Tony Blair's sister-in-law Lauren Booth converts to Islam

Tony Blair's sister-in-law Lauren Booth converts to Islam after a 'holy experience' in Iran

Conversion: Lauren Booth

Tony Blair's sister-in-law has converted to Islam after having a 'holy experience' in Iran.

Broadcaster and journalist Lauren Booth, 43 - Cherie Blair's half-sister - said she now wears a hijab head covering whenever she leaves her home, prays five times a day and visits her local mosque 'when I can'.

She decided to become a Muslim six weeks ago after visiting the shrine of Fatima al-Masumeh in the city of Qom.

'It was a Tuesday evening and I sat down and felt this shot of spiritual morphine, just absolute bliss and joy,' she told The Mail on Sunday.

When she returned to Britain, she decided to convert immediately.

'Now I don't eat pork and I read the Koran every day. I'm on page 60. I also haven't had a drink in 45 days, the longest period in 25 years,' she said.

'The strange thing is that since I decided to convert I haven't wanted to touch alcohol, and I was someone who craved a glass of wine or two at the end of a day.'

Refusing to discount the possibility that she might wear a burka, she said: 'Who knows where my spiritual journey will take me?'

Before her awakening in Iran, she had been 'sympathetic' to Islam and has spent considerable time working in Palestine. 'I was always impressed with the strength and comfort it gave,' she said of the religion.

Miss Booth, who works for Press TV, the English-language Iranian news channel, has been a vocal opponent of the war in Iraq.

In August 2008 she travelled to Gaza by ship from Cyprus, along with 46 other activists, to highlight Israel's blockade of the territory.

She was subsequently refused entry into both Israel and Egypt.

In 2006 she was a contestant on the ITV reality show I'm A Celebrity ......Get Me Out Of Here!, donating her fee to the Palestinian relief charity Interpal.

She said she hoped her conversion would help Mr Blair change his presumptions about Islam. 

Influential position: Lauren Booth hopes her conversion will have an influence on how her brother-in-law - Tony Blair - views Islam

During her visit to Iran last month, Booth wrote a public letter to Mr Blair asking him to mark Al-Quds (Jerusalem) day - a protest at Israel's occupation of Palestine.

The missive was a bitter attack on the former Prime Minister, who is now a Middle East envoy working for peace in the troubled region.

'The men, women and children around me withstood a day of no water and no food (it's called Ramadan, Tony, it's a fast),' Booth wrote.

'Coping with hunger and thirst in the hundred degrees heat, as if it were nothing. They can withstand deprivation in the Muslim world.

'Here in Iran they feel proud to suffer in order to express solidarity with the people of Palestine. It's kind of like the way you express solidarity with America only without illegal chemical weapons and a million civilian deaths.'

She adds: 'Your world view is that Muslims, are mad, bad, dangerous to know. A contagion to be contained.

'In the final chapter [of his autobiography] you say we need a "religious counter attack" against Islam. And by "Islam" you mean the Al Quds rallies, the Palestinian intifada (based on an anti Apartheid struggle Tony, NOT religious bigotry), against every Arab who fails to put their arms in the air as the F16 missiles rain on their homes and refugee camps and sing a rousing chorus of 'Imagine all the people...

Booth stands next to a damaged building in Gaza in 2008

Booth moved to France with her family - husband Craig Darby and two daughters Alexandra and Holly in 2004.

Her husband was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in April 2009 when he was drunk and not wearing a helmet.

He suffered a severe brain injury, a fractured neck, damage to his spine and several broken ribs and was in a deep coma for two weeks.

The 42-year-old had to learn how to walk and talk again. He lost much of his memory, has sight problem and cannot work.

The couple decided to move back to Britain to help his recovery and reduce the amount of time Booth has to work away from home.

Booth with husband Craig and daughters Alex and Holly at their home in France last year. They have now returned to Britain

Booth took part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Met Out of Here! in 2006 alongside Myleene Klass and Jason Donovan, finishing ninth.

Of her relationship with the Blairs, she said at the time: 'I'm happy to criticise them politically if they deserve it but that on a personal level we get on fine.'

Mr Blair was famously told not to 'do God' by his spin doctor Alistair Campbell while he was Prime Minister.

But on leaving office, he converted to Catholicism after starting to go to Mass - saying later that it was his wife who spurred his decision.

He said last year that it was like 'coming home' and is now 'where my heart is, where I know I belong'.

Source:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1323278/Tony-Blairs-sister-law-Lauren-Booth-converts-Islam-holy-experience-Iran.html 

Kuwait Praises Imam Khamenei's Fatwa

Kuwait Praises Imam Khamenei's Fatwa

Kuwait government praised Monday Muslim scholars to address discord and sectarian extremism, while commending World Shia leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei's religious decree (fatwa) in which he forbid offending Sayyeda Aisha, wife of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), or any Muslim icon.

The Cabinet, in its meeting chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, said it was confident that Muslims were aware of all attempts to create discord amongst them.

The Cabinet, in this context, discussed all efforts to confront plans of sectarian discord and to show how Islam was a "civilized" religion, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Roudhan Al-Roudhan said in a statement after the government meeting.

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=207666

Al-Azhar Chancellor Welcomes Imam Khamenei's Fatwa

Al-Azhar Chancellor Welcomes Imam Khamenei's Fatwa Chancellor of al-Azhar University of Islamic sciences welcomed Fatwa (verdict) issued by the World Shia Leader, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, which bans any insult to the companions of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.) as well as his wives.

Chancellor of al-Azhar University of Islamic sciences welcomed Fatwa (verdict) issued by the World Shia Leader, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, which bans any insult to the companions of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.) as well as his wives.

Such insults have always been a source of controversy and dispute between Shia and Sunni Muslims and barred them from forging a robust unity against their common enemies, unlike a multitude of commonalities between the two sects.

Ahmad al-Tayyib wrote in a statement that the fatwa was prudent and timely and would help ram the door shut to seditions.

"I received the blessed Fatwa with appreciation," he wrote.

He said it was incumbent on all Muslims to try to keep inter Muslim unity and no dispute between different Islamic sects should be allowed to harm the unity of Islamic ummah.

Tayyib also noted that Egypt has ever been at the forefront of every initiative for Muslim unity.

Western media have kept mum on the Fatwa.

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=207276

Unity in Muslim World Urged by Imam Khamenei

Unity in Muslim World Urged by Imam Khamenei Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the Muslim world is in great need of unity in the face of growing Western plots

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the Muslim world is in great need of unity in the face of growing Western plots.

"Zionist and American elements are looking for an opportunity to create rifts between Muslims through religious, sectarian and racial excuses, whenever they come together," Imam Khamenei said in a meeting with Iranian Hajj officials on Saturday.

"Zionism, as a political party hated by even the Jewish, has occupied the Islamic territories of Palestine, and the Muslims' first qibla, for the past 60 years and is committing fresh crimes every day," Imam Khamenei noted.

"This is while most Muslim countries keep silent despite the Palestinian call for justice and help," the Leader said, adding that the Holy Hajj offers a great opportunity for the Muslim world to outline a united stance in response to the Palestinian suffering.

The Leader said the enemies of Islam want Muslims to lose hope, become reactionary nations and feel inferior, adding that the collective, correct and responsible move of the Muslim Ummah during Hajj would "return the sense of dignity, strength and hope to the Muslim world."

He referred to the line-up of various "anti-Islam and anti-truth sects" against Islam and said, "The manifestation of the unity and grandeur of the Muslim Ummah during Hajj can break the spirit of the enemies of Islam."

Imam Khamenei said arrogant powers are making "concerted and calculated" efforts to find the weakness of the Muslim world and infiltrate it. "They are carefully seeking to highlight the Muslim Ummah's differences and the unifying Hajj of Muslims will foil their efforts."

The Leader said the animosity of arrogant powers towards Islam should cause the Muslim world to be vigilant.

"Muslim nations and governments should be cautious about and aware of the evil acts and plots hatched by the enemies otherwise Islam will be hurt by the arrogant enemies."

Ayatollah Khamenei urged Muslim nations and governments to comprehend the "deep need" of the Muslim world for understanding, compassion and cooperation and to remain committed and loyal to the pillars of unity.

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=208128

Fatwa for Shia Sunni unity

The chancellor of Al-Azhar University of Islamic Sciences welcomed a fatwa issued by Iran's Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei that prohibits insulting the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his wives.

Ahmad al-Tayyib said in a statement issued on Sunday that the fatwa (religious edict), which was issued by Imam Khamenei, was prudent and timely and would help ram the door shut to fitna (creating divisions among Muslims)

"I received the blessed fatwa with appreciation," he added.

Such insults have always been a source of controversy and disputes between Shia and Sunni Muslims and prevented them from forging a robust unity against common enemies, the Press TV correspondent in Cairo quoted him as saying.

The Western media have not given the fatwa wide coverage, but the Egyptian people and the North African country's media outlets have welcomed the brave move by Iran's Leader.

The Secretary-General of the Nation movement Sheikh Abdel Nasser El-Jabri hailed the fatwa during an interview with Al-Manar TV. Jabri said that the awareness of the Islamic nation leaders will cut the way on all the American and Zionist schemes to cause sectarian strife.

The head of the Sunni society to support the resistance in Lebanon Sheikh Maher Mezher welcomed the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Khamenei's fatwa stressing that his eminence possesses all the qualities required for the commander of the Islamic nation.

In turn, the association of Muslim Scholars in Akkar and the North considered the fatwa a bridge of unity between Muslims calling the Imam a just and devout leader.

Head of the Akkar gathering former MP Wajih Baairini appreciated the responsible attitudes that seek to bury the strife and unite the people.

"Imam Khamenei is a leader who has the talent and religious thought that grants him to be the Nation's leader with a heart filled with love and tolerance," former MP Mustafa Hussein stressed.

Islamic Action Front in Lebanon issued a statement in which it praised the fatwa issued by Sayyed Khamenei considered that the issuance of this fatwa from the Shiites' highest religious and political authority is the best evidence on the consciousness of the Islamic nation in the face of intrigues and conspiracies.

Source: Al Manar Television Network

Imam Khamenei Calls for Promotion of Scientific Programs

Addressing over one thousands of the country's elites: Imam Khamenei Calls for Promotion of Scientific Programs Imam Khamenei says the main objective of acquiring knowledge and developing technology is to obtain humane values and defend the rights of the oppressed.

Imam Khamenei met yesterday morning with thousands of scientific elites. During the meeting, His Eminence said that making investments in the arenas of science, technology, and educating elites is one of the main priorities in making plans that are aimed at fostering appropriate development.

His Eminence referred to science as the basis of the country's material and spiritual power and reiterated: "All honorable Iranian people as well as officials, elites, students and academics should make serious and non-stop efforts in order to make up for the country's historical and long-lasting backwardness in scientific fields."

Imam Khamenei touched on the scientific achievements of the country in such fields as nuclear technology, stem cells, nanotechnology and environmental technology and the pride of the Iranian nation in such achievements, adding: "In order to complement these achievements and expand the scope of such achievements to all fields, we have to develop an interrelated scientific cycle and system."

World Shia Leader said that preparing the required software and hardware facilities for the elites is the most important way of supporting the elites and reiterated: "The elites are after making efforts, deep thinking and promoting progress of the country and the ground should be prepared for the elites to achieve this goal."

Imam Khamenei said that the country's comprehensive scientific plan outlines an important part of the country's scientific requirements. He further added that it is necessary that the elites make efforts in order to fulfill these needs.

Elsewhere in his speech, Imam Khamenei said that a cycle has to be developed in the country whereby thoughts are turned into commercial products.

He added: "We should create a cycle whereby the thoughts of elites are presented to scientific centers. Technological and industrial elites can turn these ideas into industrial and non-industrial products after they are scientifically nurtured. And the organizations in charge can prepare the ground for the production and industrialization of these products."

Imam Khamenei stressed the importance of industrialization and said that scientific and industrial products should have the potential to help produce wealth. "The officials of the organizations in charge should think of industrialization from the moment when scientific and industrial projects are started."

His Eminence said that it is necessary to constantly monitor the results of the investments that are made with regard to elites and added: "It is necessary to constantly monitor the scientific activities and achievements of neighboring and Islamic countries and take them into consideration in our plans and activities."

Imam Khamenei said that the Islamic Republic's emphasis on the importance of science is based on accurate calculation and thoughtful judgment and reiterated: "Constant emphasis on the importance of knowledge and scientific progress is not rooted in standing on ceremony and fleeting emotions. This is because according to accurate calculations, science and knowledge are the bases of the material and spiritual power of every country. And any nation who falls behind in this regard will be forced to imitate other countries."

Imam Khamenei said that the purpose of achieving scientific progress is different in the Islamic Republic than it is in the west and added: "Western countries seek to achieve wealth through making scientific progress. They did not respect the rights of the people or observe ethical and religious principles when they came across nations in the Indian subcontinent, Africa, East Asia, and Latin America on their way towards achieving scientific progress."

His Eminence said that promoting oppression, class distinction and inattention to the basic rights of nations are the results of the incorrect scientific goals which are set in the west and added: "In Islam, purification precedes the acquisition of knowledge because in the absence of purification and human education, knowledge will turn into a tool for wickedness and committing crimes."

Imam Khamenei said that promoting human virtues and defending human rights in the true sense of the word are the main goals pursued by the Islamic Republic in the process of achieving scientific and technological progress and reiterated: "We seek knowledge in order to achieve true power and raise the flag of justice and humanity in the world. This will enable us to support innocent people in the face of the oppression of oppressive and domineering powers."

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=207814

Pastor's Plot to Burn the Holy Quran

 Statement of Ayatollah Sistani on Pastor's Plot to Burn the Holy Quran

Written by www.najaf.org

Saturday, 11 September 2010 14:56

In The Name of Allah The Compassionate, Most Merciful

The media is covering a U.S priest's insistence on burning copies of the Holy Quran as an expression of his hatred for the Islamic religion.

This shameful act is inconsistent with the duties of religious and spiritual leaders –to establish the values of love and peaceful coexistence based on observing the rights and mutual respect between different religions, and intellectual approaches.

The concerned parties in the United States are invited to act to prevent this abominable act which, if occurs, will have adverse consequences and may have dangerous repercussions.

Respect for freedom of expression does not justify allowing such shameful acts, which represent a blatant attack on other peoples' beliefs and their sanctities leading to more tension, conflict and violence.

The religious Marja'iya strongly condemns the attack on the great Qur'an and emphasizes the necessity of preventing its occurrence whilst stressing on Muslims, wherever they are, to exercise the highest degree of self-restraint and not to show what is harmful to followers of Christian churches remembering the saying of the Almighty:

{O you who believe, act steadfast towards God, as just witnesses; and do not let the ill-will of any folk incriminate you so that you swerve from dealing justly. Be just: that is nearest to heedfulness; and heed God [alone]. God is informed about what you do} - Holy Quran chapter 5, verse 8.

The Office of H. E. Sayyid Seestani (long may he live) - Najaf
29 Ramadhan 1431H

Source: www.najaf.org

First Islamic Satellite Channel in Italy

First Islamic Satellite Channel in Italy

 

Press secretary of Muslim Communities in Italy, Hamza Ricardo, announced the first Islamic satellite channel will be launched in Italy.

The official announced they had already reserved a studio in the capital Rome, and plan to recruit journalists since the main part of the Muslim minorities are migrants without any knowledge of Italian language.

Right now the authorities are taking the preliminary steps to recruit the staff and decide on the programs to be broadcasted.

Source http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=208179

Global Arrogance attempts to damage Islamic Iran

Global Arrogance attempts to damage Islamic Iran  Iranian Majlis Vice-Speaker Mohammad-Hassan Aboutorabi-Fard said here on Sunday that the Global Arrogance is making great attempts to damage the Islamic Republic of Iran through its criminal mercenaries.

Addressing the open session of Majlis this morning, he expressed his deep regret over the recent terrorist incident in the western province of Kurdestan which killed and injured a number of innocent people.

Five people including four policemen and a passer-by were killed and 10 others were wounded when two gunmen opened fire on a police station in Kurdestan provincial capital city of Sanandaj on Friday.

Mohammad-Hassan Aboutorabi-Fard

Since the Islamic Iran is a manifestation of security and sovereignty in the region, the Global Arrogance is trying to damage the country, the vice-speaker added.

He condemned presence of arrogant powers in the region, saying such a presence has made the Islamic Republic's eastern and southern neighboring countries unsafe.

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=208226

Egyptian Lawyers Call on Government to Halt Broadcast of "Fadak Television Channel" Two Egyptian lawyers had filed a lawsuit against the government aimed at halting broadcast of a Fadak channel currently carried by Egypt's Nilesat satellite station on the pretext that the channel attacks sacred Sunni symbols, judicial sources said on Sunday.

The sources said the two Islamist lawyers, Tarek Abu Bakr and Nizar Ghorab, had filed their suit against the Minister of Information and the chairman of Nilesat calling for the Fadak channel, which regulalrly broadcasts a program presented by the so-called Kuwaiti Shia preacher Yasser Habib, to be blocked. In the lawsuit, the lawyers accuse Habib of insulting Prophet Mohammed's wife, Lady Aisha, and the Islamic Caliphs, according to the source.

Earlier this month, Kuwait officially revoked Habib's citizenship after accusing the 31-year-old of having "offended Sunni Muslims." In 2004, Habib was sentenced to ten years in prison by a Kuwaiti court for having made "offensive comments.

All Shia religious scholars rejected the offensive remarks by the so-called Kuwaiti Shia preacher "Yasser Habib". They say that Yasser Habib's offensive statements are not just against Shia School of Thoughts but it will cause that Wahhabi Takfiris issue Fatwas against innocent Shias to kill them.

It is said that the so-called Shia Television Channel (FADAK) is broadcasting and supporting in the UK aimed to sow the seed of discord between Shia and Sunnis.

Meanwhile Shia high religious scholars have opposed the so-called Shia Television Channel.

Tensions have mounted recently between some Gulf State governments and their Shia minority populations, particularly in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=206537

Youths are target point of enemies

Imam Khamenei: Youths are Target Point of Enemies   The youth are the main target of the enemy since they are the most effective driving force of the country's progress, Imam Khamenei said in an address to a gathering of Friday prayer leaders in Tehran on Tuesday.

 

Ahlul Bayt News Agency ; World Shia Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, met yesterday Friday prayer leaders from across the country. During the meeting, His Eminence referred to the important position of Friday prayers in personal, social, political, religious and international arenas and delineated the most important duties of the country's Friday prayer leaders.

Imam Khamenei said that the enemies have focused their attention on the youth of the country and said: "The youth of the country are the most important target of the enemies because they are the driving force behind the progress of the country."

His Eminence stated that the arrogant powers and the greedy powers of the world want all power and wealth for a limited number of people who are closely connected with them. "Comparing the living conditions of ordinary people with that of the US leaders would provide an obvious example of this fact."

Imam Khamenei referred to some shocking statistics regarding the living condition of the people in the US and said: "Of course the honorable President revealed some of these facts and statistics in his active and fruitful visit to the UN. The existence of millions of homeless people and tens of millions of people living below the poverty line are part of the bitter facts of the US society. "

Imam Khamenei said that the Iranian nation has stood up to the greedy motives of those who seek to dominate the world and will not give in to bullying. He further added that the Iranian nation clearly announces its support for the Muslim nations of the world, especially the innocent people of Palestine.

Imam Khamenei said that the anger of the domineering powers and their threats against the Iranian nation are not unexpected and unnatural and added: "One should either give in to these threats or stand up to the greedy powers by relying on strong faith and connection with God."

Imam Khamenei said that it is the duty of Friday prayer leaders to be aware of the latest issues and the realities of society.

His Eminence said that paying attention to the enemies' plots is one of the important duties of Friday prayer leaders and said: "During the recent years, some authors have tried to make the people forget the importance of identifying the enemies. They even mixed up the issues in certain cases and said that the Islamic Republic raises the issue of foreign enemies in order to avoid taking responsibility for the country's internal problems."

Imam Khamenei said that such claims are fundamentally wrong. "No one can deny the negligence of officials in some of the problems which happened during the past thirty years. But this does not mean that one should ignore the enemies."

His Eminence reiterated that the officials should be vigilant about the enemies' moves and know how to counter them.

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=206759

Islam prohibits insulting other religions

Islam prohibits insulting other religions

TEHRAN - Islam does not permit its followers to insult other religions, Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said in Tehran on Tuesday during a meeting with Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Khanania Dinkha IV.

"If we really want to put the Quran's instructions into practice, we should respect other religious faiths. Our religion does not allow us to insult other religions," Rafsanjani noted.

Commenting on the recent calls for the desecration of the Quran in the United States, he said many Christians condemned the move, as was expected.

Dinkha said he hoped that such actions carried out in Western countries would not negatively affect relations between followers of different religions.

He also denounced the desecration of the Quran as a politically-motivated move and said desecration of the Quran is like desecration of the Bible and no true Christian would approve of such actions.

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=206020

Imam Khamenei's new book on jurisdictions published   A new version of the jurisdictions by the Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was published.

 

According to the office of the Supreme Leader, the book contains answers the ayatollah has provided to the questions made by his followers on a variety of issues of common occurrence.

The book - titled "ajvebatol-estefta'at" (answers to inquiries) offers the views of the Supreme Leader on such topics as taqlid, purity, prayers, fasting, Khums, public properties, jihad, chess and gambling, music, dancing, clapping, theater and cinema, painting and sculpture, lotteries, medical issues, trading with non-Muslims, looking, clothing and association, following western trends, loans, alms, banking affairs and endowments.

The book has been published in 550 pages by Payam-e Edalat Publishing Company.

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=206347

Egypt's Grand Mufti

Egypt's Grand Mufti, Ali Gomaa expressed that it is permissible to use Shia Jurisprudence which is useful for Islamic Ummah and there should be no-blame for using it.

According to Egyptian News Agencies, Dr. Ali Gomaa issued a Fatwa (religious verdict) based on permissible use of Shia Jurisprudence and stressed: we should confess the progress of Shias and we can collaborate with each other. There is no objection to follow Shia school of thought because there is not any difference between Sunni and Shia.

The prominent grand Mufti referred to pro-Shia Fatwa of Sheikh Mahmoud Shaltout, the former Sheikh of Al-Azhar, and said: Islamic Ummah is unique until they pray in the same direction (Qiblah) and there is not any difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

"Enemies of Islam and Muslims try to cut union and coalition of Muslims. They look for Shia books to find some differences to encounter Shia and Sunni" Ali Gomaa affirmed, "This is a big mistake and everyone should be aware of enemies' conspiracies".

Sheikh Ali Gomaa (Alī Jum'ah) is the Grand Mufti of Egypt through Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah succeeding Ahmad El-Tayeb. He has been called "one of the most widely respected jurists in the Sunni Muslim world,"

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=163141