Interfaith dialogue

One of the greatest examples of inter-religious encounters was that between St Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt Sultan Malik al-Kamil.
“St Francis was struck by the morality and sincerity of the sultan and the sultan was struck by the fact that St Francis was a man of God. They discussed for days, debated, did not try to convert each other and left with respect and admiration for each other.”
Dr Syed Farid said although the general impression here was that Islam/Muslims were indifferent to dialogue, he said the Quran and the life of Prophet Muhammad showed otherwise.
Citing verse 64 of Surah Al-Imran and verse 125 of Surah An-Nahl, he said the Quran asked Muslims to engage in interfaith dialogue and in inter-civilisational dialogue with reason and evidence.
He added the prophet entered into agreements with Jews and Christians in Medina and they were referred to as ummah.
“The term ummah in Malaysia today, however, is exclusive to Muslims. Imagine if we used it as in the prophet’s time to include all Malaysians and not just a part of.”
Read

Learning Experience

Meaning of ‘learning experience’
• Refers to the interaction between the learner and the external conditions in the environment to which he can react.
• Learning takes place through the active behaviour of the student; it is what he does that he learns, not what the teacher does.
• It is possible for two students to be in the same class and for them to be having two different experiences. (p.63)
(Tyler, 1949, p.63)

Bafia To Become Mafia?

Thursday July 3, 2008
Bank Negara’s move criticised
PETALING JAYA: Consumer groups have criticised Bank Negara’s move to abolish the 20-day interest-free period for new retail transactions for credit card holders who settle a partial or minimum payment of their outstanding amount.
They said the move only enriched the banks with easy profits rather than help those who were already facing problems with credit card debts.
“Banks should be more sympathetic towards consumers. Some banks are getting richer at the expense of people’s misery. Don’t let Bafia (Banking and Financial Institutions Act) become mafia,” Malaysia Consumer Association of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Makmur Osman said when responding to the Bank Negara ruling, which took effect on Tuesday.
Read more

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success
I found the answers in my room

Roof said :Aim high
Fan said : Be cool
Clock said :Every min is precious
Mirror said : Reflect before you act
Window said: See the world
Calender said: Be up-to-date
Door said : Push hard to achieve ur goals

Rule of Thumb

The phrase 'Rule of Thumb' was believed to be originated from a law which stated something like a husband is permitted to beat his wife using a stick no bigger than a thumb. However this is later described as a myth. Read more

Iran successfully tests HIV medication

Iran successfully tests HIV medication Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:46:48

An Iran-made herbal drug for AIDS has been tested on over 200 patients and has shown promising results in improving the condition.
Read more

Malaysia

The Philippines once contemplated naming their state "Malaysia", but Malaysia adopted the name first in 1963 before the Philippines could act further on the matter. Read more