prohibition on pork

A Christian is asking about the reason for the prohibition on pork Q: Why does Islam forbid pork, when the pig is one of the creations of God?. A: Praise be to Allaah. Firstly: Our Lord has forbidden eating pork in definitive terms. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Say (O Muhammad): I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maytah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of swine (pork); for that surely, is impure or impious (unlawful) meat (of an animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah (or has been slaughtered for idols, or on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering)” [al-An’aam 6:145], {قُل لَّا أَجِدُ فِي مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُ إِلَّا أَن يَكُونَ مَيْتَةً أَوْ دَمًا مَّسْفُوحًا أَوْ لَحْمَ خِنزِيرٍ فَإِنَّهُ رِجْسٌ أَوْ فِسْقًا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ بِهِ}, Transliteration: Qul Lā 'Ajidu Fī Mā 'Ūĥiya 'Ilayya Muĥarramāan `Alá Ţā`imin Yaţ`amuhu 'Illā 'An Yakūna Maytatan 'Aw Damāan Masfūĥāan 'Aw Laĥma Khinzīrin Fa'innahu Rijsun 'Aw Fisqāan 'Uhilla Lighayri Allāhi Bihi By the mercy of Allaah and His kindness towards us, Allaah has permitted us to eat all good things, and He has not forbidden anything but those that are impure. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “…he allows them as lawful At‑Tayyibaat (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al‑Khabaa’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods)” [al-A’raaf 7:157], {وَيُحِلُّ لَهُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْخَبَائِثَ}, Transliteration: Wa Yuĥillu Lahumu Aţ-Ţayyibāti Wa Yuĥarrimu `Alayhimu Al-Khabā'itha We do not doubt for an instant that the pig is a dirty and filthy animal, and that eating it is harmful to man. Moreover it lives on dirt and filth, and it is something that is off-putting to those of a sound nature who refuse to touch it, because eating it is either a cause or a sign of a person’s oddness. Secondly: With regard to the physical harm caused by eating pork, modern science has proved a number of things, such as the following: ‎ Pork is regarded as one of the kinds of meat that contain the most cholesterol, an increase of which in the bloodstream leads to an increased likelihood of blocked arteries. The fatty acids in pork are also of an unusual formation, when compared with the fatty acids in other types of food, which makes them more easily absorbed by the body, thus increasing cholesterol levels. ‎ Pork meat and pork fat contribute to the spread of cancers of the colon, rectum, prostate and blood. ‎ Pork meat and pork fat contribute to obesity and related diseases that are difficult to treat. ‎Eating pork leads to scabies, allergies and stomach ulcers. ‎ Eating pork causes lung infections which result from tapeworms, lungworms and microbial infections of the lungs. The most serious danger of eating pork is that pork contains tapeworms which may grow to a length of 2-3 meters. The growth of the eggs of these worms in the human body may lead to insanity and hysteria if they grow in the area of the brain. If they grow in the region of the heart that may lead to high blood pressure and heart attacks. Another kind of worm that is to be found in pork is the trichinosis worm that cannot be killed by cooking, the growth of which in the body may lead to paralysis and skin rashes. The doctors have confirmed that tapeworm disease is regarded as one of the serious diseases that may result from eating pork. It may develop in the small intestine and after several months may grow into a large worm whose body is composed of a thousand segments, with a length of 4-10 meters, which lives alone in the intestine of the infected person and part of it may appear when he defecates. When the pig swallows and ingests its eggs, they enter the tissues and muscles in the form of larvae sacs containing fluid and the head of the tapeworm. When a person eats infected pork, the larva turns into a complete worm in the intestine. These worms cause weakness and vitamin B12 deficiency, which leads to a specific type of anaemia, which may in turn cause nervous problems. In some cases the larvae may reach the brain, causing convulsions, increased pressure within the brain, epilepsy and even paralysis. Eating pork that is not thoroughly cooked may also lead to trichinosis (infestation with a hairlike nematode worm). When these parasites reach the small intestine, three to five days later many larvae appear which enter the intestine and reach the blood, from which they reach most of the tissues of the body. The larvae move to the muscles and form cysts there, and the patient suffers intense muscle pains. The disease may develop into infection of the cerebral membrane and brain, and infections of the heart muscle, lungs, kidneys and nerves. It may be a fatal disease in rare cases. It is well known that there are some diseases that are unique to humans and are nor shared with any other animals except pigs, such as rheumatism and joint pain. Allaah indeed spoke the truth when He said (interpretation of the meaning): “He has forbidden you only the Maytah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah (or has been slaughtered for idols, on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Baqarah 2:173], {إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَيْتَةَ وَالدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ الْخِنزِيرِ وَمَا أُهِلَّ بِهِ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ}, Transliteration: 'Innamā Ĥarrama `Alaykumu Al-Maytata Wa Ad-Dama Wa Laĥma Al-Khinzīri Wa Mā 'Uhilla Bihi Lighayri Allāhi Famani Ađţurra Ghayra Bāghin Wa Lā `Ādin Falā 'Ithma `Alayhi 'Inna Allāha Ghafūrun Raĥīmun These are some of the harmful effects of eating pork. Perhaps after studying them you will not have any doubts that it is forbidden. We hope that this will be the first step in your being guided towards the true religion. So stop, research, look and think, objectively and fairly, seeking only to find out the truth and follow it. I ask Allaah to guide you to that which is best for you in this world and in the Hereafter. But even if we did not know about the harmful effects of eating pork, this would not change our belief that it is haraam in the slightest, or weaken our resolve to abstain from it. You know that when Adam (peace be upon him) was expelled from the Garden, it was because he ate from the tree from which Allaah forbade him to eat. We do not know anything about that tree, and Adam did not need to enquire into the reason why it was forbidden to eat from it. Rather it was sufficient for him, as it is sufficient for us and for every believer, to know that Allaah has forbidden it. Look at some of the harmful effects of eating pork; look at the research of the Fourth Annual Conference of Islamic Medicine, Kuwait edition, p. 731 ff; and al-Wiqaayah al-Sihhiyyah fi Daw’ al-Kitaab wa’l-Sunnah by Lu’lu’ah bint Saalih, p. 635 ff. But we ask you once again: Isn’t pork forbidden in the Old Testament which forms part of your Holy Book? “Do not eat any detestable thing. These are the animals you may eat… The pig is also unclean; although it has a split hoof, it does not chew the cud, you are not to eat their meat or touch their carcasses.” (Deuteronomy 14:3-8) See also Leviticus 11-1-8. We do not need to quote evidence that pork is forbidden for the Jews. If you have any doubt then ask people and they will tell you. But what we think we need to draw you attention to is some other things that are also mentioned in your Holy Book, this time in the New Testament which tells you that the rulings of the Torah still apply to you and cannot be changed. Does’t it say in the Bible that the Messiah said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:17-18? With this text, we do not need to look for another ruling on pork in the New Testament, but we will add here another quotation which shows definitively that pork is impure: “A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus: ‘Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.’ He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs.” Mark 5:11-13 Perhaps you will say that this is abrogated, and that Peter said such and such and Paul said such and such…? This is changing the words of Allaah and abrogating the Torah and the words of the Messiah who confirmed to you that it would abide as long as heaven and earth remain. Can this be abrogated by the words of Paul or Peter? Let us assume that this is true and that the prohibition was indeed abrogated, but why are you criticizing this prohibition in Islam when it was prohibited for you at first? Thirdly: With regard to your saying that if eating it is forbidden, then why did Allaah create pigs? We do not think that you are serious, otherwise we would ask you: why did Allaah create such and such of other things that are harmful or repulsive? Rather we would ask you: why did Allaah create the Shaytaan? Is it not the prerogative of the Creator to command His slaves as He will, and to rule them as He will. No one can overturn His ruling or change His words. Is it not the duty of the created being, the slave, to say to his Lord, whenever He commands him to do something: “We hear and we obey”? You may enjoy its taste and want to eat it, and those around you may enjoy it, but doesn’t Paradise deserve some sacrifice on your part of that which your heart desires?.

Advice for New Muslims or those considering Islam

Advice for New Muslims or those considering Islam

Advice for New Muslims or those considering Islam
Practical tips from fellow convert, Saraji Umm Zaid.

So, you are a new Muslim. Mabrouk, congratulations. Or perhaps you are thinking about taking your shahada (profession of Islamic faith). I would like to offer some advice, if I may. Having been through what you may be about to experience, I pass this on only in the hopes that you may avoid some of my mistakes, insha'Allah.
1. Don't jump feet first.
This is so important, not just when coming to Islam, but in any aspect of your life. A lot of times, new shahadas are overwhelmed with what is happening. A new religion, new life rules, new politics. Many are eager to join every Islamic group on the face of the earth. Others start playing scholar within a few months. Many people feel like they have to speak Arabic within a month. This is not so. Language doesn't make the Muslim. Take it slowly and pay attention.
2. LEARN YOUR PRAYERS!!!
Make it the first thing you do. Forget about learning Arabic, memorizing hadith, becoming involved in politics, or anything else! LEARN YOUR PRAYERS. I would recommend that you start learning them before your shahada, when you become seriously interested in Islam. I can't stress to you how important this is! I learned the hard way. I am still struggling with part of the prayer now, almost one year later! In the Qur'an we read: {Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their prayers with humility and attentiveness} [Quran 23: 1-2], Also: {Verily, Prayer prevents one from shameful and evil deeds} [Quran 29:45].

There is also a saying from Hadith:
The Prophet (saws) said: «Between a man, and between shirk and kufr there is the abandonment of Prayer" (shirk is the worship of objects other than Allah, and kufr is disbelief in Allah and the Message He sent» [Reported by Muslim].
3. Don't let set backs keep you down.
Many new shahadas report that they encounter racism from Muslims. Others say that there is a visible lack of support when they seek it, leaving them feeling alienated. This is a dangerous place to be. Your feelings of resentment and lonliness, your hurt pride could turn you away from Islam, even though your heart longs to submit. I emphasize here that this doesn't happen to every Muslim, and many Muslims open their hearts and homes to new shahadas! But I have seen it enough to know that there are people who slip through the cracks. If you can't find a Muslim community or people willing or able to help you, there are other resources. There are websites, mailing lists, and Islamic support groups that can help you learn your prayers.

All it takes is a little effort. And in the end, Islam isn't about other people, or how many friends you make. It is about you and your Creator. On the last day, you, and no one else, will be responsible for your actions (or lack thereof).
Finally, I have this to say: Allahu Alim, Allah knows best.
He knows better than you do what is good for you and what is bad for you. He has a plan for you, and His Love and Mercy is so great that your only choice is to trust in Him and submit to His Will. Sometimes you won't like it. Life gets "ugly" sometimes. It is hard, it is scary, and it is messy. Nothing comes gift wrapped with a bow on top. Islam reminds us that this short, messy, hard and beautiful life is short. The life after this one is what counts! The goal is Heaven, Paradise, Jennah.

Islam

Defining "ISLAM" in English

What Does It Mean? - Is It A Noun Or A Verb?

"Islam" - Is Both - A Verb - & - A Noun

"ISLAM" As a Verb (Action)

"ISLAM" As a Noun

Rights & Limitations

Moderation in All Things

Surrender to Almighty Allah

Surrender

This is understood from a verse in the Holy Quran - Allah says:
“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.”[Al-Imran 3:19], {إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللَّـهِ الْإِسْلَامُ}Transliteration: Inna deena indalahil-Islam
This submission requires a fully conscious and willing effort to submit to the one Almighty God.

Submission to His Will

Submission

"But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (Muhammad, peace be upon him) as a judge in all disputes between them, and find no resistance against your decisions, and accept (the decisions) with full submission." [An-Nisa’ 4:65], {فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىٰ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا}, Transliteration: Falā Wa Rabbika Lā Yu'uminūna Ĥattá Yuĥakkimūka Fīmā Shajara Baynahum Thumma Lā Yajidū Fī 'Anfusihim Ĥarajāan Mimmā Qađayta Wa Yusallimū Taslīmāan

Total submission is required after the surrender and some terms have to be set forth by Allah to be understood by the Muslim. There can be no option in the matter as Allah says in another verse:
"It is not fitting for the believing man nor for the believing woman, that whenever Allah and His Messenger have decided any matter, that they should have any other opinion."[Al-Ahzab 33:36], {وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى اللَّـهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْرًا أَن يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ}, Transliteration: Wa Mā Kāna Limu'uminin Wa Lā Mu'uminatin 'Idhā Qađá Allāhu Wa Rasūluhu 'Amrāan 'An Yakūna Lahumu Al-Khiyaratu Min 'Amrihim

Whatever- Allah and His Messenger have set out as being the Way of Islam- is incumbent on the believer; man or woman, to follow completely. One must consciously and conscientiously give oneself to the service of Allah.

Obey His Commandments

Obedience

"And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy" [ Al-Imran 3:132], {وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّـهَ وَالرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ}, Transliteration: Wa 'Aţī`ū Allāha Wa Ar-Rasūla La`allakum Turĥamūna

"O you who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger and those of you who are in authority. If you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination." [An-Nisa’ 4:59], {يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّـهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّـهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّـهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا}, Transliteration: Yā 'Ayyuhā Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū 'Aţī`ū Allāha Wa 'Aţī`ū Ar-Rasūla Wa 'Ūlī Al-'Amri Minkum Fa'in Tanāza`tum Fī Shay'in Faruddūhu 'Ilá Allāhi Wa Ar-Rasūli 'In Kuntum Tu'uminūna Billāhi Wa Al-Yawmi Al-'Ākhiri Dhālika Khayrun Wa 'Aĥsanu Ta'wīlāan

"He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you as a watcher over them." [An-Nisa’ 4:80] , {مَّن يُطِعِ الرَّسُولَ فَقَدْ أَطَاعَ اللَّـهَ ۖ وَمَن تَوَلَّىٰ فَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا}, Transliteration: Man Yuţi`i Ar-Rasūla Faqad 'Aţā`a Allāha Wa Man Tawallá Famā 'Arsalnāka `Alayhim Ĥafīžāan

This means to act on what Allah enjoins all of us to do (in the Qur'an) and what His beloved Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged us to do in his Sunnah (his lifestyle and sayings personifying the Qur'an).
After surrendering your free will to Allah and then ratifying the terms and conditions of the surrender, it is obligatory for the Muslim to live up to his terms of the bargain. It is his or her responsibility to do their best to obey the orders of Allah set forth in the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him.

Sincere Worship Only For Him

Sincerity & Purity of Intention

The heart must be clean and honest. Allah is Pure and He only accepts pure.

»إنما الأعمال بالنيات ، وإنما لكل امرىء ما نوى ، فمن كانت هجرته إلى دنيا يصيبها ، أو إلى امرأة ينكحها ، فهجرته إلى ما هاجر إليه«

"Verily, deeds are rewarded by intention. And everyone will have the reward for that which he has intended." [A saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him - Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol. 1 #1, Narrated by Omar Ibn Al-Khatab]

Sincere intention is the key to the success or failure of the Muslim. All that he or she does must be for the sake of Allah and not for the chance to show off or call attention to himself or herself. If there is even a speck of pride or showing off for the people instead of doing for Allah, then the whole of the matter will be rejected by Allah on the Day of Judgment. This is due to the fact that Allah wants purity of intention and purity in deed.

Peace in Mind, Heart & Soul

Peace

"Peace" (Salam) is mentioned many times in the Holy Quran and it is certainly the most sought after condition for the life of every human on earth.

"The Peace" (As-Salam) is also one of the attributes which Allah has named Himself by in the Holy Quran:
"He is Allah beside Whom there is none worthy of worship, The King, The Holy, The Peace, The Watcher, The All Mighty, The Compeller, The Supreme. Glory be to Allah! He is above all that they try to associate with Him as partners." [Al-Hashr 59:23], {هُوَ اللَّـهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّـهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ}, Transliteration: Huwa Allāhu Al-Ladhī Lā 'Ilāha 'Illā Huwa Al-Maliku Al-Quddūsu As-Salāmu Al-Mu'uminu Al-Muhayminu Al-`Azīzu Al-Jabbāru Al-Mutakabbiru Subĥāna Allāhi `Ammā Yushrikūna

We are all striving to achieve some sort of peace and tranquility in our lives. And providing that the other four conditions have been met, then this is the inevitable result of the one who is truly seeking Allah.
So as soon as he or she has totally surrendered and submitted and obeyed Allah in complete sincerity, as a result has achieved total and complete peace in this life and in the next.

It does not imply that they will not be tested however. And this must be quickly understood. The one whom Allah loves, He tests. The person who will be successful in this life and the Next Life will be tested as Allah has said:
"Do they think that they will be left alone on saying, 'We believe and that they will not be tested'? For sure we will test them as we have tested those who came before them, to show (them) the truthful of the honest and the liars in their falsehood." [Al-Ankaboot 29:2-3], {أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوا أَن يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ ﴿٢﴾ وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّـهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ ﴿٣﴾}, Transliteration: 'Aĥasiba An-Nāsu 'An Yutrakū 'An Yaqūlū 'Āmannā Wa Hum Lā Yuftanūna (2) Wa Laqad Fatannā Al-Ladhīna Min Qablihim Falaya`lamanna Allāhu Al-Ladhīna Şadaqū Wa Laya`lamanna Al-Kādhibīna (3)
Once we humble ourselves, rid ourselves of our egoism and submit totally to Allah, and to Him exclusively, in faith and in action, we will surely feel peace in our hearts. Establishing peace in our hearts will bring about peace in our external conduct as well.


Islam is: 1) Beliefs & 2) Actions

Six Beliefs (Muslims must believe):

1. Allah
2. Angels
3. Books
4. Prophets
5. Resurrection
6. Predestination

Allah - Believe God Almighty is One, Unique, Unlike His Creation, Perfect in every way; Not like or in His Creation.

Angels - Made from light, follow Allah's orders perfectly, never make mistakes and are never disobedient (devil is not a fallen angel in Islam).

Books - Torah (Old Testament), Suhoof (Scriptures of prophets), Zabur (Psalms), Enjil (Evangel or New Testament), Quran (Recitation to Muhammad).

Prophets - Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, Muhammad, and others mentioned in Books, peace be upon them all.

Resurrection - All people, believers and disbelievers will be resurrected for Judgment Day in real flesh and blood bodies to be judged.

Divine Destiny - Allah has complete control of all that happens, both good and evil and He has full knowledge of it all.

5 Pillars of Action

Five Actions (Muslims must practice these five things):

1. Shahadah
2. Salat
3. Fasting
4. Charity
5. Pilgrimage

Shahadah - Declare The Belief That Allah is ONE and Muhammad, peace be upon him, is His Last Messenger.

5 Daily "salat" - The special form of worship of standing, bowing, prostrating to Allah while facing Mecca.

Fast Ramadan - Not eating or drinking during the daylight hours for the month of Ramadan (Lunar calander).

Pay Alms Tax - 2 1/2% of Exess wealth distributed annually to the poor and needy.

Hajj - Pilgrimage to Mecca once in the life when Allah provides a way and it is safe to do so.

Complete Way of Life

Islam Is - A Complete and Total Way of Life
Islam is from Allah, The Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. As such, it is for Him Alone to command and direct His creation and He Alone is responsible for what He will accept and what He will not accept. It is also for Him Alone to decree what is good and what is bad and He must be the One to show the right path in all things.

Everything in the life of the creations of Allah, especially for those who have choices to make (us), must be dictated and clarified by the One who Created everything in the first place. We understand from this that Islam must be a complete and total way of living, explaining everything in the life from beginning to end and from birth until death.

Islam is careful to remind us that it is not a religion to be paid mere lip service; rather it is an all-encompassing way of life that must be practiced continuously for it to be Islam.

There are other injunctions and commandments which concern virtually all facets of one's personal, family and civic life. These include such matters as diet, clothing, personal hygiene, interpersonal relations, business ethics, responsibilities towards parents, spouse and children, marriage, divorce and inheritance, civil and criminal law, fighting in defense of Islam, relations with non-Muslims, and so much more.

In conclusion, we are forced to realize that ISLAM is a complete way of life for the human being. Everything is covered in Islam from birth to death to live in the complete submission to the Will of the One Who Created man in the first place.

Moderation

"All things in moderation" is the famous saying. Islam stresses the importance of this balance within the human being's lives by telling us in the Quran that Muslims are not to be in excess. Rather, we are to be in the "middle path" neither extreme to the right nor to the left. Allah Almighty calls us the "Balanced Nation."

7 Reasons to Read the Glorious Quran

7 Reasons to Read the Glorious Quran

By: Shabir Ali

(1) Intimate:
It dares you to disprove it. How? It says that humans can not write a book like this even if they pooled all their resources together and got help also from the spirits. The Quran said this fourteen hundreds years ago and yet no one has been able to disprove it. Billions of books have been written - but not another one like the Quran.

(2) Incorruptible:
It is the only religious sacred writing which has been in circulation for such a long time and yet remains as pure as it was in the beginning. The Quran was kept intact. Nothing was added to it; nothing was changed in it; and nothing was taken away from it ever since it was completely revealed 1400 years ago.

(3) Unsurpassable:
The Quran is God's final revelation to humankind. God revealed the Torah to Moses, the Psalms to David, the Gospel to Jesus, and finally the Quran to Muhammad. Peace be upon all of them. No other book will come from God to surpass his final revelation.

(4) Indisputable:
The Quran withstands the test of time and scrutiny. No one can dispute the truth of this book. It speaks about past history and turns out right. It speaks about the future in prophecies and it turns out right. It mentions details of physical phenomena which were not known to people at the time; yet later scientific discoveries confirm that the Quran was right all along. Every other book needs to be revised to accord with modern knowledge. The Quran alone is never contradicted by a modern discovery.

(5) Your Roadmap for Life and Afterlife:
The Quran is the best guidebook on how to structure your life. No other book presents such a comprehensive system involving all aspects of human life and endeavor. The Quran also points out the way to secure everlasting happiness in the afterlife. It is your roadmap showing how to get to paradise.

(6) God's Gift of Guidance:
God has not left you alone. You were made for a reason. God tells you why he made you, what he demands from you, and what he has in store for you. If you operate a machine contrary to it's manufacture specification you will ruin that machine. What about you? Do you have an owner's manual for you? The Quran is from your function for success lest you fail to function. It is a healing mercy from God. It satisfies the soul, and cleans the heart. It removes doubts and brings peace.

(7) Your Calling Card to Communicate with God:
Humans are social creatures. We love to communicate with other intelligent life. The Quran tells us how to communicate with the source of all intelligence and the source of all life- the One God. The Quran tells us who God is, by what name we should address God, and the way in which to communicate with God. Are these not seven sufficient reasons for reading the Quran?

Maxi Rodriguez Nets Late Winner As Reds Move Clear Of Drop Zone With First Away Win

Liverpool raced out of the Premier League relegation zone as a late Maxi Rodriguez goal sealed a 1-0 victory against Bolton Wanderers.

The result saw Roy Hodgson's men climb to 12th place in the table after an afternoon to forget was arrested by the Argentine. Bolton remained in the top half of the standings as they couldn't repeat the 2-2 draw with Manchester United from September.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle was forced to make one change from the 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic last weekend after Martin Petrov pulled out with a hamstring injury. Free-kick specialist Matthew Taylor was drafted in to fill the vacated left-wing spot.

Opposite number Roy Hodgson kept faith in the same starting eleven that gained the morale boosting 2-1 victory against Blackburn Rovers seven days ago. 

Liverpool took control of proceedings from kick-off as Bolton began tentatively. A midfield slip in the eight minute from the host's allowed Steven Gerrard to play Fernando Torres clean through on goal for the first chance of the match.

In a style that befitted his poor start to the season, the Spaniard lacked conviction and acceleration as he cut back inside and was crowded out by Gary Cahill and Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Stuart Holden then began to get his foot on the ball and passed Bolton back into the match. The United States international stung the hands of Pepe Reina in the 23rd minute after his volley from the edge of the box drew a gasp from the Reebok Stadium support.

Chung-Yong Lee - who alternated flanks with Taylor - was then played into the Liverpool penalty area three minutes later. An excellent tackle from Jamie Carragher on the cover drew cries from the crowd that were correctly waved away by referee Martin Atkinson.

The teams continued to trade opportunities for the rest of the half. Muambu blasted a shot marginally wide in the 37th minute before Gerrard should have done better when he spooned a shot from the edge of the area on the stroke of injury time.

Bolton burst out of the traps in the second period and Paul Konchesky denied Johan Elamder on the back post with a fine interception.

As Bolton continued to push, a foray up the pitch for Liverpool saw Joe Cole fall to the ground in pain in the 62nd minute. Another disappointing afternoon for the summer signing came to an end and he was taken off for David Ngog.

Despite the pressure, chances were still at a premium for Coyle's men. This approach was nearly punished in the 66th minute when Sotirios Kyrgiakos headed a corner just over.

The previously ineffectual Maxi Rodriguez then burst into life in the 70th minute after he was played in by Gerrard. The Argentine followed his deep cross to Torres with a bicycle kick from the Spaniard's knock down that, again, just went over the cross bar.

Bolton then went up the pitch and forced a deflection from an Elmander shot that went just wide for a corner in the 72nd minute. The dead ball from Taylor was then met by the powerful Zat Knight but his effort was off target.

Kevin Davies continued to unsettle Liverpool's defence and he was felled out wide by Martin Skrtel on 75 minutes. The England international couldn't quite get enough purchase on a header from Taylor's subsequent free-kick to nudge the ball into Reina's net.

Torres' Reebok misery came to an end in the 86th minute as he provided the assist for Maxi in stylish fashion. The ex-Atletico Madrid team-mates combined after a delightful flick fed the Argentine who fired in from close range despite a touch from Jaaskelainen's legs.

Bolton pushed in vain for an equaliser but couldn't forge an opportunity in the remaining minutes. A defeat was hard to stomach for Coyle, but the final whistle came as music to Hodgson's ears.

University of Missouri Hospital in lockdown after 'violent individual' attempts to gain access to building

University Hospital on the University of Missouri campus was placed in a state of lockdown on Wednesday after a "violent individual," reported to be a murder suspect, attempted to gain access to the building. "The University Hospital was locked down at noon today. University officials have reason to believe that a violent individual may seek access to the hospital. The lockdown was initiated to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff," a statement from the hospital said.


It is believed that the individual, Joshua William Maylee, 23, shot and killed a 46-year-old man and injured his wife, who was transported to University Hospital. Reports suggest that the suspect may have been trying to gain access to the woman to kill her. The Fulton Sun reported that the woman is expected to make a full recovery. Sgt. Robert Bruchsaler of the Callaway County Sheriff’s Department played down the incident. "There’s no indication that he’s even in that county or anywhere near the hospital," he said. "It’s just standard procedure for the hospital to be doing what they’re doing."
Missouri University Police Department (MUPD) Chief Jack Watring said that no other buildings on the campus were affected by the disturbance. "We believe the rest of campus is safe at this time,” he said. “We have no reason to believe that this individual will seek access to any other building on campus." The hospital added that all "patients, visitors and staff will have access to the hospital but will be screened as they enter and leave."

Autumn in Kashmir

Harud (Autumn) is the self-produced debut feature by Kashmiri actor Aamir Bashir. Using predominantly non-actors, Bashir tells the story of a young man named Rafiq who cannot recover from the disappearance of his older brother until, one day, he finds his brother's abandoned camera: a link to an idealised past that brings solace to Rafiq.

The story offers a devastating glimpse of the Kashmiri people's struggle, where thousands of young men have disappeared since the onset of the insurgency in occupied Kashmir. Harud had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and will have its US premiere in New York on November 1 at the South Asian International Film Festival.

Al Jazeera speaks to director Aamir Bashir about the story behind the film.

Al Jazeera: From actor to first-time director I think your transition was quite successful. You took a historical event, like the ongoing Kashmiri struggle, and portrayed it in a humanistic light. You question the idea of unwavering nationalism and created truly endearing characters without glorifying victimisation. How difficult was this? Aamir Bashir: The handful of films on Kashmir that have been made [post insurgency in 1989] were all told from an outsider's point of view. The films were all part of a colonialist discourse, where there were good peace-loving Kashmiris and some black sheep who had gone astray. Besides, these stories were always the formulaic 'good-versus-evil', Indian heroes versus rebels and villains.
Our attempt was to make a film that was an inside-out view, and in that sense it was antithetical to what mainstream Indian films had attempted so far. We took three years to arrive at a screenplay, which was just 55 pages long. The whole process was of distillation of the Kashmiri experience in the last two decades.
The characters in the film are seeking dignity in their daily lives when faced with violent assaults. The idea was never to make the audience feel sorry for Kashmiris. Even though dignity seems elusive to them, Kashmiris never stop trying. I, as a Kashmiri and as a story-teller, felt responsible to give them that space.
The difficulties that we faced arose mainly from the nature of the place that Kashmir is, or rather has become. The people are highly suspicious of anyone coming in with a camera from the outside; they are wary of how they will be portrayed in their own story because past experiences have left a bad taste in their mouths. The political discourse is bossed by India and Pakistan, and the Kashmiri voice goes unheard. A similar insecurity exists on the state's side as well. So there were constant negotiations with both sides, which kept distracting us from the task at hand. With a small crew of 18 people we were never really in control of our surroundings, and had to constantly keep thinking on our feet and adapting.
The film opens up to raw footage of an Indian military incursion in Kashmir. Did you and your crew encounter any of the protests or incursions that we see? And what was it like securing the permits to shoot in a place that is not the most accommodating bureaucratically? 
The idea behind the news footage was to familiarise the audience with images they may have seen on television or on the news and then go behind the scenes as it were: to things that you would never see in the news.
Fortunately for us, we did not have to face any of the gun battles, except on our last day of shooting: a protest march in Srinagar did make matters very tense, and the police blamed us for everything that was going wrong that day. We somehow managed to come out unscathed. In fact, the situation took a turn for the worse as soon as we had wrapped up shoot in Srinagar with protests and shutdowns, which went on for days.
The scene in which Rafiq's mother goes to the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) meeting is jarring. We are not only implicated as voyeurs to the actual gathering but we also witness the daily reality, that of grief and tragedy, for hundreds of mothers who are seeking justice to hold perpetrators accountable for the enforced abductions of their sons. Would you agree that Kashmiri women are taking on more leading humanitarian and political roles today?
Like in any conflict zone, women in Kashmir suffer the most. The conflict itself is not their creation. It is the men who are responsible. But the women are left to pick up the pieces. In Kashmir women have participated equally in the resistance, whether it was opposing far right Islamist groups who tried to impose a dress code on them, or when it came to participating in street protests against the state.
Parveena Ahangar of the APDP is an example. For 20 years she has been demanding the state [provide] the whereabouts of her missing son, while helping bring together all the families whose family members have disappeared during the conflict. The mother in my film, too, is a pillar of strength. She is doing her best to keep the family unit together while never giving up hope of finding her missing son.
There are two characteristics in your film, the slow pace and painterly visuals, which remind me of Iranian cinema. And you were able to use the renowned Iranian actor, Reza Naji, to play Rafiq's father: a man who suffers from debilitating paranoia. What was it like working as a director with someone as iconic as Reza Naji (whose Urdu, by the way, is surprisingly good)?
Reza Naji is like wet clay, ready to be moulded any which way. That rhymes! All the other actors in the film are from Kashmir who are actually non-actors and had never faced a film camera. However, for me, the father's character was particularly tricky and I did not feel confident in a non-actor playing that role. Reza Naji's face and persona are so cinematic. It was a selfish decision to make my task a little easier.
Also, since the emphasis was on action, rather than performance, we treated him more like a model (in the Bressonian sense), which worked out well due to the language barrier: as everything was conveyed to him through an interpreter. It was all about what he needed to do, rather than what he needed to say. He was so generous and humble. We did not have even the most basic amenities that are found on a film set - not even folding chairs to sit on. But he never complained, not once.
What is the significance of autumn, a leitmotif in your film, for the people of Kashmir?
Autumn in Kashmir is the precursor to a dark, cold winter. Unlike say in the developed world where it is a season of beauty, in Kashmir it is the season in which you start preparing for the harsh winter ahead. Fallen Chinar leaves are burnt to make charcoal which is used to light the Kangri (fire pot) that people carry around to keep themselves warm. There is a Kashmiri expression, "harduk zazur", which means autumnal decay. It is a season associated with decay and slow death. In the film it is the metaphor for the psychological decay caused by years of violence in Kashmir.
You were born and raised in Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, and you mentioned that you knew many people who took similar paths of rebellion to those seen in Harud. Had you stayed behind and not moved to Delhi to finish your studies, where do you think you would be right now?
That is a difficult one to answer. I cannot say where I would have been had I stayed back in Kashmir. My leaving Kashmir in 1990 to study history in Delhi was an act of rebellion, as my father wanted me to study medicine. Everyone there was expected to study medicine or engineering in those days. In that sense making a film is an act of defiance, too. To tell a story which has gone unheard so far and to tell it in a way that goes against the norms of the mainstream films in India.

You are a first-time filmmaker and Harud had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the most respectable film festivals, and is now hitting the global film festival circuit. This is quite an accomplishment.
Our greatest accomplishment is that we made a film the way we wanted to. Everything else is a bonus. We were not thinking of a particular place or an audience while making the film. Toronto of course is a big festival and we are proud that our first film got accepted there.
Thank God for people like Cameron Bailey, co-director of TIFF, who gave us the opportunity and recognised our efforts. The idea of showing our film to audiences around the world, and getting the opportunity to talk about our film and about Kashmir, is what we are looking forward to and are excited about.
Will we see more films from you in the future?
If I do not get any lucrative enough acting jobs soon, I will have no option but to make another film. I am already thinking about a sequel to Autumn. Maybe a Spring.

Ronaldo and Messi on fire in Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi scored twice as Ronaldo's Real Madrid came from behind to beat promoted Hercules 3-1 and Messi's Barcelona humbled 10-man Sevilla 5-0 in the Spanish Primera Division.
Portuguese forward Ronaldo, who lost his World Player of the Year crown to current holder Messi, has now netted an incredible 10 goals in his last four league outings to take his tally for the season to 11.
After scoring four against Racing Santander last weekend following braces against Malaga and Deportivo Coruna, he struck two late goals at Alicante-based Hercules to keep Real at the top of the standings with 23 points from nine matches.
Argentina forward Messi grabbed his sixth and seventh of the season, Spain striker David Villa scored twice and former Sevilla player Daniel Alves netted one as Barca kept the gap to Real to one point with a dominant home performance.
Valencia's poor run continued when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by struggling Real Zaragoza earlier on Saturday, while Villarreal can draw level with Barca on 22 points with a win at Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

Hercules stunned Barca 2-0 at the Nou Camp in September and looked poised to pull off a second major giant-killing of the season when they took a shock lead over Real in the third minute at their Jose Rico Perez stadium. Trezeguet header
Former France striker David Trezeguet, who turned 33 in October, met a David Cortes centre and sent a superb header sailing past fellow World Cup-winner Iker Casillas.
With an annual budget of around $56 million, Hercules have about a 10th of Real's resources but they were able to frustrate Jose Mourinho's expensively assembled side until seven minutes after half time.
Juan Calatayud fumbled a long-range Ronaldo effort and Angel Di Maria fired the rebound into the roof of the net.
The home side looked like holding on for a deserved point until the 82nd minute when Marcelo drove in from the left wing and Ronaldo was on hand to sidefoot home the rebound from Karim Benzema's shot.
The Portuguese grabbed his second four minutes later when Benzema pulled the ball back and he drove it past Calatayud.
Real coach Mourinho, who moved to the Spanish club from Inter Milan at the end of last season, said he was annoyed his side had conceded the early goal.
"We were playing practically on our own in the second half," the Portuguese said.
"The most important thing was the three points that keep us in first place in the league for another week."
Barca came roaring out of the blocks at the Nou Camp in the late kickoff and Messi put the champions ahead in the fourth minute before Villa curled in a sublime second in the 24th.
Sevilla defender Abdoulay Konko was shown a second yellow card and dismissed shortly before halftime and Brazilian fullback Alves put Barca three ahead against his old club eight minutes into the second period.
Messi raced through and sent a precise low shot past stand-in keeper Javi Varas for Barca's fourth in the 64th and Villa wrapped things up with a carbon copy of Messi's second in the 90th.
Valencia had been the season's early pace-setters, sparking hopes of a genuine challenge to the dominance of Real and Barca, but have now taken just one point from their last three games and slipped to fourth.
In an action-packed opening at the Mestalla, defender Maurizio Lanzaro fired the visitors ahead in the third minute when he controlled the ball with his back to goal and volleyed home on the turn.
After Valencia's Ricardo Costa had almost equalised with a header against the post, Italian Lanzaro turned from hero to villain just before halftime when he inexplicably nodded the ball over his own keeper and into the net to make it 1-1.
Zaragoza midfielder Ander Herrera was harshly shown a straight red card for a trip on Juan Mata in the 67th minute but a winner eluded the home side and prompted frustrated whistling from their fans at the end of the match.
Valencia have 17 points from nine games while Zaragoza, still without a win, are second from bottom on four.

Yemen bomb-maker linked to failed Detroit devices

President Barack Obama’s counterterrorism adviser said Sunday that authorities “have to presume” there might be more potential mail bombs like the ones pulled from planes in England and the United Arab Emirates.

The foiled plot “certainly bears the hallmark” of al-Qaida’s Yemen branch, known as al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, and the terrorist group is “still at war with us and we are very much at war with them,” deputy national security adviser John Brennan said.

 

“We’re trying to get a better handle on what else may be out there,” he told NBC television’s “Meet the Press” as he made the rounds of the Sunday talk shows representing the Obama administration in the wake of the latest terrorist scare. “We’re trying to understand better what we may be facing.”

 

Forensic analysis indicates that this bombmaker also constructed the devices used in the failed bombing on a Detroit-bound airliner last Christmas and the attack on Saudi Arabia’s counterterrorism chief last year, Brennan said.

 

The person assembling these devices, he told ABC’s “This Week,” is “clearly somebody who has a fair amount of training and experience and we need to find him and we need to bring him to justice.” All three bombs contained the explosive PETN. U.S. intelligence officials believe the suspected bombmaker is a Saudi named Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri.

 

Brennan noted that because of the continuing threat, the world’s largest package delivery companies - FedEx and UPS - have suspended air freight from Yemen. Police in Yemen have arrested a young woman on suspicion of mailing the bombs. They also detained her mother.

 

While he said “we feel good” about the steps taken since the thwarted plot, “I think we have to presume there might be” additional bombs.

 

“They are a dangerous group. They are a determined group. They are still at war with us and we are very much at war with them. They are going to try to identify vulnerabilities that might exist in the system,” he said.

 

He told CNN’s “State of the Union” that “it would be very imprudent ... to presume that there are no others (packages) out there.”

 

Speaking about the Yemen branch, he said the U.S. “will destroy that organization as we are going to destroy the rest of al-Qaida.”

 

Brennan said authorities were trying to determine whether the planes were the intended targets. The packages with the explosives were addressed to Chicago-area synagogues.

 

He said the two bombs, powerful enough to bring down a plane were “very sophisticated” in the way they were designed and concealed.

 

“They were self-contained. They were able to be detonated at a time of the terrorists’ choosing,” Brennan said.

 

He also said that in light of the bombs found Friday, the National Transportation Safety Board and terrorism investigators were re-examining the UPS cargo jet that crashed in Dubai in September.

 

Investigators in the United Arab Emirates said Sunday there was no evidence that an explosion caused that crash.

Ten-Man Blanquillos Hold On At Mestalla

High-flying Valencia were held to a draw by stubborn relegation battlers Real Zaragoza, who survived an own goal, a questionable red card and a rather iffy offside decision to leave the Mestalla with a point.

Despite lining up in a 5-4-1 formation, bottom side Zaragoza took a shock lead in the second minute. Jiri Jarosik found Maurizio Lanzaro who remained onside and half-volleyed the ball into the net past Miguel Moya, which stunned the home crowd.

Sustained pressure brought Valencia's equaliser when Lanzaro turned villain as he headed a Juan Mata cross into his own net after a breakdown in communication with Toni Doblas.

Los Che almost hit back immediately when Ricardo Costa's effort struck the post three minutes later. Mehmet Topal had a further chance when he checked his run sufficiently to latch onto the ball but Doblas made an excellent sprawling save to deny the Turkish midfielder.

Eight minutes after the break, the alarm bells were ringing for Zaragoza when Vicente's free-kick was headed back towards goal by Topal but fortunately for the out-of-position Doblas, Jarosik was on hand to hack the ball clear from the goal-line.

Zaragoza's task became a great deal more difficult after 67 minutes. Substitute Ander received a straight red card for a trip on Juan Mata. Incredibly, it was the fourth game in succession that they had been reduced to ten and in this instance, they were hard done by.

The officials did not endear themselves to a visiting side in need of a rub of the green. With eight minutes left, Braulio thought he was about to win the game when he rounded Moya but was wrongly adjudged offside.

Valencia came with the inevitable late bombardment in order to force a winner. Juan Mata danced into the penalty box but just as he pulled the trigger, he was thwarted by an excellent sliding block from Carlos Diogo.

The draw leaves Zaragoza still at the bottom of the table but now tied on points with Deportivo. Valencia's stumble keeps them in fourth place but opens up the possibility of Unai Emery's side being overtaken by Espanyol.

Philipp Lahm: I See No Reason To Leave Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich full-back Philipp Lahm has indicated his desire to sign a new contract with the Allianz Arena side.

Speaking to the media after die Roten’s comfortable 4-2 victory over Freiburg on Friday night, the German national team captain announced once again that no-one has come forward to offer him a fresh deal, though at the same time he is not pushing for a move away from the club.

“I see no reason to leave the club,” the 26-year-old declared. “There are currently no negotiations with the leaders; we still have time.”

Presently, Lahm is contracted to FCB until the end of 2012, but if he wasn’t to sign a contract before the summer, then clubs could begin to circle the defender with thoughts of offering him a pre-contract agreement in January 2012.

Regarded widely as one of the most talented full-backs in the world game and versatile enough to play on either flank, the diminutive tackler is seen as a prized asset

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi: I Better Stay Quiet After Juventus Loss

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has opted to treat the 2-1 loss against Juventus with silence.

Berlusconi was in the stands, but his team's performance made for some uncomfortable viewing.

And his feelings were made clear post match as he wriggled past journalists with tactful answers.

Although his response was short, the president was visibly irritated.

"When you win you speak, but when you lose then you stay quiet, especially when you lose like we did tonight," Berlusconi told Sky Sport Italia.

Atletico Madrid Defender Diego Godin Out For A Month After Appendix Operation

Atletico Madrid central defender Diego Godin will be out of action for up to a month after undergoing a successful operation to secure his acute appendicitis.

The Uruguayan was admitted on Saturday night suffering from severe abdominal pain, and underwent surgery immediately to repair the problem, with the player remaining in hospital under observation for the next three days.

Unfortunately for los Colchoneros, the period of recuperation from such a condition is likely to keep him on the sidelines until the beginning of December, meaning that he will miss a number of crucial matches.

In total, Godin is expected to miss seven games in all competitions, most notably the capital derby with rivals Real Madrid, and crucial Europa League encounters versus Rosenborg in Norway and Aris Thessaloniki at the Vicente Calderon.

Godin moved to Atleti during the summer from Villarreal after being a key member of the Uruguay squad who finished fourth at the World Cup in South Africa

Barcelona Target Javier Pastore Wants To Remain At Palermo - Walter Sabatini

Palermo director Walter Sabatini is ready to fight off an invasion from Barcelona who are eager to capture Javier Pastore during a summer transfer battle.

Reports in Spain continue to link Pastore with the Camp Nou giants but Sabatini has waded into battle and is shielding his prized asset from any raid.

"There is nothing to say about Pastore's contract. A lot of papers have been coming out with certain stories," he told Mediagol.it.

"When it's time to speak about Pastore's contract we will. Pastore has said he wants to remain at Palermo and this is great news for us, we welcome this.

"What happens in future we can only see over the next few months."

Despite exit reports linking Pastore with Real Madrid and Barcelona, his agent Marcelo Simonian recently hinted at an extension in Sicily.

Liverpool Midfielder Raul Meireles Backs Roy Hodgson To Turn Club's Season Round

Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles, has backed manager Roy Hodgson to turn the club's season around.

Reds fans are currently in the unfamiliar position of seeing their side in the relegation zone, as the team have picked up just nine points from their opening nine games.

However, Portugal international Meireles believes that the whole squad are backing Hodgson, and is confident there will soon be a rosier outlook at Anfield.

"I am enjoying playing for the manager a lot. He has everything to succeed at Liverpool,” Meireles told Liverpool’s official website.

"He is also a nice man because he always talks to us, he likes to know about our wellbeing and asks us about our family.

"Every day we are working hard in training and we all want to do well for the manager and get Liverpool back to the top as quickly as possible.

"He has some good ideas about how he wants us to play and I am confident things will turn around for the better.

"We have a good team. Sometimes in football things don't go the way you want, but we are working hard to put things right.

"It's a new team with a new coach and it sometimes takes time to get everything right.

"We have a lot of quality in this squad and some world-class players, so we have everything to get back to the top."

After a much-needed victory last weekend over Blackburn Rovers, Meireles feels that Liverpool will go into today’s game against Bolton Wanderers with a renewed sense of belief.

"I think every game in the Premier League is difficult but we had a good win and a good performance against Blackburn, so we will go to Bolton with a lot of confidence.

"It's very important we keep up our momentum and try and win this game. We want to be at the top of the league as soon as possible and we need to win every game.

"We know it will be a difficult game but we will be doing everything we can to get the victory."

Speaking on a personal level, Meireles said that he has relished the competitive all-action nature of the Premier League since joining Liverpool in the summer for £11.5 million from Porto.

"I knew the English game before I came here and for me this is one of the best leagues in the world," he said.

"I always wanted to play here and I'm really enjoying it at Liverpool.

"It's different to the Portuguese league. The pace of the game is faster and the action never stops.

"It is also more competitive but I like this and I'm looking forward to Sunday's game."

One feature of Liverpool’s poor start to the season has been the failure of striker Fernando Torres to recapture the dazzling form that he showed in his previous three seasons at Anfield.

However, Meireles has full faith in his team-mate to get back to finding the net on a regular basis following his winner against Blackburn last weekend.

"The whole team is happy because Fernando is a fantastic striker and he lives off goals," he said.

"He has been injured and it has taken some time to get back to his level, but I see Fernando working hard every day in training and he wants to help the team and score goals.

"Every day in training he scores a lot of goals and I am confident he will score a lot more for us this season."

Palermo 0-1 Lazio: Andre Dias Strike Gives Ten-Man Lazio Victory Over The Rosanero

Andre Dias' first-half volley was enough to earn Lazio a 1-0 victory over a resilient Palermo side in Serie A on Sunday afternoon that sees them go four points clear at the top of the table. The away side will have to thank Fernando Muslera for some excellent goalkeeping which kept them in the game.

The game began with electric pace with both sides going at each other from the off with some delightful attacking play.

Palermo were the first to gain a foothold in the match forcing the visitors into their own half as Javier Pastore looked to take control of the game, but Lazio were not shaken by this lightening start and began to creep into the game on the counter attack.

Then just before the half-hour mark Lazio took the lead with a brilliant effort from Dias. The Brazilian met Cristian Ledesma's free-kick with a stunning volley that visibly stunned the home side.

After taking a couple of minutes to compose themselves, Palermo began the assault on Lazio's goal, Federico Balzaretti having a shot easily saved and Pastore going close as he looked to pounce on hesitancy from Fernando Muslera in the Lazio goal.

But just before half-time Palermo had a penalty decision go against them; it looked as if Balzaretti's cross hit Stephan Lichtsteiner on the arm but the referee did not award the penalty and the home side went in at the break feeling aggrieved.

Following the half-time break the home team went straight at Lazio once more getting some joy down the left side but Mauro Zarate, not known fo, his defensive quality. stepped up his game to close down any opportunities they were gaining on his flank.

The Argentinean then started a break which resulted in Stefano Mauri having a golden opportunity to put the table toppers two goals up but Cesare Bovo managed to get back and make an important block.

However, soon after it was Lazio's turn to partake in some desperate defending when Muslera made a magnificent save from Mattia Cassani before Ştefan Radu blocked from Pastore.

It seemed as if nothing could break a water tight Lazio backline but things soon got worse for the away team when Giuseppe Biava was given a second yellow card for a late challenge on Mauricio Pinilla and was subsequently was sent off.

The game then became the Muslera show as Palermo put up their camp inside the Lazio penalty area but could not get past the exceptional Uruguayan, whose performance earned the three points for the Aquile, putting them four points clear at the top of Serie A, while Palermo slip to ninth.

Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho: Only A Special Manager Can Succeed Sir Alex Ferguson At Manchester United

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho insists that "only a special manager" can fill Sir Alex Ferguson's shoes at Manchester United when the Scot calls it a day.

The Red Devils boss will be 69 years old in December, and there has been speculation concerning who could replace him in the Old Trafford hot-seat after his retirement.

And Mourinho is not surprised that several managers have been linked with the potential job opening at the club. There have been reports that Everton manager David Moyes and Barcelona's Pep Guardiola have both been linked with the position.

However, the Portuguese coach does not envision Ferguson walking away from United in the near future.

"Football without Alex Ferguson? I’m not sure that will happen any day soon," Mourinho told The Mirror.

"The man lives and breathes football and Manchester United is his club.

"His hunger and desire to win the biggest trophies remains so I cannot see the day he considers walking away from football approaching.

"Like Real Madrid, the Manchester United job is special and only a ­special manager is good enough to take the job on if and when it does become available.

"Of course, jobs like that don’t ­become available every day so the interest will be vast. Like Madrid, it’s a job everyone will want."

Real were one of the clubs linked with a move for Wayne Rooney after the forward had expressed a desire to leave Old Trafford. But the 25-year-old recently did a u-turn and signed a five-year contract with his employers.

And the former Chelsea boss insists that the outcome was never going to be any different.

He said:"Could I ever see him leaving? Never. He is Manchester United through and through and he is working with one of the best coaches in football. He’s a great player but he belongs to United. I wasn’t surprised to see him stay, I expected it.

"There was no way Alex Ferguson would have considered selling him, not to anyone. If you take the decision to leave a club like United there are not many options open to you. Few clubs come any bigger."

For now, however, Mourinho remains intent on guiding the Bernabeu boys to silverware.

"Madrid is a special club and came to me at special time in my career," he said. "After winning my second Champions League and after my ­success at Chelsea and Inter, the Real job and the challenge to be successful was very ­appealing.

"I came to a team that had had no success for two years and faced the challenge of a very special Barcelona team and some of the great clubs in Europe in the Champions League.

"Despite everything and all the success I have enjoyed, my desire to continue winning remains. I love a challenge and this is a huge challenge for me.

"Madrid didn’t win the Champions league for 10 years, the Spanish Cup for 19 years and haven’t won the Championship for three. So there is a great deal of work to be done. I love the pressure and that is immediate at a club like this because failure doesn’t sit comfortably with anyone."

Mourinho also believes that he has about 15 years of management left in him, insisting that retirement is not something he will consider anytime in the near future.

"I still have at least 10 or 15 years left in football management," he said. "Naturally a day will come when my circumstances change and I will want to lead a quieter life.

"But it is not something I will be giving any consideration too for a long time to come."

Manchester United Interested In Bringing Back Carlos Quieroz For Third Spell At Club - Report

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a return move for former assistant manager Carlos Quieroz.

The 57-year-old was sacked as Portugal coach in September and, according to The Daily Mail, Sir Alex Ferguson wants to bring his former assistant back to Old Trafford.

Quieroz is well thought of at United and is popular with a number of the players and backroom staff.

Sir Alex Ferguson is happy with current assistants Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen, but there is a belief that room could still be found for Quieroz to add his experience, linguistic skills and meticulous planning.

Quieroz's first stint at Manchester United started in 2002 and lasted a season before he left to take over as coach at Real Madrid.

After a unsuccessful spell at the Bernabeu he returned to Old Trafford for a further four years and in that time helped bring a more international feel to United's transfer policy, before leaving again - this time for the national job.

Liverpool Lining Up £9 Million Move For Wigan Athletic Winger Charles N'Zogbia - Report

Liverpool are preparing a £9 million January move for Wigan Athletic's in-form French winger Charles N'Zogbia, according to The People.

The former Newcastle United man has been in brilliant form of late, the high point of which being his two goals against the Magpies at St James' Park.

N'Zogbia initially fell out of favour with boss Roberto Martinez at the start of the new season after expressing his desire to move away from the DW Stadium but has started each of the Latics' last six Premier League games.

Roy Hodgson has already expressed his desire to improve his squad in the January transfer window and could see N'Zogbia as an ideal target as the Anfield club look to move away from the relegation zone.

Man Utd. vs Tottenham

Manchester United moved into joint second in the Premier League table thanks to a controversial goal from Nani that secured a 2-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford.

Nemanja Vidic had headed United into the lead on the half-hour mark, but the main talking point will be Nani's goal with five minutes to play, where he tucked the ball into the net despite Spurs believing they had been awarded a free-kick for handball against the Portuguese.

The goal stood after consultation between referee Mark Clattenburg and his assistant, and Spurs players were left to remonstrate with the officials at the full-time whistle.

Javier Hernandez retained his place in the United starting XI from the side that defeated Stoke last Sunday, his two goals in that game being added to with the winner against Wolves in the League Cup in midweek. Michael Carrick was recalled to midfield to face his previous club.

For Spurs, Robbie Keane was given the nod to start, with Peter Crouch dropping out. The other change from the side that drew with Everton the previous weekend was Jermaine Jenas replacing Wilson Palacios.

Nani made a bright start for United and tried his luck from 25 yards with a skidding low shot that crashed off Heurelho Gomes’ right post. By the ninth minute, Spurs had also hit the post, Rafael Van der Vaart hitting an unstoppable left-foot drive that had Edwin Van der Sar grasping thin air.

While Manchester United were having much of the possession in the opening quarter of the match, they were fortunate to escape after Rio Ferdinand blundered in defence and allowed Gareth Bale to ghost into the area from the bye line. Van der Sar was alert to block the in-form winger’s cross-shot, and the resulting corner was headed over by Younes Kaboul, to spare United any further embarrassment.

It was an even game though, and United took the lead on 31 minutes when Nemanja Vidic leapt to meet a whipped free-kick from Nani to glance a header low into the corner beyond a helpless Gomes, who would have been asking questions of a defence that failed to deal with the set-piece at all well.

Spurs responded well to the setback and Van der Vaart created space for himself in the penalty area only to hopelessly sclaff his shot across the six-yard line. Soon after, they worked a lovely corner kick routine that found Luka Modric on the edge of the box and allowed the Croatian to drill in a shot that Van der Sar did brilliantly to paw clear.

The second half began with a setback for Spurs, as William Gallas was forced off with a leg injury, with Sebastian Bassong coming on in his place.

United were the first to have a serious effort on goal, Nani somehow conjuring a stabbed effort towards the far corner of the net from the right of the box, but Gomes was in the perfect place to snatch the ball out of the air. Spurs tried to hit back at the other end, but first Jenas’ touch deserted him on the edge of the box and then Bale followed suit.

Bale almost made amends for that when a stunning burst of pace took him away from the United midfield and beyond the last line of defence, but faced with a shot on his weaker right side, he pulled a low effort across the face of Van der Sar’s goal.

United were presented with a free-kick opportunity on the edge of the area on 64 minutes, but Nani could only direct his effort straight at Gomes. The Portuguese then turned provider, releasing Hernandez, but Gomes was again well positioned to smother the Mexican’s low shot from 16 yards.

Roman Pavlyuchenko had replaced Robbie Keane midway through the second half, and having fired one shot into the side-netting, he then tried his luck from distance. The shot clipped off Vidic’s shin and spun just past the outside of the post, with Van der Sar rooted to the spot.

The game was then settled with a bizarre passage of play. Nani surged into the area and appeared to be brought down by Bassong. As he fell, he clearly stopped the ball with his hand. No penalty was given, so Gomes believed it to be a free-kick to Tottenham. He placed the ball down, only for Nani to steal in and knock the ball into the net.

Referee Clattenburg awarded the goal, but the assistant referee flagged for an infringement. After consultation, the goal was awarded, to utter disbelief from infuriated Spurs players.

IOF kidnap five Palestinian boys in Silwan

The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) kidnapped at dawn Sunday five Palestinian boys in Silwan town, south of the Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, on suspicion of their participation in recent events in the occupied holy city and took them to Maskubiya detention center. Local sources said that dozens of Israeli troops stormed the town at an early hour today and raided homes mainly in the neighborhoods of Battn Al-Hawa, Al-Hara Al-Wusta and Al-Bustan.
They added that the troops dealt harshly with the Palestinians and deliberately terrorized women and children during their raids.
In another context, the Palestinian residents of Silwan complained about the cracks and cave-ins that happen in their homes as a result of the underground excavations carried out by the Israeli authority of antiquities especially in the winter.
They reported that new fissures and cave-ins started to appear inside their homes with the advent of winter and said that they filed official complaints in this regard with the Israeli occupation authority, but to no avail.
In a separate incident, Israeli policemen kidnapped Sunday morning two Palestinian young men from their homes in Umm Al-Fahm city inside the 1948 occupied lands.
The Israeli police claimed they participated in last Wednesday clashes which broke out after Jewish extremist settlers led by right-wing Knesset member Baruch Marzal staged a provocative protest against Sheikh Ra'ed Salah, the head of the Islamic Movement.
Local sources said that the two young men will stand trial in Khudayrah city, adding that nine other young men and children have been detained since the clashes for allegedly throwing stones at policemen.
Earlier on Saturday, the IOF troops kidnapped specialist in settlement activities Issa Amro during his presence in the southern side of Al-Khalil city.
Eyewitness said that the troops blindfolded Amro and tied his hands behind his back before taking him to the PA-Israeli coordination office in the city.
Amro was detained as he was documenting Israeli settler's violations and assaults on the Palestinian residents of the old city in Al-Khalil during the religious celebrations that were taking place inside the Ibrahimi Mosque.
In another incident, the IOF troops fired intensively rubber and live bullets, and tear gas grenades at the peaceful march held every Saturday in protest at the segregation wall and settlement activities in Beit Ummar town, north of Al-Khalil.
The troops prevented by armed force the marchers from reaching the Palestinian lands near Karmi Tsur settlement at the pretext that the area next to the settlement is a closed military zone.