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Supplicating Pilgrim at Masjid al Haram. Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The Arabic term ḥaram has a meaning of "sanctuary" or "holy site" in Islam.

Etymology[link]

The Arabic language has two separate words, حرم ḥaram and حرام ḥarām, both derived from the same triliteral Semitic root Ḥ-R-M. Both of these words can mean "forbidden" and/or "sacred" in a general way, but each has also developed some specialized meanings. A third related word derived from the same root, حريم ḥarīm, most directly corresponds to English "harem". This article covers the word ḥaram (with short vowels in the singular form).

Protected zone[link]

Haram or prayer hall of the Great Mosque of Kairouan (also called the Mosque of Uqba) which is located in the historic city of Kairouan in Tunisia.

As used in Islamic urban planning, the word ḥaram (حرم) means "inviolate zone", an important aspect of urban planning in Muslim civilization. Such protected areas were sanctuaries, or places where contending parties could settle disputes peacefully. Towns were usually built near a river which provided drinking and domestic water (upstream) and carried away waste and sewage (downstream). Muslims claim to have introduced the idea of carrying capacity, and clearly sometimes did limit the number of families in any given town. The harams were typically positioned to ensure access to parkland and nature (which were given another name, hima), to restrict urban sprawl, protect water-courses and watersheds and oases. In this respect the rules strongly resembled modern zoning laws, with the same purposes.

The distinction between haram and hima is thought by some modern scholars to have been necessary due to a different means of deciding which regions were to have restrictions - the selection of haram was considered to be more up to the community while the selection of hima had more to do with natural characteristics of the region, which were considered to be best respected by jurists. This idea probably arises from two different obligations of the Muslim to respect ijma (consensus of neighbors within Islam) and practice khalifa (stewardship of nature under Allah). It may or may not reflect actual means of decision making historically.

As a protected and inviolate zone, haram is also employed referring to the consecrated space in a mosque where rituals and prayer take place: it is the prayer hall.^[1]

Holy site[link]

Ḥaram can also mean an Islamic holy site of very high sanctity. The two sites whose Islamic sanctity is unchallengeably the highest of all are Mecca and Medina in Arabia, so that the Arabic dual form الحرمان al-ḥaramān or الحرمين al-ḥaramayn refers to these two places. Since 1986, the Saudi monarchy has disclaimed all royal titles except "Custodian of the Two Holy Sanctuaries" or "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques".

In addition, the term ḥaram is commonly used to refer to certain other holy sites, such as the Haram ash-Sharif in Jerusalem — though over the protests of some, such as Ibn Taymiya, who declared that the only places which could be legitimately called "ḥaram" were Mecca, Medina, and probably also the valley of Wajj in Ta'if (but definitely not either Jerusalem or Hebron).^[2] One of the Islamic names of Jerusalem ثالث الحرمين thālith al-ḥaramayn (literally "the third of the two holy places") resolves the tension between the unchallengeable pre-eminence of Mecca and Medina vs. the desire to recognize Jerusalem as having a special status in Islam in a somewhat paradoxical manner.

See also[link]

• Masjid al-Haram - The Sacred Mosque in Makkah
• Masjid al-Nabawi - The Sacred Mosque in Medina
• Taboo, from tapu in Polynesian culture, also means both "sacred" and "forbidden".

References[link]

1. ^ Henri Stierlin and Anne Stierlin, Islam: Early architecture from Baghdad to Córdoba, Taschen, 1996, p. 235
2. ^ "A Muslim Iconoclast (Ibn Taymiyyeh) on the 'Merits' of Jerusalem and Palestine", by Charles D. Matthews, Journal of the American Oriental Society, volume 56 (1935), pp. 1–21. [Includes Arabic text of manuscript of Ibn Taymiyya's short work Qa'ida fi Ziyarat Bayt-il-Maqdis قاعدة في زيارة بيت المقدس]

Baba Ali (Persian: بابا علی‎; born Ali Ardekani in 1975) is the co-founder (along with Mahdi Ahmad) of UmmahFilms, a Muslim film company that has produced a web series including the "Reminder" series and "Ask Baba Ali" series. Though of Muslim heritage, he was originally irreligious and accepted Islam after studying many religions, including wicca.

A worker in the IT field by profession in California, Ardekani quickly rose to prominence within the online Muslim community with Ummah films that claim Islam is the best religion in the West and discuss various Islamic topics. Using humor, Baba Ali's work has found its way to television on the Islam Channel (Broadcast in the UK) and he has become a frequent guest at various Muslim conferences and events (Including the ICNA-MAS convention and Evening of Inspiration) and the Global Peace and Unity Event.^[1] His efforts have been featured in The New York Times and USA Today. Baba Ali recently launched his latest project, Half Our Deen, to help Muslims get married. Currently writing the screenplay for a full length film. His films have grown widely popular on Youtube, gaining over 10 million views.^[2]

Ali has also designed two board games, Mecca to Medina (a game about trading and negotiating, invented by Ali as an Islamic-themed game that can be played by all religions) and Kalimaat.

Conversion[link]

Baba Ali converted to Islam when he was 20 years old after attending an Islamic event. He belonged to a wealthy family in Iran who didn't accept it when he converted and subsequently disinherited him. His studio is the second bedroom of the apartment he shares with his wife and two small children.

Videography[link]

Ask Baba Ali Series[link]

• My Brother Has a Girlfriend
• Worrying & Ageing Sister
• Little Backbiter
• Randomly Checked
• Racism & Pride
• Escaping the Holiday Party
• We're Just Friends with benefits
• The Art of Complaining

The Reminder Videos[link]

References[link]

1. ^ Global Peace & Unity Event - Performers
2. ^ YouTube - ummahfilms's Channel

• NyTimes
• Video Blog
• Home Page

See also[link]

• Islamic humour

External links[link]

• Ummah Films Youtube Channel
• Muslim Comedian Baba Ali Standup
• Ummah Films Official Website
• Kalimaat Official Website
• Muslim Marriage - Half Our Deen Website

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Pierre Vogel
Statistics
Real name	Pierre Vogel
Height	6 ft. 0 in. (183 cm)
Nationality	German[1]
Born	(1978-07-20) July 20, 1978 (age 33) Frechen, West Germany
Stance	?
Boxing record
Total fights	7[clarification needed]
Wins	6
Wins by KO	2
Losses	0
Draws	1

Pierre Vogel (b. July 20, 1978 in Frechen), Islamic name Abu Hamza^[2] is a German Islamic preacher and a former professional boxer.

Religion[link]

Pierre Vogel (on the right) and Bilal Philips speaking at a rally in Frankfurt, April 2011

Vogel converted to Islam in 2001 and shortly thereafter began courses on Islamic studies in Germany.^[3] For two years he studied Arabic and the Quran at the private school Om Al-Qura in Mecca.^{[citation needed]}

In 2006 he returned to Berlin and started teaching Islam at the Al-Nur-Moschee mosque Neukölln, in universities and even among Christians.^{[citation needed]}

Boxing career[link]

After 66 amateur fights^{[citation needed]} he turned professional at the age of 22, fighting briefly (for two years) as a cruiserweightfor the Sauerland club and was undefeated in seven bouts.^[4]

Private life[link]

Vogel is married to a Muslim Moroccan woman and is father of three children.^[5]

Media perception[link]

He has been described in one German report as a "radical Muslim".^[6]

When he appeared at a Muslim meeting in Ferihegy^[when?], he said that polygamy is legitimate due to the fact that there are more women than men in Germany.^[7]

References[link]

External links[link]

• PierreVogel.de (Pierre Vogels own & new website)
• EinladungZumParadies.de (Pierre Vogel's former website)
• diewahrereligion.de: Pierre Vogel (Pierre Vogel's former website)
• Professional boxing record for Pierre Vogel from BoxRec
• Eine Reportage über dem Ex-Profi Boxer Pierre Vogel, der zum Islam konvertiert ist, aus dem 2. kroatischen Staatsfernsehen (mit kroatischen Untertiteln) HRT 2

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Goodluck Jonathan
President of Nigeria
Incumbent
Assumed office 9 February 2010 Acting: 9 February 2010 – 6 May 2010
Vice President	Namadi Sambo
Preceded by	Umaru Yar'Adua
Vice President of Nigeria
In office 29 May 2007 – 6 May 2010
President	Umaru Yar'Adua
Preceded by	Atiku Abubakar
Succeeded by	Namadi Sambo
Governor of Bayelsa
In office 9 December 2005 – 28 May 2007
Preceded by	Diepreye Alamieyeseigha
Succeeded by	Timipre Sylva
Personal details
Born	(1957-11-20) 20 November 1957 (age 54) Ogbia, Nigeria
Political party	People's Democratic Party
Spouse(s)	Patience Jonathan
Alma mater	University of Port Harcourt
Profession	Zoologist
Religion	Christianity

Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR, BNER, GCON (born 20 November 1957^[1]) is the 14th Head of State and current President of Nigeria. Prior to his role as President, he served as Governor of Bayela State and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Jonathan is a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Early and personal life[link]

Jonathan was born in what is now Bayelsa State to a family of canoe makers.^[1][2] Jonathan holds a B.S. degree in Zoology in which he attained Second Class Honours. He also holds an M.Sc. degree in Hydrobiology and Fisheries biology, and a Ph.D. degree in Zoology from the University of Port Harcourt. After earning his degree, he worked as an education inspector, lecturer, and environmental-protection officer, until he decided to enter politics in 1998.^[3]

Jonathan and his wife, Patience, have two children. He is a Christian and comes from the Ijaw ethnic group.^[4]

Presidency[link]

Jonathan (fifth from right) standing with other world leaders at a meeting of the Economic Community of West African States in July 2010.

Former President Umaru Yar'Adua died on 5 May 2010. Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as Yar'Adua's successor on the following day,^[5] becoming Nigeria's 14th Head of State, to serve until the next election, in 2011, at which time he could elect to run again, which he has done. Upon taking office, he cited anti-corruption, power and electoral reform as focuses of his administration. He stated that he came to office under "very sad and unusual circumstances".^[6]

On 18 May 2010, the National Assembly approved Jonathan's nomination of former Kaduna State governor, Namadi Sambo, an architect, for the position of Vice President.^[7][8]

On 29 June 2010, Jonathan launched a Facebook fan-page;^[9] The president said that he launched his page in fulfillment of a promise he made earlier in the year to interact more with Nigerians.

On 2 August 2010 Jonathan launched a comprehensive plan, called the 'Roadmap for Power Sector Reform‘,^[10] aimed at restructuring the power sector and achieving stable electricity in the country. In his speech, the President identified the factors that affected reliable electricity service delivery to include the absence of a sustained and deliberately deployed long term power development strategy, under exploitation of the nation’s abundant energy endowments and the absence of adequate implementation of reforms.

2011 election[link]

On 15 September 2010, Jonathan, in a message on his Facebook Page, said he had finally decided to run for the presidency after wide consultations with various organisations across the country. This single action of his made him the first ever sitting president to declare his re-election bid via social media.^[11] The move came under scrutiny, as it was a northern Muslim candidate's turn to run for the presidency.

On 20 December, he flagged off the national book campaign called 'Bring Back The Book',^[12] and presented his book, My Friends and I: conversations on policy and governance via Facebook to the public. He declared that the fight to bring back the book should be supported by all Nigerians, as the project provided Nigeria a sure path to technological growth. He further said that his government was encouraging a culture of catch-them-young so as to secure the future of the children.

On 14 January, President Jonathan was chosen to run for president by the People's Democratic Party during the election. He won with 77.7% of valid votes cast.^[13][14] On 18 April, Jonathan was declared the winner of the election. His victory was, however, followed by violence in the north over claims of vote rigging.^[15]

Controversies[link]

Ministerial nominations and appointments[link]

In 2011, the Nigerian President failed to nominate and appoint at least 36 indigenes (one for each of the 36 states). This is in breach of article 147 subsection (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999: "...the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such State".^[16]

The President can be taken to constitutional court in Nigeria for noncompliance with Article 147(3) of the constitution.

Removal of fuel subsidy[link]

On 13 December 2011, the 2012 fiscal year's budget removed any provisions for fuel subsidy.^[17] The issue of fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria has always been a controversial topic. According to a poll carried out by the Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE- Nigeria), 80% of Nigerians opposed the plan to remove fuel subsidy.^[18]

On 1 January 2012, the Jonathan administration announced the start of a controversial plan to end fuel subsidies.^[19] Many prominent Nigerians have spoken out against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Jonathan administration. Former Petroleum Minister Professor Tam David-West has spoken out and expressed concern that the planned removal of fuel subsidy will squeeze the economy, increase inflation, and hurt both businesses and the public.^[20]

A former military Head of State and a former Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, General Buhari, urged President Jonathan not to remove fuel subsidy and to tackle corruption.^[21]

General Yakubu Gowon, another former military Head of State, has warned the government that the country's infrastructure should be revived before fuel subsidy removal steps are taken.^[22]

Former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, joined millions of Nigerians protesting against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Jonathan administration, saying that the action is ill-timed.^[23]

Following the The Nigeria Labour Congress' warning that the country faces many strikes, the country unions followed up with strikes that were matched with civil protests from 9–13 January 2012. Protesters and groups called for President Jonathan to resign over the removal of fuel subsidies.^[24][25] After five days of national protests and strikes, on 16 January, Jonathan announced that the pump price of petroleum would be 97 naira per liter.^[26]

1st October 2010 Independence Day Bomb Blast[link]

During his South African magistrate court trial on 2 May 2012, MEND's (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta) former leader Henry Okah came out and insisted that President Jonathan masterminded bomb attacks. He told the court that President Jonathan and his aides organised the October 1, 2010 independence day bomb attacks in Abuja in a desperate political strategy to demonize political opponents, including the former military President General Ibrahim Babangida, and to win popular sympathy ahead of the 2011 elections.^[27]

The Nigerian Presidency has denied the allegations of terrorism levelled against President Jonathan. A media statement was issued on 2 May 2012, acknowledging the accusations from Okah. The statement went on to say that: “The Presidency categorically affirms that these allegations are false in their entirety and without any factual foundation." The Presidency also expressed no interest in commenting further for the time being, but plans to "make a full representation on the matter to the court when the trial opens."^[28][29]

Renaming of the University of Lagos[link]

In May 2012, President Jonathan changed the name of the University of Lagos, renaming it the Moshood Abiola University in honour of the late MKO Abiola. The action received negative feedback from parties involved with the university. The UNILAG Alumni Association commented that although they do not have prejudice against MKO Abiola, they were concerned "that neither the Governing Council nor the University Senate nor any other stakeholder was consulted before the change was announced."^[30]

Security challenges[link]

On 26 August 2011, after the UN building in Abuja was bombed by Boko Haram, Jonathan announced that it was not merely an attack on Nigeria, but on the international community. He told reporters that "we would work together with the UN and other world leaders to ensure that terrorism is brought under control.^[31] On Christmas Day, after a church as bombed and more violence occurred in the north, Jonathan came in for more criticism over the security challenge in the country. Further attacks occurred on Christmas and in early January 2012, claimed by Boko Haram.

In addition to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta's attack on a oil pipeline on 4 February 2012 in Bayelsa,^[32] the Senate President David Mark stated that the security situation in the country is "intolerable."^[33]

References[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Goodluck Jonathan

Nigeria portal

v t e Presidents of Nigeria (List) First Republic Azikiwe Military regime Aguiyi-Ironsi Gowon Mohammed Obasanjo Second Republic Shagari Military regime Buhari Babangida Shonekan (interim)* Abacha Abubakar Fourth Republic Obasanjo Yar'Adua Jonathan * civilian; headed transition to abortive Third Republic

v t e Nigerian state governors 2003-2007 term Abia Orji Uzor Kalu (PDP) Adamawa Boni Haruna (PDP) Akwa Ibom Victor Attah (PDP) Anambra Chris Ngige (PDP) (nullified) Peter Obi (APGA) Bauchi Adamu Mu'azu (PDP) Bayelsa Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (PDP) (impeached) Goodluck Jonathan (PDP) Benue George Akume (PDP) Borno Ali Modu Sheriff (ANPP) Cross River Donald Duke (PDP) Delta James Ibori (PDP) Ebonyi Sam Egwu (PDP) Edo Lucky Igbinedion (PDP) Ekiti Ayo Fayose (PDP) (impeached) Tunji Olurin (Administrator) Enugu Chimaroke Nnamani (PDP) Gombe Mohammed Danjuma Goje (PDP) Imo Achike Udenwa (PDP) Jigawa Ibrahim Saminu Turaki (APP) Kaduna Ahmed Makarfi (PDP) Kano Ibrahim Shekarau (ANPP) Katsina Umaru Yar'Adua (PDP) Kebbi Adamu Aliero (APP) Kogi Ibrahim Idris (PDP) Kwara Bukola Saraki (PDP) Lagos Bola Tinubu (AC) Nasarawa Abdullahi Adamu (PDP) Niger Abdulkadir Kure (PDP) Ogun Gbenga Daniel (PDP) Ondo Olusegun Agagu (PDP) Osun Olagunsoye Oyinlola (PDP) Oyo Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (PDP) (impeached) Christopher Alao-Akala (PDP) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (PDP) (reinstated) Plateau Joshua Dariye (PDP) (suspended) Chris Alli (administrator) Joshua Dariye (PDP) (reinstated) Rivers Peter Odili (PDP) Sokoto Attahiru Bafarawa (APP) Taraba Jolly Nyame (PDP) Yobe Bukar Ibrahim (APP) Zamfara Ahmad Sani Yerima (ANPP) See also Nigerian state governors 1999-2003 term and Nigerian state governors 2007-2011 term

v t e Vice Presidents of Nigeria Babafemi Ogundipe† Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey† Olusegun Obasanjo† Shehu Musa Yar'Adua† Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme Tunde Idiagbon† Ebitu Ukiwe† Augustus Aikhomu† Oladipo Diya† Mike Akhigbe† Atiku Abubakar Goodluck Jonathan Namadi Sambo † military