Pakistani Bravo Forum "2nd Arts Exhibition & Culture Event”

A few weeks prior to Ramadhaan, I had the opportunity of being a guest at the Pakistani Bravo Forum "2nd Arts Exhibition & Culture Event” . It was a really fantastic and overwhelming feeling being in the company of a warm and friendly Pakistani Community who welcomed me with open arms and made me feel a part of their society. The function showcased the artistic work of young and upcoming Pakistani artists like Manal Furqan whose paintings left me mesmerized and astounded at their sheer beauty and depth.I had a brief conversation with Manal and she informed me that art has always been in her family as her dad is also an avid artist. He has done numerous oil paintings on canvas. Art is something that she grew up with. She has not completed any formal training in the field. She reiterated that it was simply a God given gift.The evening also highlighted the importance of nurturing young Pakistani talent in the field of song and dance. The youth put together an impressive dance show along with two short plays. There was also a tribute to the late Mehdi Hassan Saap with Ustaad Mushtaaq Khan rendering a few songs of the legend. The ambience of the function reminded me of a proper "mehfil" gathering that occurs in Pakistan.There was also a singing competition for the kids as well as the adults. I also sang in the competition and landed up winning. It was quite a pleasant surprise. The function was also graced by teachers from the Pakistani International School who rendered their full support to the students as well as the organizing committee. Overall it was an extremely fun filled evening....

Earthquake destroyed cinema - HOAX

ALLAHU AKBAR!!!! The cinema in America that was going to play the film of the Prophet (saw) on Tuesday this week at noon. An earthquake hit that area that caused the building to split into two pieces. The Americans are so shocked at the miracle, that they didn't allow full media coverage on the topic and that's why you didn't hear about it on the news today! Share this around and let people know t

hat ALLAH is protecting the Prophet!!! PASS THIS MESSAGE ON ! Please dont let this stop at your phone

This hocus pocus email and blackberry broadcast is doing its rounds. The information above is absolute hogwash. I tried doing some research on the net and got absolutely no information that acknowledges the above information as true.. Also sources from the USA have confirmed that no such thing has happened. Kindly refrain from spreading false rumours and disseminating incorrect information.
Please don't forget to share!!!

ANTHOLOGY

Dear  friends,

I wish to compile an anthology titled " ISLAM- A universal religion, A mercy upon mankind"
I require stories of people from across the globe who have converted into the fold of Islam. I would like to know your trials and tribulations as you embarked on a journey that finally led to you accepting and embracing the Islamic faith.
Why did you become a Muslim? How did your family react when you made that decision? What does Islam mean to you?
The anthology can also incorporate stories of Muslim women who have now decided to wear the headscarf (hijaab) or be fully veiled (niqaab). What does the hijaab mean to you?Why have you decided to wear the headscarf? Have you been ostracized or victimized for adorning the headscarf?

I hope to compile at least 30-40 stories. I want a minimum of 1500 words to a maximum of 5000 words story to be written and sent to desertmoonsdiary@gmail.com by the end of March 2013. All submissions will be handled confidentially. If the story is chosen to be included into the collection, the author could choose to be profiled in the book or remain anonymous. All proceeds from the book will be given away to charity. This is your chance to make a contribution to those people out there who are less fortunate than all of us. Looking forward to reading the stories. I am sure that each story will convey a special message and be an inspiration to many people out there.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH ALL YOUR FRIENDS

http://islamicstyle.al-habib.info/publication/islam-unites-us-all-poster/ - picture

"Our education system is a wreck"

According to IOL news, education is South Africa's single biggest budget item, but schools are hobbled by poor management and low standards.Nobel literature prize laureate Nadine Gordimer has lashed out against the South African government's failing education system deeming it as a "wreck". The education department has failed to deliver textbooks to thousands of public schools. More than 5000 public schools have been without textbooks for more than six months in to the academic year. Speaking to SAFM radio Gordimer said,"“Our education system is a wreck. It's a shambles. I can't believe that three-quarters of the year have gone by and so many of our schools, especially in the rural areas, have been without textbooks.It is the (education) minister's responsibility to see that the books are ordered in time and delivered. How can you teach people to read if there are no books to read from?”As IOL news reports, the criticism by Gordimer, who had several works banned by the apartheid regime, comes after peace laureate Desmond Tutu said democratic icon Nelson Mandela would be reduced to tears if he knew the poor state of public schools.

Source:
http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/our-education-system-is-a-wreck-1.1352928#.UFpzbrLiaos