Taken from the BBC
Part 2 of 3 ( First broadcasted 12 Jan 2009)
Physicist Jim Al-Khalili travels through Syria, Iran, Tunisia and Spain to tell the story of the great leap in scientific knowledge that took place in the Islamic world between the 8th and 14th centuries.
Al-Khalili travels to northern Syria to discover how, a thousand years ago, the great astronomer and mathematician Al-Biruni estimated the size of the earth to within a few hundred miles of the correct figure.
He discovers how medieval Islamic scholars helped turn the magical and occult practice of alchemy into modern chemistry.
In Cairo, he tells the story of the extraordinary physicist Ibn al-Haytham, who helped establish the modern science of optics and proved one of the most fundamental principles in physics - that light travels in straight lines.
Prof Al-Khalili argues that these scholars are among the first people to insist that all scientific theories are backed up by careful experimental observation, bringing a rigour to science that didn't really exist before.
SCIENCE & ISLAM - The Empire of Reason 1/6
Here are the other parts....
The Empire of Reason 2/6 - Click Here!
The Empire of Reason 3/6 - Click Here!
The Empire of Reason 4/6 - Click Here!
The Empire of Reason 5/6 - Click Here!
The Empire of Reason 6/6 - Click Here!
If the video get deleted then simply search on google and I'm sure there will be plenty of other sources.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Vid: Science and Islam - The Empire of Reason
Vid: Science and Islam - The Language of Science
Taken from the BBC
Part 1 of 3 ( First broadcasted 05 Jan 2009)
Physicist Jim Al-Khalili travels through Syria, Iran, Tunisia and Spain to tell the story of the great leap in scientific knowledge that took place in the Islamic world between the 8th and 14th centuries.
Its legacy is tangible, with terms like algebra, algorithm and alkali all being Arabic in origin and at the very heart of modern science - there would be no modern mathematics or physics without algebra, no computers without algorithms and no chemistry without alkalis.
For Baghdad-born Al-Khalili this is also a personal journey and on his travels he uncovers a diverse and outward-looking culture, fascinated by learning and obsessed with science. From the great mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, who did much to establish the mathematical tradition we now know as algebra, to Ibn Sina, a pioneer of early medicine whose Canon of Medicine was still in use as recently as the 19th century, he pieces together a remarkable story of the often-overlooked achievements of the early medieval Islamic scientists.
SCIENCE & ISLAM - The language of science 1/6
Here are the other parts....
The language of science 2/6 - Click Here!
The language of science 3/6 - Click Here!
The language of science 4/6 - Click Here!
The language of science 5/6 - Click Here!
The language of science 6/6 - Click Here!
If the video get deleted then simply search on google and I'm sure there will be plenty of other sources.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
The 'first true scientist'
Taken from The BBC, 04 Jan 2009
By Professor Jim Al-Khalili, University of Surrey
Isaac Newton is, as most will agree, the greatest physicist of all time.
At the very least, he is the undisputed father of modern optics, or so we are told at school where our textbooks abound with his famous experiments with lenses and prisms, his study of the nature of light and its reflection, and the refraction and decomposition of light into the colours of the rainbow.
Yet, the truth is rather greyer; and I feel it important to point out that, certainly in the field of optics, Newton himself stood on the shoulders of a giant who lived 700 years earlier.
For, without doubt, another great physicist, who is worthy of ranking up alongside Newton, is a scientist born in AD 965 in what is now Iraq who went by the name of al-Hassan Ibn al-Haytham.
An artist's impression of al-Hassan Ibn al-Haytham
Most people in the West will never have even heard of him.
As a physicist myself, I am quite in awe of this man's contribution to my field, but I was fortunate enough to have recently been given the opportunity to dig a little into his life and work through my recent filming of a three-part BBC Four series on medieval Islamic scientists.
Modern methods
Popular accounts of the history of science typically suggest that no major scientific advances took place in between the ancient Greeks and the European Renaissance.
But just because Western Europe languished in the Dark Ages, does not mean there was stagnation elsewhere. Indeed, the period between the 9th and 13th Centuries marked the Golden Age of Arabic science.
Great advances were made in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, physics, chemistry and philosophy. Among the many geniuses of that period Ibn al-Haytham stands taller than all the others.
Ibn al-Haytham is regarded as the father of the modern scientific method.
As commonly defined, this is the approach to investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge, based on the gathering of data through observation and measurement, followed by the formulation and testing of hypotheses to explain the data.
This is how we do science today and is why I put my trust in the advances that have been made in science.
But it is often still claimed that the modern scientific method was not established until the early 17th Century by Francis Bacon and Rene Descartes.
There is no doubt in my mind, however, that Ibn al-Haytham arrived there first.
In fact, with his emphasis on experimental data and reproducibility of results, he is often referred to as the "world's first true scientist".
Understanding light
He was the first scientist to give a correct account of how we see objects.
He proved experimentally, for instance, that the so-called emission theory (which stated that light from our eyes shines upon the objects we see), which was believed by great thinkers such as Plato, Euclid and Ptolemy, was wrong and established the modern idea that we see because light enters our eyes.
What he also did that no other scientist had tried before was to use mathematics to describe and prove this process.
So he can be regarded as the very first theoretical physicist, too.
He is perhaps best known for his invention of the pinhole camera and should be credited with the discovery of the laws of refraction.
He also carried out the first experiments on the dispersion of light into its constituent colours and studied shadows, rainbows and eclipses; and by observing the way sunlight diffracted through the atmosphere, he was able to work out a rather good estimate for the height of the atmosphere, which he found to be around 100km.
Enforced study
In common with many modern scholars, Ibn-al Haytham badly needed the time and isolation to focus on writing his many treatises, including his great work on optics.
He was given an unwelcome opportunity, however, when he was imprisoned in Egypt between 1011 and 1021, having failed a task set him by a caliph in Cairo to help solve the problem of regulating the flooding of the Nile.
While still in Basra, Ibn al-Haytham had claimed that the Nile's autumn flood waters could be held by a system of dykes and canals, thereby preserved as reservoirs until the summer's droughts.
But on arrival in Cairo, he soon realised that his scheme was utterly impractical from an engineering perspective.
Yet rather than admit his mistake to the dangerous and murderous caliph, Ibn-al Haytham instead decided to feign madness as a way to escape punishment.
This promptly led to him being placed under house arrest, thereby granting him 10 years of seclusion in which to work.
Planetary motion
He was only released after the caliph's death. He returned to Iraq where he composed a further 100 works on a range of subjects in physics and mathematics.
While travelling through the Middle East during my filming, I interviewed an expert in Alexandria who showed me recently discovered work by Ibn al-Haytham on astronomy.
It seems he had developed what is called celestial mechanics, explaining the orbits of the planets, which was to lead to the eventual work of Europeans like Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton.
It is incredible that we are only now uncovering the debt that today's physicists owe to an Arab who lived 1,000 years ago.
Friday, 6 March 2009
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
It was calculated on Moonsighting that the 12th day of month of Rabi-al-Awwal, should fall in the UK on Monday, 9th of March (beginning from Maghrib, 8th of March). Please double check with your local mosque for moon sighting.
So what’s so special? – Well, it the date of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday. Some Muslims do not approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as a religious innovation. BUT There is nothing wrong for the Muslims to commemorated this day, if it is done to remind Muslims of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the celebration is held within the framework of Islamic doctrines
Throughout the world stories are told about different aspects of the life of the Prophet, his birth, childhood, youth and adult life. The most important part is focusing upon the character of the Prophet (PBUH); on his teachings, sufferings, and how he forgave even his most bitter enemies.
As far as Islamic Shari`ah is concerned, a Muslim is encouraged to praise the Prophet (PBUH) without exaggeration and to refer to his good ethics and morals to encourage himself or herself and others to follow in his footsteps and guidance.
When praising the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we should make sure that we do not exaggerate [in Arabic: ghuluww] in his praise. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Do not overpraise me as Christians overpraised Jesus son of Mary. Say [when refering to me], 'Servant of Allah and His Messenger.'"
Here are some previous posts on the blog (including some links from various media):
(1) Famous quotes from Non-Muslims about the Prophet (PBUH)
(2) Short presentation Video: The Most Influential Human Being To Have Ever Lived
(3) The Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.S.)
http://wefound.org/home/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=39
Description of the Prophet (pbuh)
http://www.ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=5&suTopicID=6
The Miracles of the Prophet (pbuh)
http://ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=3&suTopicID=6
Could the Prophet remove the sins of Muslims?
http://www.ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=9&suTopicID=6
(4) 40 Traditional Practices of the Prophet
(5) Photos: Prophet Muhammad's Beard, Clothes, Swords, etc.
(6) Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon
(7) Videos: "The Message" & "Muhammad: The Last Prophet”
(8) Some Poems:
If The Prophet (pbuh) visited you?
The Simple Message of Islam
Other articles worth reading:
Muhammad's Sword - 23/09/06
This is a very good article written by Gush-Shalom a Jewish Peace group.
http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1159094813/
Pilgrims conned by rogue travel agent - Qibla Hajj Kafela (Rogue Agent has been caught!)
Updated 06.03.09 at 23:43 pm
On Thursday 13th November 2008, police raided the offices of Qibla Hajj Kafela Ltd (a rogue travel agent, based off Brick Lane in London) that conned over 400 pilgrims of fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam - going to Hajj.
The travel agent owned by Al-Haj Md. Faruk Ahmed was offering one of the cheapest Hajj Packages available this year (£2,300 and £2,500 for Hajj). He falsely claimed to be an authorised agent approved by the Ministry of Hajj of Saudi Arabia and his words to reassure people regarding the package made pilgrims trust him and his fellow workers.
Picture of Md. Faruk Ahmed
Poster that he distributed - Click on image to make it bigger.
Qibla Hajj Kafela Ltd was registered as a trading company by Md. Faruk Ahmed on 06.08.2008. He previously worked in a group called Al Qibla Travels Limited (a Ministry of Hajj authorised agent) in previous years and due to some dispute went his separate ways. It must be noted that although there is no business association between the two companies there is alledged family association.
Suspicions arose when pilgrims who paid their monies went to collect their passports and tickets from his office at an agreed pickup date and found out that the office was closed with a notice sign on the door. Md. Faruk Ahmed and his staff were nowhere to be seen. Police raided the office and confiscated hundreds of passports and other documents from locked cupboards. It is estimated that this con artist could have made away with up to £700,000. He is nowhere to be seen. If you spot him and his crew please contact the police immediately.
Arrests will be made as people like this cannot hide forever, the world is small place. I just hope for his own safety the police catch him before any of the pilgrims he conned do.
Here's a report in Bengali taken from WeeklyBangladesh. Click on image to make it bigger.
Here is a video report from BBC News - CLICK HERE!
Here is a press release by Al-Qibla Travels - CLICK HERE!
Here is a report in Asian News - CLICK HERE!
The Metropolitan Police have set up a helpline for all those who have been a victim of this crime. To report an incident or to gain updates call 0208 217 4947/8 or contact The Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK on 0121 440 1700 for further help and advice.
If there is a victims groups set up or if you want to set one up please let me know and I will post it here.
Additionally if there are any additional photographs of this person and his group members as well as any other details such as his address in UK, Bangladesh or any other possible destinations where he could be hiding would be useful. You can email me in confidence info@al-islam.co.uk or post a comment anonymously in the comments section below. Remember any useful info should also be reported to the police - lets not let these crooks get away!
If you have intentions to go to Hajj then please see List of approved pilgrim agents
UPDATES:
He said that he has realised his mistake and hopes to come back to the UK and start returning the monies that people had deposited with him (that is if and when all the pilgrims collectively ask for their money back). He will pay back by looking at the receipts he issued to the pilgrims.
In total he stated that he had taken approximately 308 passports. He had collected about £350,000 (not the £700,000 widely suggested) as not everyone paid the monies in full. Out of that he still has approx. £263,000. The difference had been spent on expenses running the travel agency and deposit paid for the hotels in Saudi Arabia.
He has asked the pilgrims for their forgiveness as that is the only way he can be redeemed.
LATEST NEWS
On 05 March 2009: Mohammed Faruk Ahmed aged 41 ys of Brick Lane, E1 appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court today (Thursday 5 March) following an investigation into hundreds of complaints from members of the public. He is charged with Fraud by false representation and Money laundering under the Proceeds of Crimes Act 2002. He was remanded in custody to reappear at Thames Magistrates on April 2 2009 - Taken from MetPolice update page.
Click on the image to make it bigger.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
New Nation: White, Welsh and Muslim
Taken from Daily Post North Wales
STUART Williams and his wife Kate are expecting their first baby.
Like many young couples on the brink of this life-changing event, they are full of anticipation. But Stuart and Kate are especially excited because they believe their baby will be the first white Muslim born in Wales.
The couple, who live in Port Talbot, are part of a growing UK trend of white Islam converts, and a new BBC Wales show, New Nation: White, Welsh and Muslim, follows their experiences.
The documentary also meets Stuart’s older brother Omer – formerly known as Owain – who converted to Islam at the age of 17. Omer feels when religious relations are so delicate, he’s in a unique position to challenge racism and stereotypes.
“Just the way I look, I could quite as easily be a Hell’s Angel,” says Omer of his beard, the only visible clue to his faith.”
Omer lives near Newport with his wife Shereen, who is originally from Singapore and embraces multiculturalism. Together with Omer, she hosts radio programme Salaam Shalom, an innovative idea aimed at bringing Jews and Muslims together.
The arrival of Stuart and Kate’s baby, named Adam, is joyful for the whole family. “This little one is born Welsh and Muslim from the start,” says Omer, a proud uncle. “Home-grown Muslims like little Adam will be able to bridge the gap even better than we’ve done. There’s a lot of hope, I think, in the younger generation.”
The documentary was broadcasted on BBC One, 10:35pm Monday 19th January 2009.
Narrated by Siwan Morris.
Part-1 of 3
Part-2 of 3
Part-3 of 3
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Number of people adopting Islam rises by 71% in Dubai
Taken from The National, 29.01.09
ByRasha Elass
DUBAI // The Government said yesterday that 2,763 people converted to Islam in Dubai last year, 71 per cent more than in 2007.
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department said the converts, from 72 countries, included 1,869 women.
Dr Hamad al Shaibani, director general of the department, said: “We are delivering our message properly by spreading Islamic culture. ... We are lending special care to new Muslims, providing them with all they need from audiovisual materials, books, lectures and training programmes in all languages so as to become true Muslims.”
Conversion to Islam is a simple process that requires the convert to say the shahada in front of two witnesses. He or she must then adhere to Islam’s four other pillars, including prayer, fasting during Ramadan, giving an annual percentage of net worth to charity and going to Mecca at least once for pilgrimage.
Non-Muslim men who marry Muslim women are required by Sharia law to convert to Islam. Non-Muslim women, however, do not need to convert to marry Muslim men, though many do.
The Dubai Islamic authority did not say how many converted for the sake of marriage. But the report indicated that all those who converted did so willingly.
“The converts last year came to us by their free will, and showed a sincere desire to embrace Islam out of personal conviction that it is the true way,” said Ayesha al Kash, the head of education and training at the department.The Quran has been translated into almost all languages and the authority gives it free to anyone who is interested.
Zayed House in Al Ain also provides services to new Muslims, including helping them with Arabic, Islamic jurisprudence and Quran memorisation. and teaching them how to worship.
Last year Zayed House extended such services beyond the country by inviting delegations of non-Arabic-speaking Muslims, including a group of American women and Malaysian government employees, to teach them about Islam.