All categories - 5 October 2007

2007-10-05 14:57:33 · 23 answers · asked by Heartbreak kid 5 in Polls & Surveys

2007-10-05 14:57:32 · 20 answers · asked by Holy Macaroni! 6 in Polls & Surveys

Imagine if this was Chelsea, OMG...

http://www.bartcop.com/jenndrk.jpg

2007-10-05 14:57:19 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Current Events

In other words, how much do you personally strive to be genuine and authentic and desire that in others? To what extent would you expect (as opposed to desire) that in others?

2007-10-05 14:57:14 · 11 answers · asked by Pansy 4 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-10-05 14:57:10 · 8 answers · asked by candi19660 1 in Dogs

2007-10-05 14:57:07 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Polls & Surveys

I plan on moving to Phoenix, Arizona with my boyfriend next year. Currently we're looking for a decent, one bedroom apartment with a garage parking. I would also like to find a placed furnished but can't seem to find a good enough place so I'm thinking of moving into an unfurnished place. Problem is we won't be able to afford any of the expensive furniture I've been seeing online and such, and I'm not sure how Rent-a-center works. Can anyone help me figure out what to do, should I keep looking for a furnished place or does anyone know where I can get decent, cheap furniture?

2007-10-05 14:56:56 · 7 answers · asked by Sabure 1 in Renting & Real Estate

what is the best way for a shy guy to meet new people or even to meet girls? maybe places you have in mind? i have tried everything to break my shy streak and nothing seems to work. got any ideas???

2007-10-05 14:56:49 · 5 answers · asked by Empty_Glass 3 in Friends

this document has a very small font. I can zoom in on the screen, but I want to know how I can print this document in an enlarged form? Is it possible?

2007-10-05 14:56:45 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Software

2007-10-05 14:56:32 · 2 answers · asked by db#1 1 in Facebook

What are the main dynamics of the rapid spread of Islam?
During the tenth century, Islam was the predominant religion of an area covering more than half of the then-known world. Its adherents inhabited three continents: from the Pyrenees and Siberia up to China and New Guinea, and from Morocco to the southern tip of Africa.

One of history’s most striking facts is that Islam spread over such a vast area within 3 centuries. Most striking of all, within 50 years after the Hijra, all of North Africa (from Egypt to Morocco) and the Middle East (from Yemen to Caucasia, and from Egypt to the lands beyond Transoxiana) had come under the sway of Islam. During ‘Uthman’s reign (644-56), Muslim envoys reached the Chinese royal court and were welcomed enthusiastically. According to historians, this important event marks the beginning of Islam’s presence in China.

How did Islam spread?
Peoples of all eras have been ready to embrace Islam for a wide variety of reasons. But perhaps the foremost one, as pointed out by Muhammad Asad, a Jewish convert to Islam, is that:

Islam appears to me like a perfect work of architecture. All its parts are harmoniously conceived to complement and support each other, nothing lacking, with the result of an absolute balance and solid composure. Everything in the teaching and postulate of Islam is in its proper place. [1]

Most Western writers continue to accuse Islam of spreading by the sword. One major cause of this prejudice is that Islam often spread at the expense of Christianity. For hundreds of years Christians have converted to Islam without much effort or organized missionary activity. Muslims, however, almost never convert to Christianity despite sophisticated means and well-organized missionary activities. Furthermore, Christianity has always been at a disadvantage when competing with Islam. This has caused its missionaries and most Orientalists to present Islam as a regressive and vulgar religion of uncivilized peoples [2]. Such negative attitudes also color their accounts of the Prophet. Some unbiased Western writers have admitted this:

Muslims, according to the principles of their faith, are under an obligation to use force for the purpose of bringing other religions to ruin (probably he means Jihad, which is unfortunately misinterpreted and not for the purpose he claims, as will be explained in the next chapter); yet, in spite of that, they have been tolerating other religions for some centuries past. The Christians have not been given orders to do anything but preach and instruct, yet, despite this, from time immemorial they have been exterminating by fire and sword all those who are not of their religion… We may feel certain that if Western Christians, instead of the Saracens and the Turks, had won the dominion over Asia, there would be today not a trace left of the Greek Church, and that they would never have tolerated Muhammadanism as the ‘infidels’ have tolerated Christianity there. We (Christians) enjoy the fine advantage of being far better versed than others in the art of killing, bombarding and exterminating the Human Race. [3]

Why did Islam spread so rapidly?
Islam’s rapid expansion, unequaled by any other religion, was due to its religious content and values, as many unbiased Western intellectuals state:

Many have sought to answer the questions of why the triumph of Islam was so speedy and complete? Why have so many millions embraced the religion of Islam and scarcely a hundred ever recanted?.. Some have attempted to explain the first overwhelming success of Islam by the argument of the Sword. They forget Carlyle’s laconic reply. First get your sword. You must win men’s hearts before you can induce them to imperil their lives for you; and the first conquerors of Islam must have been made Muslims before they were made fighters on the Path of God. Others allege the low morality of the religion and the sensual paradise it promises as a sufficient cause for the zeal of its followers: but even were these admitted to the full, no religion has ever gained a lasting hold upon the souls of men by the force of its sensual permissions and fleshy promises...

In all these explanations the religion itself is left out of the question. Decidedly, Islam itself was the main cause for its triumph. Islam not only was at once accepted (by many peoples and races) by Arabia, Syria, Persia, Egypt, Northern Africa and Spain, at its first outburst; but, with the exception of Spain, it has never lost its vantage ground; it has been spreading ever since it came into being. Admitting the mixed causes that contributed to the rapidity of the first swift spread of Islam, they do not account for the duration of Islam. There must be something in the religion itself to explain its persistence and spread, and to account for its present hold over so large of a proportion of the dwellers on the earth... Islam has stirred an enthusiasm that has never been surpassed. Islam has had its martyrs, its recluses, who have renounced all that life offered and have accepted death with a smile for the sake of the faith that was in them. [4]

A. J. Arberry holds the same view:

The rapidity of the spread of Islam is a crucial fact of history... The sublime rhetoric of the Qur’an, that inimitable symphony, the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy. (M. Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Qur’an, p.vii) ...

This, and the urgency of the simple message carried, holds the key to the mystery of one of the greatest cataclysms in the history of religion. When all military, political and economic factors have been exhausted, the religious impulse must still be recognized as the most vital and enduring. [5]

Brockelman, usually very unsympathetic and partial, also recognizes Islam’s religious values as the main factor for its spread [6]. Rosenthal writes: “The more important factor for the spread of Islam is religious law of Islam (Sharia which is an inclusive, all-embracing, all-comprehensive way of thinking and living) which was designed to cover all manifestations of life.” [7]

Along with many other reasons, Islam spread because of its followers’ exemplary lifestyle and unceasing efforts to transmit its message throughout the world. These lie at the root of Islam’s conquest of hearts. Islamic universalism is closely associated with the principle of amr bi al-ma‘ruf (enjoining the good), for this is how Muslims are to spread Islam. This principle seeks to convey Islam’s message to everyone, without exception, and to establish a model community that displays Islam to the world: Thus We have made of you an Ummah justly balanced, that you might be witnesses (models) for the peoples, and the Messenger has been a witness for you (2:143).

Muslims, both as individuals and as a community, therefore have certain goals to achieve: communicating Islam to others, conveying the truth to everyone, striving to prevent oppression and tyranny, and establishing justice. To do this, they must live an exemplary life. Thus Islam’s moral and ethical values usually have played an important part in its spread.

One Nineteenth-Century European writer recorded his impressions on how Islamic ethics influenced black Africans as follows:

As to the effects of Islam when first embraced by a ***** tribe, can there, when viewed as a whole, be any reasonable doubt? Polytheism disappears almost instantaneously; sorcery, with its attendant evils, gradually dies away; human sacrifice becomes a thing of the past. The general moral elevation is most marked; the natives begin for the first time in their history to dress, and that neatly. Squalid filth is replaced by some approach to personal cleanliness; hospitality becomes a religious duty; drunkenness, instead of the rule, becomes a comparatively rare exception... chastity is looked upon as one of the highest, and becomes, in fact, one of the commoner virtues. It is idleness that henceforward degrades, and industry that elevates, instead of the reverse. Offences are henceforward measured by a written code instead of the arbitrary caprice of a chieftain—a step, as everyone will admit, of vast importance in the progress of a tribe. The Mosque gives an idea of architecture at all events higher than any the ***** has yet had. A thirst for literature is created and that for works of science and philosophy as well as for commentaries on the Qur’an. [8]

Islam also spread rapidly because of its tolerance. Toynbee praises the Muslims’ tolerance toward the Peoples of the Book after comparing it with the Christians’ attitude toward Muslims in their lands [9]. Link attributes Islam’s spread to its credible principles and tolerance, persuasion, and other attractions [10]. Makarios, a Seventeenth-century Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, compared the Poles’ harsh treatment of the Russian Orthodox to the Ottomans’ tolerant attitude toward Orthodox Christians and prayed for the sultans [11].

This is not the only example of non-Muslims’ preference for Muslim rule over that of their own coreligionists. Byzantium’s Orthodox Christians openly expressed their preference for the Ottoman turban in Istanbul to the hats of the Catholic cardinals. Elisee Reclus, a Nineteenth-century French traveler, wrote that the Muslim Turks allowed all non-Muslims to observe their religious duties and rituals, and that the sultan’s Christian subjects were freer to live their own lives than those Christians whose lands were ruled by a member of a rival Christian sect [12]. Popescu Ciocanel pays tribute to the Muslim Turks by stating that the Romanians were lucky to have Turkish, instead of Russian and Austrian, rulers. Otherwise, he points out, “no trace of the Romanian nation would have remained.” [13].

The Muslims’ attitude toward the people they conquered is quite clear in the instructions given by the Rightly-Guided Caliphs: [14]

Always keep fear of God in your mind; remember that you cannot afford to do anything without His grace. Do not forget that Islam is a mission of peace and love. Keep the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) before you as a model of bravery and piety. Do not destroy fruit trees or fertile fields in your paths. Be just, and spare the feelings of the vanquished. Respect all religious persons who live in hermitages or convents and spare their edifices. Do not kill civilians. Do not outrage the chastity of women and the honor of the conquered. Do not harm old people and children. Do not accept any gifts from the civil population of any place. Do not billet your soldiers or officers in the houses of civilians. Do not forget to perform your daily prayers. Fear God. Remember that death will inevitably come to everyone of you at some time or other, even if you are thousands of miles away from a battlefield; therefore be always ready to face death. [15]

An historical episode, recorded by the famous Muslim historian Baladhuri in his Futuh al-Buldan, tells how pleased the indigenous peoples were with their Muslim conquerors and is of great significance:

When Heraclius, Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (610-41), massed his troops against the Muslims, and the Muslims heard that they were coming to meet them, they refunded the tribute they had taken from the inhabitants of Hims, saying: “We are too busy to support and protect you. Take care of yourselves.” But the people of Hims replied: “We like your rule and justice far better than our former state of oppression and tyranny. We shall indeed, with your help, repulse Heraclius’ army from the city.” The Jews rose and said: “We swear by the Torah, no governor of Heraclius shall enter Hims unless we are first vanquished and exhausted.” Saying this, they closed and guarded the city gates. The Christians and Jews of cities that had capitulated did the same. When, by God’s help, Heraclius’ army was defeated and the Muslims won, they opened the gates of their cities, went out with singers and musicians, and paid the tribute.

2007-10-05 14:56:21 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

Liberia was created by ex slaves just like we are!!! we should go there and be with our brothers and stuff.

2007-10-05 14:56:12 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Society & Culture

Is this an example of being fair and balanced ?

2007-10-05 14:56:12 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Politics & Government

My mom is not the stereotypical mother. She has lied and cheated on my dad and told us all about her affairs in major detail. We grew up not telling my dad any of this. Well one night i got pretty sick of all the fighting and fussing and just told him. Not about all the men but some. They've been divorced since i was little but always lived together. I just get soo tired of lieing for her all the time that it finally caught up with me. My dad's really a great hard working guy it sucks to see him go through this. Anyways since then my mom has completely quit coming around except to come see my daughter or use my computer. She started hanging out with one of my freinds i used to go to school with. Now they are insepertable. I'm sorry but my mom's 40 years old and this girl is 22. It really hurts cause i feel like i've been replaced. I'll make time and ask her to come over and she says she will and never does. I cant help it but i'm jealous of her new freind. I know its pathetic but cant

2007-10-05 14:56:06 · 5 answers · asked by cutenwild1769 5 in Family

http://sivinkit.net/archives/puppies2_3.jpg
THE ONE ON THE LEFT.
PLEASE & THANK YOU.

2007-10-05 14:55:59 · 9 answers · asked by :) 3 in Dogs

2007-10-05 14:55:50 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Environment

I wish to advertise a non-profit club by placing a small ad on windshilds of cars at shopping malls but I need to know if this is illegal as the ad will have my name and contact info on it

2007-10-05 14:55:41 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Search Engine Optimization

2007-10-05 14:55:13 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Government

Failed to start today, but heard a lot of clicking as if the starter was trying to turn the engine over. Have a new battery, so don't believe the problem is there, though it could be the alternator because it has been making a strange noise the past two days. thanks if you can help at all.

2007-10-05 14:54:59 · 7 answers · asked by lorenzo 6 in GMC

2007-10-05 14:54:36 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Polls & Surveys

2007-10-05 14:54:29 · 7 answers · asked by tiedtoarainbow 7 in Polls & Surveys

Global warming really scares me. I'm only 14, what can I do to stop it? Can you give me any inoformation about global warming you know? like its effects and how soon it will start to happen dramatically?

2007-10-05 14:54:17 · 22 answers · asked by ♣swirley_gumdrops♣ 4 in Global Warming

We have so many financial problems at the moment, our relationship is loving, but the arguments caused by stress and worry are tearing us apart, he is finding it hard to get work, he is a qualified tradesman, i own a small business, but its getting to the point where my resources to get money together are running very low, i feel ill most days, with that sick feeling in my stomach, i was an optimistic person, but for the past 6 months, nothing is going right financially.
I have been the strong one, for both of us, now i am at breaking point, in the situation where i am keeping it to myself, because, i could tell friends and family, but they are very judgemental, i know that for a fact, so i feel so alone, can i make it through?? can my relationship survive???

2007-10-05 14:54:17 · 11 answers · asked by natc 3 in Marriage & Divorce

2007-10-05 14:54:10 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in NASCAR

2007-10-05 14:54:01 · 6 answers · asked by blue diamond 1 in Military

I was overweight (not obese) a few years ago...but i lost most of that weight. One thing that has been bothering me is a really dark line on my stomach where a flab used to be. Does anyone know how to get rid of it? Also, does any one have any suggestions on how to get rid of the rest of the stomach fat I have and some minor cellulite?

2007-10-05 14:53:57 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Diet & Fitness

2007-10-05 14:53:54 · 2 answers · asked by ? 2 in Other - Education

I've just been resently let go from a firm...their base for firing meb was b/c a security guard that works in the building where the clients are, stated that I threw something at him (which is complete lie). The firm let me go b/c their who is stationed insided the building that the guard works in is the firms bread and butter. The firm didn't want any bad reviews from anyone from the client's buidling. now, the guard works for the management company of the building. I don't believe that he has any direct relations with the clients. I told my firm that the accusations bestowed upon me is complete false and that I have zero knowledge of the made up incident. Now, could I bring a separate civil suit against the guard for false accusation which ultimately cost my job? I asked to review the surveilance tape to back up the guards claim...the firm stated they didnt' think so....I'm just really pist.

2007-10-05 14:53:52 · 5 answers · asked by ?????? 1 in Law & Legal

or do you thrive on companionship?

2007-10-05 14:53:17 · 34 answers · asked by ♪♪ Serabi ♪♪ 5 in Polls & Surveys

A company by the name of VeriMed has manufactured microchips ready to be embedded into the arms of people with Alzheimers. These chips "supposedly" only contain info. such as address, medical info, name and so forth. They "supposedly" do not have a GPS device in them. Do you think this is a good idea, and, would you approve of this chip being implanted in one of your relatives with Alzheimers?

2007-10-05 14:53:11 · 6 answers · asked by Virginia B (John 16:33) 7 in Medicine