Sydney / NationalTurk – Hindus have welcomed Australian plans to introduce Hindi in country’s schools as outlined in the recently released “Australia in the Asian Century White Paper”. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed residing in Nevada, USA today, termed this development as a ‘ step in the right direction ‘ for Australia.

This White Paper states: “All Australian students will have the opportunity, and be encouraged, to undertake a continuous course of study in an Asian language throughout their years of schooling. All students will have access to at least one priority Asian language; these will be Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian and Japanese.”

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that in addition to Hindi; Australian schools should also make facilities available for teaching other Indian languages like Bengali, Punjabi, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya, etc. This 312-page White Paper sets out 25 objectives to be met by 2025.

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ISLAMABAD: Eidul Azha is being celebrated today (Saturday) across the country with religious fervour and renewed pledge to work for national solidarity, integrity and prosperity of the country.

Eidul Azha is celebrated in the commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) readiness to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail (AS) for Allah.

Earlier Eidul Azha prayer large congregations were held in hundreds of small and big towns/cities, while Eid prayers were offered at Eidgahs, principal mosques and open places everywhere in the country besides special prayer were offered for the prosperity and integrity of the country and unity among the Muslim Ummah.

This followed offering sacrifices of animals by the faithfull in accordance with the Sunnat-e-Ibrahim (AS).

President Asif Ali Zardari offered Eidul Azha prayer in federal capital at the President House. The main Eid prayer congregation in the federal capital was held at Faisal masjid, where the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry also offered Eid prayer.

Sindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ebad, diplomats of the Muslim countries and other government high officials besides a large number of people offered Eidul Azha prayer at Bagh-e-Jinnah Polo Ground in Karachi.

Following the Eid prayer, talking to media, Sindh Governor wished a happy Eid to the entire nation.

In Lahore, hundreds of Eid congregations were held in Eidgahs, mosques and open places, while the main congregation was held at the Badshahi Masjid, where thousands offered prayer including political, social and religious leaders. Muslim League-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif, Hassan Shahbaz, Hamza Shahbaz, and other party leaders offered Eidul Azha prayer at Raiwind Jati Umra.

In Peshawar, Khayber Pukhtunkhaw Governor and Chief Minister, Amir Haider Khan Hoti offer prayer at the Governor House besides large and small congregations were held at hundreds of mosques, Eidgahs and open places all across the province. The main congregation in Peshawar was held at Eidgah, where Federal Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilor besides thousands of people offered prayer.

Stringent security arrangements were made all across the country, especially at places where security threats were earlier reported by the sensitive organizations.

Following the Eidul Azha prayer, the faithful are busy in offering sacrifices of animals in accordance with the Sunnat-e-Ibrahim (AS)

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Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is a major celebration in Hinduism and followed by Hindus all around the globe. It is also commonly referred to as the festival of good vs evil since it symbolizes the defeat of Ravana by Lord Ram. Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu autumn lunar month of Ashvin, or Ashwayuja which falls in September or October of the Western calendar. The first 9 days are celebrated as Navratri and culminates on the 10th day as Dussehra.

In India, the harvest season begins at this time and so the Mother Goddess is invoked to start the new harvest season and reactivate the vigor and fertility of the soil. This is done through religious performances and rituals which are thought to invoke cosmic forces that rejuvenate the soil. Many people of the Hindu faith observe Dussehra through social gatherings and food offerings to the gods at home and in temples throughout India and abroad.

The Ramlila is an enactment of the life of Lord Rama and most commonly performed as a play during the 9 days preceding Dussehra. On the 10th day (Dussehra or Vijay Dasami), larger effigies of Ravana, his son and brother – Meghnadh and Kumbhakarna are set to fire.

One derivation of the word Dussehra is from dashhara. ‘Dash’ means ten and ‘hara’ means defeated. Nine days before Dasera, in the nine days of Navaratri, all the ten directions are saturated with the female deity’s (devi’s-Shakti) energy. ‘Shakti’ has control over creation in all the ten directions (dikbhav), attendants (gan), etc. That is why this day is known as Dashhara, Dasera, Vijayadashami, etc. This is one amongst the three and a half auspicious moments (muhurts) of the year.

This falls on the tenth day (dashami) of the bright fortnight of Ashvin. The immersion of the Navratri (female deity) is done on the ninth day (navami) or the tenth day. Four rituals namely crossing the territory (Simollanghan), worship of the Shami tree (Shamipujan), worship of the deity Aparajita (Aparajitapujan) and worship of instruments (Shastrapuja) should be performed on this day. Dussehra is the festival of Victory of Good over Evil. There are many variations to this feat, that are believed all across India. Dussehra is also referred to as the end of Navratri and Durgotsav, Dashahara, Dashain, Vijayadashami, Dashhara and Vijayadasami. The Chakra team wishes everyone a happy and shubh Dussehra / Vijaya Dashami. Jai Shri Ram! Here is a short video documentary on Dussehra celebrations.

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The word Hindu is derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, the historic local appellation for the Indus River in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, and is first mentioned in the Rig Veda. The beliefs and practices of the pre-classical era (1500–500 BCE) are called the "historical vedic religion". The vedic religion shows influence by Proto-Indo-European religion. Modern Hinduism grew out of the Vedas, the oldest of which is the Rigveda, dated to 1700–1100 BCE.

Hinduism is One of the oldest living religions in the world, Hinduism is unique among the world religions in that it had no single founder but grew over a period of 4,000 years in syncretism with the religious and cultural movements of the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is composed of innumerable sects and has no well-defined ecclesiastical organization.

Upanishads refer to the practices of yoga and contain theistic elements that are fully developed in the Bhagwad-Gita. Post-vedic Hinduism in all its forms accepts the doctrine of karma, according to which the individual reaps the results of his good and bad actions through a series of lifetimes (see transmigration of souls). Also universally accepted is the goal of moksha or mukti, liberation from suffering and from the compulsion to rebirth, which is attainable through elimination of passions and through knowledge of reality and finally union with God.

Hinduism is based on the Eternal Truth as it has been explicitly defined in the scriptures:

The Srutis come from the Vedas, of divine origin and unchangeable. They encapsulate the greatest truths. The Srutis, referred to as the Dharma Shashtras, are of human composition. They govern the daily conduct of people, including the actions of the individual, the community, and the nation, and may change over time.The epics are those stories or fables in which the philosophy of the Vedas is told. The most important epics are the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Maharishi Valmiki, a contemporary of Rama, composes the Ramayana. Theee Puranas are the Hindu scriptures that convey the truths of the Vedas and the Dharmshastrasas in the form of tales. These stories form the basis of religious education for the common man.

The Agamas record the doctrine for the worship of different deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti. The Darshanas encompass the six schools of Hindu philosophy; they guide scholars. Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

Hinduism has many gods and goddesses, some of whom were worshiped by early peoples who later came into contact with this faith. The aim of Hinduism is not the worship of any one of these deities, but rather the means with which the individual soul or Atman will become one with the Brahman, or the Universal Soul. Among the most commonly worshiped gods are:

Nirguna Brahman—The Universal Soul who transcends time and space and is formless. Saguna Brahman—The concept of Ichwara, the Great God, with a form upon which the individual mind may fixate during prayer and meditation.

The Trinity—As personified by the three attributes of Ichwara, including their feminine dimensions: creation (Brahman), preservation (Vishnu), and destruction (Shiva). Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as Sanatana dharma (a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the eternal law", "the eternal law that sustains/upholds/surely preserves", amongst many other expressions. Generic "types" of Hinduism that attempt to accommodate a variety of complex views span folk and vedic Hinduism to bhakti tradition, as in Vaishnavism. Among other practices and philosophies, Hinduism includes a wide spectrum of laws and prescriptions of "daily morality" based on the notion of karma, dharma, and societal norms. Hinduism is a conglomeration of distinct intellectual or philosophical points of view, rather than a rigid common set of beliefs.

Hinduism is formed of diverse traditions and has no single founder. Among its direct roots is the historical Vedic religion of Iron Age India and, as such, Hinduism is often called the "oldest living religion" or the "oldest living major religion" in the world.

A large body of texts is classified as Hindu, divided into Sruti ("revealed") and Smriti ("remembered") texts. These texts discuss theology, philosophy and mythology, and provide information on the practice of dharma (religious living). Among these texts, the Vedas are the foremost in authority, importance and antiquity. Other major scriptures include the Upanishads, Puranas and the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Bhagwad Gita, a syncretistic treatise from the Mahabharata, is of special importance. It combines Vedanta, Yoga, and some Samkhya philosophy into its discussion of good conduct and life.

A definition of Hinduism, given by the first Vice President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was also a prominent theologian, states that Hinduism is not "just a faith", but in itself is related to the union of reason and intuition. Radhakrishnan explicitly states that Hinduism cannot be defined, but is only to be experienced. Similarly some academics suggest that Hinduism can be seen as a category with "fuzzy edges", rather than as a well-defined and rigid entity. Some forms of religious expression are central to Hinduism, while others are not as central but still remain within the category. Based on this, Ferro-Luzzi has developed a 'Prototype Theory approach' to the definition of Hinduism.

Problems with the single definition of what is actually meant by the term 'Hinduism' are often attributed to the fact that Hinduism does not have a single or common historical founder. Hinduism, or as some say 'Hinduisms,' does not have a single system of salvation and has different goals according to each sect or denomination. The forms of vedic religion are seen not as an alternative to

Hinduism, but as its earliest form, and there is little justification for the divisions found in much western scholarly writing between Vedism, Brahmanism, and Hinduism.

A definition of Hinduism is further complicated by the frequent use of the term "faith" as a synonym for "religion". Some academics and many practitioners refer to Hinduism using a native definition, as Sanatana Dharma, a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the eternal law", or the "eternal way".

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Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and Muslims are under an obligation of performing hajj once in their life (if capable both financially and physically). Hajj is Arabic word which means to set out for a place and for Muslims that place is the grand mosque of Mecca and it also refers to annual converging at the Mosque of Mecca which is also known as Baithullah (the house of GOD) to perform some prescribed religious rites. The rites of the hajj are prescribed by the last Prophet of Islam, Muhammad S.A.W. (P.B.U.H) and whoever sets out to perform hajj must follow those prescribed commands in order to complete this religious duty.

Hajj and all of its rites are connected with the life of Muslim's Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim A.S) and he is the one entrusted for the construction of Kaba (house of ALLAH), all the rites included in Hajj are the important and highlighted events of Prophet Abraham's (Ibrahim A.S) life and today when Muslims performs hajj, they basically perform an reenactment of those highlighted events in prophet's life. Once the construction of Kaaba was completed, Prophet Abraham was commanded to perform hajj every year and after his death his son continued to practice this command by Almighty ALLAH. However, as time passed the rites and the goals of hajj were changed by the people of Mecca. The Kaaba lost its purity completely when Arabia was at the peak of idolatry, more than 360 idols were placed inside it and the walls were fully covered by poems and paintings.

Ignorance made the people of Arabia go round the Kaaba naked both men and women, arguing on a note that they should present themselves in front of ALLAH in the same condition they were born. The atmosphere of the sacred precincts of Kaaba resembles a circus during the hajj period. Hand clapping, whistling and blowing horns became the part of hajj for the people of Arabia they started reciting their own made "Talbia", 'No one is Your partner except one who is permitted by you. You are his Master and the Master of what he possesses'.

Sacrificing in the name of ALLAH was done in a manner which includes the blood of sacrificed animal poured in the walls of Kaaba and hanging the flesh from the pillars around the Kaaba on a note that ALLAH demanded the flesh and blood of animals. The most common things among the Pilgrims were singing, drinking and other act of immorality with poetry competitions, the poetry competition was considered as one of the most highlighted event of hajj. Telling exaggerated tales cowardice and miserliness of other tribes and praising the bravery and splendor of their own tribesman. Chief of each tribe sets up huge cauldrons in a competition to feed Pilgrims and to get well known as a generous chief.

Thus, the house of ALLAH which was built to worship one and alone GOD (Almighty ALLAH) was completely desecrated by the pagans, the teachings of their forefather and leader Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim A.S) was completely abandoned, this distortions of hajj rites continued for more than two and half thousand years. But after that it was the time of answer to the supplication of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim A.S). The Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim A.S) supplicated something like this in his life, "Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the book and the Wisdom and sanctify them. Verily you are the 'Azeezul-Hakeem [the All-Mighty, the All-Wise]." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:129] The birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad(Peace Be Upon Him) ibn "Abdullaah" took place in the very city of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim A.S) as the answer to his supplication. Prophet Muhammad spread the message of true monotheism for twenty three years, it is the same message that Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim A.S) and all other Prophet came with - and established the law of ALLAH above all the law and rules made by men. To make this word above all "ALLAH supreme", Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) expanded every effort and the victory of this effort culminated on the day when Muhammad smashed the idols inside the Kaaba and thus the Kaaba once again became the universal center for the worshippers of one true GOD, "Almighty ALLAH".

With getting rid of all impurities of Kaaba, all the rites of hajj which were established and commanded by Almighty ALLAH were all reinstated by the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. False rites which were rampant in the pre-Islamic period were all eliminated by specific injunctions in the Holy Book "Quran", were revealed in order to eliminate all the false rites.

The poetry competitions among the tribes for exaltation of their tribesmen's achievements and forefathers were all banned and stopped. Instead, ALLAH told them Slaughtering of animal for fame and to take a part in the competition in which the winner is declared the most generous of all, this competition of generosity was strictly prohibited. With this command ALLAH also said this in the Holy Book "Quran".

For the deplorable practice of pouring the walls of Kaaba and hanging the flash of slaughtered animals, ALLAH clearly informed them that: "It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches ALLAH, but it is Taqwaa (piety) from you that reaches Him." [Surah al-Hajj 22:37] Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) also banned circling the Kaaba in the state of nudity and making arguments that the pagans put forward to justify this ritual was sharply rebutted in ALLAH's question: "Say: Who has forbidden the adornment [i.e. clothes] given by Allah which He has produced for His Slaves?" [Surah al-A'raaf 7:32]

So in this way all the ignorance practices made by the people of Arabia were abolished and once again became a model of piety, fear of ALLAH, purity, simplicity and austerity. We pray that ALLAH grant us all the ability of performing hajj in the righteous and commanded manner told by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

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Navratri  Puja is one of the great ritual performed by the people on the festival of Navratri. This festival exists two times in a year as first time it falls in the months of March-April and second time it is held in October-November. This puja is devoted to Goddess Durga. People involve in performing Navratri Puja for nine days, which is the time period of Navratri festival. In this time period, they do Durga Puja by chanting mantras, singing songs and bhajans in the praise of the deity. Also, through the entire nine days period of this puja, Individuals keep fast that is considered auspicious.

Navratri Puja is also known as Durga Puja and it plays a significant role in the life of each and every individual as it gives them purity and perfection. Moreover, it destroys all the impurities, vices and defects of the devotees. Durga is the overlord of planet Rahu as per the Vedic Astrology and in this manner, her energy neutralizes the negative powers of Rahu. In addition to this, Durga Puja is the best way to cleanse all evil characteristics including hatred, jealousy, ignorance, anger, greed, violence, etc, which can exist at any time in inside and outside of a person. In the auspicious time frame of this puja, people can get the blessings of Ma Durga the Warrior Goddess, Ma Lakshmi the Goddess of Wealth and Ma Saraswati the Goddess of Wisdom, who can together wipe out the demons.

Devotees need to follow some pre defined procedure for Navratri Puja. They have to arrange certain items, which are required to execute this puja. The items include the idol or picture of Goddess Durga, Durga Sapthashati book, water in Kalash (pitcher), fresh washed mango leaves, one coconut, roli (red color for tilak), moli (red sacred thread), chawal (rice), paan (betel leaves), supari (beetle nuts), cloves, cardamom, kumkum (vermilion) and gulal. Along with this, they should have a few incense sticks, a deep and matchstick. In order to get the benefits of this puja, devotees should offer flowers such as rose, lotus and red hibiscus as well as fresh pomegranate and sweets like laddoo and peda, as Prasad.

Individuals start Navratri Puja after taking bath in the morning and by wearing laundered clothes. Then they place mango leaves on kalash of water and put a coconut inside it. After that they tie moli on the neck of the kalash and worship the idol or picture of Ma Durga with the help of roli, rice, flowers, balepatra, kumkum and gulal. The devotees must take care of light as the light should be maintained throughout the entire puja as per the rules. For this purpose, they may add burning coal to a clay pot and pour ghee over it and thereafter, they can offer a small piece of the sweetmeat to the fire along with ghee at regular intervals. Besides, to conclude this puja, they encircle the flame for three times by folding their hands and perform the aarti by singing an arti song.

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The word Hindu is derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, the historic local appellation for the Indus River in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, and is first mentioned in the Rig Veda. The beliefs and practices of the pre-classical era (1500–500 BCE) are called the "historical vedic religion". The vedic religion shows influence by Proto-Indo-European religion. Modern Hinduism grew out of the Vedas, the oldest of which is the Rigveda, dated to 1700–1100 BCE.

Hinduism is One of the oldest living religions in the world, Hinduism is unique among the world religions in that it had no single founder but grew over a period of 4,000 years in syncretism with the religious and cultural movements of the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is composed of innumerable sects and has no well-defined ecclesiastical organization.

Upanishads refer to the practices of yoga and contain theistic elements that are fully developed in the Bhagwad-Gita.

Post-vedic Hinduism in all its forms accepts the doctrine of karma, according to which the individual reaps the results of his good and bad actions through a series of lifetimes (see transmigration of souls). Also universally accepted is the goal of moksha or mukti, liberation from suffering and from the compulsion to rebirth, which is attainable through elimination of passions and through knowledge of reality and finally union with God.

Hinduism is based on the Eternal Truth as it has been explicitly defined in the scriptures:

The Srutis come from the Vedas, of divine origin and unchangeable. They encapsulate the greatest truths. The Srutis, referred to as the Dharma Shashtras, are of human composition. They govern the daily conduct of people, including the actions of the individual, the community, and the nation, and may change over time.The epics are those stories or fables in which the philosophy of the Vedas is told. The most important epics are the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Maharishi Valmiki, a contemporary of Rama, composes the Ramayana. Theee Puranas are the Hindu scriptures that convey the truths of the Vedas and the Dharmshastrasas in the form of tales. These stories form the basis of religious education for the common man.

The Agamas record the doctrine for the worship of different deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti. The Darshanas encompass the six schools of Hindu philosophy; they guide scholars. Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

Hinduism has many gods and goddesses, some of whom were worshiped by early peoples who later came into contact with this faith. The aim of Hinduism is not the worship of any one of these deities, but rather the means with which the individual soul or Atman will become one with the Brahman, or the Universal Soul. Among the most commonly worshiped gods are:

Nirguna Brahman—The Universal Soul who transcends time and space and is formless.

Saguna Brahman—The concept of Ichwara, the Great God, with a form upon which the individual mind may fixate during prayer and meditation.

The Trinity—As personified by the three attributes of Ichwara, including their feminine dimensions: creation (Brahman), preservation (Vishnu), and destruction (Shiva).

Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as Sanatana dharma (a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the eternal law", "the eternal law that sustains/upholds/surely preserves", amongst many other expressions. Generic "types" of Hinduism that attempt to accommodate a variety of complex views span folk and vedic Hinduism to bhakti tradition, as in Vaishnavism. Among other practices and philosophies, Hinduism includes a wide spectrum of laws and prescriptions of "daily morality" based on the notion of karma, dharma, and societal norms. Hinduism is a conglomeration of distinct intellectual or philosophical points of view, rather than a rigid common set of beliefs.

Hinduism is formed of diverse traditions and has no single founder. Among its direct roots is the historical Vedic religion of Iron Age India and, as such, Hinduism is often called the "oldest living religion" or the "oldest living major religion" in the world.

A large body of texts is classified as Hindu, divided into Sruti ("revealed") and Smriti ("remembered") texts. These texts discuss theology, philosophy and mythology, and provide information on the practice of dharma (religious living). Among these texts, the Vedas are the foremost in authority, importance and antiquity. Other major scriptures include the Upanishads, Puranas and the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Bhagwad Gita, a syncretistic treatise from the Mahabharata, is of special importance. It combines Vedanta, Yoga, and some Samkhya philosophy into its discussion of good conduct and life.

A definition of Hinduism, given by the first Vice President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was also a prominent theologian, states that Hinduism is not "just a faith", but in itself is related to the union of reason and intuition. Radhakrishnan explicitly states that Hinduism cannot be defined, but is only to be experienced. Similarly some academics suggest that Hinduism can be seen as a category with "fuzzy edges", rather than as a well-defined and rigid entity. Some forms of religious expression are central to Hinduism, while others are not as central but still remain within the category. Based on this, Ferro-Luzzi has developed a 'Prototype Theory approach' to the definition of Hinduism.

Problems with the single definition of what is actually meant by the term 'Hinduism' are often attributed to the fact that Hinduism does not have a single or common historical founder. Hinduism, or as some say 'Hinduisms,' does not have a single system of salvation and has different goals according to each sect or denomination. The forms of vedic religion are seen not as an alternative to

Hinduism, but as its earliest form, and there is little justification for the divisions found in much western scholarly writing between Vedism, Brahmanism, and Hinduism.

A definition of Hinduism is further complicated by the frequent use of the term "faith" as a synonym for "religion". Some academics and many practitioners refer to Hinduism using a native definition, as Sanatana Dharma, a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the eternal law", or the "eternal way".

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Navratri is one of the famous Hindu festivals, which is celebrated twice a year in the months of March-April (Chaitra' or ‘VasantNavratri) and in October-November (SharadNavratri). With full zeal, the popular festival Navratri will be celebrated this year from October 16 to October 23.

Navratri is popularly known as the festival of nine nights and is spiritually dedicated to a Goddess named as Durga. The first day of the Navratrifestival begins with Ghat Sthapna or KalashSthapna and it ends withKanyapooja which is performed on the ninth day. Navratri festival is celebrated in every nook and corner of India by the people, who leave no stone unturned to celebrate it in a grand manner. Though the festival of Navratri is celebrated in all the states of India, yet it is the actual flavor and enthusiasm of Bihar, Bengal and Gujarat.

Every year, lots of devotees with full devotion and dedication worship Goddess Durga in Navratri time. They believe that if they worship Goddess Durga, all their desires will be fulfilled. The Navratri festival brings an atmosphere of happiness and immense blessings. On this auspicious day, a loud echo of Garba dances and Dandiya are performed in some parts of Gujarat. DurgaPooja is another name of Navratri Festival which is equally famous among the people. It is a high belief that by worshipping Durga, a man is supposed to get more money than what he has donated ever. A plethora of believers like to donate money, food and many more things to a number of needy people on such grand occasion.

Navratri is known to be a festival of nine nights, which is celebrated in order to honor nine embodiments of Goddess Durga. During this holy period, Devotees establish pictures and idols of Goddess Durgaa at the place of pooja in their homes. For full nine days, the devotees keep fast and worship nine forms or incarnation of Goddess Durga. With their own ways to worship Maa Durga, they make Maa Shakti happy. On the ninth day of Navratra Festival, the devotees feed little girls by offering them delectable dishes like Poori,Chana, Kheer and other Prasad like sakariya, Mishri, batasha etc. Also, they give them beautiful utensils, gifts, apparels as per their status.

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Exekiel is quoted as stating at the end of days there will be a thirst and hunger but it will not be for food or water but rather for the word of God. Today prayer is an essential need and one can measure by attendance to Church, Temple or Synagogue and interestingly enough by Prayer Shawls purchased.

The holy land is not the only place that has sprung up in the last 65 years as a hub for prayer but it is a phenomina across the globe. It is true the Jewish people have been praying for centuries since the destruction of the 1st Temple in 456 BCE and their subsequent exile mostly to Babylon. At the time the famous Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai established the Synagogue and the prayer book with assistance from the Great Assembly.

Centuries later Jesus and his disciples prayed yet without an established prayer book. Recently and quite interestingly we found that purchases of Prayer Shawls have increased over the years. The Prayer Shawls and Tallits  have reported increased interest in purchased of prayer shawls especially among Women and Pastors.

Do we see a change coming up ? Not in the forseeable future. Bar Mitzvah's for 13 years old Jews has always been a call for a Prayer Shawl, but in today's society so too is a Bat Mitzvah Girl at 12 wearing a Prayer Shawl.

So why is Prayer so popular. In a recent poll those who prayed were asked what they were praying for and the results seem quite interesting. Here are the top 8 reasons.

1. Materialism
2. Pride
3. Self-centeredness
4. Laziness
5. (Tie) Anger/Bitterness
5. (Tie) Sexual lust
6. Envy
7. Gluttony
8. Lying

Survey respondents noted temptations were more potent when…
they had neglected their time with God (81 percent)
and when they were physically tired (57 percent).
Resisting temptation was accomplished by prayer (84 percent), avoiding compromising
situations (76 percent), Bible study (66 percent), and being accountable to someone (52 percent).

Determining the efficacy of prayer has been attempted in various studies since first addressed in 1872. According to the Washington Post, "...prayer is the most common complement to mainstream medicine, far outpacing acupuncture, herbs, vitamins and other alternative remedies."

To date, scientific and religious views on the efficacy of prayer do not agree, and much controversy still surrounds the subject. Medical studies have, at times, been interpreted in conflicting ways by different groups while other studies have been specifically designed to clear up such ambiguities, meanwhile debate continues.

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It is a common misconception with some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.

Islam has always given respect and freedom of religion to all faiths.  Freedom of religion is ordained in the Quran itself:

"There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion.  The right course has become clear from the wrong."  (Quran 2:256)

The noted historian De Lacy O'Leary wrote:[In his book Islam at the Crossroads, p.8.]"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated."

he famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book Heroes and Hero worship, refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: "The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one; in one man's head alone.  There it dwells as yet.  One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men.  That he takes a sword and tries to propagate with that will do little for him.  You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can."

If Islam was spread by the sword, it was the sword of intellect and convincing arguments.  It is this sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people.  The Quran says in this connection:

"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best."  (Quran 16:125)

The Facts Speak for themselves

Indonesia is the country that has the largest number of Muslims in the world, and the majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims.  But, no Muslim army ever went to Indonesia or Malaysia.  It is an established historical fact that Indonesia entered Islam not due to war, but because of its moral message.  Despite the disappearance of Islamic government from many regions once ruled by it, their original inhabitants have remained Muslims.  Moreover, they carried the message of truth, inviting others to it as well, and in so doing endured harm, affliction and oppression.  The same can be said for those in the regions of Syria and Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, North Africa, Asia, the Balkans and in Spain.  This shows that the effect of Islam on the population was one of moral conviction, in contrast to occupation by western colonialists, finally compelled to leave lands whose peoples held only memories of affliction, sorrow, subjugation and oppression.

Muslims ruled Spain (Andalusia) for about 800 years.  During this period the Christians and Jews enjoyed freedom to practice their respective religions, and this is a documented historical fact.
Christian and Jewish minorities have survived in the Muslim lands of the Middle East for centuries.  Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan all have significant Christian and Jewish populations.
Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years and therefore had the power to force each and every non-Muslim of India to convert to Islam, but they did not, and thus more than 80% of the Indian population remains non-Muslim.
Similarly, Islam spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa.  And likewise no Muslim army was ever dispatched to the East Coast of Africa.
An article in Reader's Digest ‘Almanac', yearbook 1986, gives the statistics of the increase of the percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984.  This article also appeared in The Plain Truth magazine.  At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, while Christianity had increased by 47%.  During this fifty-year period, there was no "Islamic conquest" yet Islam spread at an extraordinary rate.
Today the fastest growing religion in America and Europe is Islam.  The Muslims in these lands are a minority.  The only sword they have in their possession is the sword of truth.  It is this sword that is converting thousands to Islam.
Islamic law protects the privileged status of minorities, and that is why non-Muslim places of worship have flourished all over the Islamic world.  Islamic law also allows non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which implement family laws drawn up by the minorities themselves.  The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred whether they are Muslims or not.

Conclusion It is clear, therefore, that Islam did not spread by the sword.  The "sword of Islam" did not convert all the non-Muslim minorities in Muslim countries.  In India, where Muslims ruled for 800 years, they are still a minority.  In the U.S.A., Islam is the fastest growing religion and has over six million followers.

Regarding Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him), M.K Gandhiji expressed the view: "I want to know the best of life of one who holds today undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind. I became more convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. Those and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle." (Young India, 1924).

In his book The World's Religions, Huston Smith discusses how the prophet Muhammad granted freedom of religion to the Jews and Christians under Muslim rule:

The Prophet had a document drawn up in which he stipulated that Jews and Christians"shall be protected from all insults and harm; they shall have an equal right with our own people to our assistance and good offices," and further, "they shall practice their religion as freely as the Muslims."[Quoted in The World's Religions by Huston Smith, Harper Collins, 1991, p. 256]

Smith points out that Muslims regard that document as the first charter of freedom of conscience in human history and the authoritative model for those of every subsequent Muslim state.

INTELLIGENT DESIGN—IN OTHER WORDS, CREATION

In Order to Create, God Has No Need to Plan

It's important to properly understand the word "design." If God has created a flawless design that does not mean that He first conceived a plan and then followed it. Allah, the Lord of the Earth and the heavens, needs no "designs" in order to bring anything into existence. God is exalted above all such deficiencies. Both His planning and His creation take place at the same instant.

Whenever God wills a thing to come about, it is enough for Him just to say, "Be!"  As we are told in the verses of the Qur'an:

His command when He desires a thing is just to say to it, "Be!" and it is. (In Holy Quran Surah Ya Sin: Verses 82)

[God is] the Originator of the heavens and Earth. When He decides on something, He just says to it, "Be!" and it is. (In Holy Quran, Surat Al-Baqara: Verses 117

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