Historical Launching of Fatwa Against Terrorism

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, the founding leader and patron-in-chief of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, has issued his detailed edict (Fatwa) against terrorism which consists of more than 600 pages. The launching ceremony of the Fatwa was held on March 2, 2010 in London (UK).

Applying Technology to Benefit Humanity

CENTERS IN GB
The Khan Academy is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of providing a high quality education to anyone, anywhere. If interested click the link and learn more.

http://www.khanacademy.org/

If you want to know something on different Technical or scientific topics, go to:

HowStuffWorks - Learn How Everything Works!

HowStuffWorks explains hundreds of subjects, from car engines to lock-picking to ESP, using clear language and tons of illustrations. We do the research 
www.howstuffworks.com/

Auto Computer Engineering Electronics	Watch more videos Health Home & Garden History

“CIVIL SOCEITY”- GUIDELINES ON GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL CONTROL

 

You can download these by clicking on the links. Read, assimilate, train yourself and face the world as a confident deliverer.

http://www.akdn.org/civil_society_learning.asp

or

 

1.  Organisational Structures and Systems

what you need using the guidelines in these pages: 1. A Manual of Procedures ... Are there any general guidelines regarding information storage ...

2.  Managing Finance

Guidelines for AKDN's work with CSOs. No 7. Managing. Finance ... The following sections offer guidelines in the issues related to managing finance. ...

3.  The Board and its Functions

Guidelines for AKDN's work with CSOs. No 4. The Board and its Functions ... these guidelines are for you! hy you may need these guidelines1 ...

4.  Managing People and their Work

Guidelines for AKDN's work with CSOs. No 6. Managing People and their Work ... these guidelines are for you! hy you may need these guidelines1 ...

5.  Problems in Managing Organisations

Guidelines for AKDN's work with CSOs. No 1. Problems in. Managing. Organisations ... If you follow the guidelines below you will be able to: ...

6.  Skills in Managing Organisations

Guidelines for AKDN's work with CSOs. No 2. Skills in. Managing. Organisations ... these guidelines are for you! hy you may need these guidelines1 ...

7.  Improving Management

Guidelines for AKDN's work with CSOs. No 3. Improving. Management ... these guidelines are for you! hy you may need these guidelines1 ...

8.  Building a More Civil Society

Guidelines for AKDN's work with CSOs. No 8. Building a More. Civil Society ... these guidelines are for you! hy you may need these guidelines1 ...

9.  Civil Society - Learning Materials

Guidelines for AKDN's work with CSOs 8 booklets to help AKDN agencies in their work with CSOs 1. Problems in managing organisations (319KB - PDF) ...

LETTER TO CM GB ON PRIORITY ISSUES AND THEIR SOLUTION

My Dear Syed Mehdi Shah,

Please accept my congratulations on the success in elections and nomination by the People's party as the CM of Gilgit and Baltistan. I am using this occasion to share a few documents on different topics that in my view concern the economic interests and social governance of Gilgit and Baltistan for the present as well as future generations. As chief custodian of the trust of indigenous populations, I am sure you will take out the necessary time to go through these documents as a feedback from a concerned citizen.

1.    Status of Gilgit and Baltistan (EU Resolution, GOP view, Late Benazir Bhutto's Views and a lone voice from Gilgit and Baltistan) [click]

2.    Review of Mineral Lease Policy and "Harmonization of Customary Laws: Governing Natural Resource Management in Gilgit and Baltistan" (Copy of letters sent to former Chief Executive, Chief Secretary, Speaker and members of NALA. Preamble to the proposed law is enclosed while the unfinished draft of the law will hopefully be shared with a committee of GBLA [click].

3.    Proposal on outsourcing Mineral Development Sector.

4.    Challenges and Economical Opportunities in Gilgit and Baltistan [click].

5.    Sectarian Harmony in Gilgit and Baltistan [click].

6.    Gist of a Speech at a rally in Karimabad Hunza [click].

7.    Development of Civil Society - HDF, an example of the template that may be adopted throughout Gilgit and Baltistan [click].

8.    Guidelines on Governance, Management and Financial control for (organizations) evolved (by AKDN) as present day interpretation of our religious guidance. Copies will be provided on demand [click].

9.    A few questions posed to the GBLA candidates in Hunza [click].

I normally stay in Hunza for summers but winters I am mostly in Rawalpindi. I will be eagerly awaiting for any discussions or clarifications that you may desire to get greater insight into the proposed solutions of issues covered in these documents.

With prayers for success in upcoming responsibilities and best wishes,

Sincerely,

Brig (Retd) Hisamullah Beg SI(M),

Former VP His Highness Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Pakistan (1999 to 2005); President Task Force HDF; Former member KIU syndicate (representing Civil Society); Vice Chairman Rupani Foundation Pakistan.

Copy for Information and action:

Mr Wazir Beg, Speaker &Elected Representative from Hunza for GBLA.

Mr. Mutabiat Shah Member GBLA{Technocrat)
RELATED:  STATUS , CUSTOMARY LAWS  HDF , HARMONY  , AKDN, 

IIS Reading Lists

The reading lists that follow are intended as a preliminary suggestion of books in English for self-motivated students without an academic training or knowledge of languages of the Muslim world, but with some elementary acquaintance with Islam and a serious interest in building on it further. The lists are not representative of the entire scope of literature available on the subjects, but will be updated soon, and then at regular intervals, to make them more comprehensive.

By its very nature, the works referred to in the reading lists differ in their approaches, sometimes evincing contrasting perspectives and conclusions on the same topics. They do not imply endorsement by the faculty or others at the IIS of their contents, but are being presented rather as a basis for discerning and critical self-study by the reader. Similarly, they do not represent a formal or systematic programme of instruction in Islamic Studies as such.

• Approaches to the Study of Islam
  
• General Works on Islam and Muslims
  
• History
  
• Modern Period
  
• Shi'i Islam
  
• Intellectual Traditions in Islam
  
• Qur'an and its Interpretation
  
• Law in Muslim Context
  
• Muslim Rituals and Practices
  
• Arts and Architecture in the Muslim World
  
• Muslim Contributions to Science
  
• Civil Society in a Muslim Context
  

 
 

Download PDF of complete Reading List (270 Kb) 

THE EARTH SUMMIT

A GLOBAL PLAN OF ACTION

 

In June 1992, the United Nations organised an international conference, called the Earth Summit, in Rio de janeiro, Brazil. This was the largest world meeting ever held until then. and brought Heads of State and government officials together. Also present at the conference were a large number of international Organisatlons and non government organisations (NGOs) from around the world.

The Earth Summit resulted in a global plan of action called 'Agenda 21'. (Rio Declaration on Environment and Development) It represents the agreement reached by 178 States on how human beings can safeguard their future. Agenda 21 is based on co-operation between developed and developing countries. It aims at preserving the environment while ensuring a healthy economy for all countries.

Agenda 21 addresses the critical issues we face as a global community: continuing damage to the environment, the problem of poverty, hunger and ill health, increasing world population and illiteracy. Agenda 21 identifies these major challenges and proposes realistic solutions towards sustainable development. It seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Governments, businesses. non-governmental and other organisations around the world pledged in the Earth Summit to put the ideas from Agenda 21 to work. This task will require not only leadership and binding from governments and businesses, but also the active participation of every citizen. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without everyone working together.

Agenda 21-is laid out in a 700-page document, divided into tour parts and forty chapters. Each chapter begins with a preamble that identifies a major objective that needs attention. The following summary of Agenda 21 identifies some of these objectives.

1. Linking society, economy and nature


Preamble to Agenda 21: No nation can secure its future alone, but all countries can assure themselves of a safer more prosperous future by dealing with environment and development issues TOGETHER in global partnership.


The Role of TRADE: Trade and environment should be mutually supportive since international economic relations and the economic policies of every country have great relevance to sustainable development.

Combating POVERTY : Poverty is caused by illiteracy, inadequate medical care, unemployment and population pressures. The poor need access to basic education and health care, safe water and sanitation and to resources, especially land.

Changing CONSUMPTION PAYTERNS: New concepts of wealth and prosperity which are more in harmony with the Earth's carrying capacity need to be developed particularly in the industrialised countries. Individuals need to accept that they have choices when making decisions about their own consumption patterns.

POPULATION Dynamics: The world's population is expected to exceed 8 billion by the year 2020 Countries need to know their national population carrying capacity and deal with the combination of population growth,. Health of the ecosystem, technologies and access to resources.

Protecting and Promoting HEALTH: Every year in the developing world, nearly 15 million children under 15 die from infection and malnutrition. Human health depends on a healthy environment, clean water supply, sanitary waste disposal, adequate shelter arid healthy food. The overall goal is health for all by the year 2000.

Sustainable Human Settlements: By the year 2000 half the world's population will be living in cities. Governments should reduce migration to the big cities by improving rural living and see that the homeless get access to land, credit and low-cost building materials.

MAKING DECISIONS for Sustainable Development: 

There is a tendency to treat the environment as a 'free good' and to pass the cost of environmental damage to other parts of society, other countries or future generations. Nations and corporate enterprises should integrate environmental protection and restoration costs their decision-making.

2.    How can we protect our resources?

Protecting the ATMOSPHERE: Our atmosphere is under increasing pressure from greenhouse gases that threaten to change the climates and chemicals that reduce the ozone layer. Greater energy efficiency out of existing power stations is needed as well as developing new, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind. hydro, ocean and human power, while reducing reliance on non-renewable sources of energy such as fossil fuels.

Combating DEFORESTATION: There is a need for concerted international research and conservation efforts to control the harvesting of forests by promoting indigenous technologies and agro forestry and expanding the shrunken world-forest cover.

Combating DESERTIFICATION: Desertification and ought result in poverty and starvation, which brings out more soil degradation. One of the major tools to ht the spread of deserts is the planting of trees and her plants that retain water and maintain soil quality.

MOUNTAIN Development: About 10% of the Earth's population lives in mountain areas, while about 40% occupies watershed areas below. Measures are needed protect mountain ecosystems from erosion, landslides and the rapid loss of habitat, animals and plant life.

AGRICULTURE and Rural Development: The world's long-term ability to meet the growing demand for food and other agricultural products is uncertain. The priority must be to maintain and improve the capacity of agricultural lands with new technologies to support an expanding population.

Conservation of BIODIVERSITY : The use of biological resources to feed and clothe us, to provide us with housing and medicines accelerates the loss of bio-diversity. Urgent and decisive action is needed to conserve and maintain genes, species and ecosystems.

Protection of the OCEANS: Oceans are under increasing stress from pollution, over-fishing and general degradation. Nations must control and reduce the pollution of the marine environment and maintain its life support capacity.

Protecting and Managing WATER: In the developing world, one person .in three lacks safe drinking water and sanitation — basic requirements for health and dignity. A clean up of the most obvious sources of pollution is needed in order to have safe water and sanitation for all by the year 2025.

Management of TOXIC CHEMICALS: There are presently no less than 100,000 commercial man-made chemicals. Countries need to develop and share expertise for a sound management of toxic chemicals and prevent illegal international traffic in toxic and dangerous products.

SOLID WASTE and SEWAGE: Growing quantities of garbage and sewage from our cities pose threats to our health and environment. An urban waste prevention approach needs to be implemented so that by 2010. all countries should have national plans for waste management.

RADIOACTIVE WASTE: The use of radioactive substances is glowing in nuclear power production of electricity, medicine, research and industry and so is the waste. It is important to ensure training and financial support to developing countries that have nuclear programs to ensure safe and responsible management.

WORD CHECK

• agro forestry - the cultivation and conservation of forests
  
• biodiversity - the variety of plant and animal life
  
• consumption - process of using up resources
  
• corporate enterprises - business companies and corporations
  
• desertification - the expansion of desert area due to soil erosion
  
• ecosystem - a system of organisms in interaction with their environment
  
• greenhouse gases - gases that contribute to global warming by trapping the sun's heat in the lower atmosphere
  
• habitat - the natural home of an organism or life-form
  
• non-renewable energy sources - sources of energy that can only be used once e.g. coat or oil
  
• ozone layer - a layer in the earth's atmosphere made of ozone gas that absorbs the sun's ultraviolet radiation
  
• radioactive substances - substances used for producing nuclear power that emit radiation
  
• renewable energy sources - sources of energy that can be recycled or used continuously e.g. solar or wind power
  
• toxic - poisonous
  

3. Who can make a difference?

WOMEN: Governments are urged to give girls equal access to education, to make health-care systems responsive to women's needs, and to bring women into full participation in social, cultural and public life.

CHILDREN and YOUTH: Children and youth make up nearly one-third of the world population. Governments are urged to combat abuse of the rights of youth, especially females in certain cultures, and to ensure that all children have access to education.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS: Non governmental organisations (NGOs) form a network in both developed and developing countries and play a vital role in the shaping and implementation of participatory democracy which is integral to the implementation of sustainable development.

BUSINESS and INDUSTRY : Responsible behaviour in the private sector is a prerequisite to achieving sustainable development. Entrepreneurship can play a major role in improving the efficiency of resource use, minirnising wastes and protecting human health and environmental quality.

SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY : Scientists and technologists (engineers, architects. industrial designers, urban planners, and other professionals) have special responsibilities to search for knowledge and to help protect the biosphere.

FARMERS: Farmers are directly responsible for one third of the land surface of the earth. They require economic and technical assistance that will encourage them to implement self-sufficient, low-input and low- energy agricultural practices. Women, who do much of the world's farming, should have access to tenure and the use of land, to credits and technologies.

4. Where do we start?

FINANCIAL RESOURCES: Developing nations need free trade and access to markets in order to achieve sustainable economic growth. Special attention should be given to nations whose economies are in transition.

Transfer of TECHNOLOGY : Scientific knowledge ca help prevent shortages of energy, water an non renewable resources. Developing countries should access environmentally-sound technology and know- how through a collaborative international network of laboratories.

SCIENCE for Sustainable Development: In the face of threats of irreversible environmental damage, improved knowledge of the earth's systems is crucial as well as the integration of the natural, social and engineering sciences.

EDUCATION and PUBLIC AWARENESS: Education gives people the environmental and ethical awareness values and attitudes, skills and behaviour needed for sustainable development. Because sustainable development must ultimately involve everyone, access to education must be increased for all children and adult- illiteracy must he reduced.

CREATING CAPACITY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: All countries share the need to strengthen national capabilities. Developing countries especially need to build their own capacity to implement Agenda 21 in co-operation with UN organisations, developed countries and with each other (SEE THE CONCEPT OF HDF).

INTERNATIONAL LAW AND MECHANISMS: It is essential that all countries and all sectors within countries, participate in the negotiation of international agreements that create effective international standards for environmental protection.

WORD CHECK

• biosphere - that part of the earths surface and atmosphere :inhabited by living organisms
  
• entrepreneurship - actions or undertakings that involve risk or initiative
  
• credit - permission to obtain goods or services before payment
  
• irreversible – unchangeable
  
• participatory democracy - form of government in which all the people participate
  
• prerequisite - required a prior condition
  
• private sector- that part of a country's economy which is not under state control
  
• tenure - rights to holding property
  

Review questions and activities

Reflecting on the text

• What are some factors in the twenty-first century that are likely to effect the environment and the use of natural resources?
  
• What are some of the global problems that have arisen as a result of rapid economic growth?
  
• What debate has taken place in recent years on the dilemma between development and conservation?
  
• What is meant by 'sustainable development'?
  
• What does the ethics of Islam teach us about our relation to the created world?
  
• How has the United Nation tried to promote the idea of sustainable development?
  
• What are some major objectives identified in Agenda 21?
  

Activities

Take part in a class debate based on the topic 'Development or Conservation?' Examine with your class some of the major points for and against each approach.

Make a poster that reflects the following theme: 'Development means meeting the needs of today's generations without harming the ability of future generations to meet their needs'. Another theme that you can consider is 'Think globally, act locally'.

Identify additional references in the Quran, the hadis and the guidance of the Imams that relate to the responsibilities of human beings as trustees of God,

Select one of the objectives identified in Agenda 21. Develop a plan that shows how your local community can contribute towards achieving this objective at the local level.

MAKING CONNECTIONS:


Review the AKDN programmes and projects that you have studied in this module. Which objectives of Agenda 21 is addressed by the AKDN Agencies?


DISCUSSING ISSUES


'The planet earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all the people who live on it.' To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view? Explain your reasons for your view.


THINKING FURTHER


Examine critically the concept of sustainable development. Discuss some of the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.


REVIEW POINT

In the twenty-first century, It Is becoming Increasingly Important to find approaches that achieve sustainable development without damaging the life-support system of the earth.