Wired 14.07: The Wired 40

What makes a company wired? We start by looking for the basics: strategic vision, global reach, killer technology. But that’s not enough. To land a spot on our annual Wired 40 list, a business also needs the X-factor – a hunger for new ideas and an impatience to put them into practice. Such companies inevitably become trendsetters, literally: As we debated and redebated the list this year, six major themes flickered into view. From the rise of peer production to the end of carbon pollution, they tell us where the world is heading. These are the companies leading the way.

BBC NEWS | Business | Mid-East ‘learns oil-boom lesson’

The Middle East has learned lessons from the past and is enjoying the current oil boom with restraint, the World Bank has said.

Instead of frittering away profits from high prices, countries in the area are pumping them into development schemes.

At the Islamic Fiqh Academy annual session, held in Amman, I had an interesting conversation with Shaykh Ali Qurra-Daghi, a respected faqih, usuli, and specialist in Islamic finance.

Shaykh Qurra-Daghi expressed concern at the emergence of “al-fiqh al-maqasidi” (’goals-based fiqh’) in which fiqh is reduced down to simply a set of general maqasid (’primary goals’) of the Shariah, a handful of legal maxims (qawa`id fiqhiyya), and some general primary texts. He said that it is as if the scholars behind this push consider the general goals of the Shariah to be an independent, primary source of deriving rulings.

This simply isn’t the case, he explained, because the general goals of the Shariah are matters that underly the primary texts. And rulings are derived, by mujtahids, from the primary texts themselves. When applying these rulings or chosing certain positions over others, there is no doubt that it is imperative to consider these general goals of the Shariah–in order that one’s application of the rulings be in line with the spirit of the primary texts. However, he emphasized that it is very dangerous to take these general goals as independent sources for deriving rulings, because (a) it brings in a huge element of subjectivity into the Shariah; (b) this can lead to going against actual texts of the Qur’an and Sunna; and (c) this can be manipulated in ways that actual contravene the spirit and purpose of the Shariah.

Very interesting.

Over the last few days, some of us have been spending a lot of time with Mufti Taqi Usmani, as he fell rather ill during the Islamic Fiqh Academy’s annual session, here in Amman (Jordan.) [He is much better now, Alhamdulillah.]

It has been amazing how the noble shaykh has been smiling and joyous throughout his illness and subsequent weakness–and how patient he has been under the barrage of questions that has been showering down upon him.

The scholars at the conference–many of the leading scholars of our Umma–have amazing deference and respect for Mufti Taqi. Some scholars, including Shaykh Muhammad Adnan Darwish, came down from Syria just to visit him briefly, and to seek his du`a’ and ijaza of baraka. Other notable scholars, such as Shaykh Akram Abd al-Wahhab al-Mawsuli, visited him. Mufti Taqi and Shaykh Akram exchanged ijazas, after each insisted that they were unworthy of such a matter.

Questions and the Hadith of Mercy

There was a beautiful majlis in which these scholars from Syria, Jordan, and Iraq asked Mufti Taqi a number of questions on contemporary issues, and sought his guidance.

Then Shaykh Iyad al-Ghawj asked the Shaykh to transmit the “Hadith al-Musalsal bi’l Awwaliyya,” a famous Prophetic hadith transmitted (with contiguous isnad) with each narrator having heard this particular hadith first before others from the person above them in the chain. The hadith is, without the full chain, is related by Abd Allah ibn Amr (Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“The merciful are shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Have mercy to those on earth, and the Lord of the Heavens will have mercy upon you.” [Tirmidhi]

Mufti Taqi related this from Shaykh Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghudda, Shaykh Hasan al-Mashshat al-Maliki, and Shaykh Yasin al-Fadani. [The previous day, Shaykh Ali Jumu`ah had narrated this hadith through his chains, including Shaykh al-Hafidh al-Tijani, and Shaykh Abd Allah ibn Siddiq al-Ghumari.]

May Allah shower His mercy upon us, and make us of those whom He loves.

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Balochistan: Resources-rich and volatile

Pakistani security forces in Balochistan are fighting armed tribal separatists who say the province’s natural wealth is being plundered. The BBC’s Barbara Plett visits the scene of recent fierce fighting.

(1) Not being clear
Go out of your way to explain yourself, clearly, especially when correcting others or expressing disagreement.
(2) Going on and on
People are busy. Respect that, and get to your point quickly and clearly.
(3) Sending huge attachments
People use email for work. Huge attachments slow them down.
(4) Writing poorly or being too curt
This turns people off what you write; and can lead to misunderstandings or (worse) arguments.
(5) Not using clear subject lines
People are busy. Tell them what you’re writing about in the subject line. Saying, “Important,” or “Read this,” is not helpful.

‘Breathtaking’ Waste and Fraud in Hurricane Aid - New York Times

Among the many superlatives associated with Hurricane Katrina can now be added this one: it produced one of the most extraordinary displays of scams, schemes and stupefying bureaucratic bungles in modern history, costing taxpayers up to $2 billion.

BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iraq’s uncertain marshland revival

The Iraqi government says it has successfully restored large parts of the country’s unique marshlands over the past three years.

Related links:

Americans’ circle of close friends shrinking - Yahoo! News

Americans are more socially isolated than they were 20 years ago, separated by work, commuting and the single life, researchers reported on Friday.

Nearly a quarter of people surveyed said they had “zero” close friends with whom to discuss personal matters. More than 50 percent named two or fewer confidants, most often immediate family members, the researchers said.

Damn Interesting » Products of Pollution?

For decades we’ve heard of the plight of our environment. After years of chemicals toxins making their way to rivers, and seeping into groundwater there is no doubt some unusual and bad things are arising from human interference in nature, but there is some dispute on just how much human affairs have impacted the eons-old ecology.

In a quest to show the ill effects of humanity’s ill-advised pollution, some environmentalists began trying to show specific problems that these uninvited chemicals were causing. In the late 1970’s, one such example began to gain notoriety: deformed frogs.

As part of a longer interview, Shaykh Ali Jumu`ah was asked last night for advice for those seeking Islamic knowledge. He said that one should attach one’s heart to Allah; act with sincerity; and don’t worry about what people say. If you do, you’ll find only good…

(Interviewed in Amman, where he is attending the Islamic Fiqh Academy’s annual conference.)

EconLog, An Economist’s Guide to Happier Parenting, Bryan Caplan: Library of Economics and Liberty

Happiness research hits a lot of nerves, but the finding that kids don’t make people happier may be the unkindest cut of all. As a proponent of having more kids,
I could make methodological objections, but the truth is, I do notice a
lot of people who don’t seem to enjoy being parents. My view, however,
is that to a fair degree, these parents just aren’t doing it right! Fortunately, basic economics is here to lend a helping hand.

My main observation about parental unhappiness is this: The last 10%
of parenting hours causes half of all the parental unhappiness. First
two hours with your kids: a joy. Second two hours: pretty good. Hours
5-8: Tolerable. Hours nine and ten: Pain. Remaining hours: Anguish.
There are few better illustrations of the law of diminishing marginal
utility.

Once you see this clearly, there are some obvious solutions…

Today, I had the honor of a lifetime: I picked up Mufti Taqi Usmani from his hotel (he’s here for the Islamic Fiqh Academy sessions this week in Amman) and took him to visit Shaykh Nuh Keller at the latter’s house in Kharabsheh.

It was a beautiful meeting of two great luminaries of our times. An important issue raised and agreed upon by both scholars was the importance of considerations of tazkiya (spiritual benefit) when one answers religious questions. The point of religion is to promote deen in the lives of people, which is why the fuqaha deemed systematically seeking out dispensations to be impermissible, and why they encouraged people to follow one school of law.

(As an aside, please make dua for Mufti Taqi: he got a bit sick in the afternoon, and we’re now cooking Pakistani food for him over the upcoming days, instead of the hotel stuff he preferred to avoid.)

Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg » Blog Archive » Damascus Breeze & Light Upon Light

Videos of the sheikh have recently been making the rounds among many
of our enthusiastic sisters and brohers. Since so many are remembering
(or discovering) him at this particular time, I thought I would share,
once again, this beautiful essay by Asra Adiba, Damascus Breeze, and a link to the only online copy I know of of “Light Upon Light in Damascus,” the obituary of our beloved sheikh written by his student, our dear Sheikh Nuh Keller.

Reading their stories, one can absorb many life lessons,
insha’Allah. For example, Sheikh Abdur Rahman did not grow up
steeped in knowledge. He only learned to read as an adult. He was a
blue collar working man — a weaver by trade. But his example is
one that should be inspiring to any convert, insha’Allah: he
learned to read, and then learned fusha, and then began studying the
sciences of the diyn, and then… Alhamdulillah.

BBC NEWS | In pictures | India’s hidden beauty spot | General view, North Sikkim

General view, North Sikkim

Sikkim, now part of India, is a tiny former Kingdom in the Himalayas between Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and the Indian state of West Bengal. It was a princely state under British supervision, then in 1950 it became an Indian protectorate, finally becoming an integral part of India after a referendum in 1975.

Home to the world’s third-highest mountain, Kangchenjunga, Sikkim is developing fast, with Delhi granting it tax-free status and investing heavily in its infrastructure.

Foreign Affairs - Special Feature

“Once proudly socialist and nonaligned, India is being remade as a roaring capitalist success story and emerging strategic partner of the United States. Economic reforms have raised per capita GDP and lowered poverty rates, while New Delhi’s growing self-confidence may help it become the swing state in the global balance of power.

In this special lead package, therefore, Foreign Affairs has brought together four top experts to analyze the sources and implications of India’s rise — and the policies necessary for it to continue.”

The India Model

India and the Balance of Power

America’s New Strategic Partner?

Will Kashmir Stop India’s Rise?

Foundations: A Curriculum of Core Islamic Learning

Imam Ghazali summarized it well: “Knowledge is vast. Life is short.” Successfully treading the path of knowledge requires careful planning. SunniPath Academy helps you put first things first by presenting Foundations, a curriculum of core Islamic learning. The 10 courses of the Foundations curriculum teach essential religious knowledge that every Muslim must know. Upon completing Foundations, you will know how to make your belief, worship of Allah, and dealings with people valid and proper according to the sunna of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace). You are only three steps away from completing Foundations: STEP 1: Prepare yourself by understanding what Sunni Islam is and how it derives directly from the Quran and the sunna.   STEP 2: Reinforce your knowledge by covering in a comprehensive and structured manner: what it means to say, “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah“ how to perform the five pillars how to keep your earnings lawful how to live in the modern world according to the sunna and what it means to have a pure heart. STEP 3: Enrich yourself by choosing 2 courses from a variety of non-technical electives. Upon satisfactory completion of these courses you will be eligible for certification and enrollment in the more advanced Seekers curriculum.
The Foundations Curriculum Preparation Belief, Law, and Spirituality: Absolute Essentials of Islam Methodology: Foundations of Islamic Law Reinforcement Belief: Essentials of Worship Worship: Essentials of Worship Dealings: Money Matters and Fiqh of Life Spirituality: The Journey to Allah or The Diseases of the Heart (forthcoming) Enrichment Qur’an: The Oft-Recited Suras or Tafsir al-Jalalayn Hadith: The 77 Branches of Faith or Nawawi’s 40 Hadith (forthcoming) History: Lessons from the Life of our Beloved Messenger Enrichment: The Successful Islamic Marriage	Learn More About SunniPath Our Teachers How Courses are Taught Sample Course Audio Learning Tracks

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SunniPath Answers:
I have a problem with sleeping too much

Nyakehu: The Telephone Conversation

The price seemed reasonable, location
Indifferent. The landlady swore she lived
Off premises. Nothing remained
But self- confession “Madam, I warned,
“I hate a wasted journey- I am African.”
Silence. Silenced transmission of
Pressurised good – breeding. Voice, when it came
Lipstick-coated, long gold-rolled
Cigarette- holder pipped. Caught I was foully
“HOW DARK?…… I had not misheard……
“ARE YOU LIGHT OR VERY DARK?” Button B, Button A, stench
Of rancid breath of public hide-and –speak
Red booth. Red pillar box. Red double-tiered
Omnibus squelching tar. It was real. Shamed
By ill-mannered silence, surrender
Pushed dumbfounded to beg simplification.
Considerate she was, varying the emphasis-
“ARE YOU DARK? OR VERY LIGHT?” Revelation came
“You mean –like plain or milk chocolate?”
Her assent was clinical, crushing in its light
Impersonality, Rapidly, wave length adjusted,
I chose “West African sepia”- and as afterthought,
“Down in my passport.” Silence for spectroscopic
Flight of fancy, till truthfulness clanged her accent
Hard on the mouthpiece. “WHAT IS THAT?” conceding
“DON’T KNOW WHAT THAT IS” “Like brunette.”
THAT’S DARK, ISN’T IT?” Not altogether,
Facially, I am a brunette, but Madam you should see
The rest of me. Palm of my hand, soles of my feet
Are a peroxide blonde. Friction caused
Foolishly, Madam – by sitting down, has turned
My bottom raven black- One moment – sensing
Her receiver rearing on the thunderclap
About my ears- “Madam” I pleaded “wouldn’t you rather
See for yourself?”

Wole Soyinka

TheStar.com - `Beef’ cut from India’s history textbooks

References to the beef-eating past of ancient Hindus have been deleted from Indian school textbooks following a three-year campaign by Hindu hardliners.

For almost a century, history books for primary and middle schools told how in ancient India, beef was considered a great delicacy among Hindus — especially among the highest caste — and how veal was offered to Hindu deities during special rituals.

Comment is free: We must rebel against raunch

It is time to stand up against the saturation of our culture in commercialised sexual imagery.

Harcourt Economics

Although the study of economics has many facets, the field is unified by several central ideas. The Ten Principles of Economics offer an overview of what economics is all about.

Healthy Children - - Information and advice to help keep your kids healthy

#2 on my list of strategies to raise a happy and successful 21st century child? Raise him/her to be a book lover.

(See opening article.)

Above all, raise your child as a lover of Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him); as someone who manifests mercy; who
strives to be as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was–with good character, being true, and trustworthy; and someone who seeks good in this life and the next.