery, (46) And not one of you could have held Us off from him. (47) And lo! it is a warrant unto those who ward off (evil). (48) And lo! We know that some among you will deny (it). (49) And lo! it is indeed an anguish for the disbelievers. (50) And lo! it is absolute truth. (51) So glorify the name of thy Tremendous Lord. (52)Al-Haaqqa : Chapter 69
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
The... more
The section that Youtube viewers cried and asked translating the West
More than a million viewers ..
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Do you really have peace in your heart?
Are you truly happy in life?
Do you really know the purpose of your life?
Is that all that you do with your life play games, workout,talk on the phone about nothing, x-box,drugs, partying,listening to same song 100 times in your car, chasing girls,teasing boys, aren't you sick of this? Do you really want to be the old man or old women in the Club?
Aren't you ready to live your true purpose in life and work on your soul and truly have peace and purpose in life because you'll finally know your doing the right thing?
Watch this video with and open heart and an open mind and if your sincerely looking for peace and purpose in life this video will be your first step in attaining that true peace and purpose and at the end of it all the ultimate reward , Paradise.The section that Youtube viewers cried and asked translating the West
More than a... more
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Do you really have peace in your heart?
Are you truly happy in life?
Do you really know the purpose of your life?
Is that all that you do with your life play games, workout,talk on the phone about nothing, x-box,drugs, partying,listening to same song 100 times in your car, chasing girls,teasing boys, aren't you sick of this? Do you really want to be the old man or old women in the Club?
Aren't you ready to live your true purpose in life and work on your soul and truly have peace and purpose in life because you'll finally know your doing the right thing?
Watch this video with and open heart and an open mind and if your sincerely looking for peace and purpose in life this video will be your first step in attaining that true peace and purpose and at the end of it all the ultimate reward , Paradise.From inside the Mecca .. Reading Soorat Hood
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OMG! As if polluting the environment with toxins was not bad enough, Mattel, the makers of 'Barbie' dolls has hit an all new low.
Homeless in America available in 'White Eyelet Lace Dress with Embroidered Accents'
Presumably in order to make even more money than they must already be making, Mattel's American Girl - creator of obscenely pricey dolls that sell for up to $158, unless you want the bed for another $118 - is now marketing Gwen, a homeless doll.
For $95, you get Gwen, with aforementioned dress, long blond hair and back story of a dark secret - she and her mom, fallen on hard times, live in their car before making their vinyl way to a homeless shelter.
A $95 doll to cruelly celebrate the sorrowful fact that someone somewhere in this land of plenty will lose their home, according to Michael Moore, every 7 seconds.
IF ONLY the corporate giant, MATTEL had an ounce of empathy or compassion... they could donate ALL the profits from the sale of "Gwen" to homeless shelters and food banks, a kind & generous act that could actually HELP persons in need.
Mattel can be reached by telephone at :
(608.836.4848)
The Life of Cat Stevens and How he Became Muslim. This Documentary follows the life of Yusuf Islam, from his family background, early years through to the work he does today. It is a nice documentary which shows how a famous Pop Star became Muslim. His family and other people from the music industry are interviewed.
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May I suggest to the seeker of truth do the following NINE STEPS for purification of the mind:
Clean their mind, their heart and their soul real good.
Clear away all the prejudices and biases.
Read a good translation of the meaning of the Holy Quran in a language that they can understand best.
Take some time.
Read and reflect.
Think and pray.
And keep on asking the One who created you in the first place, to guide you to the truth.
Keep this up for a few months. And be regular in it.
Above all, do not let others who are poisoned in their thinking influence you while your are in this state of "rebirth of the soul."
The rest is between you and the Almighty Lord of the Universe. If you truly love Him, then He already knows it and He will deal with each of us according to our hearts.
Peace to you and Guidance from Allah the One Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.
thank you
abdullah basprenThe Life of Cat Stevens and How he Became Muslim. This Documentary follows the life of... more
Malcolm goes on the Hajj and finds True Islam. Malcolm Renounces his past with Nation of Islam and becomes a True Muslim following Sunni Islam. Malcolm talks about his experience on the hajj, and what it means to be a Muslim. He suprises everyone on his return from Makkah, and unfortunately just before he could make an even greater impact by calling people to Islam he was assassinated. May Allah bless him, one of the most important people in 20th Century Politics and American History.
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May I suggest to the seeker of truth do the following NINE STEPS for purification of the mind:
Clean their mind, their heart and their soul real good.
Clear away all the prejudices and biases.
Read a good translation of the meaning of the Holy Quran in a language that they can understand best.
Take some time.
Read and reflect.
Think and pray.
And keep on asking the One who created you in the first place, to guide you to the truth.
Keep this up for a few months. And be regular in it.
Above all, do not let others who are poisoned in their thinking influence you while your are in this state of "rebirth of the soul."
The rest is between you and the Almighty Lord of the Universe. If you truly love Him, then He already knows it and He will deal with each of us according to our hearts.
Peace to you and Guidance from Allah the One Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.
thank you
abdullah basprenMalcolm goes on the Hajj and finds True Islam. Malcolm Renounces his past with Nation... more
alks about How She As an Active Feminist Chose to Become Muslim
Yvonne Ridley Explains the Role of Women in Islam
Clears Misconceptions, She used to believe that the Quran advocated beating of women, subjudation and intolerance. However, when she actually looked in the Quran and read it, She became convinced it was truly a message from God. She left Church of England and Christianity to become a Muslim. She explains Islam quite well in this video and it is a recommended video to watch for anyone Muslim or non Muslim.Also She Critisises Muslim Haters like Irshad Manji.
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May I suggest to the seeker of truth do the following NINE STEPS for purification of the mind:
Clean their mind, their heart and their soul real good.
Clear away all the prejudices and biases.
Read a good translation of the meaning of the Holy Quran in a language that they can understand best.
Take some time.
Read and reflect.
Think and pray.
And keep on asking the One who created you in the first place, to guide you to the truth.
Keep this up for a few months. And be regular in it.
Above all, do not let others who are poisoned in their thinking influence you while your are in this state of "rebirth of the soul."
The rest is between you and the Almighty Lord of the Universe. If you truly love Him, then He already knows it and He will deal with each of us according to our hearts.
Peace to you and Guidance from Allah the One Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.
thank you
abdullah basprenalks about How She As an Active Feminist Chose to Become Muslim
Yvonne Ridley... more
Carolyne decided to become Muslim. Carolyne says> "if any human being doesnt question why we're here, then... i think there is something wrong in that.One part of me was saying that it might upset people if i did this, it got to the stage in January, three years ago, when i just thought i have to follow this, this is the right way. I like to identify myself as a muslim........ I do think i really should be covering my head......" She talks about how she first told her parents that she was Muslim. How and Why she became Muslim, as well as her thoughts on Hijab.
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See more in the (group):
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May I suggest to the seeker of truth do the following NINE STEPS for purification of the mind:
Clean their mind, their heart and their soul real good.
Clear away all the prejudices and biases.
Read a good translation of the meaning of the Holy Quran in a language that they can understand best.
Take some time.
Read and reflect.
Think and pray.
And keep on asking the One who created you in the first place, to guide you to the truth.
Keep this up for a few months. And be regular in it.
Above all, do not let others who are poisoned in their thinking influence you while your are in this state of "rebirth of the soul."
The rest is between you and the Almighty Lord of the Universe. If you truly love Him, then He already knows it and He will deal with each of us according to our hearts.
Peace to you and Guidance from Allah the One Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.
thank you
abdullah basprenCarolyne decided to become Muslim. Carolyne says> "if any human being doesnt question... more
this is a Spanish Muslim sister, she talks about Women's rights in Islam. This sister's name is Fatimah Milla - Rumayor. She is educated and bought up in Spain, she works as a linguist and is from Spain.
She points out some useful information about Islam and she addresses the misconceptions that many people have about Islam and the role of women in it.
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May I suggest to the seeker of truth do the following NINE STEPS for purification of the mind:
Clean their mind, their heart and their soul real good.
Clear away all the prejudices and biases.
Read a good translation of the meaning of the Holy Quran in a language that they can understand best.
Take some time.
Read and reflect.
Think and pray.
And keep on asking the One who created you in the first place, to guide you to the truth.
Keep this up for a few months. And be regular in it.
Above all, do not let others who are poisoned in their thinking influence you while your are in this state of "rebirth of the soul."
The rest is between you and the Almighty Lord of the Universe. If you truly love Him, then He already knows it and He will deal with each of us according to our hearts.
Peace to you and Guidance from Allah the One Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.
thank you
abdullah basprenthis is a Spanish Muslim sister, she talks about Women's rights in Islam. This... more
