Maeed's Blog

Lost customs of Maldivians. (Part One)

2012-01-27T10:42:00.000-08:00

Ibn Batuta

As like in any society, people in the Maldives have their own social customs, traditions and cultures, however, in time some of these customs got lost, perhaps in the hurdle of modernity. With the tourism boost in the 70's, came the influence of the western society. Some positive and some negative.

I would like to talk about some of the old Maldivian cultures, that we do not follow anymore, forgotten or those that we may have known very little about. Of course these are very interesting traditions our forefathers practiced.

I ll begin with Tangier traveler and Maldivian Chief Justice Abu-Abdullah Mohammed, the famous Ibn Batuta (1304-78). He writes:

"'The inhabitants of the Maldives Islands are honest and pious people, sincere in good faith and of a strong will; they eat only what is lawful, and their prayers are granted. When one of them meets another, he says God is my lord: Muhammad is my prophet: I am a poor ignorant being."

And he writes:

"The islanders are good people: they abstain from what is foul, and most of them bathe twice a day, and properly too, on account of the extreme heat of the climate and the abundance of perspiration. They use a large quantity of scented oils such as sandalwood oil, and they anoint themselves musk from Makdachaou (Madagascar)"

Also

"It is one of their customs. when they have said the morning prayer, for every woman to go to meet her husband or son with the collyrium box, rose-water, and rubs himself with rose-water and musk oil, and so polishes the skin and removes from his face all trace of fatigue."

Another of their customs he writes, (this one is one of my favorite);

"When one of them marries, and goes to the house of his wife, she spreads cotton cloths from the house door to that of the (nuptial) chamber: on these cloths she places handfuls cowries on the right and left of the path he has to follow, while she herself stands awaiting him at the door of the apartment. On his arrival she throws over his feet a cloth which his attendants take up. If it is the wife who goes to the husband's house is hung with cloths, and cowries are placed thereon: and the woman on her arrival throws the cloth over the feet. And this is also the custom of the islanders when they salute the sovereign, they must without fail be provided with a piece of cloth to cast down at the moment."

He continues to say:

"All the inhabitants of the Maldives, be they nobles or the common folk, keep their feet bare. They streets are swept and well kept: they are shaded by trees. and the passenger walks as it were in an orchard. ... every person who enters a house is obliged to wash his feet with water from the jar placed near the Malem (a partition near the middle divides the house into two rooms, one of which is private, and one which is the other open to all visitors) ... also a bowl called ouelendj (these coconut bowls with long handles, used to draw water) and rub them with a coarse fabric of lif (Pers.) placed there: after which he enters the house. Every person entering a mosque does the same."

These are some excerpts from Ibn Batuta in the Maldives and Ceylon - Albert Gray.

to be continued ...

Check out Mysha Didi on YouTube !!!

2012-01-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

So lately I have been YouTubing, you know checking out the latest music and stuff. ( Cough ... Mostly friends; Shuhana, Fazy and Sum sends me the links, and I just play them :P ). Anyway one YouTube Channel I came across was Dhivehi's Channel. Now this channel belongs to a certain Mysah Didi, yes a Maldivian, who I must say is not only this lovely High School gal but also this gal with an amazing voice. She's got four cover songs on her channel so far with the first upload some 2 months back, by now she's got some 354 subscribers and over 150,000 + video views, not bad eh?

The Coldplay song "Yellow" cover by Mysha Didi

(This is uploaded on 30th October 2011)

"Someone Like You" cover by Mysha Didi. Song by Adele

(Also uploaded on 30th October 2011)

Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" cover by Mysha Didi

(Uploaded on 19th December 2011)

Among all the four covers she has made ... this my friends is really blowin' in the Wind, my favorite

"Fix You" the Coldplay original cover by Mysha Didi

(Uploaded 30th December 2011)

Awesome addition to her covers, also a song she dedicates to her Mom and family... a pleasant song to simply say bye bye 2011.

Well those are the Four covers so far on her channel but hopefully we ll hear more from her soon ... And maybe we'll actually hear her own stuff in the near future. I tell you this girl seriously has talent that is for sure. Ohh and also she has her fan page on Facebook "Mysha Didi" and also she is on Vibedeck. Well keep it up and all the very best of luck to you girl.

Ohh and guys ... seriously if you don't believe me just hear it for yourself and be the judge.

~~ Cheers ~~

P.S. I know ... this is not the stuff I blog about. Well this one was worth blogging ...

Indian Ocean Tsunami: Seven Years, Yet memories fresh ...

2011-12-25T12:17:00.001-08:00

A tribute to the victims of Indian Ocean Tsunami

26th December 2004

Seven years ago it happened, 26th of December never it be forgotten, Seas rose and waves crashed, on the People of the Sea.

Fifty-seven Islands, infrastructure damaged. Fourteen Islands, totally evacuated. Twenty one resorts, forced to close.

$400 Million, estimated damage and loss. Hundred and Eight people, reported dead.

The tsunami that came, left with the pain. Memories fresh, dwell in our hearts.

*the statistics are Maldivian

YusufIslam - CatSteven

Indian Ocean
(Indian Ocean is a song recorded by Yusuf Islam formerly Cat Stevens in aid of the countless children orphaned in tsunami-hit Indonesia.)

Uphold the Constitution and Remain a Sovereign Islamic Nation !!

2011-12-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.
(Famous capture of the cover, not sure of the photographer)

With laws made to safeguard Islam as a religion in Maldives how can one even think that the country will loose Islam as it's foundation and its faith? Who ever thinks otherwise is either unaware of the Constitutional authority Islam has in the country or is unable to digest the reality that Maldivians go way deep into roots of Islam. There should be NO fear among Maldivians to believe or even think of a day when Islam can be wiped off the surface of Maldives.

We are Maldivians, we have remained an Islamic state for over 800 years or so. We are a country that fosters the Islamic way of life, morals and values. We are apparently the only 100% people democracy in the world that has a 100% Muslim population. We should not only be proud of it but should also protect this legacy by not allowing our country turn into a extremist hub. We should not allow our country to fall into the hands of religious extremists and turn into another Taliban Afghanistan. We are a moderate people with a beautiful history and culture, we are a people of peace and harmony. We should all keep this in mind and make sure we do not take that wrong turn in these changing tides.

I for one strongly oppose the small protest by some 30 Maldives demanding Religious Freedom in the Country. Not because it was only unacceptable but it is also illegal under the Constitution. One is entitled to Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Expression under the Maldivian Charter of Rights and Freedom, everyone should abide the charter, and follow the right to exercise freedom given to one by the charter, one should not do so by going against Article 27 of the Constitution.

It is not an issue of Human Rights. No westerner nor a certain Navi Pille can come from any Human Rights organization and comment on rights and freedoms in a country where a People of Democracy has agreed upon their Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. Nor can the United Nations come in between the people and their beliefs.

People in a certain place determines what Freedom is for them, people in that place decides what Human Rights is for them. We do not have to refer to Uncle Sam on how human rights should be and interpret the First Amendment to make laws. In Maldives we do not kill innocent people, we do not beat women as they do in "extremist" Islamic countries. We do not torture people to death nor we have kill squads. We are a country that practices a moderate Islamic Shari'ah and law. Let us be as we are, as a Republic, as a Democracy, as a Islamic Sovereign Nation, as an example to the rest of the Islamic world.

Read for yourself and understand what you read. For Islam shall prevail in this pearl of a country in the great Indian Ocean !!!

Chapter I - State, Sovereign and Citizens

Article 2 of the Constitution defines the Republic of Maldives as; 'The Maldives is a sovereign, independent, democratic Republic based on the principles of Islam, and is a unitary State, to be known as the Republic of the Maldives. Any reference to "Maldives" is a reference to the Republic of the Maldives'.

Article 9 Citizen, concludes in saying; '(d) Despite the provisions of the article (a) a non-Muslim may not become a citizen of the Maldives'.

Article 10 State Religion says; '(a) The religion of the State of the Maldives is Islam. Islam shall be the one of the basis of the laws of the Maldives. (b) No law contrary to any tenet of Islam shall be enacted in the Maldives'.

Chapter II - Fundamental Rights and Freedom

Article 16 Guarantee of Rights goes on to say;

'(a) This Constitution guarantees to all persons, in a manner that is not contrary to any tenet of Islam, the rights and freedoms contained within this Chapter, subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by a law enacted by the People’s Majlis in a manner that is not contrary to this Constitution. Any such law enacted by the People’s Majlis can limit the rights and freedoms to any extent only if demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

(b) The limitation of a right or freedom specified in this Chapter by a law enacted by the People’s Majlis as provided for in this Constitution, and in order to protect and maintain the tenets of Islam, shall not be contrary to article (a)'.

Article 19 Freedom from Restraint goes on to say; 'A citizen is free to engage in any conduct or activity that is not expressly prohibited by Islamic Shari’ah or by law. No control or restraint may be exercised against any person unless it is expressly authorized by law'.

Perhaps the most important of all Articles in the constitution is Article 27. 'Everyone has the right to freedom of thought and the freedom to communicate opinions and expression in a manner that is not contrary to any tenet of Islam'.

Article 37 Right to Education also stresses; '(3) Education shall strive to inculcate obedience to Islam, instil love for Islam, foster respect for human rights, and promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all people'.

Article 67 Responsibilities and Duties say; 'The exercise and enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms is inseparable from the performance of responsibilities and duties, and it is the responsibility of every citizen:

Clause (f) to promote democratic values and practices in a manner that is not inconsistent with any tenet of Islam; and Clause (g) to preserve and protect the State religion of Islam, culture, language and heritage of the country'

Chapter III - The Peoples Majlis

Article 70 Legislative Authority, clause (c) say; 'The People’s Majlis shall not pass any law that contravenes any tenet of Islam'.

Article 72 Qualification of Members, clause (a) sub-clause (3) says that the MP be 'a Muslim and a follower of a Sunni school of Islam'.

Article 100 Removal of President or Vice President (a) 'The People’s Majlis, by a resolution, may remove the President or the Vice President from office only on the grounds of: (1.) direct violation of a tenet of Islam, the Constitution or law;'

Chapter IV - The President

Article 109 Qualification of the President, clause (b) states that he has to 'be a Muslim and a follower of a Sunni school of Islam;'

The President is entitled by the law to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives. If he is in direct violation of a tenet of Islam, the Constitution or law Article 100 will be imposed on him, whereby he will be removed from the post.

Chapter V - The Cabinet

Article 130 Qualification of the Cabinet Members, clause (a) sub-clause (3) states that ministers have to 'be a Muslim and a follower of a Sunni school of Islam;'

Chapter VI - The Judiciary

Article 142 Compliance with Law says clearly that; 'The Judges are independent, and subject only to the Constitution and the law. When deciding matters on which the Constitution or the law is silent, Judges must consider Islamic Shari’ah. In the performance of their judicial functions, Judges must apply the Constitution and the law impartially and without fear, favor or prejudice'.

Chapter VIII - Application and Construction of the Constitution.

Article 274 Definitions, explains in detail the Constitutional meaning or definitions for "Tenet of Islam" and Islamic Shari'ah as follows;

“tenet of Islam” means, the Holy Qur’an and those principles of Shari’ah whose provenance is not in dispute from among those found in the Sunna of the Noble Prophet, and those principles derived from these two foundations; and

“Islamic Shari’ah” means, the Holy Qur’an and the ways preferred by the learned people within the community and followers of the Sunnah in relation to criminal, civil, personal and other matters found in the Sunna.

If you happen to have read all those Constitutional Articles, you would have to agree that if Maldivians uphold their Constitution there is not the slightest chance for Islam to be letdown in the country. As long as we Uphold the Constitution we will Remain a Sovereign Islamic Nation !!! That is for sure.

Random thoughts: Politics in Maldives heading nowhere

2011-12-07T02:15:00.001-08:00

For any democracy to function one will always assume that there has to be a ruling party and a opposition party. In the case on Maldives, a country that so happens to be a transitioned democracy, we have some 13 different registered political parties, of course divided into two main fronts. These political parties have already formed alliances and alleged to work hand in hand on these fronts.

Then again when one comes to think about the history of most of these parties, one will find that they come from similar origins, born out of personal conflicts, power hunger or difference in opinion. Same old faces from day one, shuffling through the "Party System" of a struggling country.

The country happens to be a Presidential system of government however, with too many elements of a parliamentary system of governance.

Members of the Parliament (MPs) are elected after a General election where constituencies get to elect their candidates whether it be an independent candidate or a party candidate. When a candidate comes out with a party ticket, the public goes along with their favored political party and makes sure that the party gets the seat. On rare instances in some constituencies where people do not favor any of the party choices they have, get themselves an independent candidate on their seat. Now these members are elected either cause of their party background or simply cause their political stance go along with the majority.

The same applies for of the President. You have a set of fellas coming from either party primaries, in some cases where the simple raise of hand in a party council of 5-7 (maybe more), nominate candidates to the general voters. Or the Independent candidate who does not come from any party backing but of course through "well wishing" financial backing. The voters get to make their pick, the guy with the majority becomes the president.

I suppose its quite simple and very democratic.

However, when you have elected MPs changing and shuffling in their one term, from one party to another, general public won't just go along. Here are constituencies that elected certain someone not for the person he is but for the party he represents, those people are not gonna be happy. Then again it happens. The Parliament can shuffle and reshuffle every fortnight. And guess what, the parliament has ultimate control on almost all affairs of the country. Simply that's how the law works.

In the end of 2008 we witness history in the country when 30 year long President of the country Gayyom proved the bench that he has never served as a president in the country of course according to the New version of the Constitution and that he can indeed compete in the elections where clearly states no one person can stay in office for longer than two terms. Apparently a constitution that was supposed to be amended turned out to be a totally new constitution in the end.

After what turned out to be a Maldivian version of 'Clash of Titans', Nasheed the activist swore oath on 11 November 2008 as the President. The government so many called the "Change every one wanted", in a life of two years lost its allies and became heavily discredited and now has "become every ones nightmare" so tells every person who has an opposition agenda. As expected the general public goes along with the flow.

Dhivehi Rayyitunge Party, founded and brought into existence by non other than Gayyom, abandoned him, well to the most part Thasmeen, who was up brought to the ranks by Gayyom, kicked the old man out. Though officially Gayyom left on his own, knowing he can't get hold of the DRP vessel, created his own new Fan base with the all new Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). He was joined with his little brother Yameen, who earlier detached from DRP opposing big brother to go ahead with his own bandit Peoples Alliance (PA).

With a struggling economic meltdown, increased inflation and of course well propagated opposition and lost allies Nasheed seems to be loosing support once he had. Then again non of this is seen from the Party membership numbers. Yet huge speculation remain that the country has turned away from their Island President.

Gayyom loyalists propagates that Nasheed is a drunk loose cannon going mad. While Nasheed goes on promising more flats and apartments on every other island he visits. God knows where things are heading. But one thing is for sure ... Its Maldives ... People can easily fall for anything.

****

Who's holding us back? - GREENPEACE Publication

2011-11-28T04:16:00.001-08:00

How carbon-intensive industry is preventing effective climate change legislation

The corporations most responsible for contributing to climate change emissions and profiting from those activities are campaigning to increase their access to international negotiations and, at the same time, working to defeat progressive legislation on climate change and energy around the world.

Greenpeace link

Youth Involvement

2011-11-15T10:12:00.001-08:00

This post is targeted to Scouting, however other similar organizations that work with Youth will find this helpful.

What is Youth Involvement?

Youth involvement is a process that ensures youth have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. It creates volunteer opportunities for youth to be a part of the changes and decisions being made in their communities.

There are two main ways in which voluntary organizations can engage in youth participation:

• Internally, ensuring that young people are listened to and involved in decision-making and planning within their own organizations;

• Externally, supporting the young people they work with to get involved in public decision making and address issues that are of concern to them.

In scouting we can take three areas where youth should be encouraged to be involved:

1. At level of the group/unit; it is important to include young adults in the functioning of the units or groups. Adult with more experience should mentor the young adults keeping their activities on the tight path, in accordance with the scout method, purpose and principles.

2. Within the movement at other levels; Young adults should be involved while taking major decisions in the local, provincial, regional and national level in scouting. It should be remembered that the scout movement is a movement FOR the young people and it should be of their interest and of themselves rather than an adult show. An equal share of adults and young people should be there in all decision making levels.

3. Within the community; Scouting is a movement which strives to create a better world, to create this better community scouts as young adults take up leading roles in upholding leadership roles and work in different social initiatives. Positive youth involvement in the community leads to a creation of a better society.

Why Involve Young people in Decision Making?

1. Young People’s rights; Young people have a right to be involved and to have their voice be heard in decisions that involve them. Participation is a fundamental right of all people, regardless of age. As far as young people are concerned, this right is enshrined in the UN Convention of Rights of the Child; Article 12. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 12: 1. “States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the rights to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child...”

2. Democracy and equal representation; For a healthy democratic society it is essential to have participation in decision making by all concerned people. In scouting that includes both the Adults as well as Young Adults. In an organization such as scouting where the movement is FOR the young people, it is important to have their say in their decisions.

3. Youth perspective; Young people have the ability to contribute new and fresh ideas to traditional ways of operating. Young people’s ideas can be more effective and benefiting as those ideas would be genuine and more creative. After all our founders motto was “Ask the boy”.

4. Skills development; Young people can gain huge amount of confidence and experience if provided with the opportunity to contribute directly to the movement initially leading to positive involvement of youth in the community. Many skills are developed in young people, which can lead directly to improved educational performance and better employment prospects.

5. Scout Method; In Scouting it is important to understand that the scout method itself is based on Youth Involvement. A scout system should not work like a Military unit but like a small democratic state with its provinces, i.e. the teams; its constitution, i.e. the scout law; its government i.e. the council or executive body; its parliament i.e. the groups and their councils where all scouts can participate in selecting activities. This is the real definition of the “PATROL SYSTEM”

“The Patrol system has a great character-training value if it is used alright. It leads each boy to see that he has some individual responsibility for the good of his Patrol. It leads each Patrol to see that it has definite responsibility for the good of the troop… Through it the scouts themselves gradually learn that they have a considerable say in what their troop does. It is the patrol system that makes the troop and all of the scouting that matter, a real co-operative effort” Aids for Scout mastership - B.P.

Youth involvement is only possible when Adults realize that the young person should not only follow in their tracks but also go further and improve the society. Adults should involve young people in decision making and give them real responsibilities. In scouting, adults and young people should work together to built and create a better world, a better society. How can young people be trained in citizenship without giving them opportunity to share responsibilities and make decisions.

Advantages of Youth Participation and involvement:

· Young people are empowered to be self directed

· Young people make responsible choices

· Young people participate as group members in making decisions that influence them

· Young people are given the opportunity to learn group leadership skills and to assume leadership roles in planning activities and projects.

· Young people experience a sense of belonging.

· When young people participate in planning and implementing, the program becomes more aligned with their interests.

· New ideas brought in can result new and exciting activities.

· As young people become more involved in articulating what is important to them, program goals and objectives can become more youth centered.

· Adults role become more as of supervising than facilitating.

· Young people can begin to take on leadership and teaching roles and work in partnership with adults to maximize the opportunities for learning and growth for all members of the movement.

Adults serve as mentors and facilitators for developing the skills of the young people, they share power in real ways with young people, which means by providing them with the opportunities for problem solving, decision making, planning, goal setting and helping others.

I support ECOCARE Maldives Campaign 'Don't Cage Dolphins" !!!

2011-11-10T07:02:00.001-08:00

I support ECOCARE Maldives Campaign 'Don't Cage Dolphins" !!!

Follow the campaign

Chaos: MDP version of Free Judiciary, if innocent #FreeGhassanNow and the 17-year-old

2011-10-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

Ghassan Maumoon, son of Gayoom the long time serving former Dictator/President and current interim President of Progressive Party Maldives (PPM), was detained early this morning by the Maldivian Police Service after he was summoned to the Police Headquarters 'for further questioning', concerning the disturbance that took place around his residence on Thursday.

The mob that gathered around the former Presidents residence were mostly seen as Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), senior figure heads and activists.

What began as an MDP nationwide protest against the Judiciary, which ironically "coincided" with the verdict delivery scheduled in a case filed against their MP Mohamed Musthafaa, requesting his candidacy be invalidated, took a different turn when the mob headed towards the residence of the Former President, Alivaage and Enderimaage. Protest turned from a “Free Judiciary” campaign to a “Bring Gayoom to Justice” protest. Protesters were seen to have verbally harass Gayoom, disrupt peace, damaged property and "terrorize" the neighborhood.

It was not a one side confrontation as witness reported hot water, wooden planks and even sharp objects did in fact rain down on the protesters from Endherimaage. It is believed that during these clashes a wooden plank/door accused to be thrown down from the 2nd floor of Endharimaage landed on a 17-year-old boy.

Protest against the Judiciary

Former MDP Chairwomen Mariya Ahmed didi proposed to launch a nationwide protest against the Judiciary elements in Maldives, accusing that the courts were in fact 'prioritizing' cases filed against MDP members and figures while delaying cases against different opposition figures. With the go ahead from the emergency meeting of the National Council of MDP the protests began, with mobs gathering in front of Theemuge' where the Maldivian Supreme Court house.

Other political parties in the country condemned these protests as they portrayed the protests unlawful and violates Article 141 (c) which states that "No officials performing public functions, or any other persons, shall interfere with and influence the functions of the courts".

There have been speculations over alleged corruption and many ill-doings in the Judiciary system, with Velizinee (then member of the commission) raising issues at Judicial Service Commission and President Nasheed's Adviser Ibrahim Ismail (Ibraa) engaging in several verbal confrontations with the Supreme Court.

Endherimaage clashes

Though I am not very sure how a protest headed towards the residence of the former President, what I do know is that the clashes that took place here were real violent and got very much carried away as it resulted in damage to life and property.

The mob was led of course by senior officials of the party including MP Maariya Ahmed Didi and MP Alhan Fahmy, aslo the Vice President of the Party.

It is claimed that the 17-year-old boy, Hussein Hassan, was in fact struck by the wooden plank/door that was thrown out from the 2nd floor of Endherimaage, while the protesters were 'marching' by the house. It is not clear whether the violence out-broke after this incident or whether it was going on even before this event.

MDP MP Musthafaa, widely discredited for his empty-headed remarks and comments, allege that it was indeed Ghassan who threw the wooden plank down.

The boy's condition was serious at the time as he was rushed to the hospital, it was believed that his skull and brain retained severe injuries and was taken to the ICU immediately.

MDP MP Ali Waheed (Boom Boom Waheed), who switched sides earlier this year, told state broadcaster MNBC that the 17-year-old was behind MP Alhan Fahmy when the object struck him straight on the head.

There have also been wide spread remarks that prisoners released under the "second chance" program were seen very much active within the MDP lines.

The detention

Ghassan Maumoon, was detained earlier this morning as he was summoned to the Police Headquarters and taken to Dhoonidhoo. His lawyers team seem to have seen it coming before hand and so managed to file a case in the court to release him immediately and that he was being detained unlawfully.

While on twitter Mohamed H. Shareef (Mundhu), spokes person of the former President Gayoom had to say: "No grounds for extending detention. The said plank was carried by a known MDP activist and not Ghassan. Have video evidence."

Violent disruption of peace, destruction to property and the use of very vulgur language by what is seen as MDP activists, per say thugs and mobsters, can be seen in a video that is being circulated by PPM throughout social media which shows a message by Ghassan Maumoon, where he says "Not Guilty ... being framed ... Political motive."

Haveeru reported that one MDP activist has also been arrested and is detained in Dhoonidhoo jail.

Innocent until proven guilty and let the old man rest in peace.

Ghassan should be released immediately if indeed he is innocent. His detainment can be seriously considered as a politically driven arrest as these were similar scenes of the former Gayoom regime. If MDP and President Nasheed continues the same footsteps we are soon to start a new "Nasheedian Dictatorship". However, justice should also be done with the 17-year-old.

One does not have the right to question the Judiciary, but when those instances come when one is forced to go up against the Judicial element of a country it should be on a valid cause. Either way any person who thinks straight would come to a conclusion that disrupting peace and damaging property is nor solution. And to be real frank I see no connection here with the inefficiency of the Judiciary and Gayoom. Let the old fellow rest in peace.

There are serious issues that are of real concern to all in regards to the Judiciary. But MDP should also clear its own backyard before going all "Nationwide at the Judiciary" ... Barbaric attitudes of MDP front men should not be encouraged and disciplinary actions should be taken against those who are out of line. With the ruling party majority in the parliament house it has become a circus with monkeys and chimpanzees loose and about. At this instance MDP has failed its people as it is going against the values and morals of a country that has never experienced a true democratic setting.

Court hearings are in place and awaiting the verdict on Ghassan ... whether he remain in custody or goes free ...

Ali Rasgefaanu Ziyaaraiy - Panoramic view

2011-10-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Ali Rasgefaanu Ziyaaraiy - Panoramic view

Photography by Maeed

National Service could solve Social problems in Maldives... My thoughts ...

2011-09-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

Come to think of it !! Every Maldivian, to be more precise every Young Maldivian, after completing his/her basic education (lets assume that's A'Levels or O'Levels), 'joins' National Service in the country for a period of maybe one to two years. Whether it be the Maldivian National Defense Force - MNDF (Army, Fire and Rescue, Coast Guard etc ... ), Police Services or similar National Service institutions. Don't you think we will have a better youth generation?

(Hopefully we will have a Civil Fire Fighting force soon and a Civil Paramedic service which could be an addition to the National Service Institutions)

I am not talking about the "forced conscription" that was strictly enforced by the government after the very unfortunate November 3rd failed coup attempt. I am talking about a more 'option' based mechanism, one which will attract the young Maldivian crowd out there. Something that gives youth an opportunity to get them physically fit, a program that can teach important life skills and train them to play a productive roll in the society.

By constitutionally imposing National Service for School leavers, they will be trained to be 'operationally ready' and will end to lead a life as a better citizen hopefully. I am sure that those youth going through this training or better call it National Service program will come out into the society as a mature folk of decent lifestyle and a more aware conscious minded generation. Which sadly seems to be the very important element that we lack in today's Maldivian society.

Well its still a sort of conscripting ... YES ... But this will defiantly change the social situation in the country. Crime rates will go down, so will the rather immature gang-warfare that has some what dominated the neighborhoods in our tinny Island nation.

It seems that the government does have a plan to introduce National Service for School leavers as well ... Here is a Dhivehi article on Haveeru about it >> ޤައުމީ ޚިދުމަތް މަޖުބޫރު ކުރެވިދާނެ

I support Palestinian right to statehood

2011-09-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

I support Palestinian right to statehood.

The Bangladeshi Freedom Fighter: Habibul Alam, Bir Pratik

2011-09-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

"... The white Chevrolet rolled into the porch and two people were trying to get out. I threw the second grenade, which landed near the revolting door... It was for the first time that the people who were hanging around Hotel Intercontinental saw with their own eyes that an attack on the government was being made by the freedom fighters ..."

For those of you who have not met a real "Guerrilla rebel", a real "Freedom Fighter", a real "Hero", a real "Scouter" and a real "Gentleman", all "in one", here is the man you should read about.

Habibul Alam, only a student at Dhaka University, joined the liberation war in Bangladesh early 1971. He fought for a free independent Bangladesh under the command of Sector-2 and K-forces. He made his stand strong and made history witness, his courage and bravery by leading the first group of 17 boys that came into the heart of Dhaka City to fight the enemy. His role in the liberation war till its very end was not just important but necessary.

For his active participation and bravery in the war of Liberation in 1971 the Government of the Peoples' Republic of Bangladesh awarded him the gallantry award "Bir Pratik".

Mr. Habibul Alam, today is a successful businessman, an active scouter having served as the Vice Chair of the World Scout Committee. Recipient of several international awards and highest recognition from a number of countries for his dedicated contribution to the Scout Movement. He continues his service to scouting as a Sub-committee member of APR and as the Vice President of the Bangladesh Scouts. He also Chair's of the planing committee of the 24th APR Scout Conference which is to be held in Bangladesh next year.

My very first encounter with Mr. Habibul was during the 23rd Asia Pacific Regional Scout Conference in Malaysia October 2009. He made his presence noticeable as his strong advocation in the conference played a major role for the Bangladesh Scouts to win the bid to host the 24th APR Scout Conference in Bangladesh.

I 'knew' him but I didn't get to 'know' him then.

Last week I was in Bangladesh formally to attend a Planing committee meeting of the APR Youth Forum and Conference that is to be held in Bangladesh next year. Now here presented me the opportunity.

As friendly as he is, it was not too hard to get to know him a bit. After the scheduled meetings and during the very limited breaks we got, I use to bump into him, either having a coffee or a cigarette. (On one occasion I pointed out to him that smoking is not very good for health. With a grim on his face he agreed "of course its very bad for you!".)

During one conversation, I asked him about the Freedom Struggle, he told me that he will give me a copy of his book where he writes his story. So I waited.

Just on my last day in Dhaka, I was called up by one of the Assistant executives from the Bangladesh Scouts to inform me that I and Syd (who was also there as part of the APR regional office staff) are to be taken to meet Mr. Habibul at his office. I am not very sure about all the businesses Mr. Habibul was involved with in Bangladesh, but the Scout executive took me to the office of Bangla Net (First ISP of the country), only to find that the CEO was Mr. Habibul. We had a very casual coffee conversation at his office, where he gave me a signed copy of his book "Brave of Heart".

I found myself deeply admired by the character of this once great freedom fighter who has become so inspirational both as a hero and legend to his people and a admirable Scouter for scouts around the world. I observed him to be a humorous, but at the same time down to earth serious (when necessary) personality who has a straight forward attitude and makes proper tough decisions and action quickly and appropriately. I found him to be among the very few visionaries I have come across, indeed born leader and 'master' mastermind.

In his book Brave of Heart he puts his readers into the real life situation he had to experience at war. Into the heart of Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) and Sector-2 and K-forces. He shares his journey as a Freedom fighter and stories of the guerrilla warfare that he had to take up in order to win Independence to the people of Bangladesh. Bangladesh owes a lot to him and so does the scout movement.

Re-thinking Progress: The Circular Economy

2011-09-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Re-think and Re-design our future.

A Circular Economy for a Greener Economy

09.09.2011: A mourners day to the students of Hiriya School.

2011-09-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

A day to remember... 5 very lives lost... Four students, One very extraordinary Principal, lost their last breaths to the mighty waters.

I was at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, when Haneef rang me on my cell and told me of this very unfortunate incident. "Its not clear how many died, no exact figures no official statements were issued by any authorities" he told me ...

With no internet, no IDD facility nor STD facility in the "International" Airport. I depended on the different people I spoke on phone. Haneef, Zambe and Azan kept me informed with the updates while Babaa (in tears) and Ahlam Miss confirmed me other details. I was terrified to hear of the death of Ali Nazim and the four students. It was one very sorrowful news I had to digest.

I knew Nazim Sir as the Principal and Group Scout Leader of Hiriya School. He was a kindhearted gentleman who always met me with a warm smile. During the brief encounters we had, he would always ask me how I was doing and how my studies were going on. He would speak very politely, with respect in his tone, to who ever he addressed. I have never seen him say anything loud or seen him rage at anyone.

Last I saw him was in August, while I was on vacation. On road late night while I was heading home with Azan ... he comes up on the side on his Motorbike very calm and informal, actually it was the very first time I saw him not in a formal wear and in shorts, says hi in his very cheerful tone. There he was with his warm welcoming smile greeting me and Azan. (I remember this last meeting with him all too well because he was taking home some Coconuts.)

A simple man, young and wise. Spent his last minutes trying to save his students from the water. Died trying to keep up his responsibility as a Principal. Drowned a savior for those he saved. Showed courage and bravery till his last minutes. Died trying and as a martyr who will be remembered. May Allah almighty rest his soul in peace.

May Allay almighty rest the souls of the four students who left us all in this very tragic incident; Nash'ath Saeed, Mariyam Naaz, Aishath Shaniha and Mariyam Shaiha; in peace and may Allah bless them in the hereafter.

“Prophet Mohamed said one who dies of plague; one who dies of diarrhoea; one who is drowned; one who is buried under debris and one who dies fighting in the way of God is a martyr,”

NAZIM SIR had a blog on Wordpress : Ali Nazim's Blog

And also was on Facebok : Ali Nazim

Thilafushi catastrophe: The floating dump!

2011-09-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

Haveeru Daily journalists investigates the disastrous scenes in Thilafushi.

Aljazeera brought the same story days back ...

Ecocare Maldives condemns it ...

NEED TO TAKE ACTION ASAP !!!

Have we have elected "Blood suckers" in the name of our people?

2011-08-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

They raised their salaries from MRF 4500/- to MRF 18,000/- ... Not enough they say ... They decide that they needed to be paid MRF 42,500/- with an additional bonus of MRF 20,000/- as allowance etc , a total of MRF 62,500/-, to serve the people of Maldives.

later in December 2010, they come to agree MRF 62,500/- is not just enough a salary for them to make laws in a country that barely has a population of 400000, so they agreed among themselves "lets get an extra MRF 20,000/- ... ummm and we shall call it Committee Allowance".

"Scumbags", "Blood suckers","Opportunists" ... One will call them ... Its indeed Daylight robbery !!!

With the pressing economic crisis in the country with its people going bankrupt every day, the Parliamentarians we elected are finding themselves enjoying life in Maldives the 'lofty style'. Opening more coffee shops and more businesses with what they seem to call money of welfare funds for their constituencies.

Apparently one very amusing fact here is that they say these earnings they get are earnings of their constituencies (of which they spend on the people) ... wonder how many out of the 77 constituencies in Maldives have been blessed with such 'glee'.

With 77 members in the Parliament, each demanding a salary of MRF 62,500/- , Maldives is spending MRF 481,250,0/- per month, i.e MRF 577,500,00/- per year, only as salaries to the MP's. With the addition of another MRF 20,000/- each, this will make a grand total of MRF 635,250,0/- a month, i.e MRF 762,300,00/- per year.

The Knee-slapper here is that in Maldives, sitting Parliamentarians can have the entire treasury of the country at their disposal to decide what they will be taking and what they will be leaving to the rest. MP's are able to increase their salaries and allowances whenever and however they want as the salary and allowances they get are entirely up to them to decide.

Attempt by Independent MP Mohamed Nasheed (Kutti) who put in a proposal to cut down the MP salary (with allowances) to MRF 37,000/- failed when the proposal was kicked out from the floor. Seems no one wants to cut down what they are getting after all its a huge amount to spend on luxury and duty/tax free cars. "libey thaa libigah naa shey", a Maldivian saying which means to "get it while you are getting it", seems to be the motto of the current lawgivers around in the Majilis.

Earlier today, MDP Vice President MP Alhan fahmy was reported publicly saying that he will keep on taking the salary and that he supports and will also take the additional MRF 20,000/- as committee allowance. He also says that his party is not against it.

Now this brings us to another absurd fact. MDP, or lets say the Government, seems to be telling its people that the country "does not have money" and that they "are trying to cut down the expenditure".

How is one suppose to believe this when the Countries legislature, which has a majority of MDP members (who seems to be advocating that they are "trying to cut down the expense") are sucking out some 63 million each year simply to pay for the rather too "Honorary 77 Members" or lets say "Royalties" of our time.

This seems to be rather too hilarious !!!

There are students abroad studying on government scholarships, who are faced with finical adversities due to the change in dollar rate. There is an entire Civil service in the country, some taking up responsibilities to look after large families, who depend on every bit of income, who's basic salary has been cut down due to the worsening economic turmoil. Prices in the market has reached to alarming inflation rates, rates the country has never seen before.

Yet its 'hallelujah' for our ever so greedy lawmakers. Such a pity !!!

The countries President is paid MRF 100,000/- per month (i.e. MRF 120,000,00/- per year) as by law while his spouse is paid an amount equivalent to one third of the his salary which is MRF 33,333,33/. However, it seem the cabinet decided to cut down salaries of the President, Vice President and Ministers salary 25% as of middle last year due to the economic recession. The Presidents seems to be OK with a salary cut down to MRF 75,000/- for the time being.

The graph above show the increase in MP's salary in recent years. Taken from Ahmed Wajeeh

wall photos Facebook.

Moving Planet - September 24th, 2011: A day to move beyond Fossil Fuels

2011-08-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER 24th, 2011

MOVING PLANET - A DAY TO MOVE BEYOND FOSSIL FUELS

Join the movement now, check out the site and spread the word

11 things to know about Anna Hazare 'n Jan Lok Pal Bill.. !

2011-08-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

1. Who is Anna Hazare?

An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War

2. What's so special about him?

He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district, Maharashtra

3. So what?

This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills.

In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.

4. Ok,...?

This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities.

5. Really, what is he fighting for?

He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India.

6. How that can be possible?

He is advocating for a Bil, The Jan Lokpal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds.

7. It's an entirely new thing right..?

In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit thier theft (corruption).

8. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time?

The first thing he is asking for is: the government should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed.

Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the JAN LOKPAL BILL. 50% goverment participation and 50% public participation. Because you cant trust the government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.

9. Fine, What will happen when this bill is passed?

A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, that has been going for last 25 years without any result.

10. Is he alone? Whoelse is there in the fight with Anna Hazare?

Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and many more.

Prominent personalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his cause.

11. Ok, got it. What can I do?

At least we can spread the message. How?

Putting status message, links, video, changing profile pics.

At least we can support Anna Hazare and the cause for uprooting corruption from India.

At least we can hope that his Hunger Strike does not go in vain.

At least we can pray for his good health.

Thanks for reading.

Please Spread This msg As Much As You Can 'n Tell Others To Do The Same.. !
by: Vijendra Rasal

Thank you Mythreyi Kumaraswamy For sharing this piece on Facebook

What does peace mean??

2011-07-30T01:05:00.000-07:00

I understand peace as a state of calm atmosphere where people belonging to different nations enjoy their own and respect the basic human rights of others and live freely according to their law, customs, traditions and religion. I define Solidarity as the integration of society to achieve a common goal. I believe peace and solidarity should come together, hand in hand.

Peace and Solidarity is important for a sustainable, socio-economic and cultural development; to share knowledge and technologies; to overcome difficulties; to use the resources efficiently; to reduce environmental degradation; to develop and maintain better relationship; to improve cultural exchange among all the countries; to gain trade advantages; to promote health and welfare; and to remove discrimination.

For any people, group, society, community or a country or a nation as a whole peace is an essential requirement to progress and prosper, develop and to succeed. It’s a responsibility for us the youth and the generations that are to come to work at our fullest in ensuring that we keep this world a safer and a more peaceful place. We need to become a people who love peace and encourage peace.

I'm climbing an oil rig - Kumi Naidoo Greenpeace International Executive Director

2011-06-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

Please help me protect the Arctic.

After a freezing dash out from the coast of Greenland in a small boat to meet the Esperanza, I'm now preparing to leave again at first light to board the Cairn oil rig Leiv Eiriksson.

With one companion I'll follow in the footsteps of the twenty Greenpeace activists who've gone before me in the past two weeks. Together they prevented Cairn's reckless deep sea oil drilling here in the Arctic for a total of five days.

Most of them spent almost two weeks in jail and have been deported for their trouble.

Cairn's response was an attempt to silence peaceful protest with a massive lawsuit against Greenpeace International. In it they demanded we pay 2 million euro for each day our action prevented their oil drilling operation. But, despite a small army of expensive lawyers, it didn't go Cairn's way in court. The judge awarded them far less than they asked for and even questioned why Cairn didn't publish its oil spill response plan as we asked.

What's a spill response plan? It's the document that an oil company has to draw up explaining how it would clean up a spill. They are nearly always made public, but Cairn is keeping its one secret. Why? Because you can't clean up an Arctic oil spill, that's what the experts say, and publishing the plan would show that Cairn hasn't got a viable plan.

We have made repeated requests for Cairn's oil spill plan, including phone calls, faxes, emails, a visit to the company's UK headquarters and finally our delegation of 18 boarding the rig. Cairn claims the Greenland authorities won't allow it to publish the spill plan, but Greenpeace has legal advice making it clear that Cairn could easily publish the plan if it wanted to. It's standard industry practice.

Cairn is keeping the plan secret because it knows it is not worth the paper it is written on. Cairn is hiding it from the people of Greenland whose real economy depends on fisheries and a clean environment. It is hiding it from Greenpeace because it knows it cannot clean up a spill. It is hiding it from its investors who, if they knew the full extent of the risks, would think twice about investing.

In the final hearing the court did stipulate that Greenpeace is liable for 50,000 euro for each further day we interfere with Cairn's drilling. It's far less than Cairn asked for, but still a significant sum.

I have with me the names of 50,000 people who emailed Cairn to demand they publish their spill response plan. I am about to go aboard the rig to deliver those 50,000 names with a personal call that Cairn leaves the Arctic.

For me this is one of the defining environmental battles of our age, it's a fight for sanity against the madness of those who see the disappearance of the Arctic sea ice as an opportunity to profit. As the ice retreats the oil companies want to send the rigs in and drill for the fossil fuels that got us into this mess in the first place.

Fossil fuel driven climate change is already making life hard for millions. I have seen this first hand where I come from in Africa and it will only get worse unless we can phase out our addiction to oil.

We have to draw a line somewhere and I say we draw that line here today. You should join me by adding your name to our petition calling on Cairn to publish their oil spill response plan.

The Arctic oil rush is such a serious threat to the climate, to this beautiful fragile place and to our hopes for a better future that I felt we had no choice. So I volunteered to come to the rig and make a personal appeal backed by Greenpeace supporters everywhere to call for an end to this dangerous arctic oil drilling.

Cairn has something to hide, they won't dare publish their plan to clean up an oil spill here in the Arctic, and that's because it can't be done. I'm going onto that rig to give them the names of fifty thousand people who've emailed them to demand they publish their plan, and I won't leave until I have it in my hands.

Thanks for your support,

Kumi Naidoo
Greenpeace International Executive Director

http://www.greenpeace.org
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The "Dancing President", social norms, religious view ...

2011-06-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

In the last few days I have been finding myself involved in heated debates with a group of Maldivian friends I have come to make here in Mysore. Most of these debates, I can say are very informative and 'Academic'. Many of these (almost every single) debates start with conversations, that give birth to further topics and so on and on it goes. These heated debates may go on for hours and on occasions there might come a time when we have to 'stop for the night' and 'continue in the morning'. I have really come to enjoy these conversations and meetups though.

So here on this particular day, one day after President Mohamed Nasheed 'danced' in a what I call a Socio-Political gathering in Thoddu Island Maldives, I happen to be in the sitting room of the place we have come to call 'Colony HQ' with four friends. The conversation began with a recap of the surprise party that took place in the afternoon. From which (I have no idea how it began) we started to talk about the 'dancing president' and how this is classified as an act of 'disrespect, immoral and a total havoc to social norms and values' whatsoever in the country.

Soon the conversation became rather too intense and loud. Arguments seem to sum up to which I suppose everyone agreed that its not actually against the so called 'social norms and values' of the country but it is perhaps against the 'Islamic values and norms'. I for one come to that conclusion.

After I got back home and logged on to Facebook I came across a group that was setup by Hilath called "I think our President is cool for dancing to Boduberu". Later I found myself in the group chat that was going on. Well most of the people chatting there seem to agree that 'Its no big deal', 'Prezii is not that good a dancer anyway', 'who cares', 'there is nothing wrong in dancing', 'whatever ...'

Next I heard about the Adaalath Party press release on the same issue. Which strongly condemns what they referred to as 'barbaric acts' of the President and senior members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), disrupting Islamic norms, social morals and leadership ethics. Also it went on to read that they were celebrating the increased membership to the party, including Members of the Parliament, who they say to have been paid handsomely to join MDP and so on it read. It seems that they had never seen any respectable leader (head of state) or senior government members dance on any public TV.

Then again Adaalath Party is not a state institute nor an independent institute, but a political organization.

Well ... My view on this issue maybe the least of concern to most of the people. But I guess article 27 allows me to write and say anything as long as it does not contradict any tenet of Islam. So here I go.

For over 800 years Maldives has been an Islamic nation. I believe it is a country that promotes Islam in every way of life and every aspect of being. A country that has a 100% Muslim population, with a constitution laying foundations on Islam. All these long years of our country as a Islamic Nation we still have our common culture and tradition of 'Bodu beru', a form of art very much involving singing and dancing on the sound of beating drums. A cultural form of art that spreads through out the Maldives, appreciated by many, which involves almost everyone, from young to old, the rich and the poor. On most occasions both genders are mixed when it comes to 'Foari' or climax of the dance.

For long in the Island communities we have kept on the common practice of cultural games like the 'Koadijehun', a game for men and women in which a man is given a ornate hat, Koadi, prepared by women, that he must place in a coconut palm before another man can take his place. These games involve a lot of mixing in gender, (it is custom for the women to bath the man who succeeds in the task to place the hat in the palm), again dancing and more. Yet again these are games that we in the Maldives play as part of our culture and tradition.

There are music and dance schools in Maldives today. On almost all occasion whether its a national celebration or parties after boys circumcision, music and dance seem to be the most appreciated method of entertainment of social gatherings. whether it be the former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyom or the current President Mohamed Nasheed, this is what we as Maldivians believed to be the common norm or common social norm.

Recently I came to know from some of my friends that almost all religious scholars in Maldives agree that Music and singing is Haraam or forbidden is Islam. (I am not able to verify this information though). If this is at all the case I do not understand why the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has not issued a Fathwa, an Islamic religious ruling? I believe we have a Fiqh Academy in the Maldives today, why haven't this institute of religious scholars issued a doctrine on this?

From what I have learned and understood, I come to a conclusion that it is not that Islam prohibits music or dance but its that Islam may not allow mixed gendered music and dance gatherings that may involve men and women to get aroused into a sexual ecstasy. For one thing I am pretty sure the MDP Thoddu gathering did not trigger any ecstasy among the gathered people (so I hope). There are good music and songs which I don't think Islam prohibits. National anthem's, patriotic, national and awareness songs for example I wont say are prohibited.

There are limitations for everything, of course. When a singer goes on singing songs supporting and encouraging fornication, violence, abuse and ecstasy now that for sure is not the music any religion will support and it will definitely be prohibited.

There are learned Islamic Scholar through out the world who can tell people about the real Islamic context on such issues of Music, dance and singing. I am not the best person nor the learned one. But I am a person who believes strongly in Islam, Quran and the teaching of our Prophet.

Here is a video I came across on YouTube where we have the Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz takes part in the traditional Arda dance.

Here is Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharaf singing at a gathering.

Here is what one of the renown Islamic Scholar has to say on the issue of Music:

Another view ... :

Nature; at your service – WED 2011

2011-05-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

On 5th June this year we mark the World Environment day or WED 2011. This year WED supports the United Nations International Year of Forests with the theme, “Nature; at your service”. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as the International year of forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.

For long we have mistreated our forests; we have deforested, we have over exploited, we have hackneyed and made them trite, we have shown no mercy at all. What most us forget is the blunt fact that these forests are home to some 80% of the terrestrial biodiversity on this planet. They cover 31% of the total land area; while livelihoods of 1.6 billion people depend on the forests, forests provide a home to more than 300 million people worldwide. The forests also play a major role as security, homes and livelihood for 60 million indigenous people around the world.

Forests are large “carbon sinks”, they intake carbon dioxide from the air and emits oxygen which then attempts to keep a balance in the natural “circle of life”. They store carbon and sucks in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere locking it into their biomass. It therefore plays an important role in battling global climate change. Plants are considered as an important mitigation tool for global warming.

The more the plants, the more the forests! The more the forests, the more the cleaner air becomes!
Forests play a major role in sustaining quality supply of fresh water, more than three quarters of the worlds accessible fresh water comes from the forested catchments. Forests are also the most biologically diverse ecosystem on the land. Many of the planets most threatened, rare and endangered animals live in those forests. Forests provide us with timber, fuel, rubber, paper and medicinal plants which are important natural resources.

Forests do matter!!!

In the Maldives, we may not have huge a forest cover, however we too should preserve the existing small but very unique jungles referred locally as “Valu therey” in our Islands. It must be our responsibility to protect and preserve these green patches on our tinny Island nation.

ECOCARE Maldives calls all Island communities to preserve and protect these “Valu therey” areas of your islands. Support WED 2011 and ECOCARE Maldives in the conserving and preserving these small but important forest covers. Remember that every simple action of conservation and preservation always matter. Remember that every single plant or tree does matter. Let’s all join together on this World Environment day, 5th June 2011, to celebrate Forests: Nature at your service.

Visit the official WED 2011 site.

Help Haish | Need Donation 4 Liver transplantation

2011-05-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

This 2 year old boy is sufering fom Jaundice since he was born.

For more: http://dhiislam.com/?p=14306

މުޙައްމަދު ޙާއިޝް ޙުސައިންނަކީ އުމުރުން 2 އަހަރުގެ ކުޑަ ކުއްޖެކެވެ. ނަމަވެސް ބަލާބެލުމަށް އެއީ އުމުރުން ދެމަހުގެ
ކުއްޖެކެވެ. ޙާއިޝްގެ މަންމަ އައިޝަތު ސުދާ އޭނާގެ ދަރިފުޅު އުރައިގެން އިންއިރުވެސް އެދަރިފުޅުގެ ހަށިގަނޑުގެ ނިކަމެތިކަން ހާމަވެއެވެ. އެކުޑަ ކުޑަ މައުސޫމް ކުއްޖާގެ ތަޙައްމަލު ކުރަން ޖެހިފައިވާ ބަލީގެ ސަބަބުން އޭނާގެ ހަށިގަނޑު 2 މަހުގެ ކުއްޖަކާ އެއްވަރެވެ. ޙާއިޝްގެ އެބައްޔަށް ފަރުވާއެއް އޮތީ ލިވާރ ޓްރާންސްޕްލާންޓް އޮޕަރޭޝަން ކުރެވިގެންނެވެ.

ޙާއިޝްގެ ބައްޔަށް ލިވާރ ޓްރާންސްޕްލާންޓް އޮޕަރޭޝަން ކޮށްގެން ނޫނީ ފަރުވާއެއް ހޯދެން ނެތް މި އޮޕަރޭޝަނަށް ވަރަށް ބޮޑެތި ޙަރަދުތަކެއް ކުރަންޖެހެއެވެ. ބެންގަލޫރުގެ ކޮލަމްބިއާ އޭޝިއާ ހޮސްޕިޓަލުން ހަމައެކަނި މިއޮޕަރޭޝަނަށް 35،366.00 ޔޫއެސް ޑޮލަރު ހޭދަވެއެވެ. އެއީ 1،450،000.00 އިންޑިޔާ ރުޕީސްއެވެ. ދިވެހި ރުފިޔާއިންނަމަ 454،452.00 ރުފިޔާއެވެ.

މިއޮޕަރޭޝަނަށް ކުރަންޖެހޭ ޚަރަދަކީ ޙާއިޝްގެ ޢާއިލާއަށް އުފުލޭ ވަރަށްވުރެ ބޮޑު އގުތަކެކެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން އެމައުސޫމް ކުޑަ ކުއްޖާއަށް ވަނީ އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ އެހީތެރިކަމަށް ބޭނުންވެފައެވެ.

ހިތް ދަތިކަމާއެކު ވަގުތުތައް ގުނަމުންދާ ޙާއިޝްއަށް އެހީތެރިވާން ބޭނުންވާ ފަރާތްކުން މުޙައްމަދު ޙާއިޝް ޙުސައިންގެ ބައްޕަ އަޙްމަދު ޙުސައިންނަށް ގުޅުން އެދެމެވެ.

އަޙްމަދު ޙުސައިން (ބައްޕަ)7620101 / ޓްރުޓް ފްލަރވާ / ހދ ކުޅުދުއްފުށި

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The Journey of Mohamed – Seal of Islam [PART TWO]: The Year of the Elephants

2011-05-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

The Journey of Mohamed – Seal of Islam [PART TWO]:

The Year of the Elephants

In the late sixth century, Mecca’s southern neighbor, Yemen was under the rule of an Ethiopian Governor, Abraha al-Ashram, Abraha (a.k.a Abramos 530-570 C.E.). Abraha marched on to Mecca, (though literally it was unaccomplished), he was reportedly envious of the pilgrimage traffic Mecca was attracting. He intended to build a similar, a rival pilgrimage site in Yemen. He ordered the establishment of a beautiful cathedral in Sana’a, and ordered people to go there instead of the Ka’bah in Mecca. It was when no one showed up that he set out to attack Mecca and destroy the holy house of Arabia. Little did he know what fate awaits him in Mecca!

It was believed that Abraha’s army attempted to march on Mecca with a cavalry of elephants, an animal that the Arabs had never before seen. He sent word out that he will not harm anyone but those who come in his way, and that he comes only to destroy the old Ka’baa built by Abraham and Ishmael.

On arrival at Al-Mughammas (a valley mid-way between Ta’if and Mecca), Abraha dispatched one of his commanders to Mecca where he looted some belongings of the Quraish and other Arabs, including two hundred or so camels which belonged to Abdul Muttalib ibn Hashim, the Chief of Mecca. Quraish, Kinana, Huthail and neighbouring Arab tribes gathered to fight Abraha but then they realized that they stood no chance of winning, so they did not proceed. Abraha ordered his messengers to bring him the Mecca Chief.

When Abraha saw Abdul Muttalib, he felt much respect for the Arab chief. He felt that Abdul Muttalib was too noble to sit beneath his royal bed but at the same time he did not wish to be seen by the Abyssinians sitting with him on the royal bed, so he came down and sat with Abdul Muttalib on the carpet.

Abraha ordered his interpreter to ask Abdul Muttalib what he wanted. Abdul Muttalib said that he wanted to request the king to give him back his two hundred camels which were looted by his commander. Abraha shocked at the response ordered his interpreter to tell Abdul Muttalib:

I admired you when I first saw you but when I spoke to you I was disappointed. Do you come to talk to me about two hundred looted camels and forget about the House which is an embodiment of your and your forefathers’ religion and which I have come to destroy? You did not even say a word to persuade me to spare it.

Abdul Muttalib said:

I am only the master of my camels, but the House has its own Lord who is sure to protect it.

Abraha snapped, “It cannot be defended against me”. The Mecca chief said: “You take your chance!”

Abraha returned his camels to him. Abdul Muttalib went back to the Quraish and told them of his encounter with the Abyssinian commander and ordered them to leave Mecca and seek shelter in the mountains surrounding it. Then he went with a few personalities of the Quraish to the Ka’ba where he held the ring on its door in his hand. They all prayed hard to Allah for his help and protection of the House.

Abdul Muttalib is reported to have recited the following lines of poetry in his prayer:

“Our Lord, a creature protects his property, so protect Yours. Let not their cross and their might ever overcome Your might. If You are leaving them to destroy our House of worship, then You surely have something in mind.”

Abraha ordered his army to march in to Mecca with his strong elephants to destroy the House of God. As the army proceeded to enter in to the Holy city, the big elephant that led the army sat down and refused to go any further. The soldiers were unsuccessful in all their efforts to persuade the elephant to enter the city.

A flock of birds flew over the great army of Abraha, droping pebbles from their beaks and claws. The stones destroyed the army and injured Abraha himself; he died on his retreat back to Yemen. Indeed the Lord of the house has protected his property.

This event in the Arab history is referred to as the Year of the Elephant (570 C.E). This was also the year that Mecca Chief Abdul Muttalib’s grandson was born, the boy who will become to be known as Mohammed the Last Messenger of God.

The story in Quran:

Chapter 105 – Surah Al-Feel (The Elephant)

1. Have you (O Mohamed) not seen how your Lord dealt with the Owners of the Elephant? [The elephant army which came from Yemen under the command of Abrahah Al-Ashram intending to destroy the Ka'bah at Makkah]

2. Did He not make their plot go astray?

3. And sent against them birds, in flocks,

4. Striking them with stones of Sijjil.

5. And made them like an empty field of stalks (of which the corn has been eaten up by cattle).

Reference:

>> Christine Huda Dodge, the City of Mecca, Islamic History; Origins of Arabia

>> International Islamic University Malaysia Website, Sura # 105 – The Elephant (Al-Feel)

http://www.iium.edu.my/deed/quran/in_the_shade_of_quran/s105.html

>> Interpretations of the meanings of Holy Quran – Dhar-us-Salam Publications

http://www.dar-us-salam.com/TheNobleQuran/index.html

Article also appeared on DhiIslam.com