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The Pilgrim and Pilgrimage

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:25:21 GMT

Friday, November 14, 2008

Praise be to ALLAH, and peace and blessing, upon the beloved Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH).

Few weeks from now on, over three million muslims from all over around the globe, including those in the Gambia would be received in Mecca, Saudi Arabia as guests of the almighty Allah. Although they would be received in persons by members of the hajj administration, indeed their main recipient is Allah (SWT); whose guest they are and whose commandment they ARE ACTUALLY ABIDDING BY.

The whole journey is about purity; purity of intention, purity of the means that will bring one to the hajj, purity in deeds and actions and purity in the out-come. and at the end ,the haj (pilgrim returns home purified and sinless as a new-born baby .

That’s why the pilgrim has to be particular about the source or means by which he is making the pilgrimage, hence Allah is pure and accept only what is pure. The holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH) put it right:

“The Hajj or pilgrimage decides a man’s course of life. He either returns very holy or very wicked”. Thus to avoid even the least impurity, the conditions are that they must pay for themselves or someone pay for them, but without borrowing the money and be able to afford it health-wise.

Yet every year during haj or pilgrimage in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar “Djul Hijja,” over three million Muslims from all over the world - the largest single religious gathering known in the history of the world, gather to observe this important pillar of Islam.

The Hajj, like all other pillars of Islam, reinforces basic Islamic principles; for instance, that all are equal in the eyes of Allah. Before entering Mecca, pilgrims change their clothes. Instead of ordinary clothes, a male Muslim wears two sheets of unsewn white cloth.

Other signs of everyday life such as watches and wallets are removed by the pilgrim. In this way there is no sign of social rank or association. A Muslim may rub shoulders with a king or president without knowing it.

Women may wear their ordinary clothes but must be covered from head to ankles. The white sheets are symbolic in a sense they remind Muslims that they must be willing to gave up everything for Allah. It is also a reminder that dead people are wrapped in similar sheets as their fine and beautiful clothes and wealth are of no value.

The Hajj lasts for five days and on the first day, beginning at Mecca, Muslims walk seven times around the Kabah, the holy site known to be the oldest place of worship on earth. The foundation was raised and built by prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) the ancestral father of the Jews, the Nazarites and the Arabs and their religions : Judaism, Christianity and Islam respectively.

The pilgrim then proceeds to the point of the black stone. Many non-Muslims assume that Muslims worship the black stone or pray to it. This is absolutely incorrect, since Islam expressively forbid the worship of anything but Allah.

Yet because the Prophet respected the stone most Muslims have come to regard IT AS SPECIAL,AND MOST PILGRIMS ATTEMPT TO TOUCH AND KISS IT-A TASK MADE DIFFICULT BY THE SURGING CROW OF PEOPLE MILLING AROUND IT AT ALL TIMES. THE PROPHET’S CELEBRATED COMPANION, THE CALIPH Umar (RA) in his usual forthright manner, addressed the stone thus: “I know you are only a stone but because I saw the prophet kiss you I will do the same”.

The pilgrim then goes to the two small hillocks nearby; known as “Alsaffat wa Almaarwah”

Here Allah had wished to test Ibrahim (AS) by ordering him to leave his wife Hagar and son Ismail, a progenitor of the Arabs. When Hagar’s supply of water was exhausted she ran between the Hills desperately searching for water.

Her search was soon rewarded as a spring burst forth from the earth. To this day Muslim pilgrims ritually enact her plight. The water from the spring also know as: “Zamzam” is highly valued and pilgrims take it home in bottles for their relatives.

The pilgrims spend the night at Mina. At dawn they move to the valley of Arafat. Here thousands of tents are put up to protect them from the heat. After sunset the pilgrims leave to spend the night at Muzdalifat.

Part of the evening is spent hunting for small stones for the next part of the Haj, another ritual trenching back to Ibrahim(AS)on returning to Mina, they set off for the three-stone pillars which mark the place where the devil attempted to make Ismail disobey Ibrahim. Muslims believe that Ismail drove the devil away by throwing stones at him. In memory of those incidents Muslims throw their stones at the pillars, symbolic of rejecting evil and wishing to follow Allah the Almighty.

The pilgrimage ends with a festival where animals are sacrificed. This custom again goes back to Ibrahim (AS) who was willing to sacrifice his only son Ismail on Allah’s command. When Allah spared Ismail, Ibrahim (AS) sacrificed a ram instead.

So the pilgrims sacrifice sheep, goat, cattle or camel to commemorate the act. This is a symbol of how Muslims are programmed to give up everything they value for the sake of Allah. Pilgrims eat some of the meat, but the most of it is given to the “miskeen” the poor or needy Muslims.

Finally pilgrims circle the kabah once more. Those who can afford it go to Medina to visit the prophet’s burial place and make Dua supplication thereon the returning hajji is given the title Al-haj or al- haja or simply haja for the female.

They ARE TREATED WITH MUCH RESPECT AND THE HAJJ IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN CONSCIOU∆∆S OF THEIR VISIBLE ROLE AS PROPER ISLAMIC MODELS, AS RETURNEE FROM HAJJ.

May Allah bless our successful pilgrims with the immense blessing of Haj. Ameen.

Author: DO

Biblical reflections

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:03:42 GMT

Friday, November 14, 2008

Sunday Gospel and life

“Banjul was one family…”

When I saw it written by both Fr. William Cleary (“Reaping a Rich Harvest”) and Rev. Martha Frederiks (“We Toiled all Night”) that both Muslims and Christians worked on the construction of the Catholic Cathedral in Banjul,

I was a bit surprised. One elder, native of Banjul, confirmed this by word of mouth because she was one of those who went to get sand from the beach. Christians and Muslims building the house of God!

Many visitors or tourists in Rome walk along the narrow streets of the older part of the Eternal City. Surely the churches are some of the attractive sites they visit – places of history.

Among the four churches in ancient Rome is the church of St. John Lateran – the church of the Bishop of Rome.
Today we celebrate the feast of the dedication of this great church that has been built many years ago but stands the weather and visits of many tourists. It is maintained so as to preserve its original structure and look.

Our reflection today is centered on the house of God and we shall use readings from the Holy Bible: Ezekiel 47: 1-2, 8-9,12. This passage from the Old Testament tells us about fresh water flowing from the temple, giving life to trees that bear good fruit, and transforming salt water into fresh water.

Our gospel reading from John 2: 13-22 tells us how Jesus (“filled with zeal for my house…”) drove out those who misused the temple. When the people doubted who he was and asked for a sign to justify his seemingly crude actions he said, “destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” How can one man rebuild a temple in three days which many people have taken forty-six years to build? Jesus referred to himself.
In the second reading St. Paul tells us that God dwells in each and every human being (I Corinthians 3: 9-11, 16-17) –

“Your body is the temple of God.” Temples and holy places are treated with special respect because it is there that God meets with people. It is a place of worship and a holy place. If we have become the holy place of God, then we should be holy people.

The former Bishop of Banjul, Rt. Rev. Michael J Cleary, was known for building many churches during his term of office. At the opening of these churches Cleary often told the people that the church building is founded on rock (i.e. Jesus) and made of bricks (each person) and bound together with mortar (love).

“This is your church, (community) look after it.” Yes, every building must be maintained or else it will sooner than later fall.

Maintenance of the Christian Community is done when we have love for one another, when we respect the dignity of our human person because we are created in the image of God. Prayer and regular worship (the mass) add up to that which maintains a good Christian Community.

Each individual has a noble duty to keep the Christian Community together. We can do this by striving daily to be holy, to love people, to seek for peace, to radiate the joy of being a Christian, etc. Hence, each can ask oneself what kind of a brick one is in the edifice of God.

We come back to the old Banjul family. It comprised Christians and Muslims, Wollofs, Akus, Mulattoes, Manjagoes, Jolas, Mandinkas, etc. People who are rich and poor… All of these were one family such that they can build a place of worship of God.

The Banjul of old can be revived when people of today are aware of what old Banjul life was like. Indeed everyone can participate in creating and ensuring a peaceful community, a society where justice prevails, a place where love abounds, a people that worship the only God. Am I helping to build and maintain that one family of ‘Old Banjul?’

The Bible Challenge Test your knowledge of the Bible

Topic: Easter

1. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, what did He say would cry out if His disciples didn't?
  * the stones
  * the angels
  * the earth
* the animals

2. What was the man carrying whom Peter and John followed to prepare the upper room for Passover?
* a bushel of wheat
* a young lamb
* a pitcher of water
* a loaf of bread

3. What was the sign that Jesus gave Peter in stating that he would deny Him?
  * the sun would rise
* a rooster would crow twice
  * someone would build a fire
  darkness would cover the land

4. Which of these things did NOT happen at the Lord's Supper?
  * The disciples sang a hymn
  * Jesus washed the disciples'   feet
  * Judas left to betray Jesus
  * Jesus wept bitterly

5. Which of these people did NOT question Jesus after He was arrested?
* Caiaphas
  * Pontius Pilate
  * Herod
  * Caesar

6. In the garden, who cut off the ear of the high priest's servant?
* John
* Judas
* Peter
* Bible doesn't say

7. Which of these things did NOT happen when Jesus died?
the veil of the temple was torn in two
* an earthquake
* many saints were raised from the dead
* the moon turned red

8. What happened when a soldier pierced Jesus' crucified body?
  * blood flowed out
  * water flowed out
* blood and water flowed out
   nothing flowed out

9. What were the soldiers told to say regarding the missing body of Jesus?
* His body fell into a crevice   created by the earthquake
* His mother moved the body   to a different tomb
* His disciples stole the body   at night
* He wasn't really dead - just   unconscious

10. On what day of the week was Jesus first seen after His resurrection?
* Friday
* Saturday
* Sunday
• Monday

Answers to Bible Challenges

1. the stones

2. a pitcher of water

3. a rooster would crow twice

4. Jesus wept bitterly

5. Caesar

6. Peter

7. the moon turned red

8. blood and water flowed out

9. His disciples stole the body at night

10. Sunday

Author: by Fr. David Jimoh Jarju

Six aircrafts lined up for 2008 Hajj

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:08:26 GMT

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Thursday, November 13, 2008

Alasana Jammeh, permanent secretary at the Department of State for Local Government, Lands & Religious Affairs, has disclosed that 6 aircrafts have already been identified to transport this year’s pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The aircrafts are being hired from Intercontinental Airline by the Hajj Commision, PS Jammeh made this remark in an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer at his office at the Quadrangle in Banjul. He said that it was not easy to acquire the aircrafts.

“Actually, getting an aircraft is not an easy task. The process of elimination based on the various offers we had had to be done very discretely,” he said, assuring this reporter that the people tasked to spearhead this year’s Hajj operation are well experienced and have been in the sector for quite a long time now.

Jammeh asserted that they are comfortable with the airline company as it has met all the criteria.
According to Jammeh, all these could not have been possible without the intervention of President Yahya Jammeh and his government, who he said ensured that D86, 000 is being charged per individual.

“We owe him a big thank you,” he posited. And he went on: “As we stand now, the Saudi authorities have issued a Foreign Operator Certificate (FOC) to us, which indicates that the airline company we have chosen has met all the requirements, giving them the right to operate in Saudi territory.”

On the number of pilgrims, PS Jammeh had this to say : “Every country is allocated with a quota, and for The Gambia, we have been allocated about 3000 pilgrims. But taking into consideration the demography of the country and, as you may already know, the situation of world economy, it is obvious that number allocation will be affected.

In Banjul, we are looking at 1336, but as at now, we don’t have that exact number of people. We are still below that and we are working very hard towards it.

Capacity

PS Jammeh further revealed that each of the flight can accommodate up to 221 passengers. He said that the flights are all comfortable. He expressed optimism that the pilgrims will be transported on time.

Constraints

He noted that the only persisting problem they have is in the manner in which Gambians acquire their tickets. “People are used to sitting up to the last minute before coming up to buy their tickets. This is not in line with accepted standards,” he said. He argued that it would be best to acquire the tickets one or two months before departure.

He warned Gambians to refrain from the last minute rush syndrome.

Author: by Musa Ndow

More pilgrims sensitised

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:31:04 GMT

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

On Sunday, Alagie Buba Saho’s Continental Agency in collaboration with Islamic scholars across the country converged at Crab Island Junior secondary school in Banjul to gives lectures to and sensitise pilgrims on what is expected of them during the course of their Hajj in Mecca

Speaking at the event, Imam Abdoulie Fatty expounded significantly on the benefits of Hajj and urged pilgrims to desist from certain sinful acts such as stealing

Oustas Gibril Kujabi of the Talinding Islamic Institute also expressed similar sentiments.

Author: by Bekai Njie

The youth and crime

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:11:52 GMT

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

If there is anything that The Gambia can boast of, it is its culture of peace and stability; that invaluable commodity that is in short supply right across the continent.

The fact of its existence in The Gambia defies the realities in the rest of Africa and beyond.

But we owe a lot to our traditional social setting just as much as we do to our religious inclinations for this prevailing culture of peace and stability we enjoy.

However, what prevails in other parts of the region suggests that our peace and stability is a fragile one, and its influence must not be underrated.

The spate of reported violent attacks, killings and extra judicial behaviours, especially among the youth folk has reached unacceptable proportion. Almost everyday, we hear about the murder of some innocent person. Sometimes, these deaths are reported in quite obscure circumstances.

There is no doubt that indiscipline is a key factor, and that is what should make it the business of all. But the fact that these murder cases have become frequent among the youth folk of this country (the future leaders) makes it an even more disturbing concern for all.

The death in Banjul of the young Cherno Jagne rekindles ongoing debates about the attitude of our youth. The question everybody should be asking is what is it that is responsible for the growing barbarity among our youth?

The answers are obvious. The situation is such that young people have never been so exposed to the negative influence of the digital world than they have been at anytime in the past.

The bulk of the blame is found in the heart of our sitting rooms, where violent and mind-degrading films are watched. This way, our homes have become breeding places for liabilities, thanks to the negative forces associated with the Hollywood establishment and the like.

Of course we are obliged to mention that some, if not all of these films are supposed to be watched by people of specified age limits.

But this has been defied by not only commercial video owners, but even parents themselves. Minors are in the habit of watching films that are not meant for them; and the result is blatant manifestation of disrespect, hooliganism and all sorts of repulsive behaviour.

If we are to beat down the rate of crime, especially among our youth, we must wipe out the spots that serve as breeding grounds of undesirable elements in the society.

This responsibility rests on all stakeholders in the business – parents, video club owners, entertainment centres, etc. The future of a better Gambia depends on a breed of positive minded, responsible, development oriented, and peace loving youth.

Author: DO

Religion and society

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:29:23 GMT

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Religion, as can be seen today, is at the centre of global debate, mainly because of the controversies surrounding it (thanks to the level of misinterpretation) and not because of the genuine love between man and his creator.

Today, if there is any single issue that is closest to the heart of the majority of the world’s population, it is the issue of religion. This is not some thing bad though; what is unfortunate, however, is that this man-and-God relationship is being exploited to the discomfort of the human race, contrary to the divine purpose.

The world over, religious leaders command tremendous respect from an enormous spectrum of societies. While this influence has been used in some quarters for the advancement of humanity, for others, unfortunately, religious influence means propagating chaos and destruction. Today, a number of analysts prefer associating any possible World War (III) to religious causes. And to a large extent, the predominant occurrences of our day give this prophesy a fair level of credibility.

In most cases you will find out that religious unrest arises as a result of disorganization, which gives room for the proliferation of all sorts of cults. The result is what we can see in some parts of the world– wanton destruction of life and property, and desecration of holy cites; all in the name of the very God mankind claims to be serving.

As a predominantly Muslim nation, with a number of minority religious groups, The Gambia can boast of peace and stability. And this we can not detach from the influence of religious leaders. But this peaceful atmosphere needs consolidation, and more work.

As President Jammeh succintly put it during the inauguration of the new headquarters of the SIC, the council owe it to Gambians to ensure the continuation of the prevailing tranquillity in this country; to ensure that issues with the potential to unravel disorder are regulated.

Religious authorities in The Gambia have never received so much attention as they have been getting since July 1994, a move that has been born out of a deliberate attempt by the APRC government, which is aware of the importance of religion in the maintenance of peace and stability. Religious leaders have a great role to play in restoring hope to the hopeless, in settling disputes, and even in fixing political misunderstandings. At the grassroots level, this is what it has been like in countries like The Gambia.

Muslim people look onto their religious leaders as representatives of the divinely guided prophet of Islam. The same thing is true of Christians, to whom Jesus is a perfect divine model, and so for all other people of genuine faith. Therefore, the followers of these religions are inclined to abide by the commands of their religious leaders.

The government of The Gambia has no doubt played its part, as expected, by not only empowering the council but also ensuring that it is behind it all the way. There is the need for reciprocation from our esteemed religious leaders.

Author: DO

Football fanaticism

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:31:31 GMT

Friday, June 06, 2008

Fanaticism is among the greatest threats to our civilisation. Today we see it at all levels of society – from religion to politics. And for our younger generation, football has become more than religion; to some it is life and death.

Just about last weekend, football fans in the village of Sanyany, in Kombo South, unleashed hell on members of the sports committee of that village. Their reason was that the committee members were indifferent to their feelings. Apparently, the village team had lost to a team they deemed as underdog.

The ravaging fans felt let down. A very young senior secondary school boy summed it up. "We pay whatever it cost when the team is playing, all in support of our village. But they do not seem to appreciate it."

The fracas that ensued at the end of that match resulted to injuries and resignation.

This is typical of what prevails at national level. But is football supposed to be a game of violence or fun making? This should be our topic of discussion given our increasing involvement in the international sports. It is even more important that we discuss this as the scorpions’ rivals the ‘Terranga’ Lions of Senegal, who are set to arrive in Banjul this weekend. The past few encounters between the two teams have not been exemplary at all. And, certainly, we do not want to see a replica of those ugly scenarios.

However, the initiative by veteran footballers of the two countries could be a perfect means, among others, to stemming this trend of madness that threatens to characterise our football history. Like one of the veterans put it, "the people of the two countries have been living side by side before the advent of soccer." Besides, the blood ties is indisputable. Forget about the political difference; that is just the making of imaginary boundaries that have absolutely no bearing on the relationships between the two peoples.

It has been over four decades now since independence, but still we are confined within the spell of the educational enslavement our former white masters left us with. This is the root cause of our occasional unfriendly attitude towards one another, which is not helping us at all.

There is the need, therefore, for more interventions. The involvement of religious leaders and parents will be crucial in this. But that would be, of course, for the long-term solution. For now though, as we await the arrival of the Senegalese team, the security outfit could be instrumental in ensuring that peace prevails. Remember that Senegal and The Gambia compose of just the same people.

Re: Alleged homosexuals leave The Gambia

In our Wednesday edition, we ran a lead story captioned SPANISH GAYS CHARGED, To appear in court today. The Point newspaper on Thursday reported that the Spanish gays were “arrested and detained for nearly four days without charge, contrary to media reports that they are being charged with an attempt to commit ‘unnatural offence’ and were to appear in court on Wednesday”.

From these two version of reports, one could deduce conflicting facts. We do not owe The Point any explanation as to how we got our facts, but we must state the facts for the sake of our wider readership.

It must be clearly stated that the Daily Observer’s report was based on facts and nothing but facts. An official corroboration was obtained by the reporter from the public relations officer of the Gambia Police Force, ASP Sulayman Secka, who confirmed the story as reported by the Daily Observer. The police stated that the men were charged and were scheduled to appear in court the following morning.

But at the time we went to press, it was revealed that the charges were dropped. It was too late for us to make any amendment to the story, thus, we decided to run this development in our following edition. This time, with even the official confirmation by the deputy Spanish consular Nicola El Busto. The Point’s report was deficit of these sides of the story. The Today newspaper ran a headline yesterday similar to that of the Daily Observer, although their edition was delayed due to inevitable circumstances.

So for The Point to attempt to smear the reports by sister newspapers is a flagrant manifestation of arrogance in its full effulgence and sheer amusement to us, so to speak.

In its paranoid mood, The Point tried to portray itself as the only paper that had its facts right, which is a complete fallacy.

Let us respect each other and avoid petty confrontations, if we want to be seen and respected as mature professionals in one big family.

Author: DO

50 women awarded certificates

Fri, 09 May 2008 05:06:01 GMT

Friday, May 09, 2008

50 women from Jaksaw Women’s Group of Lamin village in the Kombo North District, were on Monday awarded certificates during the ten-year celebration of Zahra Foundation of The Gambia at a ceremony held at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi.

The ceremony brought together Islamic scholars, activists, religious leaders, government officials and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Abubacarr Abdullah Senghore, senior lecturer and head of social science department, University of The Gambia, said that the event is significant in the calendar of muslim activities in the country, noting that education is the cornerstone of Islam as a civilisation and way of life.

He added that, the most effective way or means of preserving and protecting Islam is through education. He said, that is why the Islamic NGO’s, civil society organisations are involved in the forefront of global activities for the promotion and protection of Islam as a way of life.

According to him, before the organisation started their educational progamme, a lot of muslim women did not know anything about their religion. “But out of sincerity, dedication and hard work of the Foundation under the able leadership of Sohna AJi Fatou Bin Njie, a large number of muslim women have now a wide knowldge of different aspects of Islam as a way of life”, he said.

Dr Senghore further commended Sohna Aji Fatou Bin Njie for her tireless efforts in ensuring that many women are benefitting the knowledge of Quran through her Foundation. He therefore urged all muslims, individually or collectively to lend a hand in supporting the foundation, emphasizing that the efforts constitute a noble course. He quoted a verse from the Qu’ran which Allah described this kind of mission or profession as the noblest and most pleasing in the eyes of Allah. He finally reiterated that support is needed for the foundation.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Alasana Jammeh, Permanent Secretary Department of State for Local Government and Religious Affairs; Sulayman Samba Permanent Secretary Department of State for Health and Social Welfare, Imam Ensa Darboe, Imam Banding Drammeh, President of the Supreme Islamic Council, Abdou Sarr, Lamin Dibba Director of NGO’s affairs, Shereign Abdul Aziz Dabah of Tiwawon Senegal, who all expressed similar sentiments. Also present at the ceremony were Dr Omar Jah, Aja Maimuna Yadalieu Savage and other personalities.

Author: by Sheriff Barry

BIG READ Ali! Ali! Him dances like a butterfly and thinks like a bee!

Fri, 02 May 2008 05:01:07 GMT

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Friday, May 02, 2008

Early life

Muhammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942. His father, Clay Sr., painted billboards and signs, and his mother, Odessa Grady Clay, was a household domestic (a maid). Although Clay Sr. was a Methodist, he allowed Odessa to bring up both Clay boys as Baptists.

Early professional career

After his Olympic Gold triumph in 1960, Ali returned to his hometown Louisville, Kentucky, to begin his professional career. There, on October 29, 1960, he won his first professional fight, a six-round decision over Tunney Hunsaker the police chief of Fayetteville, West Virginia.

Standing tall, at 6-ft, 3-in (1.91 m), Ali had a highly unorthodox style for a heavyweight boxer. Rather than the normal style of carrying the hands high to defend the face, he instead relied on foot speed and quickness to avoid punches and carried his hands low.

From 1960 to 1963, the young fighter amassed a record of 19-0, with 15 TKOs. He defeated boxers such as Tony Esperti, Jim Robinson, Donnie Fleeman, Alonzo Johnson, George Logan, Willi Besmanoff, Lamar Clark (who had won his previous 40 bouts by knockouts), Doug Jones and Henry Cooper.

Ali built a reputation by correctly predicting the round in which he would "finish" several opponents, and by boasting before his triumphs. Ali admitted he adopted the latter practice from "Gorgeous" George Wagner, a popular professional wrestling champion in the Los Angeles area who drew thousands of fans. Often referred to as "the man you loved to hate," George could incite the crowd with a few heated remarks, and Ali followed suit.

Ali considered having his idol, Sugar Ray Robinson, as a manager, but instead hired Angello Dundee. Ali first met Dundee when the latter was in Louisville with light heavyweight champ Willie Pastrano. The teen-age Golden Glove winner traveled downtown to the fighter's hotel, called Dundee from the house phone, and was asked up to their room. He took advantage of the opportunity to query Dundee (who was working with, or had, champions Sugar Ramos and Carmen Basilio) about what his fighters ate, how long they slept, how much roadwork (jogging) they did, and how long they sparred.

Following his bout with Moore, Ali won a disputed 10-round decision over Doug Jones in a matchup that was named "Fight of the Year" for 1963. Ali's next fight was against Henry Cooper, who knocked Ali down with a left hook near the end of the fourth round. The fight was stopped in the fifth due to a deep cut on Cooper's face.

Despite these close calls, Ali became the top contender for Sonny Liston's title. Despite his impressive record, however, he was not widely expected to defeat the champ. The fight was scheduled for February 25, 1964 in Miami, Florida, but was nearly canceled when the promoter, Bill Faversham, heard that Ali had been seen around Miami and in other cities with the controversial Malcolm X. At the time, The Nation of Islam — of which Malcolm X was a leading member — was portrayed as a "hate group" by most of the white media.

Because of this, news of this association was perceived as a potential gate-killer to a bout where, given Liston's overwhelming status as the favorite to win (7-1 odds[5]), had Ali's colorful persona and non-stop braggadocio as its sole appeal.

During the weigh-in on the day before the bout, the ever-boastful Ali, who frequently taunted Liston during the buildup by dubbing him "the big ugly bear" (among other things), declared that he would "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee," and, summarizing his strategy for avoiding Liston's assaults, said, "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see."

Fighting style

Ali was best known for his fighting style which he described as "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee". His movement is often described as a dance; some go so far as to call it beautiful. Throughout his career Ali made a name for himself with great handspeed, as well as fast feet and taunting tactics. While Ali was renowned for his fast, sharp out-fighting style, he also had a great chin, and displayed a great heart and ability to take a punch in his 1974 fight against George Foreman in Zaire, called the Rumble in the Jungle.

First title fight: Muhammad Ali versus Sonny Liston

Ali (still known as Cassius Clay until after the bout), however, had a plan for the fight. At the pre-fight weigh-in, Ali's pulse rate was around 120, more that double his norm of 54. Liston, along with others, misread this as nervousness, and as such, was typically over-confident and unprepared for any result other than a quick knockout victory in his favor. In the opening rounds, Ali's speed kept him away from Liston's powerful head and body shots, as he used his height advantage to beat Liston to the punch with his own lightning-quick jab.

By the third round, Ali was ahead on points and had opened a cut under Liston's eye. Liston regained some ground in the fourth, as Ali was blinded by a substance in his eyes. It is unconfirmed whether this was something used to close Liston's cuts, or deliberately applied to Liston's gloves for a nefarious purpose; however, Bert Sugar (author, boxing historian and insider) has recalled at least two other Liston fights in which a similar situation occurred, suggesting the possibility that the Liston corner deliberately attempted to cheat.

Whatever the case, Liston came into the fourth round aggressively looking to put away the challenger. As Ali struggled to recover his vision, he sought to escape Liston's offensive. He was able to keep out of range until his sweat and tears rinsed the substance from his eyes, responding with a flurry of combinations near the end of the fifth round. By the sixth, he was looking for a finish and dominated Liston. Then, Liston shocked the boxing world when he failed to answer the bell for the seventh round, later claiming a shoulder injury as the reason. Muhammad Ali had indeed "Shook up the world!" just as he had promised.

In the rematch, which was held in May 1965 in relatively-remote Lewiston, Maine, Ali won by knockout in the first round as a result of what came to be called the "phantom punch." Many believe that Liston, possibly as a result of threats from Nation of Islam extremists, or in an attempt to "throw" the fight to pay off debts, just wanted to call it a day and waited to be counted out (see Muhammad Ali versus Sonny Liston). Others, however, discount both scenarios and insist that it was a quick, chopping Ali punch to the side of the head that legitimately felled Liston.

Black Power Politics and Religion

Ali at an addressed by Elijah MuhammadAfter winning the championship from Liston in 1964, Clay revealed that he was a member of the Nation of Islam (often called the Black Muslims at the time) and the Nation gave Clay the name Cassius X, discarding his surname as a symbol of his ancestors' enslavement, as had been done by other Nation members.

On Friday, March 6, 1964, Malcolm X took Clay on a guided tour of the United Nations building (for a second time). Malcolm X announced that Clay would be granted his "X." That same night, Elijah Muhammad recorded a statement over the phone to be played over the radio that Clay would be renamed Muhammad (one who is worthy of praise) Ali (fourth rightly guided caliph). Only a few journalists (most notably Howard Cosell) accepted it at that time. Venerable boxing announcer Don Dunphy addressed the champion by his adopted name, as did British reporters. The adoption of this name symbolized his new identity as a member of the Nation of Islam.

Clay had discovered the Nation during a Golden Gloves tournament in Chicago in 1959, even writing a high school report on the organization. His school teachers at Louisville Central High were alarmed that a youngster with that much potential expressed interest in the nationalist faith. They dissuaded him from becoming involved. Many sportswriters of the early 1960s reported that it was Ali's brother, Rudy Clay, who converted to Islam first (estimating the date as 1962).

Others wrote that Clay had been seen at Muslim rallies two years before he fought Liston. Ali's own version is that he did buy a copy of the "Muhammad Speaks" newspaper from a Muslim in Chicago, and a 45 rpm record by Minister Louis X (later Farrakhan) called "A White Man's Heaven is a Black Man's Hell."

Aligning himself with the Nation of Islam made him a lightning rod for controversy, turning the outspoken but popular champion into one of that era's most recognizable and controversial figures. Appearing at rallies with Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad and declaring his allegiance to him at a time when mainstream America viewed them with suspicion — if not outright hostility — made Ali a target of outrage, as well as suspicion.

Ali seemed at times to provoke such reactions, with viewpoints that wavered from support for civil rights to outright support of separatism. For example, Ali once stated, in relation to integration: "We who follow the teachings of Elijah Muhammad don't want to be forced to integrate. Integration is wrong. We don't want to live with the white man; that's all."[6] And in relation to inter-racial marriage:

"No intelligent black man or black woman in his or her right black mind wants white boys and white girls coming to their homes to marry their black sons and daughters."[6] Indeed, Ali's religious beliefs at the time included the notion that the white man was "the devil" and that white people were not "righteous." Ali claimed that white people hated black people.

Ali converted from the Nation of Islam sect to mainstream Sunni Islam in 1975. In a 2004 autobiography, written with daughter Hana Yasmeen Ali, Muhammad Ali attributes his conversion to the shift toward Sunni Islam made by W.D. Muhammad after he gained control of the Nation of Islam upon the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975.

Vietnam War

In 1964, Ali failed the U.S. Armed Forces qualifying test because his writing and spelling skills were sub par. However, in early 1966, the tests were revised and Ali was reclassified as 1A. This classification meant he was now eligible for the draft and induction into the U.S. Army. This was especially important because the United States was engaged in the Vietnam War.

When notified of this status, he declared that he would refuse to serve in the United States Army and publicly considered himself a conscientious objector. Ali stated that "War is against the teachings of the Holy Qur'an. I'm not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger.

We don't take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers." Ali also famously said in 1966: "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong ... They never called me nigger."[7][8]

From his rematch with Liston in May 1965, to his final defense against Zora Folley in March 1967, he successfully defended his title nine times, an active schedule for that period. Ali was scheduled to fight WBA champion Ernie Terrell in a unification bout in Toronto on March 29, but Terrell backed out and Ali won a 15-round decision against substitute opponent George Chuvalo.

He then went to England and defeated Henry Cooper and Brian London by stoppage on cuts. Ali's next defense was against German southpaw Karl Mildenberger, the first German to fight for the title since Max Schmeling. In one of the tougher fights of his life, Ali stopped his opponent in round 12.

Ali returned to the United States in November 1966 to fight Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams in the Houston Astrodome. A year and a half before the fight, Williams had been shot in the stomach at point-blank range by a Texas policeman. As a result, Williams went into the fight missing one kidney and 10 feet of his small intestine, and with a shriveled left leg from nerve damage from the bullet. Ali beat Williams in three rounds.

On February 6, 1967, Ali returned to a Houston boxing ring to fight Terrell in what became one of the uglier fights in boxing. Terrell had angered Ali by calling him Clay, and the champion vowed to punish him for this insult. During the fight, Ali kept shouting at his opponent, "What's my name, Uncle Tom ... What's my name?" Terrell suffered 15 rounds of brutal punishment, losing 13 rounds on two judges' scorecards, but Ali did not knock him out.

Analysts, including several who spoke to ESPN on the sports channel's "Ali Rap" special, speculated that the fight continued only because Ali wanted to thoroughly punish and humiliate Terrell. After the fight, Tex Maule wrote, "It was a wonderful demonstration of boxing skill and a barbarous display of cruelty."

Ali's last fight in his first reign as world heavyweight champion was on March 22, 1967 against the 35-year old Zora Folley who was seen as something of a journeymen fighter coming into this bout. Folley was knocked out in the 7th round.

Appearing for his scheduled induction into the U.S. Armed Forces on April 28, 1967 in Houston, he refused three times to step forward at the call of his name. An officer warned him he was committing a felony punishable by five years in prison and a fine of $10,000. Once more, Ali refused to budge when his name was called.

As a result, on that same day, the New York State Athletic Commission suspended his boxing license and stripped him of his title. Other boxing commissions followed suit.

At the trial two months later, the jury, after only 21 minutes of deliberation, found Ali guilty. The judge imposed the maximum sentence. After a court of appeals upheld the conviction, the case went to the U.S. Supreme Court. During this time, people turned against the war, and support for Ali grew. Ali financially supported himself by opening a restaurant chain called "Champburger" and visiting many college universities to give speeches across the country. Joe Frazier, who had become champion during Ali's absence from the ring, often gave financial assistance to Ali during this time.

The Fight of the 20th Century

In 1970, Ali was allowed to fight again. With the help of a state senator, he was granted a license to box in Georgia because it was the only state in America without a boxing commission. In October 1970, he stopped Jerry Quarry on a cut after three rounds. Shortly after the Quarry fight, the New York State Supreme Court ruled that Ali had been unjustly denied a boxing license. Once again able to fight in New York, he fought Oscar Bonavena at Madison Square Garden in December 1970. After a tough 14 rounds, Ali stopped Bonavena in the 15th, paving the way for a title fight against Joe Frazier, who was himself undefeated.

Ali and Frazier met in the ring on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden. The fight, known as '"The Fight of the Century," was one of the most eagerly anticipated bouts of all time and remains one of the most famous. It featured two skilled, undefeated fighters, both of whom had legitimate claims to the heavyweight crown. The fight lived up to the hype, and Frazier punctuated his victory by flooring Ali with a hard left hook in the 15th and final round. Frank Sinatra — unable to acquire a ringside seat — took photos of the match for Life magazine. Legendary boxing announcer Don Dunphy and actor and boxing aficionado Burt Lancaster called the action for the broadcast, which reached millions of people.

Frazier retained the title on a unanimous decision, dealing Ali his first professional loss. However, Ali won a more important victory on June 28, 1971, when the Supreme Court reversed his conviction for refusing induction by unanimous decision in Clay v. United States.

In 1973, after a string of victories over top heavyweight opposition in a campaign to force a rematch with Frazier, Ali split two bouts with Ken Norton (in the bout that Ali lost to Norton, Ali suffered a broken jaw), before beating Frazier (who had lost the title to George Foreman) on points in their 1974 rematch. This victory earned him another title shot — but this time against a seemingly-invincible Foreman.

The Rumble in the Jungle

Main article: The Rumble in the Jungle
In one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, Ali regained his title on October 30, 1974 by defeating champion George Foreman in their bout in Kinshasa, Zaire. Hyped as "The Rumble In The Jungle," the fight was promoted by Don King.

Almost no one, not even Ali's long-time supporter Howard Cosell, gave the former champion a chance of winning. Analysts pointed out that Joe Frazier and Ken Norton had given Ali four tough battles in the ring and won two of them, while Foreman had knocked out both of them in the second round. As a matter of fact, so total was the domination that, in their bout, Foreman had knocked down Frazier an incredible six times in only four minutes and 25 seconds.

During the bout, Ali employed an unexpected strategy. Leading up to the fight, he had declared he was going to "dance" and use his speed to keep away from Foreman and outbox him. However, in the first round, Ali headed straight for the champion and began scoring with a right hand lead, clearly surprising Foreman.

Ali caught Foreman nine times in the first round with this technique but failed to knock him out. He then decided to take advantage of the young champion's weakness: staying power. Foreman had won 37 of his 40 bouts by knockout, mostly within three rounds. Eight of his previous bouts didn't go past the second round. Ali saw an opportunity to outlast Foreman, and capitalized on it.

In the second round, the challenger retreated to the ropes - inviting Foreman to hit him, while counterpunching and verbally taunting the younger man. Ali's plan was to enrage Foreman and absorb his best blows to exhaust him mentally and physically. While Foreman threw wide shots to Ali's body, Ali countered with stinging straight punches to Foreman's head. Foreman threw hundreds of punches in seven rounds, but with decreasing technique and potency. Ali's tactic of leaning on the ropes, covering up, and absorbing ineffective body shots was later termed "The Rope-A-Dope."

By the end of the seventh round, Foreman was exhausted. In the eighth round, Ali dropped Foreman with a combination at center ring and Foreman failed to make the count. Against the odds, Ali had regained the title. Many years later, Foreman would become champ again at age 45. Muhammad Ali (Foreman's best friend at the time) did not attend the title bout. When asked why, he said "I would deviate attention from George. It was his moment, not mine."

The "Rumble in the Jungle" was the subject of a 1996 Academy Award winning documentary film, When We Were Kings. The match was ranked seventh in the British television program The 100 Greatest Sporting Moments.

Second reign

After beating Foreman, Ali would have a successful string of title defenses. In March 1975, Ali faced Chuck Wepner in a bout that inspired the original Rocky. While it was largely thought that Ali would dominate, Wepner surprised everyone by not only knocking Ali down in the ninth round, but nearly going the distance.

Ali eventually stopped Wepner in the fading minutes of the 15th round, but Wepner's display of courage and resilience gave Sylvester Stallone, then an aspiring writer, actor and director, the basis of the plot for the first of the Rocky franchise, which led to five sequels that have endured for 30 years. In May 1975, Ali faced Ron Lyle, who lost by technical knockout in the 11th round after a barrage of punches by Ali. Two months later, in July 1975, Ali won a 15-round decision against Joe Bugner who was criticized by the press for resorting to defensive tactics rather than mounting an attack.

Thrilla in Manila

In October 1975, Ali fought Joe Frazier for the third time. The bout was promoted as the Thrilla in Manila by Don King, who had ascended to prominence following the Ali-Foreman fight. The anticipation was enormous for this final clash between two great heavyweights. Ali believed Frazier was "over the hill" by that point, and his overconfidence may have caused him to train less than he could have.

Ali's frequent insults, slurs and demeaning poems increased the anticipation and excitement for the fight, but also enraged a determined Frazier. Regarding the fight, Ali famously remarked, "It will be a killa... and a chilla... and a thrilla... when I get the gorilla in Manila."

The fight lasted 14 grueling rounds in temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Ali won many of the early rounds, but Frazier staged a comeback in the middle rounds.

By the late rounds, however, Ali had reasserted control and the fight was stopped when Frazier was unable to answer the bell for the 15th and final round (his eyes were swollen closed). Frazier's trainer, Eddie Futch, refused to allow Frazier to continue. Ali, in one of the toughest fights of his entire career, was quoted as saying, "It was the closest thing to death that I could feel." Another version had Ali saying, "It was like death. Closest thing to dyin' that I know of."

Late career

In early 1976, Ali would go on to face journeymen fighters such as Jean-Pierre Coopman and Richard Dunn (Ali's last knockout of his career), winning easily inside the distance against both. In April 1976, an out-of-shape Ali out pointed the tough, young brawler Jimmy Young, who went on to defeat George Foreman by decision and made Ali appear slow and immobile.

Ali's next match after Dunn was a June 25th exhibition against the Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki. [9]Although widely perceived as a publicity stunt, the match would have a long-term detrimental affect on Ali's mobility. Inoki spent much of the fight on the ground trying to damage Ali’s legs, while Ali spent most of the fight dodging the kicks or staying on the ropes.[10] At the end of 15 rounds, the bout was called a draw. Ali's legs, however, were bleeding, leading to an infection. He suffered two blood clots in his legs as well.[9]

Nevertheless, in September, at Yankee Stadium, Ali faced Ken Norton in their third fight, with Ali winning a close 15-round decision.

In 1977, Ali faced only two opponents, defeating both by decision: the undistinguished Alfredo Evangelista, who gave Ali another 15-round challenge, and the devastating puncher Earnie Shavers, who nearly knocked him out in the second round. Shavers would be Ali's final successful defense of his heavyweight title. Following the fight, Ali's corner doctor, Ferdie Pacheco, left Ali's entourage when it became clear to him that boxing was taking a significant toll on Ali, both physically and mentally. He made his decision when his warnings to Ali to retire went unheeded.

Olympic champion Leon Spinks finally dethroned Ali by decision in February 1978. The fight was criticized by many fans, since Spinks was a relative rookie with only seven professional bouts in his career. However, Ali reclaimed his title for an unprecedented third time in their September 1978 rematch and then retired at age 37.

He returned, however, to face new champion Larry Holmes in 1980. Despite Ali's claim that Holmes would be "mine in nine" it soon became clear he had nothing left and was given a sound beating by Holmes. Angelo Dundee refused to let his man come out for the 11th round, in what became Ali's first and only loss by anything other than a decision. Ali's final fight, a loss by unanimous decision after 10 rounds, was to up-and-coming challenger Trevor Berbick in 1981.

Ali's legacy

The torch Ali used to light the flame at the 1996 Summer Olympics Muhammad Ali defeated almost every top heavyweight in his era, which has been called the golden age of heavyweight boxing. Ali was named "Fighter of the Year" by Ring Magazine more times than any other fighter, and was involved in more Ring Magazine "Fight of the Year" bouts than any other fighter.

He is an inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and holds wins over seven other Hall of Fame inductees. He is also one of only three boxers to be named "Sportsman of the Year" by Sports Illustrated. He is regarded as one of the best pound for pound boxers in history. He was a masterful self-promoter, and his psychological tactics before, during, and after fights became legendary.

It was his athleticism and boxing skill, however, that enabled him to scale the heights and sustain his position for so many years.

In 1978, three years before Ali's permanent retirement, the Board of Aldermen in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky voted 6–5 to rename Walnut Street to Muhammad Ali Boulevard. This was controversial at the time, as within a week 12 of the 70 street signs were stolen. Earlier that year, a committee of the Jefferson County Public Schools considered renaming Central High School in his honor, but the motion failed to pass. At any rate, in time, Muhammad Ali Boulevard—and Ali himself—came to be well accepted in his hometown.[11]

He was the recipient of the 1997 Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

In retirement

In 1984, Ali discovered he had Parkinson's disease, a neurological syndrome characterized by tremors, rigidity of muscles and slowness of speech and movement, following which his motor functions began a slow decline. Although Ali's doctors disagreed about whether his symptoms were caused by boxing and whether or not his condition was degenerative, he was ultimately diagnosed with Pugilistic Parkinson's syndrome.[12] According to the documentary When We Were Kings, when Ali was asked about whether he has any regrets about boxing due to his disability, he responded that if he didn't box he would still be a painter in Louisville, Kentucky.

A recent photograph of AliDespite the disability, he remains a beloved and active public figure. Recently he was voted into Forbes Celebrity 100 coming in at number 13 behind Donald Trump. In 1985, he served as a guest referee at the inaugural WrestleMania event. In 1987 he was selected by the California Bicentennial Foundation for the U.S.
Constitution to personify the vitality of the U.S.

Constitution and Bill of Rights in various high profile activities. Ali rode on a float at the 1988 Tournament of Roses Parade, launching the U.S. Constitution's 200th birthday commemoration. He also published an oral history, Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times by Thomas Hauser, in 1991. Ali received a Spirit of America Award calling him the most recognized American in the world. In 1996, he had the honor of lighting the flame at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Muhammad Ali Center, alongside Interstate 64 on Louisville's riverfrontHe has appeared at the 1998 AFL (Australian Football League) Grand Final, where Anthony Pratt invited him to watch the game. He also greets runners at the start line of the Los Angeles Marathon every year.

In 1999, Ali received a special one-off award from the BBC at its annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award ceremony, namely the BBC Sports Personality of the Century Award in which he received more votes than the other four contenders combined. His daughter Laila Ali also became a boxer in 1999, despite her father's earlier comments against female boxing in 1978: "Women are not made to be hit in the breast, and face like that... the body's not made to be punched right here [patting his chest]. Get hit in the breast... hard... and all that."

On September 13, 1999, Ali was named "Kentucky Athlete of the Century" by the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in ceremonies at the Galt House East.[13]

Ali's Presidential Medal of Freedom on display at the Ali CenterIn 2001, a biographical film, entitled Ali, was made, with Will Smith starring as Ali.

Author: DO

SOMALIA: Raising awareness against FGM in Puntland

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:52:33 GMT

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Halima [not her real name], a mother of five girls, shudders whenever she remembers how she suffered after undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM/Cutting), a practice still widespread in Somalia.

"I will not put my daughters through it," Halima told IRIN in Bosasso, the commercial capital of the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland, where an estimated 98 percent of girls still undergo the cut.

Her daughters are aged two to 15 years. "I do not want them to go through that in life," she said. "Every time I get my periods I suffer incredible pain to the point where I cannot work. I have had infections that led to miscarriage and bleedings."

The practice in Somalia involves the cutting of the external genitalia and sewing up the genitalia, leaving a small hole for urine and blood to pass, known as pharaonic circumcision.

FGM is illegal in Puntland, but is a prevalent traditional practice. It is also commonly performed throughout Somalia and in parts of the East African region.

No statistics exist to show prevalence trends in Somalia. According to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), it is primarily performed on girls between the ages of four and 11 and is regarded as “cleansing” a girl child in Somali culture.

Awareness campaigns

But as a sign of improved awareness of its dangers, activists in Bosasso have set up organisations to help women such as Halima and to lobby for the eradication of FGM.

Winnie Meme, coordinator of the We are Women Activists (WAWA), an umbrella organisation of 34 women's groups in central and northern Somalia, said the groups had embarked on an anti-FGM awareness campaign to highlight the dangers and convince communities to abandon it.

Progress has been slow, Meme said, attributing this to resistance from mothers who believe their daughters would be unmarriageable if they are not circumcised.

However, Zeinab Haji, a WAWA board member, told IRIN they were making progress in urban areas.

"Elders and religious leaders are supporting our efforts and it is making a difference," she said. "However, it is not enough and more needs to be done."

Involving men, particularly elders and religious leaders, in the campaign to eradicate FGM had also been useful. "Their involvement has removed some of the myths that somehow the practice has a religious significance," Haji said.

According to Ahmed Sheikh Abdirihman, professor of Islamic law at the East African University in Bosasso, FGM has no basis in Islam.

"It is 'haram' [prohibited] in Islam to do harm to the human body and there is no question that this practice causes harm," he told IRIN. "We tell everyone that they should not be fooled into thinking that this practice is condoned by our religion. Nothing can be further from the truth."

Zeinab said more and more mothers were coming out against the practice, refusing to allow their daughters to be cut. But to have a bigger impact, more needed to be done in rural areas where the practice has most hold.

"We need to take our awareness campaign to the rural areas in a big way," she said.

Puntland officials said they were encouraging civil society organisations to fight FGM and making it part of the fight for human rights and women’s rights.

"The ministry has taken this issue to the highest levels of the government and we are treating it as part of our fight against gender-based violence," Saido Hussein Ali, director-general of the Puntland Ministry of Women Development and Family Affairs, said.

Source: IRIN http://www.irinnews.org