Travel - 2 November 2007

For me it was Chicken stuffed with couscous...I had answered that one question of Terry's about what chicken dish was your favorite and then I decided I needed to eat this again. :)

2007-11-02 14:15:39 · 12 answers · asked by Sassafrass 6 in Morocco

How far is Chelmsford from Boston? How long is the commute time? Assuming that I live in suburbia, what Boston suburb has the best nightlife and the most single people and is in the same direction as Boston?

2007-11-02 14:13:18 · 7 answers · asked by VH 2 in Boston

2007-11-02 14:12:32 · 5 answers · asked by just me 4 in Other - Caribbean

Here in the US they use sheet rock and the houses are so flimsy, but in DR they build them so strong and it's 100% cement. Why is that?

2007-11-02 14:08:59 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Dominican Republic

How is it that the understanding of Islam has changed so completely in the mind of the average person from an all-embracing life system to merely a few acts of worship-often done half-heartedly, in an automatic way or even not at all? Today, we find Muslims, most in fact, who consider that being a Muslim involves praying and fasting, but that otherwise they are free to live their lives according to any social, political or economic system they please. We also find those who claim to love Allah but profess that good feelings and intentions are sufficient proof of Islam.

How was such an idea ever adopted-the notion that one's loyalty to Islam is unrelated to his behaviour? How did a Muslim come to imagine that he could oppose the teachings of his Lord and betray His trust; that he could lie, cheat and deceive; that he could refuse what is lawful, preferring what is unlawful; that he could accept humility and humiliation in order to preserve his status in a society based on immorality and oppression...and still claim allegiance to Islam? How could a Muslimah come to imagine that she could oppose teachings of her Lord and betray His trust; that she could lie, cheat, deceive, covet and backbite; that she could go out, exposing herself to every eye; that she could willingly raise her children as contented members of an un-Islamic society...and yet still imagine that the "good intention" in her heart would cancel all of that before Allah?

From the very outset of Prophet Muhammad's ( Salalahu Alaihi Was Sallam) call to the worship of Allah alone and in the days when Islam was a vital movement attracting most of those who came in contact with it (which was a long period in history), the average Muslim was quite a different example than what we have today. When he said, "La ilaha ill-Allah" and "Muhammadun rasul-Allah,", he did not consider those words as something to be pronounced and repeated without leaving any effect upon his thinking and behaviour. He understood them to mean that Allah, the Creator, is the rightful governor of this universe. He understood that from the time Adam was set upon the Earth, Allah had sent an eternal message to mankind, stating that whoever follows His guidance will be guided for his own benefit, but those who turn away in rejection will harm their own souls; and every soul will bear the consequences of its choice. He understood that Allah, God of the universe, i alone worthy to be worshipped and obeyed and that He alone has the right to direct one's life. No other man or government has that right, and rulers are to be obeyed only as long as they uphold the laws of Allah. He understood that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, chosen by Him to relay the guidance that was meant to reach mankind, and that he was a living example of this guidance- a teacher to be followed and obeyed.

No one ever imagined that sincerity was enough. How could it be when the Prophet had made clear that faith is neither by desire nor by adornment, but it is what has settled in the heart and is proven by deeds.

One might Imagine while seated comfortably in his chair that he could move the Universe. But when he reaches out to move a nearby table, he finds that the effort needed to do so may require that he arise from his seat; and if the table is large, it may require even greater exertion on his part. Thus, the belief that sincerity alone suffices is deception. No doubt, there can be no deliberate or fruitful action without prior intention. But what good is sincerity or intention in practical terms? Unless it is translated into effective behaviour, what is gained? There will be no rform, no progress, no accomplishment- no change at all.

And so Allah repeats over and over in the Qur'an that His reward will be for those who believe and do righteousness. He never said that faith alone or intention is sufficient. Faith must bcome a motive to positive action- to doing as one is directed. That means putting the word of Allah above all else- above customs and traditions, above the opinions of man, above one's own desires, laziness or reluctance.

All of this was apparent and self-evident to early Muslims. It was not their idealism alone which changed the course of history- it was action. They knew that the laws of Allah had been sent down to be followed, and that that was the true meaning of worship.

Among the contemporaries of the Prophet were those who erred and those who sinned. They were never free of human feelings or human weaknesses. They knew fear and anger and wordly temptation. The material of their creation was no different from our own. But the ever-present consciousness of Allah and the firm relationship with Him prevented them from decline, protected them from despair and continually renewed their hope. The first Muslims became unique examples of human excellence while never losing their human nature. Their society was one in which human potential was utilised to the utmost as simply a reflection of their understanding of Islam.

What happened to change that understanding to what we see in the outlook of Muslims of today?

2007-11-02 14:03:17 · 18 answers · asked by muslim-doctor 3 in Egypt

Within 50 miles of San Francisco, for this weekend? (Saturday, 11/3)

2007-11-02 13:56:11 · 4 answers · asked by dida 1 in San Francisco

Which city is a better place to live?

2007-11-02 13:44:31 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Canada

Im going on a plane to southafrica (via singapore) and i am fully excited. there is still 37 days left and i would like to know ideas that will help pass the time quickly:) hope you can help:)

2007-11-02 13:42:49 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Air Travel

Nobody feels safe here in Istanbul. It has became like a ghost city. You don't know what is going to happen next minute. Everyone here is so frightend from 'Kurdistan Workers Party' - PKK. How can we make it safe?

2007-11-02 13:02:16 · 18 answers · asked by LoveTurkey 1 in Turkey

help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i am in need!!!!!!!!!! help it's due on monday

2007-11-02 12:56:45 · 2 answers · asked by heyy_itz_me_jessy!~ =) 1 in Other - Europe

If Im staying in Paris Hotel, how do i get to the Las vegas premium outlet, if Im not driving?

2007-11-02 12:42:26 · 6 answers · asked by P.Ariel 3 in Las Vegas

Which would you stay in, Paris in a standard room, or Luxor in a spa suite, the prices are about the same? And why?

2007-11-02 12:39:33 · 7 answers · asked by P.Ariel 3 in Las Vegas

Only people who live or work in Suffolk county

2007-11-02 12:36:28 · 3 answers · asked by rainbow2 1 in Other - United States

Please tell me all you know about Indy. Is it a good place to live? How many people life there? Is there a good night life? Any thing you can think of.

2007-11-02 12:11:28 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Indianapolis

2007-11-02 12:08:54 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in China

My husband and I are going to Turtle Bay resort for a retreat next week.I never been there before?How is it there and what is there to do?
oh and how exactly do you get there.We live in Waipahu.
thanks!

2007-11-02 12:05:56 · 3 answers · asked by oinksaysthepig 3 in Honolulu

Hi, am trying to book a cruise in december. I am a first time cruiser. My options have been broken down to two and I have a hard time making up my mind? 1st option 4 nights with Royal Caribbean going to Nassau and Coco Cay and 2nd option 5 nights with Carnival going to Grand Cayman and Cozumel...am confused. Am 22 and my boyfriend is 25 and we want to have fun but we dont want somewhere too too noisy and busy and crowded. The ships are Carnival Inspiration and RCCL Sovereign of The seas. And we are also kinda tight on budget plus Carnival is 100 bucks more! Any hidden expenses that we should be aware of?

2007-11-02 12:03:45 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cruise Travel

via a stat dec?

2007-11-02 11:57:45 · 1 answers · asked by dot 4 in Other - Australia

and DO you try to be respectful of those who differ from you??

2007-11-02 11:52:12 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Lebanon

do you have any idea why there are some people who want to create controversy here?
I don't understand it...am I missing something?

2007-11-02 11:47:35 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Lebanon

how would you like to be entertained? my cousin from the states is coming to stay with me for xmas and loves all things irish!! but the only thing i can think of to do with her is take her to the pub for a bit of craic! is that too boring, or is it simply showing her what it means to be irish? what would you like to see if you were coming here for the first time?

2007-11-02 11:47:10 · 11 answers · asked by j c 2 in Other - Ireland

2007-11-02 11:43:05 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Destinations

Is there a certain procedure of doing it so..or anything goes?.............

2007-11-02 11:41:06 · 24 answers · asked by E@rthGoddess 6 in Packing & Preparation

My husband and I are going to Vegas next summer. What are some good shows. We were there 2 years ago and HATED blue man group....we plan to go to the Sopranos Last Supper and Tournament of Kings, but I want to see another show that is going to be a good VEGAS show. Also, something that isn't so expensive too.

2007-11-02 11:30:19 · 9 answers · asked by Swista 2 in Las Vegas

2007-11-02 11:07:14 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - United States

2007-11-02 11:04:45 · 10 answers · asked by the one 1 in Egypt

First off I'm a student... so I don't have a whole lot of cash to facilitate such a transition.

I want to go to audio recording school somewhere in Europe
I'm very passionate about music (House/Dance etc), I dj and I've produced a couple of tracks.

And the way things are going right now... i don't see a very bright future.

So I need a generous heart to sponsor me. And help me achieve my dreams and goals.

If you're that person or have any good ideas please let me know.

2007-11-02 10:54:37 · 1 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Europe

Okay i am going on this People to People trip for getting grades because one of my teachers recommended me..but we are going to England and France and i want to know whats it like over there but it sounds really cool i cannot wait....

2007-11-02 10:39:40 · 4 answers · asked by Mileys Fan 1 in Other - Europe

2007-11-02 10:37:34 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Australia

and do you know who was built by?

2007-11-02 10:25:16 · 3 answers · asked by oh em gee 3 in Other - France