Vacation, Terrorism And More (Oh My!)

Well, I have not had time to post yesterday, as I have been either busy or blogging elsewhere, or both. I'll be away from Inside Orkut until Tuesday, so you probably will not see any posts from me. However, these sites below should entertain you until I get back.

• Orkuttando (english version over here)


• Joga.com: a project between Orkut and Nikefootball.com


• Beyond Satire: A Googler who I think works on Orkut

Moving on, today saddens me as both Israel and India have been hit with terrorist attacks over the past several days, with a war in the former case as Israel seeks to find its missing soldiers.

One item I would like to highlight though is what Divyanth said in the End Religious Violence forum:

[...] I have noticed something interesting. These terrorists aren't killing to "terrorise" people into giving them what they want, or "preach" islam and "Jehad" to the world in an "Islamic" way. One the contrary, these very anti-islamic feelings that we all have today, is simply and exactly what they wanted. They want to disintegrate India on communal lines, and through these "anti-islamic" feelings of ours', they have succeeded in doing so.

Therefore, what I am saying, is that we have become those terrorists' pawns. It is good that we have already realised this. Let us not hate islam and muslims anymore. That is not what muslims want.

In all my experiences with Muslims, most of them have been pretty cool. We may disagree over Muhammad, but they have no desire to kill me by slitting my throat (and yes, I've met Muslims like that...and that is a story for another day). May God be with the victims families as they cope with the losses over these incidents.

Last but not least, next week I'll post the top Orkut programs, hacks or tricks that I have seen while posting at this site. I've encountered at least two dozen (and perhaps three) but I'll go over the top five ones either Tuesday or Wednesday. So stay tuned!

Al-Zarqawi Killed In Iraq

On the news it was reported (and confirmed) that the terrorist mastermind Al-Zarqawi in Iraq left this world via two 500 pound bombs on his head. Although this is great news (as my friends in Iraq are celebrating) apparently some within Orkut are mourning his loss.

(Via Apoio a Al Zarqawi or Support to the Al Zarqawi)

Chiquinho: (Translated via Google) Today it was one day sad, therefore lider of the Al Qaeda in Iraq, Al Zarqawi, was died for the American troops. It is my pezames here and the fight against the invasion did not finish!

For those wanting to see a picture Michelle Malkin has the round up (as usual). May Zarqawi join his friends in the after life, and may he never again harass humanity (of all faiths) with his dark logic.

Should Women Be Imams?

Within the world of Islam, this is probably the oldest debates, and also one of the most controversial. Andy G, over in the Muslim Christian friendship, is wondering Women can act as Imams.

Sameer and Sheri seem to be at odds with each other with Sameer saying:

There was only one Muslim Women who was asked to teach other Muslim women how to make Namaz(Prayer).

She also was instructed to stand in the same row as the other women praying during Namaz. This special instruction was given to avoid what misconception some people are now trying to spread that is "women are allowed to do the Imamat as per Islam".

While an Imam (Prayer Leader) is supposed to lead from front. No one stands in the same row as the Leader. Why was a women instructed by Prophet(PBUH) to pray while standing between them and not leading them like an Imam.

Sheri (on page three) disagrees and voices her opinion by saying:

sorry, but just because there is no example in islamic history of something, does not mean that it is not allowed or cannot be done

typical men making translations by themselves for themselves
this is not what i believe in

i dont believe in strict or orthodox islam, i am a flexible muslim
however that doesnt mean i'll go against islam's teachings or anything but i think that women have every right men have [...]

women have the right to lead namaz in my view and i'll support any movement trying to achieve that

This is not the first time this controversy has appeared, as ironically a women did lead prayer as an Imam although she was criticized for doing so from other Imams around the world.

I don't see the harm in it and it would be interesting to actually see one conducted by a woman as they generally have been neglected many of the rights of their male brethren.

A Muslim And Not A Terrorist

After stumbling inside the Zionist Jews forum, Muhammed became upset at reading some of the viewpoints of the members of the community.

I am a muslim.......a muslim not a terrorist [...] I just joined this community and have read a couple of forums.......after reading them i feal heart broken and sad......do all you people think of muslims as terrorists only? are we nothin' except trouble maker to you? and do you think that we are proNazis and anti jews? [...]

I have great sympathy towards Israel and belive that jews have every right to live there,i am not an extreamist and am, against suiside bombing (which are cleary forbidden in islam).

I'm just sick of being refered to as a terrorist and request all you people that don't judge us by the doings of a hand full of people..........Israel is a great country may it live forever and may the muslims and jews make peace one day......

Muhammed's comments are welcomed by Aviroop and Iara, the latter who offers "big hugs to him."

Roberta is very pleased about Muhammed's viewpoint, although she thinks the Muslim prophet of the Quran (or is it spelled Koran?) was not a man of God. This of course stimulates new debate on pages three, four and six.

Islam Will Dominate The World?

Arzoo, who is best known for her Down with Denmark forum, appears to have renamed her community to Islamism.

Although I have no problem with Arzoo expressing her forum's beliefs (as everyone should be able to express their faith aside from violence) some members are uncomfortable with the image.

Obaid: AlhamdoLillah, I'm a Muslim, I love Islam just as much. But please put up a softer picture.

Although we Muslims usually mean that non-Muslims will ultimately recognize the truth of Islam and become Muslims, such a sentence to a non-Muslim can mean that we want to 'terminate' non-Muslims. This, as we all know, is totally opposite of what we Muslims wish to accomplish. We just want people to see the truth themselves, think about it, and decide for themselves.

Tormod disagrees, and thinks it's an excellent representation about Islam, (being an atheist and all) but Xahid thinks Tormod is simply afraid of the truth. He is?

Anyways, one muslim (Saad from Pakistan) is leaving the forum because of it's description while which does sound a little bit hostile in my opinion.

Description: Islamism is an ideology that demands man's complete adherence to the sacred law of Islam and rejects as much as possible outside influence, with some exceptions (such as access to military and medical technology).

It is imbued with a deep antagonism towards non-Muslims and has a particular hostility towards the West. It amounts to an effort to turn Islam, a religion and civilization, into an ideology.

I don't know what Arzoo was thinking, but her site description does sound anti-Islamic, something A. Wajid notes about. Forums like these often breed hatred and mistrust of Muslims, as people generally like to be enlightened, not dominated.

Orkut Censoring Anti-Muhammad, Anti-Denmark Forums

(Published on Blogger News)

After the explosion of rage over the cartoon issue, it seems that the Orkut team over at Google is having their hands full removing forums and profiles either desecrating the Prophet Muhammad or wishing death upon the entire population of Denmark.

Profiles and forums depicting Islam's prophet Muhammad as a pig, someone "in love" with pigs or as a pedophile have disappeared, only to sprout back up again within hours.

One profile entitled Hazrat Mohammad (similar to a previous profile with a nastier title) depicts Islam's prophet as not only gay, but as a converted Catholic.



A forum which portrays Islam's prophet as a pedophile (warning: explicit images) seems to be one of "those weeds" Google just can not delete as noted by the creator's public description.

Orkut can keep deleting this community and leaving the Death to Denmark communities...I don't give a ****. This community is like herpes. It will never go away.

But it is not just forums and profiles insulting Islam Orkut has to deal with. It seems as if they are in the process of weeding out communities dedicated to the destruction of Denmark and Norway as well.

Although most of the major ones have been eradicated, several still remain, although they are easy to spot with titles such as Death to Norway (and other variations).

Orkut, whose purpose is to network businesses, relationships and people with similar interests is quickly becoming filled with rhetoric from extremists on both sides of the issue. Ironically it seems that Google (at least on Orkut's forums) is quickly finding itself in a position that is their least favorite to play--Internet nanny.

Islamic Banking Anyone?

This forum could prove useful--especially since I have some questions for some of my "Middle Eastern friends" who happen to follow Shariah law when it comes to investing, banking, etc.

More from the Islamic Banking and Finance forum:

Islamic Banking and Finance has emerged in recent decades as one of the most important trends in the financial world. There has always been a demand among Muslims for financial products and services that conform to the Shariah (Islamic law).

With the development of viable Islamic alternatives to conventional finance, Muslims are beginning to find Shariah compliant solutions to meet their financial needs.

The forum is moderated which is a good sign as trolls tend to avoid posting stupid questions that often cause arguments. Since I am in the financial services industry, perhaps they could answer some of my questions as Muslims tend to invest differently than other religious/ethnic groups.

A Muslim For A Month

In the Muslim Christian friendship forum, Ali shares with everyone an interesting video that he has discovered on Google Video.

(Warning: For my Muslim friends, a cartoon of Muhammad is shown, so please no scrap hating)

The video sparks some interesting discussion.

David is unhappy with the video as they selected a Christian who seems to enjoy alcohol too much (although his pork comments were very funny).

John also seemed to enjoy the video and suggests Muslims should allow women to date non-muslim men, something Ali doubts would be practical due to "family tension."

Ali however would like to see more exchanges of faith take place and has this to say:

I too believe that there is much ground needed to be made on both sides of fence in the mutual understanding game. I, for one, would be very curious to know what kinds of responses would be received when random Muslim citizens are asked what their first thought is when hearing the term "Christian", for example.

I concur. More of this is needed and I would be interested in doing something like this (perhaps even switching places with a Muslim for a month).

The video is approximately 45 minutes long so you may not want to view this unless you are at home or on a very long coffee break.

Update: Centered Video.

London Muslims Protesting Against Terrorism?

(Hat Tip: Roberta)

There is chatter in the Islam Against Terrorism forum that London Muslims began protesting against terrorism. Now, if only we could have some more of this en masse. Here is an account from Roberta, with images below.

When I was driving home, in the afternoon, I passed through Park Lane, where there was a huge traffic... I did not know what was happening.

But then I saw a lot of muslims holding banners and ornaments, protesting in the streets!!

I was going to stop and complain, when I managed to read what their banners said. [...]

TERRORISM DESTROYS MUSLIM HERITAGE

TERRORISM IS NOT ISLAMIC. MUSLIMS ARE NOT TERRORISTS. WE CONDEMN TERRORISM...

I was SOOOOOO HAPPY to see that!!!!!! You cannot believe it!!!!!!!!!

Everyone in the forum seems to be excited by the news, especially Hagar, who is calling for a beer.

Roberta managed to take some photos as she was driving using her phone, although they are not exactly crystal clear.

I have not seen anything within several London communities, but hopefully somebody else was also there with some great photos of the event.

For those of you are may be shocked that Muslims do in fact condemn those who blow up buses and trains and human domains, Gateway Pundit has a surprise for you.

The Angry Arzoo

You have all probably seen the reaction from Muslims over the depiction of Mohammed via cartoonish satire.

In response to the publications of the cartoon from a Denmark newspaper, Arzoo has formed a community called Down With Denmark. This forum seems to be gaining popularity as it has already swelled to over 1,900 members in the last five days!

Arzoo formed the community in response to being allegedly banned from the Denmark forum, although Morten denies the case and cites her frequent posts to the Denmark forum as evidence.

Arzoo seems to be getting a little too angry (scroll down) with threats of violence coming from her posts, although Medusa is not exactly helping out with her comments either (scroll down).

But alas, there at least appears to be a voice of reason, as Enigmatic Energy makes a plea for Muslims everywhere.

Frustration can make things worse only..instead of attacks on danish embassies..and other emotional debates..muslims should do something productive in unity..our frustrated behavior could only support the wrongful act of danish newspaper..

people are looking for the ways by which they can prove us uncivilized and stupid..this is such a matter on which a collective intellectual effort is needed..if we'll protest in such manner..no doubt other newspaper will try to harm our feelings through similar ways...

first of all we should look for unity..like passing some resolution in OIC..then in UNO..local protests cant help us..they could only make situation more worse by proving us as fanatic nation.. [...]

and believe me we cant harm through killing them or banning their products..they r getting more sympathy through such acts..and this was their master plan..Unity is the base for developing any future strategy..we should jsut calm ourselves..and think for some productive way..

Enigmatic Energy does have a point, although he may want to form a community promoting this idea, as some other muslims have created sites displaying that not all of them are fanatical as seen on TV.

Editor's Note: For those of you wondering, I do not see the point in "pushing buttons" of other people, unless one does it to enlighten others towards truth. So you probably know where I stand on the cartoon issue. ;)

Update: Links fixed.

Second Update: Apparently Arzoo was banned. Morton has the details (scroll down).

Inside Orkut-Exploring Shia Islam

Almost a month ago I asked communities of various faiths what their beliefs mean to them. Unfortunately I've only had two groups respond, Shia Muslims and Christians (which probably means I need to ask better questions).

I asked in the Shia Muslims forum what being Shia meant to them. Here is what some of them had to say:

(Tabish) Being a Shiah means to be a true and good muslim and NOT to be turn away from the righteous path of Islam and to reject the fabrications attached with the name of Islam after the demise of Prophet Muhammad [...] And to hate and condemn the wrong and wrong doers.

(Abbas) Shiasm is not about disagreement on historical events, its about belief in the complete teachings of Muhammad (saw) and his Ahl-e-bayt (as).

(Syed Ali on page two) Shia, as you know, literally means "follower." [...] The Shia Imamiyya group believes in the Ever-Existing Almighty Allah. He is One, in the sense of the absolute oneness of His essential existence. He is One, with none comparable to Him.

Islam has several similarities to the Christian and Jewish faiths, such as the oneness of God, belief in a literal heaven and hell, and that God uses prophets to communicate towards humanity.

But just like the other faiths, it also has its "sects" or denominations. Although in many places Sunni and Shia live together without incident, many people may hear of clashes or arguments between the two groups. Tabish gives an explanation as to why this is:

[B]asic differences arise between Shias and Sunnis because Sunnis believe in some prophetic sayings which are considered fabricated and concocted by the Shias, and Sunnis do not believe [...] those sayings [because they] condradict with those which are loved by the Sunnis.

[...] some respected and beloved personalities of sunnis are considered among some of the worst wrong doers and chief corruptors of Islam by the Shias.

Although I was unable to secure a spot for the Sunni's I'll try to reach them for a comment lest they spam my scrapbook in retaliation with angry words (hey, it happens).

It is interesting to explore the many faiths of Orkut, and hopefully understanding the mutual faiths will produce dialogue and useful discussion instead of the violence that often fills our world.