Interested in Islam. Where to find reliable information about it?
As salaam. There are many web sites that offer information and each often has a particular slant (remembering that Islam is divided into many sects such as Sunni, Shi'ia, Sufi, Salafi, Wahabbi, Baha'i, etc. and with variations of the same from country to country). Insha'Allah, you might find the best information by going to www.Islamicfinder.org where you can be guided to the nearest masjid/mosque where you can speak to those actually practicing Islam, pray and eat with them so as to learn about the faith first hand. If you have not read the Holy Qur'an and if you are not able to read in the original Arabic, I would recommend that English translation by A. Yusuf Ali as it is reasonably accurate and poetic. May you be rightly guided. ma'a salaam.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions that Indians have about the British rule in India?
The question is based on a pretty nasty premise.If Britain didn't regularly generate apologist historians (who routinely dazzle the 'cousins' in America) then there could be some serious talk about reparations for colonialism. If anything, people in former Colonial India today underestimate the rapacious nature of British rule.It is revealing to look at the Ghadar Party, which operated in North America in the early 20th century, and was disbanded with eager help from the US 'cousins'.A sample page of its weekly published Mach 24, 1914 from San Francisco gives the reader every reason to be concerned (if not terrified).The top line has:bande matram [call on Indian youth to quickly sieze their arms] bande matramHere's a partial (and somewhat loose) translation of the column on the right. Note: Crore: 10 million, Lakh: 100,000:The infamous 'cost of governance' is reported as a yearly theft of 50 crore rupees out of India.The average daily income of Indians is just five paisas (with 64 paisas to the rupee at the time).Current tax on agricultural income is 65%. At the time, that provided the bulk of India's GDP.The allocation for education is just 7-3/4 crore rupees, while that for health and hygiene is just 2 crores. In contrast, 29-1/2 crores were spent on the military.The money of Indians has financed wars on China, Persia, Burma and Afghanistan. Many Indian lives have been wasted in these campaigns.In the previous ten years, two crore Indians died of hunger. The incidence of famines is reported as increasing each year.In the last 16 years, there were 80 lakh deaths from plague.There are observations on how Christian missionaries are operating under government patronage and how the government is instigating Hindu-Muslim riots.The British are not punished for crimes against Indians, including murder and rape.India's population is seven crore in the states, 34 crore in directly-ruled areas. While the British military strength is just 79.614 officers and 38,948 ranks.It's been 56 years after the uprising of 1857. Another one is badly needed.As far as I know, all of this information is valid. Why it's glossed over is another matter.
What are the common misconceptions people have about Goa?
Although I am born and brought up in Goa, and I was completely unaware of what other people used to think about us. So here it is,1. NO - People from Goa are not Goanese and neither is the language. 2. NO - Goan is not a religion. 3. NO - We don't party at Titos and Mambos every weekend. 4. NO - We do not live on the beach. 5. NO - All Goans do not play the guitar. 6. NO - We do not eat fish for breakfast and drink Feni every minute of the day. 7. YES - We have colleges in Goa and No they are not on the beach 8. NO - Goa doesn't start at Anjuna and end at Calangute 9. NO - I dont care when and where you've been in Goa 10. YES - I have better things to do than be ur guide! 11-I can't get you a drink the next time I go to Goa. 12. NO-to all who think that every goan is born with a bottle of liquor in his mouth. 13.no- We don't all wear bright, colourful funky clothes. 14- All Goans are not Christians. Page on 15- What you see in Bollywood is not the real Goa, & there's nothing called "Goa City" NO- The "Tourist Republic of North Goa" is not the actual representation of Goa.
Religious Intolerance?
I am collecting "field data" for an English paper I am writing for college. I have a small sample of demographic questions and then a few questions about the Wiccan religion and intolerance. No names or associations will be used, I am required to keep everything anonymous. Please only those who are wicca (or generally call themselves Pagan I can stretch it for that if you still want to answer these questions, they are a bit generic anyways). I appreciate those people who wish to warn me of the "evils" of Wicca, and how wrong I might be or others may be but you're not needed for my paper. Please and thank you I just wish to keep this as professional as possible. Demographic Questions Age Amount of years dealing with wicca Gender Job Do you still think that there is still religious intolerance involving the wicca religion?(poll style) (Answer yes, no or maybe/don't know for a numerical count) Why do you think there is/is not religious intolerance from personal experience? Can you describe a situation of religious intolerance from personal experience? Can you describe a situation of religious tolerance? Do you keep your way of life secret and why/why not? How do you think those who claim to be Wicca might produce a negative stereotype, if you can describe a situation from your own experience? Do you think intolerance is more age orientated, why or why not? Any comments about religious tolerance/intolerance that I might not have asked that you wish to share(can be anything as long as it fits the confines of the question.)
Why do Muslims of India use the Pakistan flag in their festival if same thing happens in Pakistan?
So before I answer this hope I don't hurt the sentiments of people or community around the worldLet me make this very clear. Being an Indian and following Islam by Religion and living in a neighborhood which is predominantly Indian Muslims dominated. My neighbourhood is generally decorated by flags which seems to look like this.Now, in my neighborhood, during festive seasons, this flags is posted and hung in thousands everywhere, like decor. Every corner and every passage. Now what this flags represents is very simple.The entire green background represents the Muslim majority living in the neighborhood.The crescent and star are traditional symbols of the Islamic religion which represents progress and light respectively.On the other hand, this is Pakistan's Flag.Now, do you see any difference?Not much, right! But what if I tell you that there is one major difference which will change the entire complexity of both the flags when compared?Will you believe me?Anyways, The only difference is the the 3:2 vertical white bar at the mast.Now, this white portion or bar represents:The religious minorities and minority religions living in Pakistan where as the other design of the crescent and star in green background holds the same meaning as the above described Muslim flag.So now you you see the difference?The flag shown in the first picture simply represents Muslim culture and history. It only represents peace and prosperity where every one is equal and trying to progress in life.This is the reason why Indian Muslim's hangs such flags during their festival for the message such a flag represents.