SHEIHU RASHID HUSSAIN SALWAT

(QUTUB AZ-ZAMAAN)

YEAR OF PROPHET YAQUB, WITH EFFECT FROM TUESDAY,December, 6, 2011

INTRODUCTION:

We give thanks to God and pray for peace and blessings to be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his household. God taught man by the Pen and taught him what he knew not (Q 96:1-5). The mystery of knowledge was conferred on man and he was thus charged with the mystic meaning of everything including particular qualities of Feelings and Love.

Among the mystic meanings of knowledge is “Ayaam ul-Lah”, or “Days of Allah”. It also means (the unfolding of the scriptures). The Islamic concept of unfolding the scriptures is as old as time itself. In Quran 45: 14 we are told; “Tell those who believe, to forgive those who do not believe in the Days of Allah: it is His responsibility to reward each People according to what they have earned.” Also in Quran 14:5 it says; “We sent Musah (AS) with Our Signs commanding him to, “bring out his people from the depth of ignorance into the light of knowledge, and also to teach them to remember the “Days of Allah.” Verily in the concept of unfolding the scriptures, there are Signs for those who are steadfast and grateful”.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), explained “Ayaam ul-Lah”, or “Days of Allah” which was narrated by Muslim. He said, on the authority of Ubaiyi the Prophet (SAW) explained that, “Allah’s Days are some days of the year that are of fortunes and some others that are of misfortunes”. (Muslim, Book of Fadaail, Hadith No. 4386).  In most cases, solutions are prescribed to curb and prevent the misfortunes not to occur.

WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY; 2012

1.  GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS

Most countries will face serious economic difficulties. The socio-economic policies of the world need to be reviewed and should be aimed at empowering the masses by promoting the well-being of the youth. Much effort should therefore be made to get the unemployed youth employed in order to curb future global economic crises.

2. FOOD INSECURITY / HUNGER

There shall be food insecurity resulting into hunger globally.  Already, some countries such as Somalia, Kenya, Bangladesh, North Korea etc. are victims to the severe hunger situation. The hunger situation in North Korea for instance is so severe that, people are starving to the extent that, they eat grass just to survive.

3. POLITICAL AGITATION AND ELECTORAL DISPUTES

There shall be serious political agitations resulting in electoral disputes in some countries around the world. Mostly the youth of these countries will call for new leadership in their various countries. All political and election issues should be aimed at promoting peace in the world. Elections must therefore be conducted freely and handled with absolute fairness in order to avoid political turmoil and disputes.

4. UPRISINGS/ PUBLIC UNREST

The current uprisings and public unrest in some countries will continue. Pressure will be put to bear on governments for political change due to economic difficulties.

5. NEW BIRTHS, INFANT MORTALITY AND MATERNAL DEATHS

There shall be so many new births thus, many children would be born into the world, but at the same time, the world will experience high rate of infant mortality and rampant maternal death through child birth.

6. SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Extreme cold and heat conditions shall be experienced and these could be dangerous to life in general. Disasters such as Earthquakes, Floods, Volcanic Eruptions, Land-slides, Storms, etc will also continue. Some Asian Countries will be mostly affected. This is as a result of the unbalanced position of the earth. Too much weight is skewed to one side of the globe above the equator. Meanwhile strange bodies or heavy objects would be deposited by Extra Celestial beings on the earth’s surface to help man gain a balance state for the earth in order to minimise the said disasters like Volcanic Eruptions, Earthquakes, and Floods etc. The strange heavy bodies and objects if deposited shall be discovered in their places of deposit.

7. UNBALANCED WORLD (EARTH)

Global warming currently is seen as a very dangerous phenomenon, frantic efforts are being made to arrest the situation. There is yet a more serious and a more dangerous situation that is either not realized or has been over looked, “The Unbalanced Earth,” this situation gives course to all the disasters like floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions etc. that we experience. For the avoidance and prevention of such disasters in the future, world scientists should first and foremost make a thorough research into the “unbalanced” nature of the earth. If this proves to be so, then the Scientists should also determine whether the unbalanced nature of the earth in weight, could not possibly be the cause of all the disasters we are experiencing. If that also proves to be so the Scientists should make serious efforts in finding a solution to the problem by constructing heavy structures on the opposite side of the equator to bring about a balance.

8. FALLING OF COMETS ON EARTH

Some comets and asteroids from outer space will fall onto the surface of the earth. These will course considerable damage to human life. It might be the most dangerous moments of our history on earth. Some of these if detected earlier could be destroyed half way in space by us before they reach the earth’s surface.

9. RACISM

Racism will show and work practically as if it was an acceptable norm.

10. ACCIDENTS

Accidents will be very common on land, at sea and in air, mostly due to human errors.

11. WARS (INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL)

Some countries will go to war against others and internally political opponents will rise against each other in quest for power. Such situations are already experienced in some countries around the world where hundreds of thousand of human lives are lost. Apart from the human lives lost, hundreds of millions of US Dollars have been wasted on such senseless wars, whiles over nine (9) million people especially women and children die of starvation. According to the United Nations report this year about 25 thousand people die every day of hunger or hunger related courses. That is to say in every three and half seconds one person dies of hunger. Please visit; www.worldhunger.org/articles/un.

12. MISSION TO THE PLANET MARS

The mission of the spacecraft “Curiosity” to Mars will not be successful. This mission will be aborted by the “Extra Celestial Beings”. The Extra Celestial beings are more advanced than the ordinary human being and can see upon the earth surface, and see the human cruelties and brutality and for that matter, they feel that the humans have a long way to go as far as civilization is concerned, hence their interference to abort the intended Mission. The Extra Celestial beings are disgusted at the wars, hunger and diseases situation of the world as indicated in item 10 above.  They will send down messages that the Human Beings on earth have woefully neglected their responsibility of paying attention to and addressing the problems of the earth like hunger, diseases and wars. And that vigorous disarmament of the nations with weapons of mass destruction should be pursued for absolute peace to prevail in the world. It is only then that probes to space would be successful and not interfered by those beings.

The above exposition serves as an early warning to the humans. They should be seriously taken particularly by the world leaders and bodies and work with to bring about peace and eradicate hunger, diseases and war in the world for the well-being of everyone.

World leaders and bodies should review and redesign their policies on global economics and sacrifice their parochial interests and rather establish a truly new socio-economic frame work of responsibility, love, justice, tolerance and generosity to benefit all and sundry. They should prevent enslavement of some nations by others and human trafficking. By implementing the above, God willing, peace will reign in the world.

13. THE MEDIA

The world absolutely depends on the media for information. The reports presented by the media should therefore be based on accurate information and the right education on issues. Most of the tensions that will degenerate into conflicts and further result into wars could be diffused by the media probably causing them not to happen at all. In view of the above, the media should therefore be circumspect in their reportage to avoid creating situations that will give rise to human sufferings or wars.

SADAQAH (ALMS TO BE GIVEN): THE ALMS ARE MEANT TO PREVENT THE CALAMITIES FROM HAPPENING AND TO REALISE THE POSITIVIES. THE ALMS SHOULD BE GIVEN STRICTLY TO THE POOR AND THE NEEDY.

HEADS OF STATES FOR THEIR COUNTRIES:

1. Recitation of the Quran 46 times.
2. 6 white and 6 brown cows to be slaughtered to feed the poor.
3. The equivalent of $19,000 to be given to the needy as alms.

KINGS AND PARAMOUNT CHIEFS:

1. Recitation of the Quran 12 times.
2. 3 white cows, 7 brown sheep to be slaughtered to feed the poor.
3. The equivalent of $1,000 should be given to the needy as alms.

FAMILY HEADS:

1. Recitation of the Quran 3 times and a slaughtering of a white sheep to be given to the needy.
2. 3 bowls of rice or other grains for the poor.
3. 10 Ghana pesewas should be given as alms on behalf of each member of the family to the poor.

INDIVIDUALS

1. One bowl of any grain to be given to the poor.
2. GH¢ 2.00 (two cedis) to be given to the poor.

Finally, I pray to Allah for permanent peace to prevail in the world. I pray to Allah for beneficial rains and abundance of food. I pray to Allah for prosperous socio-economic materialisation for all countries of the world. I pray to Allah to protect the world against all forms of disasters.

I wish all our Christian Brethrens in Ghana and in the world a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

God bless you all.

Just like a dream, all the predictions for 2011 events came to reality. The Almighty Allah has shown us the way, but the question is, do we believe or pay attention? The answer is simply NO. This year’s events should clearly  warn those of us who believe to pay absolute attention to these wonderful revelations. The Almighty Allah loves us and has shown us the way; it is left for mankind to decide. It is time for mankind to listen and follow the natural laws of nature. The earth will be the most comfortable abode for mankind if mankind simply obey and do the simple scarifies.

 OUTBREAK OF EPIDEMICS

This year’s event has warned us against the outbreak of epidemics. Solutions to circumvent the occurrence of these slowly killing epidemics were given to mankind by the Almighty. But man pay deaf ear to these solutions.

• Early this year, almost 4,000 people have died in Haiti from cholera and almost 200,000 have been sickened. Ghana, Venezuela and several other countries also have their fair share this deadly disease. The disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world, particularly in developing countries.

There are an estimated 3 million to 5 million cholera cases and 100,000 to 120,000 deaths every year worldwide, the health agency says.

• Public health officials say nearly 500 people have died of cholera in Cameroon this year, and 13,000 cases have been reported in the country this year.

More than 50 of this month’s deaths were in the Far North region, the hardest-hit area so far. Residents in the Logone and Chari divisions of the region told CNN that the majority of people infected with the disease are children under the age of five and women.

• Early this year, United Nations officials have called for an immediate ceasefire in the            Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to allow vaccinations to reach millions of children who are threatened by a sudden epidemic of polio.

The aggressive return of the contagious paralyzing virus comes just five years after it was declared eradicated in most of the world. It marks a major setback in the race to make polio only the third disease, after smallpox and the cattle virus render pest, to be eradicated.

In the wake of an outbreak earlier this year of so-called wild poliovirus, the first round of an unprecedented vaccination campaign aimed at 72 million children under five was launched in 15 African countries in November.

• In June this year, the outbreak E. coli in northern Germany has left 22 people dead and more than 2,000 people ill.

• Also in June, China lead poisoning outbreak hits more than 600 people.

• Acid oceans turn ‘Finding Nemo fish deaf. Clownfish, the spectacular tropical species feted in the movie Finding Nemo, appear to lose their hearing in water slightly more acidic than normal. At levels of acidity that may be common by the end of the century, the fish did not respond to the sounds of predators.

The oceans are becoming more acidic because they absorb much of the CO2 that humanity puts into the atmosphere.

Scientists write in the journal Biology Letters that failing to move away from danger would hurt the fish’s survival.

• Alcohol poisoning, not avian flu, killed Romanian birds. Birds that were thought to have died from avian flu in Romania instead apparently drank (Alcohol poisoning) themselves to death. The head of the local sanitary and veterinary authority, Dvsva, told news agency Agerpres that analysis of the starlings’ gizzards showed they had died from alcohol poisoning.
• In November this year, Worries about high tides overwhelming parts of Thailand in recent days have morphed into fears about water- and insect-borne diseases in the flood-ravaged country.

REFERENCE

1.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20070757-10391704.html
2.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/05/polio-outbreak-congo-ceasefire-un
3. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/01/27/venezuela.cholera/index.html?hpt=T2
4. http://channel6newsonline.com/2011/06/bangladesh-opposition-calls-for-two-day-protests/
5. http://www.atokd.com/blogContent.aspx?blogID=401
6. : http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/17/cameroon.cholera/index.html
7.  http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/31/world/asia/thailand-flood/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Extreme weather conditions

A lot of negative incidences occur as results of bad weather condition. Bad weathers like freezing temperature result in the loss of many lives. The effects of bad weather conditions affected a lot of living things on earth.

• A clear incidence of this effects is the death of over a millions sardines in Southern California marina as results of depleted oxygen level.

• In February this year, an icy cold front swept through northern Mexico leading to the death of zoo animals. The alarming number of deaths, which represents about 10% of all of the zoo’s animals, results in an economic hit.

• A historic winter storm whipped across the central Plains and Midwest early this year, creating near whiteout conditions. Strong winds and blinding snow making travel nearly impossible.

• Snow paralyses transport in parts of Western Europe. Two thousand travelers have been left stranded at the main Paris airport, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, as further snow is hitting France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

Half the flights at Charles de Gaulle have been cancelled, largely because of a shortage of de-icing fluid.

In Belgium, police advised drivers to stay at home. Hundreds of accidents were reported across Germany. While in northern Italy, heavy rain has caused flooding in parts of Venice.

Unusually high water levels were reported in the Venice lagoon and in the town of Vicenza, west of Venice, people were moved from their homes because of high river levels.

• In January, cold weather left hundreds dead in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

Temperatures have fallen below zero as biting winds sweep down from the Himalayas and heavy fog hangs over much of the region.

• Stormy weather since late December has killed 56 people in the Philippines and left at least 19 missing, mostly fishermen lost in rough seas, disaster authorities said Tuesday.

Raging floodwaters and landslides from unseasonable rains that hit 25 provinces in the central and southern Philippines accounted for most of the deaths, according to the government’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The coast guard said four fishermen were missing from a boat that capsized and broke apart Sunday in stormy waters off Palawan province southwest of Manila. Thirty-three men were rescued.

• Chilean officials declared a “catastrophe” in eight municipalities Wednesday after heavy snow blanketed communities and blocked roads in what the nation’s interior minister called a “white earthquake.”

“It has snowed more than ever,” Curacautin Mayor Jorge Saquel told CNN Chile Tuesday. “This is an anomaly. … This worries us because the meteorologists assure us that new snowstorms are coming.” In the city of Lonquimay, officials said snow had piled more than 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) high.

• The dangerous heat wave blamed for as many as 22 deaths spread into the eastern United States on Wednesday, extending its reach across nearly half the U.S. population, officials said.

About 141 million people in a 1 million-square-mile area were under heat advisories and warnings, Justin Kenney, spokesman for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tweeted.

SUMMARY OF EVENTS

REFENCE

1. http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2011/03/08/fish_die_California
2. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/07/20/chile.snow/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
4. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/02/01/winter.storm/index.html?hpt=T2
5. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2652947.stm
6. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12073501
7. http://seeker401.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/death-toll-tops-100-as-india-cold-wave-endures/
8. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110118/ap_on_re_as/as_philippines_stormy_weather
9. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/07/20/heat/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

DISCOVERIES/INVENSIONS

• In December, 2011, Human-like life could exist on newly-discovered planet

A newly-discovered Earth-like planet could very well contain continental features where normal human-like life could exist. Or it  could be more of a water world with an ocean containing life forms similar to dolphins.

That’s according to Dr. Alan Boss, of the Carnegie Institution for Science, one of the researchers involved in  discovering the new planet.

This past Monday, NASA announced that its Kepler space telescope confirmed the first planet orbiting a star in its “habitable zone,” the region where liquid water could exist on a planet’s surface.

Some scientists described this planet, known asKepler 22B, as “Earth-like” with a star similar to our sun.

• 13 January, 2011, Astronomers reveal ‘most distant’ galaxy cluster

• Mobile phone to blast into orbit British engineers are planning to put a mobile phone in space.

The team at Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) in Guildford want to see if the sophisticated capabilities in today’s phones will function in the most challenging environment known.The phone will run on Google’s Android operating system but the exact model has not yet been disclosed.

It will be used to control a 30cm-long satellite and take pictures of the Earth in the mission later this year.Although mobile phones have been flown on high altitude balloons before, this would likely be the first time such a device has gone into orbit several hundred kilometres above the planet. “Modern smartphones are pretty amazing,” said SSTL project manager Shaun Kenyon.“They come now with processors that can go up to 1GHz, and they have loads of flash memory. First of all, we want to see if the phone works up there, and if it does, we want to see if the phone can control a satellite.”

• A prototype solar device has been unveiled which mimics plant life, turning the Sun’s energy into fuel. The machine uses the Sun’s rays and a metal oxide called ceria to break down carbon dioxide or water into fuels which can be stored and transported. Conventional photovoltaic panels must use the electricity they generate in situ, and cannot deliver power at night. The prototype, which was devised by researchers in the US and Switzerland, uses a quartz window and cavity to concentrate sunlight into a cylinder lined with cerium oxide, also known as ceria. Ceria has a natural propensity to exhale oxygen as it heats up and inhale it as it cools down.

• If as in the prototype, carbon dioxide and/or water are pumped into the vessel, the ceria will rapidly strip the oxygen from them as it cools, creating hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide.Hydrogen produced could be used to fuel hydrogen fuel cells in cars, for example, while a combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be used to create “syngas” for fuel.

It is this harnessing of ceria’s properties in the solar reactor which represents the major breakthrough, say the inventors of the device. They also say the metal is readily available, being the most abundant of the “rare-earth” metals.

• A solar system including six planets around a star 2,000 light-years away has been spotted by astronomers.

• Scientists in Switzerland say an experiment appears to show that tiny particles traveled faster than the speed of light — a result that would seem to defy the laws of nature.

The physicists say that neutrinos sent 730 kilometers (453.6 miles) underground between laboratories in Switzerland and Italy arrived a fraction of a second sooner than they should have, according to the speed of light.

The report was published Friday by a group of researchers working on the so-called Opera experiment, based at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland.

“This result comes as a complete surprise,” report author Antonio Ereditato at the University of Bern, in Switzerland, said in a statement.

“After many months of studies and cross checks, we have not found any instrumental effect that could explain the result of the measurement.”

The scientists on the Opera project would continue their research, he said, but “are also looking forward to independent measurements to fully assess the nature of this observation.”

The finding would seem to challenge Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity, and the long-established law of physics that nothing can exceed the speed of light.

“It is very, very remarkable if it’s true,” said Professor Neville Harnew, head of particle physics at Oxford University.

“If this proves to be correct, then it will revolutionize physics as we know it.”

• A giant rock formation resembling a city wall has been discovered under the Taiwan Strait.

Two black holes most massive ever found, astronomers say

Black holes: They’re most destructive monsters in the universe. We already knew they can be powerfully massive. Now scientists say they’ve found the most massive ones yet, as reported in the journal Nature.

REFERENCE

1.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12333766
2.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12051167
3.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12178936
4.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12253228
5. http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/23/world/europe/switzerland-science/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
6. http://blogs.voanews.com/science-world/2011/12/09/human-like-life-could-exist-on-newly-discovered-planet/
7. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7811730.stm
8. http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/05/two-black-holes-most-massive-ever-found-astronomers-say/?hpt=hp_t3

HUNGER

• Seoul, South Korea (CNN) — The European Commission has pledged $14.5 million in emergency food aid to help 650,000 North Koreans at risk of dying from malnutrition.

An EU mission visited the country last month and saw hospitals, kindergartens and state food distribution centers.

“Our experts saw severely malnourished children in hospitals and nurseries where no treatment was available,” said Kristalina Georgieva, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation. “Clearly, North Korea’s chronic nutrition problem is turning into an acute crisis in some parts of the country.”

The EU claims there will be strict monitoring procedures in place to ensure the food gets to those it is intended for.

The body will “not hesitate to end its humanitarian intervention” if it finds evidence of the aid being diverted, Georgieva said.

The aid has been earmarked for children under five who have been hospitalized with severe acute malnutrition, pregnant and breast-feeding women, hospital patients and the elderly.

The EU mission says it found evidence of North Koreans eating grass due to the severity of the situation and the average person consumed less than 400 calories per day — a fifth of the daily average nutritional requirement and equivalent to a small bowl of rice.

The World Food Programme will oversee the delivery of the aid package from the 27-nation bloc.

The United States also sent a team of experts to North Korea recently but the Obama administration has not yet decided whether to give food aid. Officials say monitoring where the aid ends up would be crucial.

The United States cut off its food aid donations to the country in 2008 when North Korea pulled out of the six-party talks on nuclear disarmament. South Korea has not given food aid to its neighbor since 2007.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter visited North Korea in April and accused South Korea and the United States of human rights violations by withholding food aid.

He was traveling with the Elders, an independent group of global leaders founded by former South African President Nelson Mandela.

REFERENCE

•  http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/07/04/north.korea.eu.aid/index.html

AIR DISASTER 2011

REFERENCE

• http://planecrashinfo.com/database.htm

GENERAL REFERENCE

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15669753
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15268314
• http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/05/politics/occupy-wall-street/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
•  http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/04/us/new-york-chopper-crash/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
• http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/25/world/asia/nepal-plane-crash/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15070550
• http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/25/world/asia/nepal-plane-crash/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
• http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/23/world/europe/switzerland-science/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

We praise Allah, the Merciful, the Beneficent. May Allah’s perpetual peace and blessings be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his beloved household. Fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, Eid ul-Adha is undoubtedly a remarkable mile-stone in Islam. It is in commemoration of the faith and courage by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He is known to other religions as Abraham. Majority of the people of the world regard Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as the Patriarch, Father of the Faithful and the Pillar of the three major world religions, i.e. Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Eid ul-Adha which is in remembrance of the unshaken faith of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in his Lord should not only be considered as an annual celebration, but also be considered to serve as a common unifier uniting the world and to guiding mankind in their daily lives to absolute success in this world and the hereafter.

There is a Universal Law, brothers and sisters that bonds every human being and leads him or her to a prosperous and happy Life in this world and the best of rewards in the hereafter. Allah says in the Quran 16:97. “Whoever does righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, We will surely give him or her happy and prosperous Life, and reward them in the hereafter according to the best of their deeds.” Righteousness, obedience and being gratitude to Allah was indeed the philosophy which Prophet Ibrahim (AS) believed in. In the same chapter Allah said; “Ibrahim was indeed a model. Devoutly obedient to Allah, true in faith, and he joined no gods with Allah. He showed his gratitude for the favours of Allah, Who chose him, and guided him to a Straight Path. And We gave him Good life in this world, and he will be, in the Hereafter, in the ranks of the Righteous.” So therefore, We have revealed to you the message. “Follow the ways of Ibrahim the True Faith. He joined no gods with Allah.”

My brothers and sisters, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) went through series of great tests and trails and by passing all of them with Distinction, became a shining example for all believers in Allah. In Quran; 2:124-125. Allah said; “And remember that Ibrahim was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled them all: Allah said: “I will make you an Imam to the Nations.” What can be more challenging than being asked to sacrifice one’s beloved son, after being childless till old age? Prophet Ibrahim (AS) found himself in that situation. Allah said in Quran 37:102-108. “Then, when his son reached the age of serious productivity, he said: “O my son! I saw in a vision that I offered you in sacrifice for the sake of Allah. What is your view on that?” His son replied: “O my father, do as you are commanded, Allah willing, you will find me, constantly Patient!” So when they had both submitted their wills to Allah, and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead for the sacrifice, We called out to him, “O Ibrahim, “You have indeed fulfilled the vision. For this was obviously a great trial” And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice. Therefore We left this sacrifice for all generations to come. “My salutations and Peace be unto Ibrahim!” This trial was the greatest choice between Allah and a beloved son, the greatest choice between love of Allah and love of self, the greatest choice between Prophethood and fatherhood, the greatest choice between loyalty to Allah and loyalty to people, the greatest choice between faith and emotion, the greatest choice between responsibility and pleasure and above all the greatest choice between productivity and idleness.

May I use this occasion to call on world leaders, religious leaders and their people to make conscious efforts to draw the lessons of Prophet Ibrahim to inspire them to sacrifice their cherished desires, emotions, pleasures for the advancement of humanity and for the promotion of peace and tranquility in the world. Most human beings are moving out of their human self and scavenging on others through senseless wars just to satisfy their selfish desires, emotions and allegiance to states or associations.

This year alone according to United Nations report over 560,000 people have been killed through such senseless wars. In Egypt, in Yemen, in Syria, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, the story is the same. In Libya alone over 30,000 people lost their lives, and more casualties are still being reported. Apart from the human lives lost, hundreds of millions of US dollars have been wasted in such wars whilst 9,125,000 people especially children and women died of starvation in Kenya, Somalia, Bangladesh, North Korea, etc. Some people are starving in North Korea to the extent that they eat grass to survive. What a terrible condition this could be? This means according to the United Nations report, about 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes. Check yourself at; www.worldhunger.org/articles/un. In every three and a half seconds, one person dies of hunger. Fortunately, there is plenty of food in the world for everyone. The problem, unfortunately, is that hungry people are trapped in war situations or in severe poverty. They lack the money to buy enough food to nourish themselves. Being constantly malnourished, they become weaker and often sick and painfully die off, and not forgiving the wicked world they left behind them.

How can the grand children of Prophet Ibrahim look on his other grand children dying out of starvation in such an inhumane condition? The socio-economic and political power of the world is now skewed towards killing and impoverishing mankind, whereas they should have been saving lives, empowering people and promoting peace and development. About two-thirds of the youth of the world are unemployed even though they could have been employed.

Muslims, Christians and Jews sincerely regard Prophet Ibrahim as their forefather and really love him. It is high time for the believers in Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to let us search for whatever brings doubt to our responsibilities. It is high time for us to search for whatever leads us to compromise truth and justice. It is high time for us to search for whatever causes us to flee from our duty and it is high time for us to search for whatever calls us to remain selfish. For us today, these are the signs of our “beloved sons.” Let us sacrifice more towards Allah. Let us remember that Eid ul-Adha is an Eid of sacrifice. Let all nations sincerely sacrifice these signs of their “beloved sons” and tirelessly work for peace, economic and social justice. Let us sacrifice more towards the eradication of hunger, poverty and disease from the world for the advancement of humanity.

I call on the world bodies, i.e., the UN, NATO, EU, AU, IMF and World Bank to consciously re-design their policies to sacrifice their parochial interests to establish, a truly, new socio-economic framework of responsibility, love, truth, justice, tolerance and generosity from which no one will be excluded.

On the domestic scene, Ghana is entering into an election year. Let me remind my fellow countrymen that Ghana is bigger and more important than any single individual or party in the country. Let us therefore make consented efforts not do anything to bring about disunity, conflicts and wanton killings of our citizens. I am appealing to politicians and party functionaries to reframe from the culture of insult from our political front. Let our politicians distinguish themselves in loyalty to God, responsibility, love, truth, justice, tolerance and fostering unity amongst the people of Ghana for our common goal, the development of our dear country. I call on the media to reframe from entertaining people who would want to bring about public disturbance. We absolutely depend on the media for accurate information and education. I am also appealing to them to be circumspect in their reportage.

I pray for the Government and the people of Ghana. I pray for all the chiefs and people of Dagbon. I pray for all the chiefs of Ghana. I pray for the prosperity of our dear country. I pray for peace for the entire world. I pray for all Muslims the world over. Once again, I wish all of you a very happy Eid ul-Adha celebration.

Assalamu Alaikum, dear brothers and sisters in Islam, we thank Allah for this wonderful occasion and pray Peace and Blessing of Allah to be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his household. I extend warm greetings to you all on the occasion of this year’s Eid ul-Fitr celebration. May Allah reward you abundantly for your sacrifices and endurance during the month of Ramadan. I take this opportunity to assure you that your Lord Allah the Almighty will reward you all the good things you did during the Holy Month of Ramadan. I therefore encourage you to continue to exhibit these good deeds throughout the year to the next Ramadan, Insha Allah.

My message on the occasion of this year’s Eid ul-Fitr celebration is on “Education and Development”. No society can develop if it fails to place education on top of its agenda. The developed societies have made it not through any other means but Education. Stressing on the importance of education, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “Seeking knowledge is incumbent on all Muslims”. This means that the acquisition of knowledge for the development of mankind is recommended to all Muslims,  irrespective of their sex. Knowledge such as Islamic Studies, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Politics, Chemistry, Medicine, Administrations, Agriculture, Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Biology, Psychology, Philosophy, Astronomy, Astrology, Geology, Metrology, Criminology, and Sociology, among others. The Quran contains all these disciplines and more especially in the fields of science and technology. Allah says Quran 31:11. These are the Creation of Allah; now show us the creation of others other than Him, what have they created? But the Transgressors are in manifest error.

As Muslims, the acquisition of knowledge should be considered part of our lives. The first verses revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) talk about the acquisition of knowledge of Creation in general. (Chapter 96 verse 1-5). Allah says “Read in the name of your Lord, Who created creation in general. He created man, out of a conception after the union of the opposite sex that hangs in the worm. Read for your Lord is Most Bountiful that He taught the use of the Pen and taught man that which he knew not.” These verses of the Holy Quran point out the relevance of Education to the Muslim. Obviously, these verses show the importance of both religious and secular education in the life of mankind as mentioned above.

The Muslim scholar who attempts to interpret the Holy Quran should be well informed not only in Islamic Knowledge but also in other disciplines such as science and technology. This will put him in a better position to interpret the Holy Quran as expected. He should be a rite model to inspire the youth and indeed up-coming scholars to seek knowledge. The science and technology that students study in educational institutions are all confirmed by the Holy Quran. Why because the Author of the Holy Quran is the creator of science and technology. Muslim scholars who interpret the Holy Quran to others must demonstrate this knowledge
to motivate the youth in their quest for knowledge. Any attempt to interpret the Holy Quran without an insight to these disciplines is indeed misguiding, misleading and misinforming his congregation which can never be in interest of Islam. For instance, the biology student who has studied human reproduction, would loose confidence and respect for his spiritual leader who erroneous tells him that human reproduction starts with a clot of blood. Whereas the Quran emphasises that human reproduction starts after the union of the opposite sex and should conception takes place, the foetus hangs in the mother’s worm. The Muslim scholar would have got it right if only he had followed the Quran’s version of the first stage of human reproduction.
Despite the emphasis of the importance of education to Muslims mentioned in the Holy Quran and taught by the Prophet of Islam (SAW), it is sad to note that Muslims are rather backward in Education. Worldwide, Muslims are associated with illiteracy and backwardness. The story is not different in Ghana today. Truly, it is in Muslim communities that you find children of school going age either not in school or if in school but not properly taken care of. Nation building needs an enhanced human resource base which can only be acquired through Education. Due to lack of education, poverty and many vices such as teenage pregnancy and waywardness are common in Muslim communities. Many parents shirk their responsibility of catering for their children in school as a result of either poverty or ignorance. Regrettably, it is said that give the Muslim leaders the wrong information and they will be at each others throat. Say the worst things about them in the books, they would never see it or read about it. The general thinking of the Muslim is that he sees himself on top of affairs and that he knows everything but indeed he know nothing or very little about his creation and his environment. With this behaviour, Allah warns us by saying in Quran 61: 2-3; “Believers, why say things which you do not do? It is grievous sin in the sight of Allah that you say things that you do not do.”

Brothers and sisters in Islam, I take this opportunity to appeal to Muslims to take the issue of education very seriously, illiteracy is alien to Islam. I want to stress that we need to institute measures to assist brilliant but needy children to climb the academic ladder to levels their brains can send them without any impediment. It is an Islamic responsibility that we must all collectively put
our heads together to find a solution to this problem.

The early Muslims did not shine away their Islamic responsibilities in the acquisition of knowledge for human development as we are doing nowadays but led exemplary life by inventing almost what we know now as modern science and technology.

In conclusion, I would like to stress that education is the only means by which we Muslims can free ourselves from the endemic poverty in which we find our selves today.

I pray for the Government and for all Ghanaians. I pray for the prosperity of our dear country. I pray for permanent and an everlasting peace for the Dagbon.  I pray for Peace for the entire world. I pray for all Muslims the world over and I ask the Almighty Allah to accept our fasting and reward us accordingly.

Once again, I
say Assalamu Alaikum. I wish you a happy Eid Celebration

The statement that disasters like Earthquakes, Land-slides, Storms and Floods occur frequently are as a result of “something man is doing wrongly on our planet”, this statement is true. Environmentalists have been worrying over this for some time just wanting the whole world to take it seriously.

The Holy Quran says that the earth rotates as a result of the mountains firmly established as pegs which are the positives and the valleys where rivers flow and the level lands, fertile for farming are the negatives. This is made so to create the Balance on earth. Under no circumstances, should the Balance be disturbed unduly after it has been set in order. Nobody has looked at why there are mountains and valleys at certain places and not at other places. This is a well calculated designed and a system to keep the earth evenly balanced on its axis and orbit.  

The Quran in 16:15 says; He has set up on the Earth Mountains standing firm, in order that it should move with you. And He set up rivers and roads that you may guide yourselves.

In Quran 21:31 it says; We have set on the Earth Mountains standing firm, to move with them, and We have made therein broad highways for them to pass through that they may receive guidance.

Also in Quran 31:10 it says; He created the heavens without any pillars that you see. He set on the Earth Mountains standing firm, in order that it should move with you. He scattered through it beasts of all kinds. We send down rain from the sky, and produce on the earth every kind of noble creature, in pairs.

The Holy Quran therefore indicates to us to frequently be mindful of the Balance on the planet and to put in place mechanisms for the even distribution of the earth’s weight. It however warns us not to lest disturb the Balance in order not to bring to ourselves terrible consequences.

In Quran 55:7-9, it reads; He raised high the Firmament and set up the Balance. Do not transgress the balance. So establish equal weight and fall not short in the even distribution of the Balance.

MAN MADE OR NATURAL DISASTERS

It should be clear by this time to some scientists that it is science that should fit into spirituality and not the other way round. Science should seek to find what has been revealed in the Holy Scriptures and not dismiss issues or things mentioned in the scriptures that science has yet no explanation to. Remember often times science has held firmly onto certain explanations for events and phenomena only to refute or reject them when new evidence evolves. It was said that the Sun was stationary and the rest of the planets revolve around it. Whereas the Quran maintained otherwise all these years until science recently discovered that the Sun also moves and orbits. This discovery is in conformity with the Quranic revelation. Read Quran 36:37-40.

The Night is a Sign for them. We alternate the Day, and they are in darkness. And the Sun runs on its course for the period determined for it; that is the decree of the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing. We have measured for the Moon stations to traverse till it returns like the old lower part of a date-stalk. It is not practical for the Sun to over speed and catch up with the Moon, nor can the Night overlap the Day. Each planet moves along its own orbit according to laid down regulations.

In the layman’s terms it suffices to say the equator is the center of the earth or fulcrum of the earth, just take a look at what has happened over decades. Mountains are being destroyed faster for construction works including building of sky scrapers anywhere anyhow above the equator than below it. There has also been a lot of relocated of the earth’s minerals dug out of earth surface and transported from below the equator to above it. Hundreds of thousands of tons of timber are transported from below the equator to above it on daily bases. Several thousands of tons of Iron Ore from The Congo are transported from below the equator to above it on daily bases.  The same goes with Rubber for tires and other purposes are also transported on daily bases. In fact many other countless heavy minerals are transported daily from below the equator to above it. Nobody knew the long term effect of this on the earth balance system. There is also the human and animal migration factor all form below the equator to above it. In this case we have transgressed the Balance and did little or nothing to establish equal weight of the Balance.

In the same way, if you moved a lot of mass from near the equator (away from the axis of rotation) to near the poles (closer to the axis), you would cause the earth’s rotation to speed up; and moving stuff and the other way could cause it to slow down.

The unbalance nature of the earth has resulted in the escalation of disasters which we are experiencing these days. Disasters like floods, landslides, earthquakes, tsunami, bush fires and the like are common these days. Environmentalists lay emphasis on global warming and working around the clock to get that problem solved. Unfortunately they have forgotten about the unbalance nature of the world which should be concerned seriously if they have to find solutions to the environmental problems. In fact the problem of the unbalance must be a priority.

“Do not destroy the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing for the Mercy of Allah is always near to those who do good,” as the Quran in 7:56 would warn.

The first and foremost study our geologists, environmentalists, physicists and engineers should have teamed up to do was to study the locations and weights of the mountains on our planet. This study would not only have enabled us to constantly be mindful of the Balance of our planet but to also enabled us put in place mechanisms for the even distribution of the earth’s weight, more so in the construction works including building of sky scrapers and their positions relative to the existing mountains. Knowing the exact locations of mountains and their weight and the valleys as opposed to the mountains would have helped us to keep the Balance on our planet and avoid these undue disasters.

Why pyramids? The shapes of most mountains are more like the geometric shapes of pyramids. The weight at the bottom is heavier than the peak. The sky scrapers that we build should have taken the architectural shape of the pyramids which would have been in conformity with the mountains. Therefore in constructing huge structures such as pyramids below the equator would have reinforced our planet with weight for the even distribution of the earth’s weight in order to keep the Balance on our planet and avoid these undue disasters.

It is common knowledge that a car which its four tires have the same weight and their pressure are even the car moves smoothly without any shaking and wobbling. Considering the same car with one of the tires deflated or under pressure, the car will be wobbling and easily get out of control and can cause an accident.

If we liken our planet to the car of deflated tire or one of the tires is under pressure, would enable us understand what is happening to the earth. Some part of the earth is heavier than the other, making the earth wobble causing these disasters that are happening now.

The Quran in 2:195 warns.

Spend of your substance in accordance to the way laid down by Allah. Do not let your own hands contribute to your destruction. Always do the right things for Allah love those do the right things.

he says: Keep your homes clean. clean all your utencils, cover all your drinking water, keep children indoors, close all doors and windows by mentioning Allah’s name and put off lights throughout the night. (Bukhari 3/1203).

-         AIR DISASTER :TOTAL OF AIR DISASTERS – 39

-         SEA DISASTERS: TOTAL OF SEA DISASTERS – 8

1. Hundreds stranded as ships stuck in Baltic Sea ice. There were up to 50 ships stranded in ice along Sweden’s eastern seaboard this week due to the weather.
2. Oil Spills At Jubilee Oil Field
3. Crews Discover 42,000 Gallon Gulf Oil Well Leak of the coast of Mexico

ITEM TWO (2)

The world will experience major conflicts developing into regional wars. Some nations might rise against others. The UN should be firm and fair and use good diplomacy to avert wars between nations, otherwise they could lead to a World war.

1. North Korea scraps South Korea military safeguard pact (27 May 2010) 10 South Korean warships took part in an anti-submarine drill
2. North Korea anger at US-South Korea war games (22 July 2010) BBC news. North Korea has also said new US sanctions against it will violate a UN statement issued after the sinking of a South Korean warship in March
3. UN warship hearing angers N Korea (15 June 2010)
4. China and Japan ‘back North Korea financial sanctions’ (1 June 2010) South Korea says it has persuaded China and Japan to take part in financial sanctions against North Korea
5. Deadly clashes in Kyrgyzstan’s southern city of Osh (11 June 2010) At least 26 people have been killed in clashes in Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city of Osh, officials say. More than 400 people were wounded in the fighting, which is reportedly between Kyrgyz and ethnic Uzbek groups
6. Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri warns of Israel ‘threat’. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri says he is concerned about “escalating” threats posed to the Middle East by Israel
7. China warns US over planned $6.3bn arms sale to Taiwan (30 January 2010) The Chinese government has warned that a planned sale of advanced US weaponry to Taiwan threatens to strain a relationship already troubled by disputes about internet censorship

Total: 23

ITEM THREE (3)

Signs of the End of Time, the Doomsday; (Likelihood of a collision of the Earth with some heavenly bodies). Discovery of new lands.

1. Meteorite Crashes Through Virginia Doctor’s Office (21 January 2010) A small meteorite fell from the sky and crashed through the roof of a doctor’s office in Virginia, but luckily no one was hit, experts say.
2. Massive China Sandstorm Seen from Space (23 March 2010) The nasty storm kicked up sand and dust from the arid terrain of Inner Mongolia and swept it thousands of miles to the south and east. The yellow dust reduced visibility and air quality in Beijing and even as far away as Taiwan and Japan. Residents wore dust masks to combat the sandstorm.
3. Russians plan asteroid diversion (01 Jan 2010) Nazdrovia! Nothing like starting off 2010 with a little talk of Armageddon (the movie). Rumors were flying around the Internet just before the New Year that the Russians are planning a mission to divert the asteroid 99942 Apophis away from Earth collision
4. Astronomers detect ‘Monster Star’ (21 July 2010) source: BBC News  
5. Kepler telescope spots ‘Styrofoam’ planet
6. NASA space telescope quickly spots first asteroid (January 25, 2010)
7. Five New Planets Found; Hotter Than Molten Lava (January 4, 2010)
8. Meteor Hit On Jupiter Prompts Russian Warning For Earth

Total: 10

ITEM FOUR (4)

RE-EMERGENCE OF DICTATORSHIP IN SOME COUNTRIES

1. Cote d Voir electoral problems
2. Niger military take over
3. Guinea
4. Gambia

Total: 4

ITEM FIVE (5)

PLAGUES AND OUTBREAK OF EPIDEMICS DUE PARTLY TO VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS AND EARTHQUAKES.

1. Haiti earthquake 7.0-magnitude quake, killed as many as 200,000. 12^th January, 2010
2. Massive earthquake strikes Chile (28 February 2010) A massive earthquake has hit central Chile and killed at least 214 people, the interior minister says.
3. Portugal Landslides Death Toll Reaches 42 (February 21, 2010)
4. Massive earthquake strikes Chile killed more than 720 people (Feb. 27 2010)
5. Uganda Landslide: At Least 70 Killed, Hundreds Missing (03/ 2/10)
6. Seven Die in China Earthquake (18^th January 2010) Seven people died and one was missing in landslides triggered by a low-grade earthquake in southwestern China at the weekend, the government said on Monday.
7. Fears grow for 32 named as missing after Madeira landslides (23 February 2010) Officials expect death toll of 42 to increase significantly
8. Mozambique: Cholera outbreaks (February 25th, 2010) Mozambique’s health minister says 36 people have died this year from a cholera outbreak in the northern and central parts of the southern African country.
9. Turkey Earthquake Kills Dozens (March 8, 2010) Local officials had put the death toll as high as 57 Monday morning, but later lowered the confirmed death toll to 51. The toll is expected to rise as rescue workers search for survivors in the ruined buildings
10. Volcanic Eruption in Iceland Disrupts Air Travel (03/22/2010) With continuing seismic activity, geologists in Iceland fear that this weekend’s small eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano could trigger larger volcanic events. For now, though, damage has been contained to the immediate vicinity and no injuries have been reported. Iceland’s eruptions could have global consequences
11. Zambia suffers cholera outbreak after floods (March 23 2010) Lusaka – Cholera killed at least 12 people in Zambia’s capital Lusaka after floods caused by torrential rains contaminated drinking water, a health ministry official said on Tuesday.
12. H1N1 Outbreak – Achimota, Ayipe, Mfantsipim, School Closed (29-Mar-2010 )
13. Meningitis outbreak kills 250 in Burkina Faso (March 3, 2010 March 3, 2010) Health officials in the west African country of Burkina Faso are worried about an increase in deaths from meningitis which has killed about 250 people so far this year.
14. China faces ‘diabetes epidemic’, research suggests. China faces a diabetes epidemic, with almost one in 10 adults having the disease while most cases remain undiagnosed, researchers have said.  
15. Zambia hit by worst cholera outbreak in years; more than 130 dead and nearly 5,000 affected (April 15th, 2010)
16. Landslide in Jiangxi China derails train killing 19 (23 May 2010) A landslide has caused the derailment of a passenger train in south-east China, with at least 19 people killed and 71 injured.
17. Mudslides in Brazil continue to claim lives (08/04/2010) mudslides claiming the lives of more than 150 people with thousands left homeless.
18. Super Typhoon Megi hits northern Philippines (26 October 2010) bbc news. A “super typhoon” has struck the northern Philippines with heavy rain and winds of up to 260km/h (162mph), leaving at least three people dead.
19. Indonesia tsunami deaths increase after Sumatra quake (26 October 2010) bbc news. More than 100 people have been killed and many are missing after a tsunami triggered by an earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.
20. Dozens die in new Mount Merapi eruption in Indonesia (5 November 2010) bbc news. More than 100 people are now said to have been killed.
21. Rain hits Haiti as Tropical Storm Tomas approaches (5 November 2010) The outbreak of the water-borne disease – which has so far killed more than 400 people and infected more than 6,700 in Haiti – has not seriously affected the capital, but aid agencies say flooding could change that. BBC new
22. Outbreak of CSM: 17 killed (23 February 2010) Source: GNA
23. Indonesia is struck by three powerful earthquakes (16 June 2010)
24. Nyiragongo volcano landslide: 54 ‘dead’ in DR Congo (20 May 2010)
25. Hundreds flee Guatemala volcano (28 May 2010) At least 1,600 people have fled the eruption, some 30km (19 miles) south of the capital city
26. Nigeria – lead poisoning kills 100 children in north (4 June 2010) More than 100 children have died of lead poisoning in Nigeria in recent weeks, health officials say.
27. Indonesia tsunami deaths increase after Sumatra quake (26 October 2010) More than 100 people have been killed and many are missing after a tsunami triggered by an earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia
28. Colombia landslide: Dozens feared buried near Medellin (7 December 2010) More than 100 people are still missing and feared dead after a hillside collapsed on Sunday, following the heaviest rains in the country for decades.

Total Earthquake: 28   Volcanic Eruptions Total = 4

ITEM SIX (6);INFANT MORTALITY ESPECIALLY BOYS

1. Mother Kills 5 Kids (January 06, 2010) The deceased kids were Kweku Asante 11, Nana Yaw Asante, 9, Angela Asante, 6, Kofi Asante, 4, and Esi Asante, one and half years. Three boys and two girls.
2. Man stabs 28 children in China nursery school attack. Twenty-eight children and three adults have been injured by a man with a knife at a nursery school in eastern China, the third such attack in a month.
3. Nigeria – lead poisoning kills 100 children in north (4 June 2010) More than 100 children have died of lead poisoning in Nigeria in recent weeks, health officials say.

Total: 3

ITEM SEVEN (7)

RAINS THAT COULD BE HARMFUL TO THE HUMAN BODY AND PLANTS; (CHEMICAL RAINS).

1. Afghanistan avalanches kill 150 in Salang Pass. Some 2,500 people have been rescued so far, but scores more are feared buried following several days of heavy snow. More than two dozen avalanches have hit the pass since Monday, blocking 2.1 miles (3.5km) of road
2. 3 more killed in J&K due to rain, avalanche. (9 February 2010) Two security men and a civilian were killed and 10 others injured as snowfall and rains triggered fresh avalanches and landslides in
3. Flooding
4. CHINA, it rained pepples

Total: 4

ITEM EIGHT (8) MENTAL DISORDERS WOULD BE COMMON

1. CHINA SCHOOL ATTACKS

-          24 March 2010- eight children killed in Nanping, Fujian

-          28 April 2010- at least 15 children and one teacher injured in Leizhou, Guangdong

-          Man stabs 28 children in China nursery school attack, 29 April 2010 – three adults and 28 children injured in Taixing, Jiangsu  

2. Villager stabs 9 women and children, 2 dead (2010-05-11) BEIJING – A knife-wielding villager stabbed two women to death and injured seven other women and children in Northwest China’s Shaanxi province on Monday

 3. Aftermath of Haiti earthquake

Total: 3

ITEM NINE (9): FOOD SUFFICIENCY

1. Generally the productions of rice and maize have increase. There is an increase in yield production in Ghana.

ITEM TEN (10):BUSINESSES WILL FLOURISH IN SOME COUNTRIES.

1. German economy grew by 3.6% in 2010

2. China’s economy grew by 10% in 2010

3. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the United States expanded 2.60 percent in the third quarter of 2010 over the previous quarter.

4. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Japan expanded 1.10 percent in the third quarter of 2010 over the previous quarter

REFERENCES

For details refer to

1. BBC NEWS
2. CNN NEWS
3. Planecrashinfo.Com/Recent.Htm
4. Select an event and “Google” it

(QUTUB AZ-ZAMAAN)

1. There will be Food sufficiency in most parts of the world. There will be beneficial rains and food production will be high with good yields.

2. Businesses will flourish in some countries. Naturally some economies will overcome their economic difficulties even with the least effort in their economic management.

3. Natural disasters like Land-slides, Storms, Lightening, Thunder and Floods will occur very commonly. This is as a result of the unbalance nature of the world; there is too much weight on one side. This situation can be rectified by constructing huge structures such as pyramids below the equator.

4. Air and Sea Disasters would continue to strike.

5. Extreme Weather conditions that could be harmful to human beings, animals and plants;

6. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions would occur commonly

7. Outbreak of Epidemics;

8. Public unrest in some countries due to political differences and in some cases economic difficulties. World leaders should promote peace and tranquility in their various countries. The greatest challenge that the human race has ever faced and is still facing today is to live in a world free of threat and free of violence. Violence exists everywhere nowadays, in our homes, schools and communities.

9. Death of the Youth. They should take life serious. They would have very serious consequences in alcohol and sex related problems.

10. Death of Prominent Chiefs and Heads; globally.

11. Territorial, tribal and racial disputes developing into wars. The issue of permanent peace in the world should be of great concern to all of us. Peace is not just the absence of war but a state of living without fear and grief and the ability to access basic necessities of life. In order to avoid disputes and wars, politicians and opinion leaders should make concerted efforts to refrain from doing anything that will disturb the existing peace we are currently enjoying. The culture of insult from our political leaders in Ghana is not the best. Our politicians should do all they can to lead exemplary lives by fostering unity amongst the people. The media should also be circumspect in their reportage. The media should not entertain people who would want to use them to bring about public disturbances.

12. New discoveries and inventions. Muslim leaders and scholars should collaborate with world scientists to unearth some useful technologies to make life much more comfortable and easier and to solve some of the worlds’ major problems.

SADAQAH (ALMS): THESE ALMS ARE MEANT TO PREVENT THE CALAMITIES FROM HAPPENING AND TO REALISE THE POSITIVIES. THE ALMS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE POOR AND THE NEEDY.

HEADS OF STATES FOR THEIR COUNTRIES:

1. Recitation of the Quran 220 times.

2. 7 white and 6 brown cows to be slaughtered and to feed the poor.

3. The equivalent of $490,000 to be given to the needy as alms.

KINGS AND PARAMOUNT CHIEFS:

1. Recitation of the Quran 67 times.

2. 3 white cows, 10 (brown) sheep to be slaughtered and to feed the poor.

3. $4,000 should be given to the needy as alms.

FAMILY HEADS:

1. Recitation of the Quran 4 times to be followed by the slaughtering of a brown sheep to the needy.

2. 6 bowls of rice and 7 bowls of other grains for the poor.

3. GH¢ 49 from the family heads to the poor.

INDIVIDUALS

1. Four (4) bowls of grains in addition to GH¢ 22 to be given to the poor.

I wish all my Christian Brothers and Sisters in Ghana and in the world a Happy Merry Christmas and New Year.

Praise be to Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent, the Most High. I pray for the perpetual Peace and Blessings of Allah to bear upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and his household. Fellow Muslims, Eid ul-Adha is undoubtedly a remarkable mile stone in Islam. It is not only for the annual celebration, but also to serve as a lesson and to guide us in our daily lives and for our success in this world and the hereafter.

On this memorable occasion of Eid ul-Adha, I call on world leaders to promote peace and tranquility in their various countries and draw the lessons of Prophet Ibrahim to inspire them and their people. Prophet Ibrahim went through a great test and became a shining example for believers in Allah and in the Last day. What can be more challenging than being asked to sacrifice one’s beloved son, after being childless till old age?

Allah says in the Holy Quran 37: 102-111. When his son reached the age of serious work with him, he said: “O my son! (meaning Prophet Ismail) I saw in a vision that I offered you in sacrifice: what is your view!” His son said: “O my father, do as you are commanded: you will find me, if Allah wills, among the Patients!” So when they had both submitted their wills to Allah, and he laid him prostrate on his forehead for the sacrifice, We called out to him, “O Ibrahim!” you have indeed obeyed your Lord!” Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For this was an obvious trial. We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: And We left this blessing for also generations to come. “Peace and salutation be upon Ibrahim!” Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For he was one of Our believing Servants.

My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, Allah Almighty has chosen the 10th day of Zul-Hija which is a Nahisi day (a day of evil omen ) for us to celebrate Eid ul-Adha, slaughter a ram and pray to Him to convert all the bad days in the year to good days. Therefore it is important for all Muslims to observe the celebration of the Eid on the 10th day. Converting the bad days to good days will bring us permanent peace.

The issue of permanent peace in the world should be of great concern to all of us. Peace is not just the absence of war, but a state of living without fear and grief. For instance one cannot be at peace with oneself and the society if one cannot access basic necessities of life.

The greatest challenge that the human race has ever faced and is still facing is to live in a world free of threat and free of violence. Violence exists everywhere nowadays, in our homes, schools and communities. Where there is injustice, violence and conflicts are inevitable. Conflicts at both the local and international levels come about as a result of exploitation, poverty, corruption and what have you.

Allah says in the Holy Quran 16:90: Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and generosity to kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition.

Let us see peace as a struggle towards world unity, characterized by an absence of violence in all its forms. Let us build a society that is free from discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, social and economic status. Let us tirelessly pursue nonviolent solutions to all misunderstandings, and work for economic and social justice, celebrate diversity, and strive to build relationships between adversaries through education, conflict mediation, mutual respect and co-operation.

From the international scene, let us come home. Dear brothers and sisters, fellow countrymen, let us not do anything to bring about disunity, conflicts and what have you. I am therefore appealing to politicians and opinion leaders to reframe from doing anything to disturb the already peaceful atmosphere we are enjoying. The culture of insult from our political fronts is not the best. Our politicians should do all they can to lead exemplary lives by fostering unity amongst the people.

I call on the media to reframe from entertaining people who would want to bring about public disturbance. The media should also be circumspect in their reportage. Let us all do what we can to be each others keeper. Let us help the poor, the destitute and the vulnerable in society. Let us help to educate the youth about respect for elders in society. Let us educate our children and Ghanaians as a whole about the need for quality education.

I call on the religious leaders, to pray continuously for the prosperity of the nation and for the government to succeed in its policies. And the revenue which will be accrued from the oil should be used successfully in creating employment for the majority of the youth in Ghana. And also equip the security personnel so as to reduce the rate of armed robbery and crime in our society.

I call on all spiritual leaders to help me pray to maintain the peace we are enjoying in the world now and also pray to prevent the disasters that are befalling the world nowadays.

I pray for the Government. I pray for all the chiefs and people of Dagbon. I pray for all the chiefs and people of Ghana. I pray for the prosperity of our dear country. I pray for peace for the entire world. I pray for all Muslims the world over.

Describing the practice as senseless and undemocratic, he implored them to foster the development of the northern part of the country.

“The use of the media to settle personal scores in connection with the protracted Abudu and Andani chieftaincy dispute is a recipe for more violence,” he noted.

The Islamic leader noted that leaders from both sides of the divide have failed over the years to use dialogue to settle disputes.

Sheikh Imam Rashid, who is affectionately called Kutubu Zamaani, was responding to issues regarding numerous negative reports after some comments were made by representatives of both families.

The spiritual leader expressed dissatisfaction with the way Dagbon issues were being handled and called on Dagombas to repair the dented image of the Dagbon Kingdom.

He also challenged Dagombas to use their resources to educate their children to make them productive citizens of the country to eradicate the ‘Kayaaye” menace.