SMERI to produce 3 video presentations

Posted: December 1, 2006

With the aim of utilizing the multimedia technology in introducing the pure Muhammadan Islam to the local people, Shajaratun Muntazirah Educational and Research Institute’s (SMERI) External Bureau is producing for the first time three video presentations.

These presentations are entitled as “The Land of Revelation,” “Maguindanao’s Momentous Sacrifice on the Feast of Sacrifice” and “A Nation Reborn”.

The first video presentation, “The Land of Revelation,” is an around 45-minute documentary of the Two Holy Places (Mecca and Medina). It features Masjid al-Haram, Masjid ar-Rayah, hills of Safa and Marwah, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina, Masjid al-Khayf, Masjid al-Bay‘ah, birth site of the Prophet (s), Cave of Hira, the cave where the Prophet (s) hid for a few days during his hijrah to Medina, and the graveyard in Mecca where Hadrat Khadijah, Abu Talib, ‘Abd al-Mutallib, and others are buried.

It also introduces sites and places in Medina such as Masjid an-Nabi, Masjid al-Quba, Masjid al-Jum‘ah, places for performing ihram, Masjid Mubahilah, Khandaq, Jannat ’ul-Baqi, Uhud, Masjid al-Fath/Ahzab, and Masjid Qiblatayn.

“The Land of Revelation” will be released next lunar month of Dhu’l-Hijjah on this year’s Hajj season.

The second video presentation, “Maguindanao’s Momentous Sacrifice on the Feast of Sacrifice” introduces in approximately 30 minutes the late martyred 25th Sultan of Maguindanao, Seri Paduka Sayyid Datu Hajji Amir Andong Baraguir, who attained martyrdom on January 11, 2006. The presentation touches on his life, works, ideas, and travels.

It will be released on ‘Id al-Qurban (December 30 or 31, 2006) on the late Sultan’s first martyrdom anniversary.

The third video presentation, “A Nation Reborn,” is the visual version of the speech by the late Shaykh Ahmed Deedat, a world renowned Muslim scholar of comparative religion from South Africa, made on March  3, 1982 following his trip to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In explaining the noble verse of the Qur’an, “And if you turn away (from Islam and the obedience of Allah), He will substitute you for some other people, and they will not be like you,” (Surah Muhammad 47:38) Shaykh Deedat argues that the Iranians who brought to victory the first Islamic revolution of the contemporary time are the replacement of the former torch-bearers of Islam in the world, as it had happened to the former chosen peoples of God.

This presentation is expected to be laudable to the local Muslims as this speech is unknown to almost all of them in spite of “Deedat” being a household name for them.

“A Nation Reborn” which is the longest of the three presentations (approximately 65 minutes) will be released on February 11 next year on the 28th anniversary celebration of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

Copies of all the three video presentations will be available free on request for all non-earning individuals like students and non-profit organizations throughout the Philippines.

From street demonstrations to boycott campaign

Posted: November 1, 2006

For the past 28 years, people around the world—Muslims and non-Muslims—have been staging demonstrations in their respective countries of residence every last Friday of the fasting month of Ramadan in observance of International Quds Day.

Since Imam Khomeini’s consecration of the last Friday of Ramadan as “International Quds Day” in August 1979, we can witness the qualitative and quantitative upsurge of demonstrations in support of all the oppressed peoples in the world as epitomized by the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.

This year’s worldwide Quds Day  demonstrations on October 20, 2006 proved to be most glorious compared to that of all the past years, thanks to the Quds-occupier regime’s recent grave miscalculations about Lebanon and its current carnage in Gaza Strip.

Be that as it may, it is obvious that mere annual expression of support by itself can do nothing for the success of the struggle if it is not accompanied by concerted concrete actions aiming at toppling the economic edifice of global arrogance and oppression.

Along this line, one way that affluent Muntazirin, or other Muslims worth the label for that matter in the country could play a vital role is in undermining the economic clout of Coca-Cola Company, which has been a staunch supporter of Tel Aviv from 1966 onward.

What Muntazirin and other concerned Muslims in other countries have done is the acquisition of bottling or distribution license of Zamzam products.

Zamzam is the largest producer of softdrinks and related products in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Its softdrink, bearing the same name, now replaces Coke as the favorite softdrink of pilgrims during the annual Hajj season.

As of now, Zamzam has Agents with either bottling or distribution license in the following 20 countries across four continents: Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, UK, Germany, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Turkey,  Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Australia.

Information about Zamzam products and their latest export sale price list, bottling and distribution license applications, and transportation specifications can be obtained at its site at http://zamzamgroup.com/EN/Welcome.asp.

Inquiries may also be addressed to Mr. Hossein Abolhassani, Zamzam Export Manager by email: [email protected] or call: 0098-21-66727005.

At the peak of emotional zeal, some of us have expressed readiness to be enlisted in the Islamic combatants in southern Lebanon during the ferocious battle between truth and falsehood last July and August.

It is needless to say that this boycott campaign is the home front of the same battle.

Simply put, it’s now the time to turn slogan chanting into socioeconomic praxis.

SMERI as Mujtaba Magazine distributor in the country

Posted: October 14, 2006

Do you want informative and educational reading material for your kids?

Shajaratun Muntazirah Educational and Research Institute (SMERI) now distributes Mujtaba Magazine – an international magazine for Muslim children and young adults – in the country.

While the original subscription price is around $4 per copy, SMERI offers a subsided rate of P110 ($2) per copy.

The following issues are available:

-        Issue 19

-        Issue 21

-        Issue 22

-        Issue 23

-        Issue 34

-        Issue 35

-        Issue 36

-        Issue 38

-        Issue 39

-        Issue 40

-        Issue 43

-        Issue 46

Non-income earners such as students throughout the Philippines may request for free copies of selected issues. 

Again, the exigency of Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) Hilal Committee

Posted: October 1, 2006

As in the previous years, again, the local Wahhabis’ declaration of Saturday or Sunday (September 23 or 24) as the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan—as the result of their perennial wrong identification of the possible-to-see hilal (crescent) mentioned in the ahadith with the impossible-to-see astronomical birth of new moon—creates usual confusion not only among the common Muslim populace but also among some Muntazirin in the country.

As interestingly revealed by Muntazirin in some regions, “If we do not fast on Sunday, our [reckoning of] Sha‘ban will become 31 days!”

This confusion of some Muntazirin is the result of our customary, though improper, practice of being particular of the hilal sighting ONLY in determining the beginning of Ramadan, and at times, the commencement of Dhu’l-Hijjah as well with the aim of determining the exact day of ’Id al-Qurban.

This is in spite of the fact that there must be hilal sighting at the end of EVERY lunar month through the year in order to determine the beginning of every month. 

As we have already emphasized before (see Issue 11 of this Newsletter), it is indeed high time for the elder Muntazirin to consider the idea of forming the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) Hilal Sighting Committee in the country under the guidance of the institution of marja‘iyyah.

This committee may initially form sighting groups in the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, Zamboanga, Cebu, and Manila, and the islands of Tawi-Tawi.

In terms of sighting frequency, the committee may start on its sighting activities only during the commencement and end of the two months related to the observance of fasting and Hajj (i.e., Ramadan and Dhu’l-Hijjah).

After sometime, the committee may expand its sighting groups to include other areas where there are considerably thriving communities of Muntazirin.

In tandem with this expansion in the scope of the sighting groups, there shall be a regularity in the frequency of sighting activities by making them monthly as they are supposed to be.  

Once we emerged successful in hilal sighting, it can be hoped that this achievement will spill over in more, or at least equally, important issue-areas as well.

As an initial step toward this direction, it is hoped that the Education Bureau of Shajaratun Muntazirah Educational and Research Institute (SMERI) could assist in or even spearhead the holding of the first Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) Hilal Sighting Seminar in the country anytime next year before the month of Ramadan

This seminar may feasibly be held in Cotabato City for the Cotabato-Maguindanao Muntazirin but with the attendance of selected Muntazirin from other places such as Lanao, Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi who are expected to constitute the members of the Sighting Committee once it is formed.

Ideally, reecho seminars should also be held in those areas for better understanding of the Muntazirin as a whole.

SMERI after two years of existence

Posted: September 1, 2006

This holy month of Sha‘ban is important for us for two reasons. The general obvious reason is its being the month when three of the pure Imams (‘a) were born. It is also the only month when no tragedy had ever happened to the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a).

In particular, it was in this month that SMERI was founded two years ago (Sha‘ban 15). Al-hamdulillah, notwithstanding its small number of staff and financial handicap, SMERI has so far considerable accomplishments in comparison to that of other institutions which are run by Muntazirin in the country. 

Highlights of accomplishments

Among those accomplishments, we shall only mention the following highlights:

· As far as SMERI Library is concerned, it maintains its prestige—its claim at the least—of being a leading library of Muntazirin in the country both in terms of the volume of resources and uniqueness of collections. This is attested not only by many of its local visitors but also by those who come from outside the Maguindanao-Cotabato region.

· As far as we know, SMERI is the first and so far the only group or institution of Muntazirin in the country that is offering free online Islamic correspondence courses in 2 levels. The first level is intended for pre-school and high school students while the second level is prepared for college students. These online courses are conducted by the Education Bureau of SMERI.

· Under its Research Bureau, SMERI has so far translated a good number of books (Persian to English and Filipino) and fact sheets (English to Filipino). Since the beginning of this year alone, six books have already been translated, i.e. an average of one book every one month and one week!

· SMERI is certainly a pioneer among the groups of Muntazirin in the Philippines in its program (under its External Bureau) of distributing free of charge books and fact sheets to non-earning individuals and groups throughout the country. To date, SMERI has 32 book titles for free distribution upon request. 

Future horizons

In spite of its accomplishments, SMERI has still many programs where no significant progress is ever made. Here, worth mentioning is its Islamic Teachings Department’s program of offering Islamic courses (ethics, jurisprudence, history, and Qur’an) every weekend to young Muntazirin in the area. Due to some factors, this program is suspended two months ago.

Revival of this educational program is among  the priorities of SMERI. Technical and financial preparations are presently made to hopefully reopen the madrasah next summer, insha Allah.

In a bid to expand its books and fact sheets distribution activity and local publication, SMERI is striving to set up its own printing press in the near future. It is hoped that it would be realized two or three years from now.

Also, SMERI is eyeing to host formal or informal regional or even national gatherings of Muntazirin in the Philippines with the sincere hope that these gatherings will eventually pave the ground for the natural growth and maturity of a ‘waiting tree’ (shajaratun muntazirah) in this part of the world

Reflection on ongoing Quds-usurper's adventurism

Posted: August 1, 2006

The Quds-usurper regime’s another show of barbarity in the true sense of the word for the past three weeks in Gaza Strip and Lebanon has many aspects worthy of reflection by Muntazirin throughout the Philippines, some of which are as follows:

·*The Hizbullah’s resilience and steadfastness for the past three weeks in an all-out war—sea, air and ground—by an extremely well-equipped enemy that subdued all the Arab regimes combined together in a six-day war stunned and surprised both its foes and friends, and perhaps even its leadership and fighters.

The secret behind this fortitude is the movement’s allegiance to wilayah al-faqih, reliance on God and love of martyrdom as the ultimate weapon against the enemies. The Islamic combatants demonstrated it before the Zionist occupiers’ humiliating withdrawal from South Lebanon in June 2000.

In this war they will frustrate again the enemies by not allowing them attain their covetous goal of extinguishing the movement and invading Lebanon, insha’ Allah.

·*As women, children and the aged are killed on a daily basis in the Occupied Territories and Lebanon, a prominent Wahhabi scholar’s (‘Abdullah ibn Jabrin) issuance of a strongly worded religious edict [fatwa], declaring it as haram to support, join and pray for the Hizbullah, shows again the true color of Wahhabism as practiced by the modern-day Mariqun. This is done while Iraqi civilians are unabatedly killed by them.

This holier-than-thou attitude suggests that the menace local Wahhabis will create in the future can neither be overemphasized nor overlooked.

·*In the face of these atrocities, it calls to mind again the urgent need to join the global campaign to boycott Israeli products and companies supporting the regime in Tel Aviv. We, Muslims, and free-minded people in the country can do so locally yet with global repercussion.

‘Ulama’ of the different schools of thought endorse this boycott campaign. For example, Ayatullah Sayyid ‘Ali Khamene’i of Iran decreed that “The purchase of any item which helps strengthen Zionism is not permissible.” Says Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi of Qatar, “It is an obligation not to help them (the enemies of Islam) by buying their goods. To buy their goods is to support tyranny, oppression and aggression.” As declared by Ayatullah Sayyid ‘Ali Sistani of Iraq, “It is not permissible for a Muslim to buy products of the countries that are in a state of war with Islam and Muslims, for example, Israel.” Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Fadlullah of Lebanon has this to say: “The least effort we could make… is to boycott all those who support the enemy.” See http://www.inminds.com/boycott-fatwas.html.

Among these products/companies prominent in the country are Coca-cola, Johnson & Johnson, Nestle, Nokia, Time Magazine, CNN, and McDonald’s among others. For an elaborate list, see http://www.inminds.com/boycott-brands.html.

This campaign can be waged by telling others of it, writing letters to and picketing guilty companies, and engaging in cultural and sports boycotts as well. For detail, see http://www.inminds.com/boycott-brands.html.

Remember, as hinted by what PEPSI stands for, “Pay Every Penny to Save Israel,” for every purchase, the money is converted into bullets piercing the chests of the Lebanese and Palestinian kids.

This we can if we make a try.

SMERI External Relations Officer meets with Al-Rashad editor-in-chief

Posted: June 28, 2006

On the auspicious occasion of the birthday anniversary of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir ('a) on Rajab 1, 1427 AH (July 27, 2006), Shajaratun Muntarizah Educational & Research Institute (SMERI) External Relations Officer (ERO) meets with Al-Rashad Magazine editor-in-chief, Hujjat al-Islam wa'l-Muslimin Shaykh 'Ali Ilahi Tabar, and Hujjat al-Islam wa'l-Muslimin Sayyid Hamid Hashimi, Head of the Research Department of the International Organization of Seminaries and Islamic Schools based in Qum, Islamic Republic of Iran.

The meeting focuses on Al-Rashad Magazine, a periodical on education and research fortnightly published by the International Organization of Seminaries and Islamic Schools.

Editor-in-Chief Tabar gives a briefing on the issues of the magazine as well as the meticulousness observed throughout the process of choosing the theme and articles, translation, proofreading, and graphic design.

For the benefit of research citations, SMERI ERO suggests for the availability of electronic copy of the magazine in PDF at the Islamic Center for Distance Education website <http://www.icde.net>.

Hujjat al-Islam Hashimi, Head of the Research Department, also invites SMERI ERO to contribute articles for the magazine.

At the end of the meeting, SMERI ERO is offered with complimentary copies of the first six issues of the Magazine (with the exception of Issue No. 3). In return, he offers a copy of his English translation of "Freedom: The Unstated Facts and Points" by Ayatulah Muhammad Taqi Misbah Yazdi, recently published by Ahl al-Bayt ('a) World Assembly (ABWA).

Imam Khomeini in a single word

Posted: June 1, 2006

On February 6, 2006, Tehran-based Sahar Universal TV Network had a live interview with SMERI External Relations Officer (ERO) on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran (February 11, 1979).

Now, on the threshold of the 17th death anniversary commemoration (June 3, 1989) of Imam Khomeini, the Great Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, we decide to publish below a partial transcript of the said interview:

Sahar: Will you please share to our viewers how you first became familiar with Imam Khomeini and the Islamic Revolution in Iran?

ERO: I was then in Grade 1 in the Philippines in February 1979 when the Islamic Revolution of Iran emerged victorious with the return home of Ayatullah Ruhullah al-Musawi al-Khomeini after 13 years of exile. I can still remember that at the time the news reports in Iran were favorite headlines and front page reports in the national dailies with images of Imam Khomeini waving his hand to the Iranian nation. I also started knowing from the people around me that Khomeini is a Muslim religious scholar who is saying, “Death to America!” “Death to Israel!” “America cannot do a damn thing!” These things would not have been enough to persuade me to delve deeper on the personality of the Imam and the Revolution he brought to victory. As a blessing in disguise, however, the sinister propaganda against him and his revolution was also in its full swing thanks to the local parrots and pseudo-‘ulamā’ under the payroll of the Saudi black dollar—“Khomeini is a fire-worshipper; Khomeini is a polytheist; Khomeini is an infidel. His revolution is a communist insurrection; his revolution is a sabotage of the red army.” On one hand, here is the old man posing as an ideal Muslim leader both in his words and actions. On the other hand, there is this contention that is he not what he seems to be. This served as a very big question mark in my mind. Al-hamdulillah, after some years of reading and research, I came to the conclusion that the school of thought of Imam Khomeini is the same school of thought of the Beloved Prophet of Islam (s). And that school is the school of love and faith, fraternity and cooperation, struggle and martyrdom.

Sahar: Of all the diverse aspects or dimensions of Imam Khomeini’s personality, what do you think is the preeminent one in the victory, survival and perpetuation of the Islamic Revolution? Why?

ERO: I believe and firmly believe that the most important dimension of Imam Khomeini’s personality in the victory, survival and perpetuity of his Revolution is not his being a statesman, a charismatic figure, a national hero, and not even his being a religious reference authority followed by millions of people inside and outside Iran. The quintessence of his personality is his being an idol-breaker—an idol-breaker par excellence. Long before becoming a marja‘ at-taqlid; long before becoming a national champion; long before becoming successful in breaking the idols in the outside world, he had first irreparably broke into pieces the idol inside him; the idol of “I” and I-ness. That is, the idol of selfishness, egoism and self-centeredness. He let this idol of “I” evaporate in the midst of “we”—representing the people. And then, he tried his best to let this “we”—I mean the people—to annihilate itself in “Him”—I mean the Beloved. This is the secret behind the victory, survival and perpetuity of the Islamic Revolution.

Sahar: We have learned that you have translated some works of the Imam from Persian into English and Filipino. What are those works?

ERO: I have the honor to translate into English the last two volumes—Volumes 20 and 21—of the Sahifeh-ye Imam, the most comprehensive anthology of Imam Khomeini’s speeches, messages and letters. I also translated 3 works about him such as “Imam Khomeini, Ethics and Politics,” “Imam Khomeini and the International System” and “Imam Khomeini and the Muslim World”. I have also two Filipino translations of his works. In addition, I have also edited or proofread and typeset more titles.

Sahar: Do you want to tell us one of your personal reflections while translating those works?

ERO: Translating the last volume of Sahifeh-ye Imam was the most valuable for me because it gave me an opportunity to travel with the Imam, back in time, during the last two or three years of his fruitful life. To some extent, I have acquired some insights on how he faced all those challenges—the Makkah massacre, acceptance of the UN Resolution ending the Iraqi-imposed war, resignation of the Deputy Supreme Leader, his historic letter to Mikhail Gorbachev, the fatwa against Salman Rushdie, and others.

Sahar: In a single word or phrase, how will you describe “the Imam” and “the Islamic Revolution”?   

ERO: Imam Khomeini – “idol-breaker”; Islamic Revolution – “an outburst of light”.

Sultan Baraguir's Martyrdom Media Watch

Posted: January 16, 2006

On the occasion of 3rd Day Martyrdom Commemoration of the late Maguindanao Sultan Sayyid Hadji Datu Amir Baraguir yesterday, January 15, 2006, the External Bureau of Shajatarun Muntazirah Educational and Research Institute (SMERI) launches the "Sultan Baraguir's Martyrdom Media Watch" with the aim of monitoring the mass media accounts of his martyrdom.

The said Media Watch is located at the following interface of SMERI web site: http://www.geocities.com/smeri_ph/mediawatch.htm.

Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly extends condolence on Sultan Baraguir's martyrdom

Posted: January 16, 2006

COTABATO CITY, PHILIPPINES--The Tehran-based Ahl al-Bayt ('a) World Assembly (ABWA) extends its message of condolence on Sultan Sayyid Hadji Datu Amir bin Muhammad Baraguir's martyrdom.

The message of condolence which is sent by email to Shajaratun Muntazirah Educational and Research Institute (SMERI) on January 15, 2006 is addressed to the late Sultan's bereaved family, his close relatives and friends "especially [the] Shiite brothers and sisters in the Philippines".

Below is the text of the condolence message:

THE AHLUL-BAYT (a.s.) WORLD ASSEMBLY

Dey 24, 1384 AHS

(January 14, 2006)

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

We are Allah's and to Him shall we return...

To the Esteemed Family of Sultan Sayyid Hadj Datu Amir bin Muhammad Baraguir

The sad news of the martyrdom of Sultan Sayyid Hadji Datu Amir bin Muhammad Baraguir caused deep sorrow and grief in our hearts.

I would like to express our heartfelt condolences on this great loss to the esteemed members of his family and all his close relatives and friends, especially [the] Shiite brothers and sisters in the Philippines.

No doubt, struggles of the late Brother Baraguir in [the] propagation of the valuable teachings and pure culture of the Holy Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) in [the] Philippines will never be removed from our minds and insha Allah his sincere efforts will meet the satisfaction of Almighty Allah (s.w.t.) and the Infallible Imams [a.s.].

We pray to Almighty Allah to elevate his status in the hereafter, and demolish all [the] enemies of Islam and Ahlul-Bayt [a.s.] all over the world.

We complain to Allah (s.w.t.) about the oppressions of our enemies against the followers of [the] Holy Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.), and beseech Him to hasten the reappearance of our Holy Imam Mahdi [a.s.].

(Sgd.) HUSSEIN SAFDARI

Deputy for International Affairs

The Ahlul-Bayt World Assembly

Baraguir of Maguindanao attains martyrdom

Posted: January 12, 2006

"Do not suppose those who are slain in the way of Allah to be dead; rather they are living and provided for near their Lord.” (Qur’an 3:169)

This year’s Feast of Sacrifice [‘Id al-Qurban] means an actual sacrifice for Maguindanao and an irreparable loss for the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) followers in the Philippines.

On this historic day commemorating Patriarch Abraham’s (‘a) sacrifice of Ishmael (‘a), another descendant of Ibrahim and Muhammad (may peace be upon them both and their pious progeny), the idol-breakers of human history, and a seed of Isma‘il and Husayn, the immortal embodiments of total submission to the divine will, offered a momentous sacrifice [dibhin ‘azim].

The newly enthroned 25^th Sultan of Maguindanao, Seri Paduka Sultan Sayyid Hadji Datu Amir bin Muhammad Baraguir is shot by three unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen in front of his home in Salimbao, Sultan Kudarat municipality, Maguindanao province, on the evening of ‘Id al-Qurban (January 11, 2006). Datu Amir Baraguir is declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.

Also seriously wounded in the attack is his younger brother, Datu Andy Baraguir, who is currently under medical treatment at a hospital in Cotabato City. 

The 46 year-old Baraguir (January 16, 1960-January 11, 2006) had been the leading figure of the Maguindanao-Cotabato Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) Assembly (MCAA), the Deputy Secretary General on External Affairs of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) Philippine Assembly (ABPA), and President Emeritus of Maguindanao Center for Policy and Strategic Studies (MCPSS).

For the past decade, Baraguir along with a small group of Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) adherents in Maguindanao-Cotabato region had been noted for his vociferous campaign against the Wahhabi extremism in the country, writing and speaking against the arbitrary policies of Wahhabi groups toward the local Muslim populace and their Salafi interpretation of Islam.

As a prolific writer and historian, Baraguir had been actively involved in the media as columnist in local and national broadsheets (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Isyu, Mindanao Kris) and as Associate Editor of the Mindanao Cross, a local broadsheet in Cotabato City.

Baraguir also used to take educational tours in foreign countries, visiting Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan, and Iran.

Among his write ups are the following:

- Imam Khomeini and the Culture of ‘Ashura’ (June 1995)

- Islamic Fundamentalism: The Paradox of the 20^th Century (1996)

- Islamic Republicanism (01/04/1996)

- Islamic Republicanism, Muslim Nations’ Future (02/04/1996)

- Why Hajj? (29/04/1996)

- Imam Khomeini and the EDSA People Power (June 1997)

- Remember Fatima’s Day (09/10/1998)

- Narco-Politics and Islamist Extremism (August 27, 2001)

- Toward a New Afghanistanism (October 15, 2001)

- Ramadan: Making Do with Less (November 19, 2001)

- On the Muslim's Right to Rebel (January 14, 2002)

- Human Projects or Divine Acts (April 15, 2002)

- Reflections on Bayang and Karbala (May 6, 2002)

- Celebrating the Feast of Muhammad (June 3, 2002)

- The US Post-9/11 Strategy toward Islamic Iran: Its Setbacks and Prospects (May 2004)

Inna lillah wa inna ilayhi raji‘un!

Three new books for free distribution

Posted: January 8, 2006

Shajaatun Muntazirah Educational & Research Institute (SMERI) recently receives copies of three more books for free distribution throughout the Philippines.

These books are (1) Knowing God, (2) Western Civilization through Muslim Eyes, and (3) Youth and Morals.

SMERI has so far 31 titles of English books and one Filipino title for free distribution nationwide. The list of these titles is available here.

Click here to know the steps on how to request for these reading materials.

What SMERI has accomplished in 2005?

Posted: January 1, 2006

Shajaatun Muntazirah Educational & Research Institute (SMERI) is a non-profit private institution established in 2004 aiming to cater for the academic, intellectual and religious training needs of the Muslims in the Philippines, the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (’a) among them in particular.

SMERI is managed by a small staff of full-time and part-time volunteers.

Below is a rundown of its accomplishments in year 2005.

SMERI Accomplishments in Summary

Translation of 6 books from Persian into English

Translation of 1 book from Persian into Filipino

Translation of 2 fact sheets on Islam from English to Filipino

Publication of 8 issues of Shajaratun Muntazirah Newsletter

Free distribution of more than 100 copies books

Free distribution of more than 100 copies of fact sheets on Islam

Offering of free online Islamic courses for pre-school and elementary pupils

Launching and development of website

SMERI Accomplishments in Detail

Translation of 6 books from Persian into English

- “Freedom: The Unstated Facts and Points” written by Muhammad Taqi Misbah Yazdi

- “An Outlook on the Mahdi’s Government” written by Najmuddin Tabasi

- “The Shi‘ah Rebuts” written by Sayyid Rida Husayni Nasab

- “A Commentary on Prayer” written by Muhsin Qara’ati

- “A New Analysis of the Wahhabi Doctrines” written by Muhammad Husayn Ibrahim

- “History of Shi‘ism from the Advent of Islam up to the End of Minor Occultation” written by Ghulam-Hasan Muharrami

Translation of 1 book from Persian into Filipino

- “Kasaysayan ng Pagkamulat” [The Narrative of Awakening (a short biography of Imam Khomeini)] written by Hamid Ansari

Translation of 2 fact sheets on Islam from English to Filipino

- “Pakikibaka Laban sa Sarili” [Struggle Against the Self (Jihad al-Nafs)]

- “Pagsaliksik ng Dunong” [Pursuit of Knowledge]

These and other Filipino fact sheets translated earlier by SMERI are posted at http://www.al-islam.org/nutshell

Publication of 8 issues of Shajaratun Muntazirah Newsletter

- January-February 2005

- March-April 2005

- May-June 2005

- July-August 2005

- September 2005

- October 2005

- November 2005

- December 2005

The Newsletter had been published in four pages every two months. Since September, however, it is published monthly in eight pages.

Electronic copies of the Newsletter are also available at SMERI website.

Free distribution of more than 100 books

The list of these books for free distribution is available at www.geocities.com/smeri_ph/freebooks.htm while the way of requesting them is described in www.geocities.com/smeri_ph/requestbooks.htm. 

The recipients are from diverse locations in the country such as Manila, Surigao del Sur, Butuan City, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City.

Free distribution of more than 100 copies of fact sheets on Islam

Fact sheets on Islam in both English and Filipino are regularly distributed.

Offering of free online Islamic courses for pre-school and elementary pupils

The open letter regarding these free online Islamic courses for pre-school and elementary pupils is posted on May 25, 2005 at www.geocities.com/smeri_ph/letteronlinecourse.htm.

Launching and development of website

SMERI’s website is launched on April 26, 2005 on the occasion of Mawlid an-Nabi and since then, it is busy with various online activities and services.