Muslim scholars rule female circumcision un-Islamic

Salam/Peace:
Cairo
November 24, 2006 - 11:31AM

A Egyptian conference of Muslim scholars from around the world declared female circumcision to be contrary to Islam and an attack on women, and called today for those who practice it to be punished.

The conference, organised by the German human rights group TARGET, recommended that governments pass laws to prohibit the tradition and that judicial bodies prosecute those who mutilate female genitals.

"The conference appeals to all Muslims to stop practicing this habit, according to Islam's teachings which prohibit inflicting harm on any human being," the participants said in their final statement.

Egypt's two top Islamic clerics, Mohammed Sayed Tantawi, the Grand Sheik of Al-Azhar, the foremost theological institute in the Sunni Muslim world, and Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, attended the conference, which drew scholars from as far afield as Russia.

Tantawi's and Gomaa's edicts are considered binding.

Read the whole article at:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/muslim-scholars-rule-female-circumcision-unislamic/2006/11/24/1163871589618.html

Muslims spread holiday spirit in Hyde Park

Salam/Peace:

There's a saying in the Islamic religion: "A person does not have true faith if they sleep comfortably on a full stomach while his neighbor suffers from hunger."

It embodies the spirit of charity and giving that will see almost 300 turkeys delivered to Emmett Louis Till Math and Science Academy in Hyde Park today.

A line of parents is expected to snake around the elementary school gymnasium to pick up one of the turkeys being donated by the American Muslims for Activism and Learning, a Chicago area community group.

Read the whole article at:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/145833,CST-NWS-muslim22.article