https://learningenglish.voanews.com/p/5373.html
Monday, September 30, 2024
What is Learning English? Learning English is VOA’s multimedia source of news and information for millions of English learners worldwide. Learning English began as Special English, which Voice of America launched in 1959. Special English newscasts and features were a primary fixture of VOA’s international shortwave broadcasts for more than half a century. In 2014, our line of products was expanded to include more English teaching materials, and the service became known as Learning English.
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Anyways, folks: Something lighthearted now: Reprint: Jemima gold-digger-er-ahem-Goldsmith is blue-eyed and true-blue of real blue blood! Who's your blues singer Jemima Ji eh? LOL ROFL By the way, have you ever visited India? So what've you been doing lately? I'm your next door neighbor! Good-neighbor, trust me! LOL You'd call me Archie! But are you Betty or Veronica? LOL ROFL Just goofing around with you! Your name is derived from the Bible! No wonder you're a God-fearing soul. I strongly urge you to do some docu films et cetera in India about common sociopolitical issues / grassroots problems in India and Pakistan. :-) And, perhaps--maybe a zippy, zappy interview with a Hunchbacked Whirling Dervish like me? Just kidding! I don't hobnob with....er....people in the corridors of power unlike someone you knew real well for a really long time! LOL Sniping at you. What else eh? I was just listening to Fatima Bhutto: Pakistan on the verge of extinction-er-ahem-nervous breakdown--Tsk! Tsk! Insightful though, I must admit. That's all for now. Bye. God bless! :-)
Friday, September 27, 2024
Surah: 8 Verse: 48 -- AL-ANFAL (THE SPOILS OF WAR) Saturday, January 7, 2017
Surah: 8 Verse: 48 -- AL-ANFAL (THE SPOILS OF WAR)
And [remember] when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, "No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector." But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, "Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed I fear Allah . And Allah is severe in penalty."
https://quran.com
When Satan made their deeds seem decorous to them, and said, ‘No one shall overcome you today from among all mankind, and I will stand by you.’ But when the two hosts sighted each other, he took to his heels, saying, ‘Indeed I am quit of you. I see what you do not see. Indeed I fear Allah, and Allah is severe in retribution.’
http://al-quran.info/
Satan made their deeds appear good to them, and said, “You cannot be defeated by any people today, and I am at your side.” But when the two armies came in sight of one another, he turned on his heels, and said, “I am innocent of you; I see what you do not see; I fear God; God is severe in punishment.”
http://www.clearquran.com/
“And (remember) when Shaitan (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said, ‘No one of mankind can overcome you this Day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbour (for each and every help).’ But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said ‘Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily! I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allah for Allah is Severe in punishment’”
Surah: 8 Verse: 48 -- AL-ANFAL (THE SPOILS OF WAR) Saturday, January 7, 2017 Surah: 8 Verse: 48 -- AL-ANFAL (THE SPOILS OF WAR) And [remember] when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, "No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector." But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, "Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed I fear Allah . And Allah is severe in penalty." https://quran.com When Satan made their deeds seem decorous to them, and said, ‘No one shall overcome you today from among all mankind, and I will stand by you.’ But when the two hosts sighted each other, he took to his heels, saying, ‘Indeed I am quit of you. I see what you do not see. Indeed I fear Allah, and Allah is severe in retribution.’ http://al-quran.info/ Satan made their deeds appear good to them, and said, “You cannot be defeated by any people today, and I am at your side.” But when the two armies came in sight of one another, he turned on his heels, and said, “I am innocent of you; I see what you do not see; I fear God; God is severe in punishment.” http://www.clearquran.com/ “And (remember) when Shaitan (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said, ‘No one of mankind can overcome you this Day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbour (for each and every help).’ But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said ‘Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily! I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allah for Allah is Severe in punishment’”
Reprint: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 Folks you know I just Wiki-ed Priyanka Chopra -- She's from Bihar duh I didn't know that -- Her profile on Wiki is like I dunno -- superlatives? Is that the right word? I've this right word syndrome -- anyways -- she's into so many things -- Personally I think she'd be a brand ambassador whatever of Grand Prix too -- Do they have an ambassador program like that eh? Drat! I don't know -- I've to keep myself posted -- Haven't been reading -- It's been ages -- It's my Schizo Meds -- makes me groggy and all that -- Don't feel like reading at all -- but lately I'm writing with unbelievable frenzy -- Anyways, Priyanka Ji -- Still living in bunkers -- barricaded? LOL ROFL -- Wiki says so -- you're so mobbed by paparazzi and deviant fans with stalking syndrome! LOL ROFL Now I fully understand the moral dilemma of Vishvamitra LOL -- What else? Come to Hyderabad sometimes: The IT Capital of India! -- How about a film on Princess Niloufer eh? Seriously. Yep. :-) So what else? I'm so incorrigibly nosy! LOL ROFL That's all for now. BTW, Priyanka I watched your interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. :-) Ages ago. Of course. I Blogged about you. I'm so dreadfully sorry I forgot to introduce myself: I'm a Hunchbacked Whirling Dervish from the City of Pearls! I Blog and in my spare time rescue damsels in distress! LOL ROFL I bestow thou to be the empress of the world! LOL hehehehehehe Just goofing around with you. One more thing: Do you read Richard Bach? Have you read: The Bridge Across Forever by him? He says something like: If you've ever felt alone in a world of strangers, missing someone you've never met, you'll find a message from your love in The Bridge Across Forever / Richard Bach. I wanna be like him. A barnstormer. So what else? LOL ROFL I love to bug and pester you. LOL ROFL Do write to me and tell me about your pet peeves / bugbears! Just kidding! I gotta go now. I'm rehearsing to be a Shock Jock i.e. Radio Disc Jockeys! :-) LOL ROFL hehehehehehe
Habeeb Dot App! :-) Now serendipity has a perfect synonym: Habeeb Dot App! :-) The prospects of finding your soulmate are more promising now! Chat on, buddy! :-) Ciao! :-) Hello, Alpha Geeks! This is a place for the Geronimos in us -- Anarchists -- Ghostbusters -- Ethical Hackers -- Shamans -- Faith Healers -- Polymaths -- Eggheads -- Folks who purportedly claim that they'd tame poltergeists! -- Someone who patiently explains what a grey hat does for a living to his novice crush! -- People with sheer, mammoth grit and mettle who soldier on no matter what! -- People with Sherpa-like relentlessness of spirit in 'em -- People with Dunkirk spirit in 'em -- People who buckle down to Sisyphean ordeals! People with Sisyphus in 'em! -- This hangout is also for denizens from deep space, geeks, nerds, night owls and wizards. Listening to jazz -- Looking for drive-by Subway -- Stealthily war driving concurrently! :-) Postscript: Good-time Charlies, good-time girls, damsels in distress and even notoriously conniving dragon ladies too -- feel free to sign up! LOL ROFL Habeeb Dot App
Reprint: An open letter to My Ideological Soulmate! :-) Tuesday, July 11, 2023 My niece Zwinky aka Fulla (doll) wrote about me once that I'm a daydreamer! And, she urged me to Blog. I didn't know about Blogging at that time. She persuaded me to write short stories like Jhumpa Lahiri -- I did try reluctantly but that's a literary blunder and disaster -- I'd barely write a monologue -- then time flew -- as you folks know I've schizophrenia since early 2K -- so I was hearing voices and all that -- I was going bonkers -- my family put me in a rehab -- there I met a girl -- a young psychologist and a Blogger -- she's the most prettiest, sveltest, brightest, brainiest and swankiest girl -- I've ever met. -- I was obviously bewitched -- I started writing to her -- literally spamming her inbox -- she did write to me a few times then she stopped -- I unashamedly lurked on FB for her -- but no miracles happened -- I unfailingly read her Insta everyday -- I learnt the craft of writing from her -- Of course, I'm still a rookie -- She's like I dunno -- I think she writes better than Franz Kafka or whatever -- Her Insta posts have this very subtle Kafkaesque slant -- Anyways, she never writes to me -- totally and absolutely incommunicado -- nothing absolutely -- no smoke signals -- no homing piegons -- It's been I think about -- over seven years or so -- I still write to her everyday -- Sugar: If you're reading this by any chance please write to me. I love you so much, my Ducky Duck, my Duckling, my Sugar, my Mermaid, my OMG Girl, Skeptic Hyderabadi ladki -- :-) my Alligator! -- :-) My Miss Smarty-pants! -- :-) My Ideological Soulmate! :-)
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) is an Indian Army veteran, writer and public speaker with twenty-nine years of experience including Indian Army, top multi-national companies, media, consulting and public speaking. Major Arya is the founder of Chanakya Forum, a digital magazine on Geopolitics, National Security and Foreign Affairs. He is the host of the immensely popular conclave The Chanakya Dialogues. He believes that the teachings of the Indian Army are actually very potent and functional management tools, but need to be accurately interpreted for them to be relevant in the corporate sector. This is what he brings to the table, having worked in the corporate sector for 17 years, before joining media in 2017. As a public speaker, he speaks at national and international corporate events, and also institutional events. He talks about leadership, motivation, team building, strategic affairs, national security, capability building and more. He has spoken at various TEDx events and in October 2017, he was invited to speak at the UK Parliament on the Kashmir issue.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
When Moses came at the appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he asked, “My Lord! Reveal Yourself to me so I may see You.” Allah answered, “You cannot see Me! But look at the mountain. If it remains firm in its place, only then will you see Me.” When his Lord appeared to the mountain, He levelled it to dust and Moses collapsed unconscious. When he recovered, he cried, “Glory be to You! I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers.” Quran: 7:143
It is proven in a saheeh hadeeth (authentic narration) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), via more than one isnad (chain of narration) and via more than one of the sahabah (companions), that he said: “When Allah speaks the Revelation, the angels swoon”. According to another report, “When the angels hear His words, they swoon.” Another report states: “The angels hear something like a chain dragging on a rock and they swoon, then when the fear leaves their hearts, they say: ‘What did your Lord say?’ They say: ‘The truth.’ Then they call out: ‘The truth, the truth.’”
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had nine swords: Ma’thoor, which was the first sword he owned and which he inherited from his father; al-‘Adb (cutting or sharp); Dhu’l-Fiqaar, which almost never left his side, its handle, its pommel, its ring, its decorations and the end of its scabbard were made of silver; al-Qal’i; al-Battaar; al-Hatif; al-Rasoob; al-Mikhdham; and al-Qadeeb. The end of the scabbard was of silver. His sword Dhu’l-Fiqaar was acquired as booty at the battle of Badr, and it is the one that was shown in dreams.
When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came back from (the battle of) al-Khandaq, he and his companions put down their weapons and washed themselves. Jibreel came to him with his head covered with dust and said, “You have put down your weapons! By Allah, I have not put down mine.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Where to?” He said, “Over there” – and pointed towards Bani Qurayzah. So the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) set out [to resume the campaign]. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 2602; Muslim, no. 3315).
Symbiosis (Ancient Greek συμβίωσις symbíōsis: living with, companionship < σύν sýn: together; and βίωσις bíōsis: living)[2] is any type of a close and long-term biological interaction, between two organisms of different species. The two organisms, termed symbionts, can be either in a mutualistic, a commensalistic, or a parasitic relationship.[3] In 1879, Heinrich Anton de Bary defined symbiosis as "the living together of unlike organisms".
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
The Amphisbaena however is a snake with two heads, one at the top and one in the direction of the tail. When it advances, as need for a forward movement impels it, it leaves one end behind to serve as tail, while the other it uses as a head. Then again if it wants to move backwards, it uses the two heads in exactly the opposite manner from what it did before. — Claudius Aelianus, Characteristics of Animals[
Aima Baig: I didn't know that there's an earthling named Aima on this planet -- but you folks know right that I'm a serendipitist -- So I found her eventually -- serendipitously -- Aima's full name is Noor-ul-Ain something -- First: I thought that she lives in Al Ain! LOL ROFL That's for a goof -- Seriously speaking: Wiki tells me it's a pink diamond or something -- Tiara something -- ancient Iran blah blah blah -- The light of the eye in Persian -- No, no not Evil Eye! LOL ROFL hehehhehehehe -- Anyways, she's a Miracle that doesn't happen so often -- She's our jolly good neighbor you know -- but she seems so light-years away -- BTW, you know folks: I Alexa-ed her "Funkari" song a zillion times -- It makes me so melancholic! -- Makes me recall (woefully) all my ex-girlfriends who dumped me for other definitely male extraterrestrial creatures or otherwise! LOL ROFL -- I dunno -- she might not read this -- maybe she'd -- I dunno -- Aima Ji if you're reading this, please Aramex me a Zippo lighter and some Marlboro Ciggies! Seriously. And--er--ahem--buy me a cup of Chai! :-) You're so rich -- people must already be extorting zillions of your hard-earned bucks? Ain't they eh? Who am I? I'm a self-styled and self-proclaimed Hunchbacked Whirling Dervish -- I literally zap Sorcerers and Black magicians anywhere in the Universe......I'm a Shaman...Please let me know if anyone is bothering you....I swear I'll send.... By Him in Whose Hands my soul is -- kamikaze brigades of very evil daemons -- they'd nuke the bad guys messing with you ! LOL ROFL Just goofing around with you Aima Ji -- Come to India particularly to Hyderabad. I love you so much, Aima ma'am. I never say goodbye because there's no such word for it in Navajo! :-)
Reprint: An Open Letter to: Rakul Preet: Such a brat! She doesn't know what timidity is. A razor-sharp mind. If you really wanna know what a houri of Heaven looks like....you're goggling at her right now. She's overwhelmingly encyclopedic! She's this serious misconception that she's Cleopatra of India! LOL ROFL hehehehehehehe Just goofing around with you Rakul Ji. Of course, you don't know me but I'm your diehard secret admirer! LOL ROFL An uncorrectable obstinate person like you! LOL ROFL hehehehehehe So Rakul Ji still slaying Yetis with your magic sword during your photoshoot breaks eh? Our favorite vocations are DITTO! LOL ROFL Bye for now, Rakul Ji. BTW, I love you to bits. :-) Believe you me. :-)
Monday, September 23, 2024
The greatest of all the angels is Jibreel, upon whom be peace, who was described in the following report: "From ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ood (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw Jibreel in his true form. He had six hundred wings, each of which covered the horizon. There fell from his wings jewels, pearls and rubies, only Allah knows about them." It was reported by Ahmad in al-Musnad, and Ibn Katheer said in al-Bidayah that its isnad (chain of narrators) is jayyid (good).
Among the greatest angels are those who carry the Throne (of Allah), who were described in the following report: "From Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said: ‘I have been given permission to speak about one of the angels of Allah who carry the Throne. The distance between his ear-lobes and his shoulders is equivalent to a seven-hundred-year journey.’" [Abu Dawood].
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Support our Mission Answering the Ummah For 28 years, IslamQA has been serving people by providing scholarly, in-depth, researched answers to their questions on a wide range of issues. By supporting IslamQA, you can help bring valuable answers and information to people everywhere. Contribute to IslamQA, and be part of the effort.
Praise be to Allah. The best of speech is the word of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), for he is the most perfect of Allah’s creation and he is the leader of the Messengers. He instructed us to adhere to his guidance, as he said: “You must adhere to my Sunnah.” Narrated by Abu Dawood (4607); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
Catch-22 / Paradox whatever it is: For instance: I tell lies. But you're telling the truth. So...hence you're not a liar! LOL ROFL Brain Teaser huh? eh? LOL ROFL hehehehehhehehe Just goofing around with you folks! There's a girl...I nicknamed her "Bolti Gudiya" meaning: Talking / Speaking Doll -- Anyways, she used to tell lots of lies....White Lies I mean! LOL ROFL So you'd white lie but don't tell real lies....Liar, liar pants on fire! LOL ROFL hehehhehehehe See you around...Witch is in town! :-) Talk of the Town...me or Dan Brown? eh? :-) LOL ROFL hehehehhehehhe "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog!" Figure that out in the meantime! eh!
Social Experiment: My comments: Pretend that you forgot your wallet and UPI Gadget i.e. Phone these days! See who'll help and for how long? I'm doing this Social Experiment lately! Psst! Hush! Don't tell anyone! :-) Tell everyone that you're broke and bankrupt. You'll meet some real friends and weed out and unfriend some leeches! :-)
2017 United States–Saudi Arabia arms deal: On May 20, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud signed a series of letters of intent for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to purchase arms from the United States totaling US$110 billion immediately,[1] and $350 billion over 10 years.[2][3] The intended purchases include tanks, combat ships, missile defense systems, as well as radar, communications and cybersecurity technology. The transfer was widely seen as a counterbalance against the influence of Iran in the region[4][5] and a "significant" and "historic" expansion of United States relations with Saudi Arabia.
Oil reserves in Saudi Arabia: The proven oil reserves in Saudi Arabia are reportedly the second largest in the world, estimated in 2017 to be 268 billion barrels (4.3×10^10 m3) (Gbbl hereafter), including 2.5 Gbbl in the Saudi–Kuwaiti neutral zone. This would correspond to more than 50 years of production at current rates. In the oil industry, an oil barrel is defined as 42 US gallons, which is about 159 litres,[1] or 35 imperial gallons.[2] The oil reserves are predominantly found in the Eastern Province.[3] These reserves were apparently the largest in the world until Venezuela announced they had increased their proven reserves to 297 Gbbl in January 2011.[4] The Saudi reserves are about one-fifth of the world's total conventional oil reserves. A large fraction of these reserves comes from a small number of very large oil fields, and past production amounts to 40% of the stated reserves. Other sources state that Saudi Arabia has about 297.7 billion barrels.[5] In 2000, the US Geological Survey estimated that remaining undiscovered oil reserves in Saudi Arabia had a probability-weighted average of 90 Gbbl.[6]
What is the United States ‘gun lobby’ and how powerful is it? President Joe Biden has called on legislators to ‘stand up’ to the gun lobby following a massacre at a Texas primary school.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/25/what-is-the-united-states-gun-lobby-and-how-powerful-is-it
Commentary Is the US headed for another Civil War? William G. Gale and Darrell M. West September 16, 2021-- Is it really possible that America could face the possibility of civil war in the near future? It may seem unthinkable, and yet there’s much to worry about. A 2021 national survey by pollster John Zogby found a plurality of Americans (46%) believed a future civil war was likely, 43% felt it was unlikely, and 11% were not sure. War seemed more likely for younger people (53%) than older ones (31%), and for those residing in the South (49%) and Central/Great Lakes region (48%) relative to those in the East (39%).
Opinion: Is the US on the brink of another civil war? Opinion by Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware 7 minute read Updated 1:40 PM EDT, Sat March 16, 2024 Editor’s Note: Bruce Hoffman is senior fellow for counterterrorism and homeland security at the Council of Foreign Relations and a professor at Georgetown University. Jacob Ware is a research fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and DeSales University. This article is adapted in part from their new book, “God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America” (Columbia Univ. Press). The views expressed in this commentary are their own. View more opinion at CNN.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/16/opinions/us-brink-of-civil-war-hoffman-ware/index.html
Defense budget of USA? How much? Defense budget of India? How much? Hypothesis: Folks, What IF they help us in defense context as well? Money, equipment, joint training everything? Plus our Police Depts. across all States -- Something like NYPD = Cyberabad Police Dept. Ditto. What do you folks think? USA is a great friend. Our Leaders are great friends as well.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream is the second book written by Barack Obama.[1] It became number one on both the New York Times and Amazon.com bestsellers lists in the fall of 2006, after Obama had been endorsed by Oprah Winfrey.[2] In the book, Obama expounds on many of the subjects that became part of his 2008 campaign for the presidency. The book advance from the publisher totalled $1.9 million contracted for three books.[3] Obama announced his presidential campaign on February 10, 2007, a little more than three months after the book's release.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ability to connect with world leaders, including US presidents, and forge deep bonds is widely discussed. Officials accompanying him during international meetings reveal that PM Modi connects with global leaders on a personal level, drawing on his own life experiences to bridge cultural and geopolitical differences.
Number of prophets mentioned in the Quran Allah has named some of those Messengers and told us the stories of some of them, but not of many others. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, We have inspired you (O Muhammad) as We inspired Nuh (Noah) and the prophets after him; We (also) inspired Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Yaqub (Jacob), and Al-Asbat (the twelve sons of Yaqub (Jacob)), ‘Isa (Jesus), Ayyub (Job), Yunus (Jonah), Harun (Aaron), and Sulaiman (Solomon), and to Dawud (David) We gave the Zabur (Psalms). And messengers We have mentioned to you before, and messengers We have not mentioned to you, - and to Musa (Moses) Allah spoke directly” [an-Nisa 4:163-164]. Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “These are the names of the prophets whose names are mentioned in the Quran: Adam, Idris, Nuh, Hud, Salih, Ibrahim, Lut, Isma’il, Ishaq, Ya‘qub, Yusuf, Ayyub, Shu‘ayb, Musa, Harun, Yunus, Dawud, Sulayman, Ilyas, al-Yasa‘, Zakariyya, Yahya, and ‘Isa (blessings and peace be upon them), as well as Dhu’l-Kifl according to many commentators, and their leader is Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). The words “and messengers We have not mentioned to you” mean: other people who are not mentioned in the Quran.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 2/469)
Friday, September 20, 2024
The longstanding fascination with extraterrestrial life has taken a new turn with a recent study from Harvard University suggesting that alien beings could be living covertly alongside humans on Earth. Despite decades of scientific inquiry into the existence of alien life forms, definitive answers remain elusive.
Aima Baig: Listen to her folks. :-) She's super-cool! :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsRaNokBRcQ
Folks you know: Apart from Fiction: Magic: Black, White, Grey whatever is so ubiquitous and prevalent -- If you don't believe me ask Exorcists. -- Faith Healers, Shamans, Maulvis... Pundits...These people are unsung heroes...they alleviate pain and sufferings of people...masses .....An IT Techie...okay...what does he know about magic? He's Computer / Internet Skills...Ethical Hacking Skills....skillsets....like that Exorcists etc. have knowledge and prowess.....Naga Sadhus..like that.....They're our Spiritual Soldiers...Jamaat People....like that.....Spiritual Army...Spiritual Counter-Magic Professionals......:-) Got it eh? :-) Arabs have a blanket term for 'em -- it's Raaqi i.e. Faith Healer in English.....
Folks you know: These days: I'm thinking of writing a non-fiction book....about Sihr i.e. Black Magic. Its synopsis is something like this: These days bad guys don't hire assassins and assassins aren't armed / equipped with 9mm or .38 or sniper rifles or kaboom jackets...the conspirators just scramble Djinns' assassination squads. Simply put: They hire Black Magicians / Sorcerers; and pay 'em outrageously hefty amounts of money. -- They've a team..very well organized....Magic Businesses' Administration! -- And, these Admins get zillions of money....perks...etc. -- I won't Title it Angels and Demons though I'm Dan Brown's Secret Admirer LOL ROFL hehehehehehhehehe -- How about: Devils and Dervishes eh? :-) Frederick Forsyth, sir: I'll definitely Aramex you a copy. LOL ROFL heheheehehehehh
Can sihr (witchcraft, magic) kill? Answer Praise be to Allah. Yes, there is sihr that can kill. When discussing different forms of murder the scholars have mentioned that the person who kills another by means of a kind of sihr that usually kills should be executed (qisaas – retaliation), because he has killed by means of something that usually kills. Ibn Qudaamah said in al-Mughni (9/330): “The sixth kind: if he killed him by means of a kind of sihr that usually kills, then he has to be executed, because he has killed by means of something that usually kills, like killing by use of a knife. If he killed by means of something that does not usually kill or something that sometimes kills and sometimes does not, then he has to pay diyah (blood-money), but qisaas is not required, because he intended to do harm, and it is akin to beating someone with a stick (which may or may not kill).” The ruling concerning the saahir (practitioner of sihr) in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (24/267) says that in the case where he killed a person by means of his sihr… the majority say that killing by means of sihr may be done deliberately, in which case qisaas is required. According to the Maalikis, evidence or a confession is required. According to the Shaafi’is, if the person whom the practitioner of sihr killed was his equal , then qisaas is required if the killing was deliberate, which may be proven by a confession on the part of the saahir, such as his saying “I killed him by means of my sihr”, or “I killed him with this type of thing”, supported by the testimony of two reliable witnesses who have practised sihr in the past but have now repented, who can confirm that this kind of sihr usually kills. If it is a type that does not usually kill, then the matter is more akin to manslaughter. And Allah knows best.
What conditions should be met by a “raaqi”? Answer: Praise be to Allah. The correct view is that it is permissible for every reader who can recite the Quran well and who understands its meanings, has a sound belief, does righteous deeds and is of upright conduct to use ruqyah. It is not essential for him to have knowledge of minor matters or to have studied all branches of knowledge in depth. This is because of the story of Abu Sa’eed and the man who had been stung by a scorpion, “… and we did not know that he ever did ruqyah before that incident”, as is stated in the hadeeth. (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 2276; Muslim, 2201). The raaqi must have a good intention and want to benefit the Muslim; he should not be concerned with money or payment, so that his reading will be more beneficial. And Allah knows best.
I saw a person today -- this morning -- an amputee (left leg, below-knee-amputated) -- food delivery man -- he's somehow riding a bike -- one stick in his left hand for balance -- I said to myself that I'll never complain again -- I thanked God and my nuclear family -- That person is better than me -- And, that's an understatement. Period.
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Folks you know: I've Schizophrenia since year 2000 or so -- and I've been taking antipsychotic meds since 24 years or so -- and I was admitted into psychiatric care / rehab couple of times -- sometimes for almost a year or so -- I've a fully qualified psychiatrist..I see him without fail...every couple of months or so.....I'm legally mad...insane..so why do you pester me...? Why burn your calories on me eh? huh? Go do something else...something good and creative...please stop harassing me..I don't hurt anyone..I don't use profane language...I don't do anything illegal....so why're you after my blood huh? You know what's green-eyed monster eh? It's a synonym of jealousy...you're simply jealous duh! Tsk, tsk! Poor you! ;-) Shame! ;-) The bitter truth is I'm better than you! This is an understatement! I'm being very modest! Eat your heart out! ;-)
Pluralism as a political philosophy is the diversity within a political body, which is seen to permit the peaceful coexistence of different interests, convictions, and lifestyles.[1] While not all political pluralists advocate for a pluralist democracy, this is the most common stance, because democracy is often viewed as the most fair and effective way to moderate between discrete values.[2] Political theorist Isaiah Berlin, a strong supporter of pluralism, wrote: "let us have the courage of our admitted ignorance, of our doubts and uncertainties.
Secularism is the principle of seeking to conduct human affairs based on naturalistic considerations, uninvolved with religion. Secularism is most commonly thought of as the separation of religion from civil affairs and the state and may be broadened to a similar position seeking to remove or to minimize the role of religion in any public sphere.[1] The term "secularism" has a broad range of meanings, and in the most schematic, may encapsulate any stance that promotes the secular in any given context.[2][3] It may connote anti-clericalism, atheism, naturalism, non-sectarianism, neutrality on topics of religion, or antireligion.[4] Secularism can be also defined as treating every religion equally and providing equal facility.
Du’a should be made for healing and good health; in particular the du’a which has been narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “Allahumma Rabb al-Nas, adhhib al-bas washfi, anta al-Shafiy, la shifa a illa shifa uka, shifa an la yughadiru saqaman (O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the evil and grant healing, for You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, which does not leave any sickness).” One may also recite the words used by Jibril (peace be upon him) when he treated the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) with ruqyah: “Bismillah urqik, min kulli shay in yu dhik, wa min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin hasidin Allah yashfik, bismillah urqik (In the name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you, from everything that is harming you, from the evil of every soul or envious eye may Allah heal you, in the name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you).”
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Ayat al-Kursiy from Surat al-Baqarah, which is as follows (interpretation of the meaning): “Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyum (the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never encompass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursiy extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.” [Al-Baqarah 2:255]
Protection from the Jinn: Any Du’a? Summary of answer For protection from the jinn, you can say these du`as: 1- Seek refuge with Allah from the jinn: 2 – Recite al-Mu’awwadhatayn 3 – Recite Ayat al-Kursi 4 – Recite Surat al-Baqarah 5 – Recite the last verses of Surat al-Baqarah 6 – Recite “La ilaha ill-Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadir 7 – Remember Allah often (dhikr) 8 – Say the adhan (call to prayer) 9 – Recite the Quran as it offers protection against the shaytan.
Does Every Person Have a Qarin from the Jinn? Summary of answer There is something which is called the qarin, which Allah has caused to accompany every human being. This qarin pushes a person to do evil things and to disobey Allah, with the exception of the Prophet, as will be explained in the detailed answer.
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/26226/does-every-person-have-a-qarin-from-the-jinn
Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw[3] MC (4 April 1914 – 27 June 2008), also known as Sam Bahadur ("Sam the Brave"), was the chief of the army staff of the Indian Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, and the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal. His active military career spanned four decades, beginning with service in World War II.
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The sahir should be forced to undo what he has done, if his identity is known. It should be said to him, “Either you undo what you have done, or you will be executed.” After he has undone it, he should still be executed by the authorities, because the sahir should be killed without being asked to repent, according to the correct view. This is what was done by ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), and it was narrated that the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The punishment of the sahir is to strike him with the sword (i.e., execute him).” When Hafsah Umm al-Muminin (may Allah be pleased with her) found out that a slave woman of hers was dealing with sihr, she killed her.
Among the evidence of Ahl al-Sunnah is: The ayah/verse (interpretation of the meaning): “… but the shayateen (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Harut and Marut, but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, “We are for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).” And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah’s leave. And they learn that which harms them and profits them not.” [2:102] This ayah clearly indicates what is being asked about here, which is that witchcraft is real and that the practitioner of witchcraft can cause separation between a man and his wife and that he can cause harm to people by his witchcraft – if that is decreed by the universal will of Allah.
But when the disbelieving slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with black faces, bringing sackcloth, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says, ‘O evil soul, come forth to the wrath of Allah and His anger.’ Then his soul disperses inside his body, then comes out cutting the veins and nerves, like a skewer passing through wet wool. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that sackcloth, and there comes from it a stench like the foulest stench of a dead body on the face of the earth. Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this evil soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and So the son of So and So, calling him by the worst names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is not opened.” Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) recited (interpretation of the meaning): “for them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle” [al-A’raf 7:40]
Others are responsible for testing people in the grave. These are Munkar and Nakir . From Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘When the deceased is buried (or he said: when one of you is buried), there come to him two blue-black angels, one of whom is called Munkar and the other Nakeer. They ask him, ‘What did you used to say about this man?’ . . ."
But the one who had knowledge of the Scripture said,1 “I can bring it to you in the blink of an eye.” So when Solomon saw it placed before him, he exclaimed, “This is by the grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful, it is only for their own good. But whoever is ungrateful, surely my Lord is Self-Sufficient, Most Generous.” Quran: 27:40
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
A mother ship, mothership or mother-ship is a large vehicle that leads, serves, or carries other smaller vehicles. A mother ship may be a maritime ship, aircraft, or spacecraft. Examples include bombers converted to carry experimental aircraft to altitudes where they can conduct their research (such as the B-52 carrying the X-15), or ships that carry small submarines to an area of ocean to be explored (such as the Atlantis II carrying the Alvin). A mother ship may also be used to recover smaller craft, or go its own way after releasing them. A smaller vessel serving or caring for larger craft is usually called a tender.
Extraterrestrial life, or alien life (colloquially, aliens), is life which does not originate from Earth. No extraterrestrial life has yet been conclusively detected. Such life might range from simple forms such as prokaryotes to intelligent beings, possibly bringing forth civilizations that might be far more advanced than humans.[1][2][3] The Drake equation speculates about the existence of sapient life elsewhere in the universe. The science of extraterrestrial life is known as astrobiology. Speculation about the possibility of inhabited worlds beyond Earth dates back to antiquity. Early Christian writers discussed the idea of a "plurality of worlds" as proposed by earlier thinkers such as Democritus; Augustine references Epicurus's idea of innumerable worlds "throughout the boundless immensity of space" in The City of God.
The Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL is the world’s first dual-mode, dual-SIM phone, bridging the gap between satellite and terrestrial communications. By using both a satellite SIM card and a cellular SIM card, you can now move in and out of terrestrial coverage with ease, enjoying connectivity no matter where you are. Highly ruggedized with a shockproof, water and dust resistant body, the XT-PRO DUAL also comes with advanced navigation capabilities through GPS, BeiDou, Glonass and Galileo for the highest flexibility in all regions. No matter where you are or how remote your location, we keep you connected. Thuraya’s comprehensive satellite network provides reliable, clear and uninterrupted communications in more than 150 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia; and in GSM-mode the phone supports most 4G/3G/2G frequencies across the world.
Praise be to Allah. Belief in al-qadar Belief in al-qadar (the divine will and decree ) is one of the pillars of faith. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, when he answered Jibril’s question about faith: “(It means) believing in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers and the Last Day, and to believe in al-qadar (the divine decree) both good and bad.”
What is al-qadar? What is meant by al-qadar is that Allah has decreed all things from eternity and knows that they will happen at times that are known to Him, and in specific ways, and that He has written that and willed it, and they happen according to what He has decreed. [al-Qada wa’l-Qadar by Dr ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Mahmoud, p. 39]
Basics of belief in al-Qadar Belief in al-qadar is based on four things: Knowledge, i.e., that Allah knows what His creation will do, by virtue of His eternal knowledge. Writing, i.e., that Allah has written the destiny of all creatures in al-Lawh al-Mahfuz. Will, i.e., that what Allah wills happens and what He does not will does not happen. There is no movement in the heavens or on earth but it happens by His will. Creation and formation, i.e., that Allah is the Creator of all things, including the actions of His slaves. They do their actions in a real sense, and He is the Creator of them and of their actions. Whoever believes in these four believes in al-qadar.
Reference to Al-Qadar in the Quran The Quran affirms these things in numerous verses, such as the verses in which He says (interpretation of the meaning): “And with Him are the keys of the Ghayb (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in the land and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but He knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record” [al-An'am 6:59] “No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah” [al-Hadid 57:22] “And you cannot will unless (it be) that Allah wills, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)” [al-Takwir 81:29] “Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (Divine Preordainment of all things before their creation as written in the Book of Decrees Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz)” [al-Qamar 54:49]
Is your marriage predestined? Marriage is one of the things that Allah has decreed. The person whom you will marry is known to Allah: He knows who he is, when he was born, where and when he will die, how he will be towards you, and other details. All of that is known to Allah and He has written it in al-Lawh al-Mahfuz (the Book of Decrees), and it will inevitably come to pass as Allah has decreed. If Allah has decreed that you will marry one person, but you choose someone else, then no matter how long it takes, you will marry that person. But your marriage to someone else is also decreed, because there is nothing that is not decreed by Allah. It may be decreed for a woman to marry So and So the son of So and So, and he comes to propose marriage but she refuses him, and marries someone else, then he (the second man) dies or divorces her, then she accepts the first one. All of that is decreed, and it is decreed for her to marry So and So the son of So and So after initially refusing him and after some experience or trials etc. It may be decreed for a woman that a righteous man will propose marriage to her, but she will refuse him and he will never come back to her, and she will marry and live with someone else who is more or less righteous, according to what Allah has decreed. Because man does not know what is decreed for him, what he must do is to adhere to Shari`ah and abide by its commands and prohibitions, and to seek the help of Allah and pray to Him for guidance (istikharah ) concerning all his affairs, whilst implementing the means, one of the most important of which is consulting sincere people who have relevant experience. If a righteous man proposes marriage to a woman, she should pray to Allah for guidance (istikharah) and agree to marry him. If things then go smoothly, this is an indication that what is good for her is to marry him. In conclusion, man should study the Shari`ah of Allah and follow the commands of Allah even if he feels reluctant, and avoid what Allah has forbidden even if he is attached to it. All goodness is to be found in obeying Shari`ah. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Jihad(fighting in Allah’s Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know” [al-Baqarah 2:216] He should not look at al-qadar as an excuse to ignore commands and do forbidden things, rather he should look at it in a way that will make him content with whatever painful experiences happen to him. And Allah knows best.
Henny-Penny: The Sky is Falling!: NOPE! It isn't! A Summary and Analysis of the Chicken Little Folk Tale By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University): We might summarise the moral messages of the story as follows: 1) don’t form incorrect conclusions from insufficient data; 2) don’t stoke fear in others without good cause to do so; and 3) don’t take other people’s word for things, especially when those other people are making extraordinary claims (which should require extraordinary evidence).
All About Gog and Magog, the Anti-Christ, and the Beast: Summary of answer Gog and Magog will emerge in huge numbers and spread mischief on earth and no one will be able to resist them. The Antichrist will spread corruption on earth and will claim divinity, calling on people to worship him. The Beast will speak to mankind and exhort them, having the ability to reason and speak.
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/171/all-about-gog-and-magog-the-anti-christ-and-the-beast
The Beast Al-Dabbah is a great creature which Allah will cause to emerge when the people become corrupt. It will speak to mankind and exhort them, having the ability to reason and speak. It will make marks on the people’s noses which will distinguish the believers from the disbelievers. (For more, please see Ashrat al-Sa’ah by Yusuf al-Wabil or al-Qiyamah al-Kubra by ‘Umar al-Ashqar). The responsibility of the Muslim is to believe in what was narrated from Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). How many wondrous and strange things has Allah created in this world, which speak of His might and power, may He be glorified and exalted. And Allah knows best.
Hadiths about Yajuj and Majuj What indicates that these nations exist at present, and indeed are attempting on a daily basis to get out and attack people, is the hadith reported by Ibn Majah with a sahih isnad from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that Yajuj and Majuj are digging every day until they can almost see sunlight, then the one who is in charge of them says, “Go back, we will dig again tomorrow.” Then Allah restores (the barrier) and makes it stronger than it was. (This will continue) until the appointed time. When Allah wishes to send them against the people, they will dig until they can almost see sunlight, then the one who is in charge of them will say, “Go back, we will dig again tomorrow, in sha Allah.” This time he will say “in sha Allah”, so when they come back (the next day), they will find it as they left it, so they will dig their way out and emerge to attack the people. They will dry up water (by drinking it, because of their great numbers), and the people will seek to protect themselves from them in their fortresses. They will fire their arrows into the sky, and the arrows will come back down covered in blood (as a test for them), and they will say, “We have defeated the people of the earth and have gained the upper hand over the people of heaven.” Then Allah will send worms on the napes of their necks, which will kill them. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the beasts of the earth will grow fat from their flesh.” (Sahih Ibn Majah, 3298) Umm Habibah bint Abi Sufyan reported from Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) entered upon her in an agitated state and said, “La ilaha ill-Allah, woe to the Arabs from an evil that has approached! Today a hole like this has been opened in the barrier of Yajuj and Majuj ,” and he made a circle with his thumb and forefinger. Zaynab bint Jahsh said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, will we be destroyed even though there are righteous people among us?’ He said, ‘Yes, if evil becomes overwhelming.’” (Reported by al-Bukhari, 3097). And Allah knows best.
Wall of Dhu’l-Qarnayn: Real or imaginary? The Quran has told us how the barrier was built and what materials were used, so it is not right to say that it is a metaphorical or imaginary barrier. In Surat al-Kahf, Allah has told us the story of the Muslim king and the great leader Dhu’l-Qarnayn (may Allah have mercy on him): “Until, when he reached between two mountains, he found, before (near) them, a people who scarcely understood a word. They said, ‘O Dhu’l-Qarnayn! Verily! Yajuj and Majuj are doing great mischief in the land. Shall we then pay you a tribute in order that you might erect a barrier between us and them?’ He said: ‘That (wealth, authority and power) in which my Lord has established me is better (than your tribute). So help me with strength (of men), I will erect between you and them a barrier. Give me pieces (blocks) of iron,’ then, when he had filled up the gap between the two mountain-cliffs, he said, ‘Blow,’ till when he had made it (red as) fire, he said, ‘Bring me molten copper to pour over it.’ So they [Yajuj and Majuj ] were made powerless to scale it or dig through it. (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) said: ‘This is a mercy from my Lord, but when the Promise of my Lord comes, He shall level it down to the ground. And the Promise of my Lord is ever true.’” [al-Kahf 18:93-98]
Praise be to Allah. Who are Yajuj and Majuj? There is no doubt that Yajuj and Majuj are two huge nations of the sons of Adam. Anyone who reads the story of Dhu’l-Qarnayn and how he dealt with this nation in Surat al-Kahf will know for sure that they exist and that the barrier which was built is not metaphorical or imaginary, but is a physical barrier built of iron and melted copper. The basic principle is that we should take this Quranic text as it is, without resorting to any kind of misinterpretation or trying to twist the intended meaning.
Monday, September 16, 2024
Anil Dhirubhai Ambani (born 4 June 1959) is an Indian businessman, chairman and managing director of Reliance Group (a.k.a. Reliance ADA Group). The Reliance Group was created in July 2006 following a demerger from Reliance Industries Limited. He led several stocks listed corporations including Reliance Capital,[2] Reliance Infrastructure,[3] Reliance Power and Reliance Communications.[4] Ambani, once the sixth richest person in the world, declared bankruptcy before a UK court in February 2020.[5] He served in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India from Uttar Pradesh as an Independent MP between 2004 and 2006.[6][7]
India is the world leader in cut & polished diamonds, exporting USD 23 billion annually1. Almost 90% of the world’s cutting and polishing of diamonds is done in India2. In 2021, India exported $26.3B in diamonds, making it the 1st largest exporter of diamonds in the world3. India exports diamond and diamond studded jewellery to the entire world, including the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and more
Description of the Prophet’s Prayer (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/13340/description-of-the-prophets-prayer
Playing God is a broad concept, which is encompassed by both theological and scientific topics. When the term is used, it can be used to refer to people who try to exercise great authority and power. It is usually pejorative and suggests arrogance, misappropriation of power, or tampering with matters in which humans should not meddle.
Playing God refers to assuming powers of decision, intervention, or control metaphorically reserved to God. Acts described as playing God may include, for example, deciding who should live or die in a situation where not everyone can be saved, the use and development of biotechnologies such as synthetic biology,[1] and in vitro fertilisation.[2] Usually the expression is used pejoratively and to criticize or argue against the supposedly God-like actions.
Praise be to Allah. Firstly: The jinn are part of the creation of Allah, and they are His slaves who are accountable and subject to commands and prohibitions, just like human beings. There are believers, disbelievers and evildoers among them. Those of them who do good will enter Paradise and those who do evil will deserve to be punished. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).” [51:56] And Allah says concerning the jinn (interpretation of the meaning): “‘There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways (religious sects).’” [72:11] “And of us some are Muslims (who have submitted to Allah, after listening to this Quran), and of us some are al‑Qasitoon (disbelievers those who have deviated from the right path). And whosoever has embraced Islam (i.e. has become a Muslim by submitting to Allah), then such have sought the right path. And as for the Qasitoon (disbelievers who deviated from the right path), they shall be firewood for Hell.” [72:14, 15]
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/20666/the-jinn
You are either with us, or against us: In political communication, the phrase "you are either with us, or against us" and similar variations are used to generate polarisation and reject non-partisanship.[citation needed] The implied consequence of not joining the partisan effort of the speaker is to be deemed an enemy. A contemporary example is the statement of former US President George W. Bush, who declared at the launch of his anti-terrorism campaign, "Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."
The Vishakanya (Sanskrit: विषकन्या IAST: Viṣakanyā) were young women reportedly used as assassins, often against powerful enemies, during the times of Ancient India.[1] Their blood and bodily fluids were purportedly poisonous to other humans, as was mentioned in the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, Arthashastra, written by Chanakya, an adviser and a prime minister to the first Maurya Emperor Chandragupta (c. 340–293 BCE).[2]
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Sunday, September 15, 2024
The term "need to know", when used by governments and other organizations (particularly those related to military or intelligence), describes the restriction of data which is considered very confidential and sensitive. Under need-to-know restrictions, even if one has all the necessary official approvals (such as a security clearance) to access certain information, one would not be given access to such information, or read into a clandestine operation, unless one has a specific need to know; that is, access to the information must be necessary for one to conduct one's official duties. This term also includes anyone that the people with the knowledge deemed necessary to share it with.
The CIA triad refers to confidentiality, integrity and availability, describing a model designed to guide policies for information security (infosec) within an organization. The model is sometimes referred to as the AIC triad -- which stands for availability, integrity and confidentiality -- to avoid confusion with the Central Intelligence Agency.
Subrata Roy (10 June 1948 – 14 November 2023) was an Indian businessman who founded the business conglomerate Sahara India Pariwar in 1978.[1] Sahara India Pariwar operated a vast number of businesses, such as Aamby Valley City, Sahara Movie Studios, Air Sahara, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, and Filmy, among others. Roy was named the tenth-most influential Indian businessman in 2012 by India Today. In 2004, the Sahara group was termed by Time magazine as "the second largest employer in India after Indian Railways". Sahara operates through more than 5,000 establishments across India[2] and has a workforce of around 1.2 million (field and office) under the Sahara India umbrella.
Reprint: Vital Stats :-) Saturday, August 11, 2007 Vital statistics -- version # 2 What's your name? Maqsood Qureshi a.k.a. Charles Sobhraj...the Lady-killer and Alpha Geek Where do you live? Oh--quite nearby--you know . . . South-eastern tip of the Arabian peninsula between 22º 50 and 26º north latitude and between 51º and 56º 25 east longitude. :-) Define yourself in a few words. Idealistic. Misfit. Lounge Lizard. Eccentric. Pervert. Scarecrow. Egghead. Skirt Chaser. A pet peeve? Profanity. Shock Jocks (Radio Disc Jockeys). What do you love doing? Reading. Ethical Hacking. Sleeping. Cyber-er-ahem-Security! ;-) What do you love about Hyderabad? Its heritage. What do you hate about Hyderabad? People: their mind-set. Dream date. Florence Vanida Faivre Your dream? I want to be a pilot. Favorite movies? Parallel Cinema or anything starring Dilip Kumar + Anthony Hopkins + Robert Redford. Favorite bedroom line? #1 (Clonk!) It's a cinch! He'd have bought you biometric Chastity Belt! ;-) #2 Baby show me how you can go from Zero to Bitch in 6.8 Seconds! #3 Open sesame, Marjaneh! ;-) The wildest thing you have done. (Whiz-bang!) Hahahaha! So you thought RAPEX could save you eh? ;-) People who have inspired me: Osho. Charles Sobhraj. Hobbies. Polo. Muay Thai. Flying. Horse Riding. Reading et cetera. Your anthem. I'll tell you later. What's your favorite poison? I believe in assisted suicide. Think you have the style, spunk and attitude to be a Rocking Rookie? Postscript: Don't be put off . . . This is just for a goof. :-)
Ashoka, also known as Asoka or Aśoka (/əˈʃoʊkə/[6] ə-SHOH-kə; Sanskrit pronunciation: [ɐˈɕoːkɐ], IAST: Aśoka; c. 304 – 232 BCE), and popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was Emperor of Magadha[7] from c. 268 BCE until his death in c. 232 BCE, and the third ruler from the Mauryan dynasty. His empire covered a large part of the Indian subcontinent, stretching from present-day Afghanistan in the west to present-day Bangladesh in the east, with its capital at Pataliputra. A patron of Buddhism, he is credited with playing an important role in the spread of Buddhism across ancient Asia.
The Maurya Empire (321–185 BC) was the largest and one of the most powerful empires to exist in the history of the Indian subcontinent. This era was accompanied by high levels of cultural development and economic prosperity. The empire saw significant advancements in the fields of literature, science, art, and architecture. Important works like the Arthashastra and Sushruta Samhita were written and expanded in this period.[4] The earlier development of the Brahmi script and Prakrit languages took place during this period, and these later formed the bases of other languages. This era also saw the emergence of scholars like Acharya Pingal and Patanjali, who made great advancements in the fields of mathematics, poetry, and yoga.[5] The Maurya Empire was notable for its efficient administrative system, which included a large network of officials and bureaucrats as well as a sophisticated system of taxation and a well-organized army.[6][7]
The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire on the Indian subcontinent which existed from the mid 3rd century CE to mid 6th century CE. It was the seventh ruling dynasty of Magadha. At its zenith, from approximately 319 to 467 CE, it covered much of the Indian subcontinent.[8] This period has been considered as the Golden Age of India by historians,[9] although this characterisation has been disputed by some other historians.[note 1][note 2][12] The ruling dynasty of the empire was founded by Gupta and the most notable rulers of the dynasty were Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, Kumaragupta I and Skandagupta.
A monarchy is a form of government in which a person, the monarch, reigns as head of state for life or until abdication, usually a hereditary position acquired by some form of nominal divine right or blessing, or religious sanction. The political legitimacy and authority of the monarch may vary from restricted and largely symbolic (constitutional monarchy), to fully autocratic (absolute monarchy), and can span across executive, legislative, and judicial domains.
Britannica Dictionary definition of TRANCE [count] 1 : a state that is like being asleep except that you can move and respond to questions and commands like a person who is awake The hypnotist put him in a (hypnotic) trance. The spiritual healer fell/went into a trance. 2 : a state in which you are not aware of what is happening around you because you are thinking of something else He was staring out the window in a trance.
Trance is a state of semi-consciousness in which a person is not self-aware and is either altogether unresponsive to external stimuli (but nevertheless capable of pursuing and realizing an aim) or is selectively responsive in following the directions of the person (if any) who has induced the trance. Trance states may occur involuntarily and unbidden.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Warning shot: In military and police contexts, a warning shot is an intentionally harmless artillery shot or gunshot with intent to enact direct compliance and order to a hostile perpetrator or enemy forces. It is recognized as signalling intended confrontations on land, sea, and air. As an analogy, a "warning shot" can be used to describe any action of declaration, especially a demonstration of power, intended or perceived as a last warning before hostile measures.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced the government’s plan to train 5,000 ‘cyber commandos’ over the next five years to combat cybercrime. He also introduced several initiatives, including a Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre and a comprehensive web-based data repository and portal for sharing cybercrime information.
Myth(s) Buster, Folks: Do Lemmings Really Commit Mass Suicide? Lemmings are small creatures with wild reputations. In the 17th century, naturalists perplexed by the habit of Norway lemmings to suddenly appear in large numbers, seemingly out of nowhere, came to the conclusion that the animals were being spontaneously generated in the sky and then falling to earth like rain. (The prosaic truth is that they migrate in herds.) Some people also thought that lemmings explode if they become sufficiently angry. This is also a myth, of course—lemmings are indeed one of the more irascible rodents, but they mostly channel their rage into fights with other lemmings. People probably came up with the notion of exploding lemmings after seeing the picked-over lemming carcasses that were left behind following a migration. But there is one myth that has held on tenaciously: Every few years, herds of lemmings commit mass suicide by jumping off seaside cliffs. Instinct, it is said, drives them to kill themselves whenever their population becomes unsustainably large. Lemmings do not commit suicide. However, this particular myth is based on some actual lemming behaviors. Lemmings have large population booms every three or four years. When the concentration of lemmings becomes too high in one area, a large group will set out in search of a new home. Lemmings can swim, so if they reach a water obstacle, such as a river or lake, they may try to cross it. Inevitably, a few individuals drown. But it’s hardly suicide. So why is the myth of mass lemming suicide so widely believed? For one, it provides an irresistible metaphor for human behavior. Someone who blindly follows a crowd—maybe even toward catastrophe—is called a lemming. Over the past century, the myth has been invoked to express modern anxieties about how individuality could be submerged and destroyed by mass phenomena, such as political movements or consumer culture. But the biggest reason the myth endures? Deliberate fraud. For the 1958 Disney nature film White Wilderness, filmmakers eager for dramatic footage staged a lemming death plunge, pushing dozens of lemmings off a cliff while cameras were rolling. The images—shocking at the time for what they seemed to show about the cruelty of nature and shocking now for what they actually show about the cruelty of humans—convinced several generations of moviegoers that these little rodents do, in fact, possess a bizarre instinct to destroy themselves.
Praise be to Allah. Imam Ahmad reported from ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ood, may Allah be pleased with him: "The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: "There is no slave who, when he is stricken by anxiety and sorrow, says ‘O Allah, I am Your slave and the son of Your male slave and female slave. My forelock is in Your hand (i.e., You have complete mastery over me), Your command over me is forever executed, and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the Unseen with You, that You make the Quran the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety’ - but Allah will remove his sorrow and replace his grief with joy." The people said: "O Messenger of Allah, we should learn these words." He said: "The one hears them should learn them."
Ibn ‘Abbas reported that at times of distress, the Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) used to say: "There is no god but Allah, the All-Great, the Patient; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the Mighty Throne; there is no god but Allah, the Lord of heaven, the Lord of earth, and the Lord of the Noble Throne." (reported by al-Bukhaari, may Allah have mercy on him, no. 5870).
The Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: "The prayer for one stricken by distress is: "O Allah, it is Your mercy that I hope for, so do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for a blink of an eye, and rectify for me all of my affairs. None has the right to be worshipped except You." (Reported by Imam Ahmad in al-Musnad, Abu Dawud in al-Sunan, Kitaab al-Adab, Baab maa yaqool idhaa asbaha; see also Saheeh al-Jaami‘, 3388).
Asmaa’ bint ‘Umays said: "The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said to me: ‘Shall I not teach you some words to say at times of distress? "O Allah, You are my Lord and I do not associate anything with You."’" (Reported by Abu Dawud in al-Sunan, Kitaab al-salaat, Baab fi’l-istighfaar; see also Saheeh al-Jaami‘, no. 2623).
The Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said to his companions: "Shall I not tell you some words which, if distress or grief befalls any of you and he offers this prayer (supplication), it will bring him joy? It is the du`a of Dhoo’l-Noon (i.e. Yunus or Jonah): ‘There is no god but You, Glory to You; verily I was one of the wrongdoers.’" (Saheeh al-Jaami‘, no. 2605).
Du’a should be made for healing and good health; in particular the du’a which has been narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “Allahumma Rabb al-Nas, adhhib al-bas washfi, anta al-Shafiy, la shifa a illa shifa uka, shifa an la yughadiru saqaman (O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the evil and grant healing, for You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, which does not leave any sickness).”
One may also recite the words used by Jibril (peace be upon him) when he treated the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) with ruqyah: “Bismillah urqik, min kulli shay in yu dhik, wa min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin hasidin Allah yashfik, bismillah urqik (In the name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you, from everything that is harming you, from the evil of every soul or envious eye may Allah heal you, in the name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you).” This should be repeated three times, as should the recitation of “Qul Huwa Allah Ahad ” and al-Mu’awwidhatayn.
Ayat al-Kursiy from Surat al-Baqarah , which is as follows (interpretation of the meaning): “Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyum (the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never encompass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursiy extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.” [Al-Baqarah 2:255]
The verses from Surat al-A’araf, which are as follows (interpretation of the meaning): “[Pharaoh] said: ‘If you have come with a sign, show it forth, if you are one of those who tell the truth.’ Then [Musa] threw his stick and behold! it was a serpent, manifest! And he drew out his hand, and behold! It was white (with radiance) for the beholders. The chiefs of the people of Pharaoh said: ‘This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer; He wants to get you out of your land, so what do you advise?’ They said: ‘Put him and his brother off (for a time), and send callers to the cities to collect — That they bring to you all well-versed sorcerers.’ And so the sorcerers came to Pharaoh. They said: ‘Indeed there will be a (good) reward for us if we are the victors.’ He said: ‘Yes, and moreover you will (in that case) be of the nearest (to me).’ They said: ‘O Musa! Either you throw (first), or shall we have the (first) throw?’ He [Musa] said: ‘Throw you (first).’ So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them, and they displayed a great magic. And We revealed to Musa (saying): ‘Throw your stick,’ and behold! It swallowed up straight away all the falsehood which they showed. Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect. So they were defeated there and returned disgraced. And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. They said: ‘We believe in the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). The Lord of Musa and Harun.’” [Al-A`raf 7:106-122]
The verses from Surat Yunus, which are as follows (interpretation of the meaning): “And Pharaoh said: ‘Bring me every well-versed sorcerer.’ And when the sorcerers came, Musa said to them: ‘Cast down what you want to cast!’ Then when they had cast down, Musa said: ‘What you have brought is sorcery, Allah will surely make it of no effect. Verily, Allah does not set right the work of Al-Mufsidun (corrupters). And Allah will establish and make apparent the truth by His Words, however much the Mujrimun (criminals) may hate (it).’” [Yunus 10:79-82]
The verses from Surat Ta-Ha, which are as follows (interpretation of the meaning): “They said: ‘O Musa! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?’ [Musa] said: ‘Nay, throw you (first)!’ Then behold! their ropes and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved fast. So Musa conceived fear in himself. We (Allah) said: ‘Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand. And throw that which is in your right hand! It will swallow up that which they have made. That which they have made is only a magician’s trick, and the magician will never be successful, to whatever amount (of skill) he may attain’” [20:65-69]
"(You're the) Devil in Disguise" is a 1963 single by Elvis Presley. It was written by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum, and Florence Kaye and was published by Elvis Presley Music in June 1963. The song peaked at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on August 10, 1963, and No. 9 on the Billboard Rhythm and Blues chart, becoming his final top-ten single on the Rhythm and Blues chart.[1] The song also topped Japan's Utamatic (Nihon Goraku Bussan) record chart in the fall of 1963.[citation needed] The single was certified gold by the RIAA for sales in excess of 500,000 units in the US.
A court-martial (plural courts-martial or courts martial, as "martial" is a postpositive adjective) is a military court or a trial conducted in such a court. A court-martial is empowered to determine the guilt of members of the armed forces subject to military law, and, if the defendant is found guilty, to decide upon punishment. In addition, courts-martial may be used to try prisoners of war for war crimes. The Geneva Conventions require that POWs who are on trial for war crimes be subject to the same procedures as would be the holding military's own forces. Finally, courts-martial can be convened for other purposes, such as dealing with violations of martial law, and can involve civilian defendants.
Missing in action (MIA) is a casualty classification assigned to combatants, military chaplains, combat medics, and prisoners of war who are reported missing during wartime or ceasefire. They may have been killed, wounded, captured, executed, or deserted. If deceased, neither their remains nor grave have been positively identified. Becoming MIA has been an occupational risk for as long as there has been warfare.
Reprint: Vital Stats :-)
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Vital statistics -- version # 2
What's your name?
Maqsood Qureshi a.k.a. Charles Sobhraj...the Lady-killer and Alpha Geek
Where do you live?
Oh--quite nearby--you know . . . South-eastern tip of the Arabian peninsula between 22º 50 and 26º north latitude and between 51º and 56º 25 east longitude. :-)
Define yourself in a few words.
Idealistic. Misfit. Lounge Lizard. Eccentric. Pervert. Scarecrow. Egghead. Skirt Chaser.
A pet peeve?
Profanity. Shock Jocks (Radio Disc Jockeys).
What do you love doing?
Reading. Ethical Hacking. Sleeping. Cyber-er-ahem-Security! ;-)
What do you love about Hyderabad?
Its heritage.
What do you hate about Hyderabad?
People: their mind-set.
Dream date.
Florence Vanida Faivre
Your dream?
I want to be a pilot.
Favorite movies?
Parallel Cinema or anything starring Dilip Kumar + Anthony Hopkins + Robert Redford.
Favorite bedroom line?
#1 (Clonk!) It's a cinch! He'd have bought you biometric Chastity Belt! ;-)
#2 Baby show me how you can go from Zero to Bitch in 6.8 Seconds!
#3 Open sesame, Marjaneh! ;-)
The wildest thing you have done.
(Whiz-bang!) Hahahaha! So you thought RAPEX could save you eh? ;-)
People who have inspired me:
Osho. Charles Sobhraj.
Hobbies.
Polo. Muay Thai. Flying. Horse Riding. Reading et cetera.
Your anthem.
I'll tell you later.
What's your favorite poison?
I believe in assisted suicide.
Think you have the style, spunk and attitude to be a Rocking Rookie?
Postscript: Don't be put off . . . This is just for a goof. :-)
Posted by Maqsood Qureshi at 5:44 PM
Folks you know: This is NOT my lookalike or doppelganger -- it's me! :-) That's a Cessna 152 or 172 -- Fujairah Aviation Centre (That time), Fuj. Intl. Airport. Late 1990s. I wanna be a writer and barnstormer / pilot like Richard Bach. God willing. (Keeping fingers crossed). :-) Stranger to the Ground eh? Oh really? LOL ROFL hehehehhehhe
Friday, September 13, 2024
Folks you know: Now something lighthearted: I'd like to go to Abu Dhabi and start afresh. That's my Home Away From Home! :( I'm in my element there....like a Croc in a river! LOL ROFL hehehehehehe No place like Abu Dhabi on the entire Planet Earth! Moreover, my Bedouin Friends are there! :( I'm vegetating here since ages....I really gotta go to the Emirates somehow! :(
Part 3: The VERY FACT that everybody is voicing their opinion against him is an absolute PROOF that ours is NOT a Totalitarian Govt. like Korea and all that....We're a vibrant democracy....Think about it....He's not silencing, squelching anyone...you've absolute freedom...THINK...Does this happen in China? Does this happen in Pakistan? THINK. Please.
Part II: 2002 Gujarat riots was a CONSPIRACY -- to destabilize us and they needed a Fall Guy -- and these neighbors DID NOT want him to become PM. Deep down they knew -- their political pundits and strategists etc. knew -- predicted with great confidence -- that sooner or later he'd become the Prime Minister of the Country. THINK. Our PM is a frail...man...but very strong spiritually -- he won't hurt a fly -- trust me -- These neighboring evil forces are trying very, very hard to DESTABILIZE our country...Counterfeit Currency...who's circulating that eh? Name one thing he did...that didn't help us or helped in the progress of our country..give me one thing..The Proxy War in Kashmir? ISI and Paki Army...at least some elements in 'em -- Not IF all of 'em.....They need this Kashmir Bugbear...they get millions of rupees..vested interests...It's an Open Secret...why're we in DENIAL I dunno...Someday we'll realize that he's a great friend...incognito of our community...please realize this before it's too late. Please. Don't repeat the same mistake again...All of us know..Brits divided and ruled us...Pak and China....are the New British in the garb of neighbors........
Part 1: Folks you know: Our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Modi Ji comes from a very humble -- An-ordinary-Indian-citizen-like background -- I've often listened and observed people trying to belittle him -- Such people should realize that it's the Resilience, Incredible hard work, and the audacity of hope and the courage to dream -- not for himself -- but for the betterment of our society, country -- gullible, vulnerable girl child -- woman -- for their upliftment -- We should NOT ONLY RESPECT him but also show respect for the Honorable Institution of Prime Minister-ship. -- He hasn't done anything wrong -- Since he's elected -- he's trying to grapple with our problems....problems we Indians -- face everyday -- in a bus or a train -- like that -- why are so many people against him? -- and against his political party? It's our party too -- isn't it? -- All parties -- their basic aim, agenda is to work.....to make India...a great country...a great civilization again -- I believe that Shri Rahul Ji is also doing the same thing.....THEN WHO's making us FIGHT? Who? Think about it -- who'll gain the most when we fight amongst ourselves..Our neighbors..TWO hostile neighbors -- Mind you. -- One is more EVIL than the other -- Proxy War in Kashmir? -- Khalistan Problem? Who's conspiring against us? Think about it --- This Naxal problem? Who's giving 'em arms, ammo and money? Who?
Thursday, September 12, 2024
The NATO Response Force (NRF) is a high-readiness NATO rapid deployment force comprising land, sea, air, and special forces units capable of being deployed quickly within short notice.[2][3] The NRF currently comprises more than 500,000 troops.[4] Its forces include units from several non-NATO member partners, including Ukraine (since 2014),[5] and Georgia (since 2015).[6] The NRF was formed in June 2003 per endorsements at the 2002 Prague summit. Units assigned to the NRF were only used for disaster relief and security until February 2022, when it was activated for the first time in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[7]
This is indicated by the conversation between Ibrahim, the "friend" of Allah, and the angels who visited him. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Then he turned quickly to his household, brought out a fatted calf, and placed it before them. He said, ‘Will you not eat?’ (When they did not eat), he conceived a fear of them. They said: ‘Fear not,’ and they gave him glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge." [51:26-28] Elsewhere, Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "But when he [Ibrahim] saw their hands went not towards the (meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived a fear of them. They said: ‘Fear not: we have been sent against the people of Lut.’" [11:70]
From Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf, who said: "I asked ‘Aishah, the Mother of the Believers, about what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to start his prayer with when he got up to pray at night (qiyam al-layl). She said: ‘When he got up to pray at night, he would start his prayer (with the words): ‘O Allah, Lord of Jibreel, Mikail and Israfil, Creator of heaven and earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, You are the Judge of the matters in which Your slaves differ; guide me with regard to disputed matters of truth by Your permission, for You guide whomever You will to the straight path.’" [Muslim].
HOW ARE WEATHER ALERTS ISSUED? When talking about rainfall alerts, the Green code is for less than 64 mm of rain in 24 hours. If the expected rainfall is between 64.5 mm and 115. 5 mm, then a yellow alert is issued. An Orange alert is for a rainfall range between 115.6 to 204.4 mm in a day, while a red alert is issued when a rainfall above 204.5 mm is expected for a 24 hour duration. These alerts are mainly for the people residing in the affected areas and how they should react in that particular situation. While during thunderstorms, the wind speed decides the alert issued, in the case of foggy conditions, the visibility range becomes the deciding factor. In the case of a dust storm, both the speed of the wind along with visibility are considered while issuing an alert.
India court alarm over 'theft of national money' Published 20 January 2011 -- Check out the link / URL below, folks:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-12235993
'Mind-boggling crime' "It is a pure and simple theft of national money. We are talking about [a] mind-boggling crime. Mr Subramaniam said the government was taking measures to bring back the illegal money, but said there were difficulties in sharing the information because of confidentiality treaties between countries. "All we want is that you give all the information about the money deposited in the foreign banks by Indians. You cannot confine the petition to one bank," Justice SS Nijjar said. The court has fixed 27 January as the next date of hearing. Global Financial Integrity said the illegal flight of capital through tax evasion, crime and corruption had widened inequality in India. High net-worth individuals and private companies were found to be primary drivers of illegal capital flows.
India's Supreme Court has said that the practice of illegal funnelling of wealth overseas by Indians is a "pure and simple theft of national money". The court also asked what the government was doing to retrieve the illegal money in foreign banks. US-based group Global Financial Integrity has said that India has lost more than $460bn in such illegal flight of capital since Independence. It said the illicit outflows increased after economic reforms began in 1991. The report also said that almost three-quarters of the illegal money that comprises India's underground economy ends up outside the country. India's underground economy has been estimated to account for 50% of the country's GDP - $640bn at the end of 2008. Wednesday's remarks by the Supreme Court came when it was hearing a petition filed by a former federal Law Minister Ram Jethmalani and others on the alleged inaction of the government in bringing back illegal money parked overseas by rich Indians and companies. In response, India's Solicitor-General Gopal Subramaniam submitted a sealed cover containing 16 names of individuals and companies who had accounts with a Liechtenstein-based bank. "This is all the information you have or you have something more! We are talking about the huge money. It is a plunder of the nation," remarked Justice B Sudershan Reddy.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
We're a Great Civilization...when...now the so-called Advanced Nations....were living in trees...forests...correct me if I'm wrong...they used to come to us for everything....We're not just Snake Charmers...and Tight-Rope Walkers...we're great people....First Civilization in the world......correct me if I'm wrong..Aryan Race...that this.....
The Siachen glacier at the height of around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram mountain range is known as the highest militarised zone in the world where soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds. My comments: And we COMPLAIN bitterly about Bus Seats...I didn't get a bus seat...The bus was late..blah-blah-blah....Imagine those Brave Soldiers....Away from Home and Family and everything...Protecting WHO? US? Our women and children and elderly and adults.......Just imagine for a second..what IF they aren't there...Who'll protect us from INVADERS? What'll they do to us? Our Women...girls? Have you ever thought about that eh?
Control freak: The colloquialism control freak usually describes a person obsessed with performing tasks in a way they perceive as correct. A control freak can become distressed when someone causes a deviation in the way they prefer to perform tasks.[1] Someone who tries to control how other people perform tasks, even with no good reason for interfering, can also be considered a control freak.[2] This expression was introduced around the 1960s.
The adventures of an Ex-NRI....In a nutshell: I took a ride from Place A to Place B early morning..yeah again!...Our System is cool...We need money.....for that we need resources like Oil....you know folks...UAE...changed overnight...why Oil...Saudi Arabia..Oil again.. Qatar..Gas.....We're fighting the symptoms..NOT the ailments or disease...Kuwait...Ditto...there're many examples....We don't have Oil....You know folks Bill Gates...simply put...what did he do....he wrote a piece of Software MS DOS...that's all.....Windows...so my point is..let's CODE...write software....we're very good at it...The world NEEDS a New OS (Operating System)...Linux..Unix....Mac....etc....are fine...but did Bill Gates quit...stop after MS DOS? It SPAWNED....zillions of productivity software...like MS OFFICE.....Games....Zillions of software..for DOS and Windows...OS..Operating System..... Bill Gates changed the world....so could we.....we've got the BESTEST programmers / software developers....Let the World Run on our pieces of software....we'll be minting Zillions of dollars...USD mind you....Please Think about it...Don't Blame The System....It's alright..totally and absolutely.......Bus frequency isn't good...because..we've fewer number of Buses...and our population is huge...we need money to buy Buses...Ditto for everything...we need money...that's all....Like Abu Dhabi...Dubai....Camels..and Desert...See now? What happened? What changed everything? Petrol. That's all. We don't have Petrol. Software is the new FUEL.....We've it....plenty of it....Let's CODE..Let's write SOFTWARE.........Our own Word Processors...Spread Sheets....Games...AI stuff....eventually get into HARDWARE stuff.......Processors....UTMs........
A bulletin board system (BBS), also called a computer bulletin board service (CBBS),[1] was a computer server running software that allowed users to connect to the system using a terminal program. Once logged in, the user could perform functions such as uploading and downloading software and data, reading news and bulletins, and exchanging messages with other users through public message boards and sometimes via direct chatting. In the early 1980s, message networks such as FidoNet were developed to provide services such as NetMail, which is similar to internet-based email.
The Remote Imaging Protocol and its associated Remote Imaging Protocol Script language, RIPscrip, is a graphics language that provides a system for sending vector graphics over low-bandwidth links, notably modems. It was originally created by Jeff Reeder, Jim Bergman, and Mark Hayton of TeleGrafix Communications in Huntington Beach, California to enhance bulletin board systems and other applications.
Knowledge of the Unseen These matters are matters of the unseen which the Muslim must accept, and not question how they are, for no one knows how the life of al-barzakh [the period between death and the Resurrection] is except Allah. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: The death of a person signals the departure of the soul from the body; when he is buried in his grave, is the soul returned to his body, or where does it go? If the soul is returned to the body in the grave, how does that happen? He replied: “It is proven from the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that when a person dies, his soul is returned to him in his grave, and he is questioned about his Lord, his religion and his Prophet. Allah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world and in the Hereafter (cf. Ibrahim 14:27), so the believer will say: My Lord is Allah, my religion is Islam and my Prophet is Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). As for the disbeliever or the hypocrite, when he is questioned he will say: Oh, oh, I do not know; I heard the people saying something, so I said it too. This return of the soul to the body in the grave will not be like when a person’s soul is in his body in this world, because that is the life of al-barzakh and we do not know how it is, because we have not been told about the nature of that life. With regard to all matters of the Hereafter of which we have not been told, what we are required to do with regard to such matters is to accept them and not enquire any further, because Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): “And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not, etc.) that of which you have no knowledge (e.g. one’s saying: ‘I have seen,’ while in fact he has not seen, or ‘I have heard,’ while he has not heard). Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah).” [Al-Isra 17:36]” (Fatawa Nur ‘ala ad-Darb by al-‘Uthaymin, 4/2) And Allah knows best.
These two hadiths describe what happens to the soul after death and before burial: if the person was a believer, then the angels give him glad tidings, before taking his soul, of the forgiveness and good pleasure of Allah, then they perfume it, then they take it up, in a blessed state, to its Lord, may He be glorified. Then Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says: “‘Record the book of My slave in ‘Illiyyun (the highest heaven) and take him back to the earth.” So the soul is returned to the body in which it was, then the individual is questioned in the grave; Allah makes him steadfast at the time of questioning, and makes his grave spacious for him, as far as his eyes can see. But if it is the soul of a disbeliever , then the angels give him the tidings of Hell and divine wrath, then they take his soul up, cursed, humiliated and afraid, and the gates of heaven are not opened for it, then it is thrown back down to earth, then it is returned to its body, then the individual is tormented in his grave and it is compressed on him, and there comes to him the heat and smoke of Hell. With regard to the period between the departure of the soul and burial and questioning in the grave, for the believer it is the first stage of eternal happiness, as he is given the glad tidings of Paradise and eternal bliss, and his book is recorded in ‘Illiyyun (the highest heaven); then his soul will rejoice and be happy, and will never feel misery again. But for the disbeliever, it is the first stage of eternal torment, as Allah is angry with him and does not give permission for the gates of heaven or the gates of mercy to be opened to him, and his book is recorded in Sijjin (the lowest Hell); then his soul will be wretched and he will never feel happy again. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “All the sahih, mutawatir hadiths indicate that the soul will return to the body; the idea that the questioning will involve the body without the soul was suggested by some scholars, but the majority disagreed with that. Similarly, the idea that the questioning will involve the soul without the body was suggested by Ibn Maysarah and Ibn Hazm, but if that were the case, the grave would have nothing to do with the soul.” (Majmu‘ al-Fatawa, 5/446) (See also: Fatawa Nur ‘ala ad-Darb by Shaykh al-‘Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) (4/310-311)
Ibn Majah (4262) narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Angels come to the dying person and if the man was righteous, they say: ‘Come out, O good soul that was in a good body, come out praiseworthy and receive the glad tidings of mercy and fragrance and a Lord Who is not angry.’ And this is repeated until it comes out, then it is taken up to heaven, and it is opened for it, and it is asked, ‘Who is this?’ They say: ‘[It is] So and So.’ It is said: ‘Welcome to the good soul that was in a good body. Enter praiseworthy and receive the glad tidings of mercy and fragrance and a Lord Who is not angry.’ And this is repeated until it is brought to the heaven above which is Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. But if the man was evil, they say: ‘Come out O evil soul that was in an evil body. Come out blameworthy and receive the tidings of boiling water and dirty wound discharges, and other torments of similar kind, all together [cf. Saad 38:58]. And this is repeated until it comes out, then it is taken up to heaven and it is not opened for it. And it is said: ‘No welcome to the evil soul that was in an evil body. Go back blameworthy, for the gates of heaven will not be opened to you.’ So it is sent back down from heaven, then it goes to the grave.” (Classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih Ibn Majah)
Then the hadith mentions the questioning in the grave , then it mentions how the soul of the disbeliever is taken, then it says: “Then they ascend with it and they do not pass by any group of angels but the angels ask, ‘Who is this evil soul?’ and they reply, ‘It is So and So the son of So and So’ – using the worst names by which he was known on earth. Then they bring it to the lowest heaven, and ask for it to be opened, and it is not opened for him.” Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) recited (interpretation of the meaning): “… For them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle” [al-A’raf 7:40]. Then he said, “Then Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says: ‘Record the book of My slave in Sijjin (the lowest Hell) in the lowest earth. Then his soul is cast down.” Then he recited (interpretation of the meaning): “… and whoever assigns partners to Allah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far off place.” [al-Hajj 22:31]. He said, “Then his soul is returned to his body and two angels come and make him sit up” Then it mentions the questioning in the grave .” (Classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Jami‘, 1676)
What Happens after Death? What happens to the soul when someone dies? Imam Ahmad (17803) narrated that al-Bara ibn ‘Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Verily, when the believing slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him angels from heaven with white faces, as if their faces are the sun. They bring with them one of the shrouds of Paradise and some of the perfume of Paradise. They sit with him as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death (peace be upon him) comes to him and sits by his head and says, ‘O pure soul, come out to the forgiveness and pleasure of Allah.’ Then his soul comes flowing out like a drop of water flowing from a cup. Then he takes the soul, and no sooner does he seize it but they take it and place it in that shroud and perfume. Then out of it comes the most excellent fragrance of musk to be found on the face of the earth. Then they ascend with it and they do not pass by any group of angels but the angels ask, ‘Who is this pure soul?’ and they reply, ‘It is So and So the son of So and So’ – using the best names by which he was known on earth. Then they bring it to the lowest heaven, and ask for it to be opened, and it is opened for him. Those who are of high rank in each heaven accompany it until they approach the next heaven, and so it goes until it reaches the seventh heaven. Then Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says: ‘Record the book of My slave in ‘Illiyyun (the highest heaven) and take him back to the earth, for I created them from it, and I shall return them to it, then I shall take them out from it again.’ Then his soul is returned to his body and two angels come and make him sit up”
What is a Lahd? The Lahd (niche) refers to a place that is dug at the bottom of one of the sides of the grave in the side that is closest to the Qiblah, in which the deceased is placed on his right side facing the Qiblah, then this hole is filled in with bricks behind the deceased, then the dirt is filled in. (See: Ahkam Al-Maqabir fil Shari`ah Al-Islamiyyah, p. 30, by Dr. `Abdullah As-Suhaybani)
Praise be to Allah. What is a Shaqq? The Shaqq refers to a trench that is dug in the middle of the grave to suit the size of the deceased, and its sides are built with bricks so that it will not collapse on the deceased, and the deceased is placed in it on his right side facing the Qiblah, then this trench is covered with stones or the like and the ceiling is raised a little so that it will not touch the deceased, then the soil is filled in.
Types of Graves in Islam: Summary of answer 1- The scholars unanimously agreed that burial in the Lahd and burial in the Shaqq are both permissible. However, if the ground is stable and the soil will not collapse then the Lahd is preferable, otherwise the Shaqq is preferable. 2- The soil should not be filled in directly on the face or body of the deceased, whether the grave is a Lahd or a Shaqq.
Pocong (Indonesian pronunciation: [pɔ't͡ʃɔŋ] poh-chong; from Javanese: ꦥꦺꦴꦕꦺꦴꦁ, romanized: pocong, lit. 'wrapped-in-shroud') is a ghost that looks like a person wrapped in a funeral cloth.[1] In Islamic funeral, a shroud called a "kain kafan" (in Indonesian and Malay) is used to wrap the body of the dead person. The dead body is covered in white fabric tied over the head, under the feet, and on the neck, and the shroud is firmly tied at multiple junctures to maintain its position during the journey to the grave site. Upon placement into the grave, it is believed that the knots must be undone or the corpse will animate and be known as a Pocong.[2] Pocong is also known in Malaysia as Hantu Bungkus (wrapped-up ghost).[1]
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Tuesday, September 10, 2024
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Fingernails on a Chalkboard: Why This Sound Gives You the Shivers If you're like most people, you probably can't stand the sound of fingernails scraping across a blackboard. You're probably cringing just thinking about it. This ear-piercing noise is so universally disliked, perhaps it's no surprise that dozens of scientists have researched why it evokes such a visceral reaction. Overall, research shows that this ear-splitting noise has the same frequency as that of a crying baby and a human scream, indicating that these sounds are tied to survival. For instance, people attuned to these frequencies may rescue a crying infant sooner, improving the baby's longevity. One study has suggested that the shape of our ear canals, as well as our own perceptions, are to blame for our distaste of shrill sounds. [Breaking the Code: Why Yuor Barin Can Raed Tihs] The study's participants rated their discomfort to various unpleasant noises, such as a fork scraping against a plate or Styrofoam squeaking. The two sounds rated as the most unpleasant, they said, were fingernails scratching on a chalkboard and a piece of chalk running against slate. The researchers then created variations of these two sounds by modifying certain frequency ranges, removing the harmonic portions (or other concordant tones). They told half of the listeners the true source of the sounds, and the other half that the sounds came from pieces of contemporary music. Finally, they played back the new sounds for the participants, while monitoring certain indicators of stress, such as heart rate, blood pressure and the electrical conductivity of skin. They found that the offensive sounds changed the listeners' skin conductivity significantly, showing that they really do cause a measureable, physical stress reaction. The most painful frequencies were not the highest or lowest, but instead those that were between 2,000 and 4,000 Hertz. The human ear is most sensitive to sounds that fall in this frequency range, said study researcher Michael Oehler, a professor of media and music management at Macromedia University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Oehler pointed out that the shape of the human ear canal may have evolved to amplify frequencies that are important for communication and survival. Thus, a painfully amplified chalkboard screech is just an unfortunate side effect of this (mostly) beneficial development. "But this is really just speculation," Oehler told Live Science in 2011, when the research was presented at a meeting for the Acoustical Society of America. "The only thing we can definitively say is where we found the unpleasant frequencies." Listeners in the study, Oehler said, rated a sound as more pleasant if they thought it was pulled from a musical composition. (Though this didn't fool their bodies, as participants in both study groups expressed the same changes in skin conductivity.) The implication, then, is that chalkboard screeches may not irk people so much if they didn't already think the sound was incredibly annoying. [Why Do Seashells Sound Like the Ocean?] Brain pickings Another study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience in 2012, reveals what's happening in the brain when people hear screechy sounds. The findings suggest that the fingernail-chalkboard sound triggers an uptick in communication between a region of the brain involved in hearing and another region of the brain involved in emotions. In the study, 13 participants listened to 74 sounds, including nails on a chalkboard and the whine of power tools, and rated them according to their pleasantness. Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine how the participants' brains responded to the sounds. When the participants heard an unpleasant sound, there was an interaction between the auditory cortex, which processes sound, and the amygdala, which processes negative emotions. "It appears there is something very primitive kicking in," study researcher Sukhbinder Kumar, a research fellow at Newcastle University, told Live Science in 2012. "It's a possible distress signal from the amygdala to the auditory cortex." Moreover, the more averse the sound, the greater the activity between these two brain regions, the researchers said. Some of the most unpleasant sounds, according to the participants' ratings, included a knife on a bottle, a fork on a glass and chalk on a blackboard. The nicest sounds included flowing water, thunder and a laughing baby, they found. [Why Does the Sound of Water Help You Sleep?] Frequencies between 2,000 and 5,000 Hertz were found to be unpleasant — roughly the same frequencies found by the 2011 research. "This is the frequency range where our ears are most sensitive," Kumar said. The reason for such sensitivity is not exactly understood, but this range includes the sounds of screams, which people find intrinsically unpleasant, he said. Ig Noble Prize A study investigating shrill sounds won a 2006 Ig Nobel Prize, awarded by the Society for Improbable Research. For the study, published in 1986 in the journal Perception & Psychophysics, scientists recorded the sound of a garden tool scraping over a chalkboard. Then the researchers fiddled with the recording, removing the high, middle and low frequencies from different recordings. After playing the modified sounds to volunteers, the researchers found that removing the high frequencies didn't make the sounds more pleasant. Rather, eliminating the low and middle frequencies of the sound made the sounds more appealing, they learned, according to Medical Press. In addition, the warning cry of a chimpanzee is similar to the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard, they found. Perhaps people have an unconscious reflex to this sound because of its uncanny resemblance to a warning call, the researchers told Medical Press.
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The four venomous snake species responsible for causing the greatest number of medically significant human snake bite cases on the Indian subcontinent (majorly in India and Sri Lanka) are sometimes collectively referred to as the Big Four. They are as follows:[1][2] Russell's viper, Daboia russelii Common krait, Bungarus caeruleus Indian cobra, Naja naja Indian saw-scaled viper, Echis carinatus
Certain seabirds such as the white tern and noddy tern fly out to sea in the morning to hunt fish, then return to land at night. Navigators seeking land sail opposite the birds' path in the morning and with them at night, especially relying on large groups of birds, and keeping in mind changes during nesting season.
Narada (Sanskrit: नारद, IAST: Nārada), or Narada Muni, is a sage-divinity, famous in Hindu traditions as a travelling musician and storyteller, who carries news and enlightening wisdom. He is one of the mind-created children of Brahma, the creator god.[2][3] He appears in a number of Hindu texts, notably the Mahabharata, telling Yudhishthira the story of Prahalada, and he also appears in the Ramayana and the Puranas.[3] A common theme in Vaishnavism is the accompaniment of a number of deities such as Narada to offer aid to Vishnu upon his descent to earth to combat the forces of evil, or to enjoy a close view of epochal events. He is also referred to as Rishiraja, meaning the king of all sages. He was gifted with the boon of knowledge regarding the past, present, and the future.
The Mouse and the Sage: A Short Moral Story The Sage and the Mouse Story in English is about a small mouse being bullied by a cat. He seeks help from a sage and becomes a cat. Eventually, he becomes a tiger with the sage’s boon but mistakenly attacks the sage. What did the mouse do? Why did the sage make him a tiger? What happened to the mouse in the end? Read this interesting Panchatantra story and find the answers to all these questions.
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