U.K. Muslim Top 100 List Is Published

February 17, 2007

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6351057.stm An ageing pop star, a rear admiral in the Royal Navy and the head of Amnesty International have been included on a list of most influential Muslims. The Power 100 website compiled the top 100 list to show how Muslims have contributed positively to the UK. Singer Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, […]

New Security Threats to the Workplace: Lock Bumping

February 13, 2007

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by Rafik Beekun So you think your office is secure because you have an expensive lock or a deadbolt? Think again. The following video shows an emerging criminal trend known as “lock bumping”. The clip describes lock bumping for residences, but it applies equally well to your office, supply or storage room or anywhere else […]

Posted in: Islam, Workforce Issues

Careers: How To Deal with Setbacks at Work

February 13, 2007

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Turning Work’s Lemons Into Lemonade By Sam Grobart It’s a fact of life – and of work: Bad things happen. Deals are blown, ambitions are squelched, things go to hell in a handbasket. But a bad situation doesn’t have to be all that bad – if you know how to make it work for you. […]

Naps Sunnah May Reduce Risk of Heart Attack

February 12, 2007

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Taking a nap in the afternoon was the practice recommended by the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It appears that the Prophet agreed with this, because scholars of Hadith have been in support of an afternoon nap.   In fact, taking an afternoon nap carries a religious dimension. As Adil Salahi has indicated, […]

Islamophobia 101: Episode 11–Pseudo-Experts Muddying the Truth about Islam: The Cases of Robert Spencer and Craig Winn

February 10, 2007

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by Rafik Beekun Robert Spencer is a self-proclaimed expert on Islam.  Khaleel Mohammed, Louay M. Safi and Carl Ernst assert that Spencer has no academic training in Islamic studies at all–his M.A. degree was in the field of early Christianity–, that he does not have any understanding of Islam, and that he is very selective […]

New Measures to Help Expatriate Workers in Saudi Arabia

February 9, 2007

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Source: Arab News JEDDAH, 1 February 2007 — […] Saudi Arabia Labor Minister Ghazi Al-Gosaibi has taken two important decisions in order to safeguard the rights of about seven million expatriates working in the Kingdom. According to the first decision, any company or institution that delays payment of salaries of its employees for two consecutive […]

Islamic Business Ethics: Kindness to Animals

February 8, 2007

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Treatment of Animals in the Islamic Workplace by Rafik Beekun, Islamic Business Ethics  Muslim businessmen who make use of animals must be extremely careful in how they treat them. Professional butchers, for example, must show kindness in slaughtering animals:  Two are the things which I remember Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) having said, “Verily […]

The Muslim World: What Executives Must Know

February 7, 2007

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Source: Gallup Management Journal August 10, 2006 An expert on Islam tackles the role of women, Iran’s quest for nukes, the stability of Iraq — and much moreA GMJ Q&A with John L. Esposito, Ph.D., a world-renowned scholar on Islam, political Islam, and the impact of Islamic movements in Africa and Asia   Page:   […]

Posted in: Islam

New Fatwa Forbids Qur’an Verses as Ring Tones

February 7, 2007

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Friday, 2 February, 2007, 01:10 PM Doha Time DUBAI: Dubai’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Dr Ahmad Abdul Aziz al- Haddad issued a fatwa yesterday prohibiting the use of verses from the Holy Qur’an as mobile phone ring tones. Al-Haddad said that using the Qur’an on mobile phones was “a violation to its glory and sacredness.” The […]

U.S. Mayor Converts to Islam and Changes His Name

February 7, 2007

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Source: Associated Press MACON, Ga. – Macon Mayor Jack Ellis has converted to Islam and is now working to legally change his name to Hakim Mansour Ellis. Ellis, who was raised Christian, said Thursday that he became a Sunni Muslim during a December ceremony in the west African nation of Senegal. Ellis said he has […]

Dubai eGovernment to offer customized eLearning

February 7, 2007

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Dubai eGovernment has signed an agreement with Dubai Municipality to offer eLearning courses to municipality staff through the eLearn channel in order to enhance and accelerate daily transactions between Dubai Municipality and local residents. As per the agreement, Dubai eGovernment will provide eLearning and electronic training curriculum to the municipality staff via personal computers or […]

Warning: Beware of the Fake Revelation titled ‘The True Furqan’

February 6, 2007

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by Rafik Beekun Just reading the reviews below makes one understand very clearly the purpose of those who “wrote” this book: “The True Furqan has the potential to be the most practical and powerful tool to share the message of the True Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Muslim world.”–Amazon.com review  According to the Baptist […]

Good Samaritan 101: Policemen Punished for Harassment of Muslim Woman

February 6, 2007

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by Sean Murphy Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — A police officer in the small eastern Oklahoma town of Webbers Falls was fired and another was demoted after a Muslim woman claimed they harassed her about her religion during a traffic stop in November, a town official confirmed Thursday. The town’s council members agreed to fire […]

Islamophobia Test: People’s Reaction to Woman in Hijab

February 1, 2007

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Note from Rafik Beekun: I am always moved by the sight of our sisters in Hijab. They are the ever courageous and visible standard bearers of Islam. In this video test taking place in the seaside town of Southampton, U.K., a non-Muslim woman dresses up in hijab to test the reactions of non-Muslims to her […]

Anti-Muslim Mindset Unnecessarily Draining US Financially

February 1, 2007

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by ABUKAR ARMANA A recent public opinion survey conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reveals that Muslims are still perceived negatively in the U.S. […] An open-ended question, “When you hear the word ‘Muslim,’ what is the first thought that comes to your mind?” indicates that Muslims still carry the 9/11 burden.  Only […]

Attacks on Journalists and the Press in Muslim Countries

January 30, 2007

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Source: Committee to Protect Journalists.  Being a journalist in a Muslim country is one of the most perilous jobs at this time.  In comparison to the USA where freedom of the press is relatively untampered with (see video at the end of this article), critiquing the status quo or those in power in Muslim countries […]

Women and Career Obstacles in Saudi Media

January 29, 2007

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Source: “Empowering Women in Saudi Media.” by Maha Akeel, Arab News. Islam has guaranteed women’s right to participate in making decisions concerning her life, her money and her community and therefore she has the right to be represented in every organization and institution that affects her directly or indirectly. [A]fter […] years of working in […]

If you drink alcohol, some Muslim cab drivers won’t drive you

January 27, 2007

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January 26, 2007 By Keith Oppenheim CNN MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota […] I stepped into the taxi depot that serves the Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport, where drivers sit and wait for their next fare. In this crowded, noisy room, most of the cabbies are Muslims originally from Somalia. “We’re doing a story about the conflict […]

Saudi Arabia, Corruption and the British Arms Company, BAE

January 26, 2007

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Britain censured over decision to drop BAE Saudi corruption inquiry by Rob Evans in Paris Friday January 19, 2007 The Guardian The (British) government was severely criticised yesterday by the international community’s leading anti-bribery watchdog for halting a corruption investigation into the arms company BAE. The public expression of “serious concern” came after Tony Blair […]

Salat-ul-Tasbih: Praying for Forgiveness

January 25, 2007

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Source: Fiqh-us-Sunnah, vol 2, # 33 ‘Ikrimah reports from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah said to ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abdal-Mutalib: “O ‘Abbas, O Uncle, shall I not give you, shall I not present to you, shall I not donate to you, shall I not tell you ten things which, if you do, Allah will […]

Palestinian students beaten up at Guilford College

January 24, 2007

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 Source: News-Record.com On Monday, Jan 22, 2007, three Guilford College students, Michael Bates, Michael Robert Six, and Christopher Barnette, were arrested in connection with a group assault that occurred on campus, according to court documents. Police said Faris Khadar, Osama Sabbah and Omar Awartani (2 Muslim and 1 Christian Palestinian students) were victims of this attack. […]

Islamophobia 101: Episode 11–Restrict immigration so more Muslims do not get elected.

January 24, 2007

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Besides taking issue with Congressman Ellison about his use of the Qur’an for the swearing in ceremony, Senator Virgil Goode wants the diversity visa program to end. His rationale: immigration needs to be restricted so that more Muslims do not get elected to the US Congress. Way to go, Goode!!! Do you still believe in […]

Naat – Allahu (As subuhu bada min)

January 23, 2007

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Qari Wahid Zafar sings. Words to soothe your soul and energize your faith. For many more nasheeds and other Islamic songs, please visit the nasheed section in my vodpod. You can access it by clicking here or clicking on the vodpod box in the right hand column of this blog.

Islam and Anger Management (Part 1): What is your level of anger?

January 22, 2007

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by Rafik Beekun Anger is “an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage,” (Spielberger). Although anger is a natural emotion, you may be expressing it in a manner that could result in violence and destructive acts. In fact, as noted in the Qur’an, Allah says: “And when your […]

American Airlines to pay $400,000 in damages for racial profiling of passenger

January 21, 2007

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Source: Tort Deform A Boston jury recently ruled in favor of an airline passenger who had been removed from an American Airlines (AA) flight because of racial profiling. The jury awarded $400,000 total, including compensatory and punitive damages, to John Cerqueira, in the first federal civil rights case challenging post-9/11 racial profiling by an airline. Mr. […]

Islamophobia 101–Episode 10:- How to Obtain Fame and Fortune: Become an Apostate and Attack Islam

January 19, 2007

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A new tactic is currently being used by opportunists who claim to have been practicing Muslims.  They publicly renounce Islam, or offer themselves as reformists.  Often with little or no knowledge of the religion, they proceed to attack Islam, and by so doing, accumulate fame and fortune. This short talk by Hamza Yusuf exposes this new threat […]

Posted in: Islam, Islamophobia

U.S. Dept of Homeland Security to Launch Traveler Redress Inquiry Program

January 18, 2007

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Source: (Media-Newswire.com) – Release Date: January 17, 2007 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today it will launch the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP), an easy to use, single point of inquiry for travel-related issues. DHS TRIP was developed to provide a central gateway to address watch list misidentification issues, situations where […]

IBM Worker Says He Was Fired For Being A Muslim

January 18, 2007

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By Paul McDougall Source: Information Week A Muslim electronics engineer who developed five patents for IBM claims the computer maker fired him because of his religion and that managers at the company mocked him for refusing to eat during the Ramadan fast and once told him to ignore Islamic law and clean a knife that […]

The BBC interviews Keith Ellison, First US Muslim Congressman

January 17, 2007

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Keith Ellison is one of the most intensely scrutinised members of the new Democratic intake – the first Muslim member of Congress. In an exclusive BBC interview he talks to Stephen Sackur about what he wants the Democrats to do with their new found clout. Please click here to watch this excellent interview by Stephen […]

Islamophobia 101: Episode 9–Michael Savage: “Kill 100 million Muslims!”

January 16, 2007

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Source: Media Matters Almost on a daily basis, on Talk Radio Network’s The Savage Nation, nationally syndicated radio host Michael Savage (aka Michael A. Weiner) launches a tirade against Islam and Muslims. Such relentless attacks can only foster hate against and distrust of Muslims both in the workplace and elsewhere. Michael Savage rarely tolerates any […]

Islamophobia 101-Episode 8: Franklin Graham states that ‘Islam is evil’.

January 16, 2007

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Franklin Graham has replaced his father, Billy Graham, in leading a major Christian evangelical organization. Billy Graham was one of President Bush’s most influential religious confidants.  Since taking over the reins, Franklin’s organization, Samaritan’s Purse, claims that it intends only to bring relief services to impoverished non-Christians, but has–according to other Christian organizations–worked only to convert people to its version of Christianity (with […]

Sharpen the Saw: Do not Postpone or Miss Your Salah at Work

January 14, 2007

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by Rafik Beekun At work, one often gets trapped by a project or a deadline, and one may engage in postponing prayer (salah). Yet, as Steven Covey states in his book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People‘, one needs to stop periodically to sharpen one’s saw (cognitive, physical, emotional and spiritual acuity). Prayer, in its regular rhythmic […]

Issue 1: Should I Give Salams to Sinful Muslims at Work

January 12, 2007

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Question: Where I work many of the people I say salaam to either never say wa `alaikum assalaam or just say hi in response or sometimes just smile back. Some do one thing at one time and one thing at another time (e.g. return my salaam on Monday, but don’t say anything on Wednesday). These […]

Posted in: Islam, Workforce Issues

The Economic Impact of Conflict on the Israeli and Palestinian Workforce

January 11, 2007

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 Source: If Americans Knew The Israeli unemployment rate is 9%, while the Palestinian unemployment rate is estimated at 40%. “[A] recent World Bank study predicts that, if the current situation continues throughout 2006, this may be the worst year in the Palestinian economic history. The average Palestinian’s personal income will fall by 40%, and 67% […]

Islamophobia 101-Episode 7: Senator Boxer Misled by Anti-Muslim Extremists

January 10, 2007

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Barbara Boxer rescinds her award to a Muslim activist after Anti-Muslim, right-wing extremists’ complaints are voiced. Watch the vigorous response from Ibrahim Hooper of CAIR on Paula Zahn’s CNN show.

Dua Video #5: Collection of Duas from the Qu’ran

January 8, 2007

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Du’as from the Qur’an in Arabic with English Subtitles by the superb Qari Basit

Dua Video #4: Salat ul Istikharah

January 8, 2007

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When praying salat ul Istikharah before making any major decision (work or otherwise), read this dua as stated by the Prophet (s). See article on Istikhara elsewhere under the category “Decision-Making” on the Islamic Workplace blog.

Posted in: Islam

Dua Video #3: When facing hardship

January 8, 2007

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When facing any hardship, please recite this dua.

Islam and Stress Management (Part 6): Relaxation and Humor

January 6, 2007

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by Rafik Beekun at the Islamic Workplace blog Sources: http://www.fridaynasiha.com and compiled from “The Lawful and The Prohibited in Islam” – Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, p. 292, Sheikh Jamal Zarabozo’s article on ‘The Manner of Joking in Islam’ from Islam House, and an article from Islamway At times, Muslims can take themselves too seriously, and present too […]

US Muslim Congressman Keith Ellison shakes the hand of Virgil Goode

January 5, 2007

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In spite of Islamophobic attacks by Congressman Goode on him, Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to the US Congress, went to shake his hands during the inauguration ceremony. Goode’s back is towards the camera. Congressman Ellison’s behavior models that of the Prophet (s) who asked how the woman who had been putting trash on […]

Accountability cannot be delegated away

January 4, 2007

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Sura 75 (Qiyama) from the Qur’an. The Day of Account will come. We are each responsible for whatever we do at work or elsewhere, and will have to answer to Our Creator for our deeds.

Bush says feds can open U.S. mail without warrant

January 4, 2007

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Source: The Seattle Times By James Gordon Meek, New York Daily News WASHINGTON: Jan 4, 2007 — President Bush quietly has claimed sweeping new powers to open Americans’ mail without a judge’s warrant. Bush asserted the new authority Dec. 20 after signing legislation that overhauls some postal regulations. He then issued a “signing statement” that […]

U.S. Muslim Mayor Avoids Mixing Politics and Religion

January 4, 2007

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Source: The Record By Maya Kremen “Hey, what’s up,” Mayor Mohamed Khairullah says. “Assalam alaikum. I got your e-mail.” Khairullah, 31, set a precedent in November by becoming the state’s first elected Arab-American Muslim mayor. Now he’s all about proving that, like any good politician, a Muslim can serve the public without mixing religion into […]

Domestic Workers’ Abuse in Muslim Countries

January 2, 2007

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Source of testimonials: Human Rights Watch While abuse of domestic workers is a global disgrace, taking place in many non-Muslim countries including Hong Kong, the USA, and Singapore, it also occurs in Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Morocco, Malaysia and many others. Here are some examples of the type of abuse that domestic […]

Condition of Migrant Workers and Women in Saudi Arabia

January 2, 2007

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Source: Human Rights Watch 2006 Report Migrant Workers The estimated 8.8 million largely South and Southeast Asian and Arab foreign workers in Saudi Arabia comprise a third of the country’s population, according to Minister of Labor Ghazi al-Gosaibi. Many face exploitative working conditions, including sixteen-hour workdays, no breaks or food and drink, and often remain […]

Tala’a Al-Badru Alayna

December 31, 2006

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Eid Mubarak to all the readers of the Islamic Workplace blog!!! Whatever is the condition of the Ummah, always remember what our Prophet (s) went through. This exquisite nasheed from Sheikh Mishari al-Efasy is about 7 minutes long, but well worth it and quite inspiring by the Grace of Allah.

Good Samaritan 101: Rabbis for Human Rights

December 31, 2006

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This video highlights the strong emphasis on social and economic justice in Judaism, and the courageous work being done by Rabbis for Human Rights to safeguard the human and economic rights of all, including Palestinians, within Israel.

Marginalization of Muslim Minority in India

December 29, 2006

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Source: Articles from the Deccan Times and with help from Asghar in reviewing the report. The highly-anticipated report of the Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee on the status of minorities in India was submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and was tabled in Parliament during the Winter Session. According to this report tabled on November 30, 2006, […]

Religious Discrimination is Prohibited under U.S. Law

December 28, 2006

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Source: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of l964 prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals because of their religion in hiring, firing, and other terms and conditions of employment. Title VII covers employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment […]

Muslim Pilot Fired Due to Religion and Appearance, EEOC Says In Post- 9/11 Backlash Discrimination Suit

December 28, 2006

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The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today filed its sixth post-9/11 backlash discrimination lawsuit under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act against Trans States Airlines, Inc., a regional commuter airline. EEOC alleges that Trans States discriminated against Mohammed Hussein, a pilot employed as a First Officer, because of his Islamic religious beliefs […]