All posts by islam

Women Wushu Athlete Sells Gold Medal to Help Quake Victims

K hadijeh Azadpour, Iranian kungfu practitioner, sold her Asian Championship gold medal at the weekend to help raise funds for victims in the quake-stricken areas of Kermanshah Province, western Iran. A 7.3 magnitude quake jolted Kermanshah Province on November 12. The quake killed more than 500 people and left over 10,000 injured and homeless.

Azadpour sold the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Championships gold medal for 20 billion Rials ($480,000) to build a hospital in the quake-affected area.

“This medal is valuable for me,” the wushu athlete told ISNA. “Winning the medal was an evolution in Iranian women’s sport”. After her medal, more women athletes were encouraged to take part in the international events and bring glory for the country.

“I’m glad that I have the honor of starting the movement. I sold my medal and will donate the money to the people in quake-stricken areas of Kermanshah,” she was quoted by the news agency as saying.

/ Financial tribune /

Iranian Space Research Center Unveils Postal Delivery Drone

I ran Space Research Center has developed a drone that can be used for postal delivery. The center unveiled the drone during the 18th Research, Technology Achievements and Techmart Exhibition held last week in Tehran, Mehr News Agency reported. According to the ISRC, the aerial vehicle can carry a payload of up to five kilograms and travel at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour at an altitude of 600 meters. While technologically interesting, drone delivery services would not be possible in the near future at least in Tehran because flying drones were banned in the city in February following two instances when two unmanned aerial vehicles flew over restricted airspace in downtown Tehran and were brought down by anti-aircraft fire. / Financial tribune /

Iran lands 3rd at World Youth Chess Olympiad

National Iranian chess squad overcame Belarus to stand in the third place overall at FIDE World Youth U16 Chess Olympiad 2017 in India.

World Youth Chess Olympiad-2017 was competed at Karnavati Club in India. Thirty teams from twenty-five countries had taken part at the prestigious event of World Chess Calendar for Under-16 players.

The Iranian squad consisted of Seyed Mohamad Amin Tabatabaei, Alireza Firouzja, Arian Gholami, Mahdi Gholami and Anousha Mahdian.

In Round Nine of the tournament, young Persian Chess players pulled out a decisive win (4-0) over Belarusian rivals and received the bronze medal.

Russian stood on top of the podium winning the gold medal while host India collected the bronze medal to finish in the second position.

Iran had won the title in the 2016 edition of the sportive event.In the nine round Swiss System event, each team needed to field a maximum of 5 players which include one girl player and she had to play at least three 3 rounds. For the records, the event had attracted one Grandmaster, fourteen International Masters and four women international masters and twenty nine Fide Masters. /   Mehr news /

Iranian scholar urges BD to promote own culture

Eminent Iranian scholar Seyed Javad Mazloumi said reflection of own culture in books, films and anything that convey the message will represent a different and positive Bangladesh.

The Iranian scholar, who came to Bangladesh to give keynote speech at a discussion titled ‘Present Crises of Muslim Ummah and Islamic Unity’ held in the city on Friday last, took time out to give an interview to UNB. Iran Cultural Centre, Dhaka organised the programme on the occasion of Eid-E Miladunanbi.

He told UNB “I feel at home in Bangladesh because I have many friends here. Most important thing is to me is Bangladesh and Iran having many things in common including some religious and cultural heritages. So every time I come to Bangladesh I feel happy. I think it will be continued in the future.”

Talking about bilateral relationship, the Faculty member of Jmeat al-Zahra University and Quranic Sciences University, Seyed told UNB “We are talking about the long history of relationship between two nations who had many things in common such as language, history and religion.”

He stressed on building strong relationship between the two countries and get best out of it.

The cultural activist of the Iran, who also serves as the deputy for cultural affairs at the office of Iranian supreme leader, spoke about film industry.

“Many countries are following the others in the film industry. We talk about the movies – you can’t just follow other countries in making movies. Movie is a form of art. When artists, directors try to put the artistic aspects in their movies according to their culture, it will be very attractive and accepted by the society. Bangladesh has long history and own heritage.”

He said that that they had the new generation of directors, actors who try to get it from their own culture according to their own descending and their point of view. Not to confine in limited areas for topic selection such as just action or romance, rather they present their thoughts in different ways and try to introduce different themes that has helped Iran gain popularity in films.

Focusing on the unity of the Muslim world, he said “We have many differences in Muslim world in language, colour, and culture. It does not mean we are divided into many groups. Any enemies who want to get the benefit from this and try to split us in different groups will be thwarted. It is very interesting that Europe try to make a union and come closer to each others in many aspects such establishing visa-free movements, same currencies. This is the plan we should learn and try to be united.”

Mentioning the relationship with Bangladesh, he said “We should offer each other the experience in different areas as the Muslims have the long history of the corporation. We can have regular exchanges of scholars between the two countries.”

Seyed stressed on the need for translating Bangladeshi books in Persian so that key figures in Bangladeshi literature are introduced to Iranian readers.

Calling the Rohingya issue as problem of all human being, the scholar told UNB “We consider Rohingya crises as a problem of all human being.  It is not important to consider they are from which country rather most important thing is now they are the ones who are suffering, and rendered homeless. They are living in bad and miserable condition.”

He is now working as a member of the board of trustees of the Iranian Supreme Hajj Committee too. He published a book ‘Hajj – A to Z’ in 2005 while he developed some Islamic software. / UNB /

Discussion programme on Eid-E Miladunanbi held in Dhaka

A discussion programme titled ‘Present Crises of Muslim Ummah and Islamic Unity’ was held on Friday at BMA auditorium in Dhaka.

Iran Cultural Centre, Dhaka organised the programme on the occasion of Holy Eid-E Miladunanbi.

Chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on Ministry of Planning, Abul Kalam Azad, attended in the occasion as chief guest while ambassador of Iran in Bangladesh Dr Abbas Vaezi Dehnavi was present as the special guest.

Eminent Iranian scholars – Hujjatul Islam and R. Seyed Javad Mazloumi was present as the guests of honour in the discussion programme.

Senior lawyer of Bangladesh Supreme Court, advocate AKM Badruddoza presented the keynote paper while Associate Professor of Department of Arabic of Dhaka University Dr Abdullah Al Maruf presided over the programme.

The programme began with an audio presentation on the issue.

What Prophet Muhammad Gave to Humanity

Dr. Adil bin Ali ash-Shaddy:  Assuming responsibility under the International Program for Introducing the Prophet of Mercy (blessings and peace be upon him), we deem it our duty to answer the questions regarding what our Prophet gave to humanity and the world.

10 Points of Enlightenment on What Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) Gave to Humanity
All praise is due to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon His final Messenger.

 

Some non-Muslim westerners have been wondering what it is that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) presented to humanity, particularly after the defamation of his honorable character by western media.

 

Assuming responsibility under the International Program for Introducing the Prophet of Mercy (blessings and peace be upon him), we deem it our duty to answer the questions regarding what our Prophet gave to humanity and the world. It can be briefly summarized as follows:

  • Through revelation from God (Allah), Muhammad (Peace be upon him) transferred humanity from obedience and submission to other men to the worship and submission to God alone, associating nothing with Him. Consequently, human kind became free from servitude to other than Allah, and this is the greatest honor for mankind.
  • Through revelation from God, Muhammad (Peace be upon him) liberated the human mind from superstition, deception and submission to false objects of worship as well as those concepts contrary to reason, such as the claim that God had a human son whom He sacrificed to atone for the sins of humanity.
  • Muhammad (Peace be upon him) laid the foundations for tolerance among people. In the Qur’an, Allah revealed to His Prophet that there is to be no compulsion in the acceptance of religion. Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also clarified the rights of the non-Muslims who do not wage war against Muslims and guaranteed protection of their lives, children, property and honor. Even today in many Muslim countries there are Jewish and Christian citizens living in peace and security in contrast to the Spanish Inquisitions in which Muslims were exterminated in an ethnic cleansing that violated all the humanitarian principles asserted by the western culture.
  • Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was a mercy sent by God to all peoples regardless of race or faith. In fact, his teachings include mercy even to birds and animals, and forbid harming them without right or reason.
  • Muhammad (showed unparalleled respect for and appreciation of all the prophets who preceded him, among them Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them all). God revealed to him words to the effect that one who denies or disrespects any of the prophets cannot be a Muslim. Islam regards all of the prophets as one brotherhood, inviting people to the belief that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, who is the one true God.
  • Muhammad (Peace be upon him) defended human rights for both males and females, for young and old, regardless of social status. He established a set of sublime principles; one example being in the speech he gave during his farewell pilgrimage in which he declared strict prohibition of transgression against people’s lives, property and honor. These principles he laid down long before the world knew of the Magna Charta in 1215, the Declaration of Rights in 1628, the Personal Freedoms Law in 1679, the American Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Human and Citizen Rights Charter in 1789, and the worldwide Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
  • Muhammad (Peace be upon him) elevated the importance of morality in human life. He called for good manners, honesty, loyalty and chastity and strengthened social bonds such as being dutiful to parents and relatives, always putting into practice what he preached. He prohibited and warned against such negative behavior as lying, envy, betrayal, fornication and disrespect of parents, and he treated the problems stemming from these diseases.
  • Through the revelation from God Muhammad (Peace be upon him) invited people to use their minds, to discover the universe around them and to acquire knowledge. He confirmed that God rewards such deeds at a time when scientists and intellectuals in other civilizations were suffering persecution and accusations of heresy and blasphemy, being terrorized in prisons, tortured and often killed.
  • Muhammad (Peace be upon him) came with a revelation from God, presenting a religion compatible to human nature – one that satisfies the needs of the soul and those of the body and establishes a balance between worldly deeds and those done for the Hereafter. It is a religion that disciplines human instincts and desires without suppressing them completely as in some other cultures which were absorbed with ideals contrary to human nature, depriving religious men given to worship of such natural human rights as marriage and of such natural reactions as anger toward transgression, expecting them not to defend against aggressors. This led most members of these civilizations to reject religious teachings and become absorbed in the material world, which caters only to their bodies while leaving their souls in a miserable state.
  • Muhammad (Peace be upon him) presented to the world a perfect model of brotherhood among human beings. He taught that no race is superior to another for all are equal in origin and equal in their responsibilities and rights. One’s degree of faith and piety is the only criterion for preference. His companions were given equal opportunities to belong to and serve the religion. Among them wereSuhayb, a Byzantine, Bilal, an Abyssinian, Salman, a Persian, and many other non-Arabs.

In conclusion, each of these ten points requires further detail and explanation. What Muhammad (Peace be upon him) offered humanity is much more than can be mentioned in this brief outline. There is also a great deal that has been said about him by objective researchers from the East and West after they studied the biography of this great Prophet.

For further information please visit the website of the International Program for Introducing the Prophet of Mercy:www.mercyprophet.com

Blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as well as all the other prophets of God, and upon his family, his companions and followers.

 

Discussion on Islamic Unity on Dec. 1

A discussion programme titled ‘Present Crises of Muslim Ummah and Islamic Unity’ will be held on December 1 at BMA auditorium in Dhaka.

Iran Cultural Centre, Dhaka will organise the progrmme on the occasion of Holy Eid-E Miladunanbi.

Chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on Ministry of Planning, Abul Kalam Azad, will grace the occasion as chief guest while ambassador of Iran in Bangladesh Dr. Abbas Vaezi Dehnavi will be present as special guest.

Eminent Iranian scholars – Hujjatul Islam and R. Seyed Javad Mazloumi will be present as guests of honour in the discussion programme.

Senior lawyer of Bangladesh Supreme Court, advocate A. K. M. Badruddoza will present the keynote paper while Associate Professor of Department of Arabic of Dhaka University Dr. Abdullah Al Maruf will preside over the programme.

The programme will begin with an audio presentation on the issue.

Iran’s oil exports to India up 88%

The latest market figures indicate a giant increase in India’s imports of crude oil from Iran throughout October in yet another sign of success for the Iranian oil industry after the removal of sanctions that had decimated its exports for several years.

Figures released by Reuters show India imported 183,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and condensate – an ultra-light type of oil – from Iran.  The figure showed an increase of 88 percent compared to September, the news agency added quoting tanker data.

India’s imports of Iran’s oil over the same period were nonetheless lower than last year by 27 percent. The country’s imports of Iranian crude at the time stood at 250,000 bpd.

Last month, figures showed that Iran’s oil exports to its Asian buyers – China, India, Japan and South Korea – had increased in September to the highest levels in the preceding six months.

Iran’s oil exports to those countries over the period, as reported by Reuters, stood at above 1.9 million barrels per day (mb/d).  The figure indicated an increase of around 20 percent compared to August and marked a third straight monthly surge.

For several years before 2012 when Iran faced a series of draconian US-led sanctions, the country exported around 2.5 mb/d, with more than half going to Asia, mainly China, South Korea, India and Japan. The sanctions decreased exports to below 1 mb/d. After they were lifted in early 2016, Iran’s oil exports increased gradually and today stand at around pre-sanctions levels.

Iran’s biggest oil importer in Asia is China which is followed by India and South Korea and eventually Japan. / Press tv /

Iran Mulls Virtual Tour Operators

Iranians overseas can act as Iran’s tourism marketers and win a free air ticket to Iran for every five foreigners they direct toward the countryOver five million Iranians are living across five continents and provide a great opportunity for ICHHTO

S enior Iranian officials have discussed the potentials of Iranians living abroad in attracting foreign tourists to the country.

The discussion took place in a meeting held late last week between the officials of Tourism Department of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization and representatives of Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, Mohammad Moheb-Khodaei, ICHHTO’s deputy for tourism, brought up the idea of offering incentives to Iranians overseas to encourage foreigners to visit the country, Mehr News Agency reported.

“This population can act as Iran’s tourism marketers and win a free air ticket to Iran for every five foreigners they direct toward the country,” he said.

To supply the funds for the scheme, the official proposed that half of the ticket price be paid by airlines and the other half by travel agencies and hotels across provinces.

“Provincial officials will also be tasked with identifying people living across the borders because the plan can help improve handicraft exports and tourism,” he said.

Moheb-Khodaei noted that although governmental support is required, the scheme relies heavily on the private sector. However, he did not provide details on the mechanism for implementing the scheme.

The scheme has already been mentioned by tourism officials in the media several times but it is still not clear how the potential tourists will be organized in tours and how the marketers can register info about the travelers they direct to Iran.

Ali Asghar Mohammadi, deputy for Iranian expatriates, said over five million Iranians are living across five continents and provide a great opportunity for ICHHTO, but the procedures of the scheme need to be clearly defined.

“It is essential to form a specialized team to study obstacles to the plans so as to resolve the issues from the starting point of travel at airports to the final stages,” he said, adding that collecting information about the Iranian elite and influential figures in other countries is among the Foreign Ministry’s plans.

Mohammadi also said ICHHTO can draw on the capacities of 100 consulates, 60 cultural and five scientific counseling offices of Iran, which are currently active overseas.

“Facilities for issuing electronic visa to Iran have been set up in 47 spots across the world, which can help ICHHTO implement the scheme,” he said, not mentioning the names of countries with the facility.

The Foreign Ministry has promised to study ways in which it can support the scheme, referred to as “virtual tour operators”.   / Financial tribune /

‘Kupal’ wins jury award at KIFF

‘Kupal’ by Kazem Mollaie won the jury award at the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival.

‘Kupal’ written and directed by Kazem Mollaie from Iran was screened in the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival and was awarded the jury prize.

‘Kupal’ was awarded the jury award jointly with another film, ‘Birds are singing in Kigali’ from Poland (nominated for the Golden Hugo at 2017 Chicago International Film Festival and winner at Karlovy Vary International film festival).

‘The swan’ from Iceland (winner at 2017 Toronto and Thessaloniki International film festivals) won the best director award, and ‘Los Perros’ from France (winner of Cannes critics’ week award and the 2017 Munich and San Sebastian international film festivals) was awarded the best film award.

The Kolkata Film Festival which was started in the year 1995, is the oldest Indian film festival. KIFF, along with Goa International Film Festival of India, is among the festivals regulated by FIAPF.

‘Kupal’ will soon be screened at the competition section of other major Indian film festivals such as Delhi International film festival and Jaipur International film festival. KIFF was held on 10 to 17 November in Kolkata, India.

“Kupal” tells the story of a hunter and a taxidermist, Dr. Ahmad Kupal (starring Levon Haftvan) who, on the last day of the year, faces an unexpected challenge. / Mehr news/