Thursday, September 27, 2012

Desert Moon's Diary Plagiarized

Whilst surfing the internet a few days ago, I was quite surprised to find some pictures and articles from my blog that have appeared on another blog. Whilst I honestly do not mind if anyone out there utilizes any of the information from my blog I wanted to warn the blogger about the fact that copyrights and infringement laws do exist on the internet as well. Next time, she may encounter the wrath of another blogger or an author who may disapprove of the fact that their intellectual property has been stolen.She could land up being in serious trouble with the law. We had quite a friendly chat on facebook . Excerpts below:


I would also like to send out a strong message to all my friends who simply copy and paste articles, pictures,poems and quotes randomly from the net on to their facebook pages. I use to be also equally guilty of doing this but not any more.Now that I have the proper information regarding copyright and infringement laws I am more aware about the concept of plagiarism and how to avoid it. Please friends let us all refrain from plagiarism. Always check the source of the article and acknowledge the person who has written the article. Remember that it is intellectual property and belongs to someone else who has probably spent long hours putting it all together.From an Islamic perspective as reported in an authentic hadith, the Prophet Muhammed (saw) mentioned the following: "He who credits himself with what was not given to him is like one who wears a double cloak of deception."(ibn abd al-barr Jami al Tahsil (1/98).
Ibn al-Manzûr commented on this hadîth saying:
The one who credits himself with what was not given to him is one who says he was given something which was never really his or who attributes to himself talents that he really does not possess, implying that Allah had bestowed him with these things or that people accredited him with what was never specifically his.
In this way, he has perpetrated a double lie: Firstly, he attributes to himself what does not truly apply to him or makes claims to possess what he really does not possess. Secondly, he lies regarding the giver – either Allah or other people. [Lisân al-`Arab(1/247)]
Hence from the above hadith or saying of the Prophet Muhammed (saw), plagiarism or copying other peoples work is considered to be a sin. Always ask the author if the article can be re - posted or utilized or use the article but make sure that you include the authors name as well as a link  that shows the original source of the article so that credit can be given where it is due. On that note, I encourage everyone out there to please visit the women24 facebook page as well as their website. I can assure you that you will come across some pretty interesting, thought provoking as well as entertaining reading material.

As a side note, I was quite surprised to find my pictures that were taken during our Malawi trip in the Laudium Sun newspaper. I personally have no issue with anyone utilizing my pictures if they are going to be used in a good way to promote a good cause. It would have been courteous though if they asked first.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

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....





















Tuesday, September 25, 2012

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!!!


Monday, September 24, 2012

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