A gold rush, similar to the one that struck the dream of getting rich quick into the hearts of many of America’s greatest pioneers back in the early 1800’s, is taking Sudan by storm. And it seems everyone from poor day laborers to farmers to archeological crewmembers are “digging” in on the act.

You know what occurred to me after this whole erroneously labeled and maliciously contrived “Ground Zero Mosque” controversy started gaining traction? Pretty much everyone in America hates us! It’s true! Well, not everyone. Thankfully, some of those people are Jon Stewart and his staff at The Daily Show. 

“A heart-wrenching day for me and for my delegation. I will never forget the destruction and sufferings I have witnessed today… In the past I have visited scenes of many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this.” - UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon

by Zayba Abdulla

Repenting Muslims know the only way to make up for their past year is during the month of mercy, or Ramadan.  Hence, the demand for visas to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia this Ramadan has reached an all time high, and the Ministry of Haj had to up their supply.  They have raised the number of visas for foreign pilgrims by 16 percent and plan to issue a total of 911,000 visas this Ramadan.  Definitely a significant increase from the 674,000 issued the previous year. 

The Holy Month of Ramadan is upon us! Doesn’t the spirit of the season make you just want to dig as deep as you can into your pockets for the sake of charity?  However, with the global credit crunch still digging in its’ heels, this Ramadan will prove difficult for many families struggling to fill their Iftar table.

By Zayba Abdulla

Saudi Arabia is officially in the running for the unofficial contest every country secretly enters, “who can build the biggest and the tallest anything.” With Dubai having the tallest building and Syria with the biggest restaurant, Saudi entered the race with the biggest clock.  Yeah...we thought that too, “What the Fatwa?”

By: Zayba Abdulla

Pakistan is currently suffering from the worst flooding in their country’s history, as 3 million people have been affected and 1,400 people have been killed.  According to reports from the United Nations, there are currently around 27,000 people still trapped by floodwaters and in need of aid.  Additionally, the World Food Programme estimated that 1.8 million people whose homes have been destroyed are in need of food aid. 

According to a recent study conducted by the asset management firm Al Masah Capital, Saudi Arabian women have a whole lot of pennies in their piggy banks to the tune of about US$12 billion smackeroos. The cold hard cash is languishing in banks around the Gulf Kingdom, just waiting for several rainy days to strike. Can anyone say matching Prada purse and shoes..puh..leaze?

Zaytuna College began their classes this summer in Berkeley, California. It is the first Muslim College in America “committed to demonstrating, through practice, teaching, and the free exchange of ideas, Islam’s critical role in the modern world.” The college’s motto, “Where Islam meets America,” expresses the great pride the school takes in creating an institution of knowledge based around Islam. 

What is it with the Muslim world and releasing videos? You would think that they would be off the idea, but, no.  Recently, nine influential American Muslim scholars released a YouTube video attempting to repudiate militant messages.