As-Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahamtullahi Wa Barakatuh,

The Islamic Crescent Observation Project (http://www.icoproject.org) is reporting that the vast majority of countries around the world are recognizing Monday, 1 September 2008 as the first day of Fasting for the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

The Islamic Day actually begins at Maghrib, following the moon as its time keeper.

Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:

"They ask you about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage." [Holy Quran 2:189]

'If anything, being Arab and being Muslim in the military right now benefits a unit so much,' Ahmed Shama says.

By Gil Kaufman
MTV News

Ahmed Shama was born in Cairo, Egypt, and grew up in New York in a Muslim household. He began studying the Quran at a young age with his father, who, like Shama's mother, is a devout Muslim.

In our Masalla, we recently had a discussion regarding the partition. Some like myself, conveyed the opinion the partition,..ie curtain or wall in the prayer area is maybe an innovation, some suggested that it was either an optional or mandatory item of inclusion.

By Jonathan D. Rubin
Religion News Service

ARLINGTON, Va. -- There seems to be a striking symmetry on the rolling green hills of Arlington National Cemetery -- rows upon rows of identical white limestone markers, perfectly spaced in every direction.

But underground, Muslims are laid to rest on their right side, facing Mecca, according to custom.

Aug. 27-28, 2008
Hyatt Regency Hotel in Columbus, Ohio

The 4th Annual Conference of Muslim Chaplains offers an opportunity to share insights, and resources, discuss concerns and challenges and plan for the future. This conference is ideal for professional training requirements for state and federal institutions and certificates of completion will be awarded to successful participants.

In this live, interactive webcast session Imam Zaid discusses the important questions of the upcoming US presidential election:

1. What Would an Obama Presidency Mean for the American War Machine?
2. What Would an Obama Presidency Mean for American Society and Politics?
3. What Would an Obama Presidency Mean for the Global South?
4. What Would an Obama Presidency Mean for Obama?
5. What Would it Take for Obama to be a Great President?

Note: Mac computers are not able to support Webex. All viewers will require access to a PC.

THIS US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT OF OUR TIME: DISCOVER THE EXEMPLARY QUALITIES OF A LEADER

Join Imam Zaid Shakir in a Special LIVE Online Event,


The Inaugural Speech of Abu Bakr As-Sadiq, May God be Pleased With Him

A leader whose lasting legacy remains a brilliant beacon for all

Sunday, June 15, 2008

1pm PST / 4pm EST / 9pm UK

$15

http://www.newislamicdirections.com/nid/Registration/

By Alexandra Zavis
Tribune newspapers
May 19, 2008

BAGHDAD — U.S. commanders moved swiftly to avert a crisis after a soldier deployed in Baghdad was found to have used a copy of the Quran for target practice.

The incident risked compromising the delicate alliance that the U.S. military has been forging with Sunni Arab communities against religious extremists.

The military said Sunday that the soldier responsible had been disciplined and pulled from Iraq.

Col. Bill Buckner, a U.S. military spokesman, described the incident as "serious and deeply troubling" but called it an isolated case.

By Michael Ware
CNN

In our Behind the Scenes series, CNN correspondents share their experiences in covering news and analyze the stories behind the events. CNN's Michael Ware covers the Iraq war.
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CNN's Michael Ware says the Quran incident could have become a crisis.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- What the Iraqi fighter found threatened America's vital alliance with Sunni militia.

A week ago in a police station shooting range on Baghdad's western outskirts, the American-allied Iraqi militiaman found what one or more GIs had been using for target practice -- a copy of the Quran, Islam's holy book.

By Khaled al-Ansary, Reuters
Published: May 18, 2008

BAGHDAD: U.S. military commanders have apologised to community leaders in Iraq after a U.S. soldier used a copy of the Koran for shooting practice, fearing an outburst of anger among U.S.-allied tribesmen.

Bloody protests have sometimes broken out across the Muslim world when the Islamic faith has been insulted. The swift apology by the U.S. commanders appeared aimed at avoiding similar violence in Iraq.

The U.S. military said on Sunday the soldier, who was not identified, had been disciplined and ordered to leave Iraq after a copy of the Muslim holy book was found riddled with bullet holes at a shooting range near Baghdad on May 11.