A critique of contemporary Puritan/Salafi discourse on the issue of the mawlid and its classification as Bid'ah

Includes bibliographical references.In the contemporary Salafi/Puritan discourse, the traditional Muslim practice of celebrating the Prophet's birthday (mawlid) is consistently termed as 'bid'ah,' i.e. an innovation. In the Puritan discourse, all 'innovation' is considered reprehensible. In the first half of this study, I attempt to prove the inherent error and contradiction in the Puritan approach to the issue of innovation in Islam. I argue that the Puritan understanding of what constitutes bid 'ah and the conditions for its acceptability and rejection, is flawed, both from a textual and a logical point of view, and is in fact contrary to the way of the Prophet himself and his Companions (the salaf); thus belying their claims to 'Puritanism,' and 'Salafism.' Puritans base their discourse on certain hadith such as, "Every bid 'ah is misguidance," and "Whoever innovates in this matter of ours that which is not of it, it is to be rejected," as well as certain statements by the sahabah, and the works of al-Shatibi. In this work, I critically analyze these hadith and statements from a fresh point of view, substantiating my points with an abundance of essential scriptural evidences and historical data, which Puritans have long ignored or evaded. I also discuss other relevant issues such as the concepts of tark and the 'good bid'ah' in considerable detail. Traditionally, the jurists of Islam have termed 'beneficial' practices that appeared after the era of the Prophet as either 'bid'ah hasanah' (good innovation) or 'sunnah hasanah' (good practice/tradition), the latter being the position of those scholars whom the Puritans claim to be inspired by. My point is that the difference is only semantical and not really conceptual, as both schools agree on the acceptance of a certain amount of 'good' innovations in Islam, albeit with different terminologies. In the second half of the paper, I use the contentious issue of the mawlid as my case-study of the practical implementation of the conflicting approaches towards bid'ah. After studying the origins and development of the maw lid, as well as looking at some of the early discussions and arguments around it, I conclude that the mawlid, if proven to be based upon sound Islamic principles and evidences, cannot then be considered a reprehensible bid'ah, as Puritans, based upon a questionable logic, consider it to be. In the contemporary Salafil/Puritan discourse, the traditional Muslim practice of celebrating the Prophet's birthday (mawlid) is consistently termed as 'bid'ah,' i.e. an innovation. In the Puritan discourse, all 'innovation' is considered reprehensible. In the first half of this study, I attempt to prove the inherent error and contradiction in the Puritan approach to the issue of innovation in Islam. I argue that the Puritan understanding of what constitutes bid 'ah and the conditions for its acceptability and rejection, is flawed, both from a textual and a logical point of view, and is in fact contrary to the way of the Prophet himself and his Companions (the salaf); thus belying their claims to 'Puritanism,' and 'Salafism.' Puritans base their discourse on certain hadith such as, "Every bid 'ah is misguidance," and "Whoever innovates in this matter of ours that which is not of it, it is to be rejected," as well as certain statements by the sahabah, and the works of al-Shatibi. In this work, I critically analyze these hadith and statements from a fresh point of view, substantiating my points with an abundance of essential scriptural evidences and historical data, which Puritans have long ignored or evaded. I also discuss other relevant issues such as the concepts of tark and the 'good bid'ah' in considerable detail. Traditionally, the jurists of Islam have termed 'beneficial' practices that appeared after the era of the Prophet as either 'bid'ah hasanah' (good innovation) or 'sunnah hasanah' (good practice/tradition), the latter being the position of those scholars whom the Puritans claim to be inspired by. My point is that the difference is only semantical and not really conceptual, as both schools agree on the acceptance of a certain amount of 'good' innovations in Islam, albeit with different terminologies. In the second half of the paper, I use the contentious issue of the mawlid as my case-study of the practical implementation of the conflicting approaches towards bid'ah. After studying the origins and development of the maw lid, as well as looking at some of the early discussions and arguments around it, I conclude that the mawlid, if proven to be based upon sound Islamic principles and evidences, cannot then be considered a reprehensible bid'ah, as Puritans, based upon a questionable logic, consider it to be

Reliability assessment and calibration of ISO-LRFD factors for minimum facility offshore platfrom in Malaysia

In recent time, the offshore oil and gas industry is facing many challenges like ferocious competition from shale field operators and alternative energy sources, production drop, rising cost etc. All these factors play major role in low crude oil prices. To combat these challenges, the operators are focusing on several untapped field with low production capacity, known as “Marginal Fields” that require innovative design approach to make it economically viable. Minimum facility platform is promising solutions for marginal fields; however, reliability of such structure is a major concern among the operators. In most of the past studies, the reliability technique is effective applied on four (4) legged jacket structure for optimization. This research has attempt to apply reliability analysis method to Mono-tower structure, as minimum facility platform for marginal fields around Malaysia region. The structure was designed as per API RP 2A (WSD). The maximum wave height and current data from Malaysian offshore is using to generate random variables as per Weibull distribution and Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) have been developed. The surface modelling and curve fitting is done to develop quadrilateral equation in MATLAB for environmental load modelling. Design cases developed as per API RP 2A or ISO19902 must provide adequate levels of reliability throughout the service life. A combination of engineering technique i.e. component based reliability analysis and safety factors, used to ensure integration of all types of uncertainties such as loads, structural properties as resistance, failure modes. FEM method is use for accurate modelling. The probability of failure and reliability index of critical members and other structural members of interest was determined with First Order reliability Method (FORM). The fluctuation in loads and variation material properties were accounted in the assessment. The target reliability level can be achieved either by comparing with existing traditional jacket structure or by following analytical probabilistically models. The partial factors evaluated using reliability assessment is in accordance with concept of Load Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) presented in ISO-19902. Further, the ISO recommendations are followed to calibre the factors as per regional climatic conditions. The estimated reliability Index is 3.95 and probability of failure (Pof) is 5.3x10-5 as per reliability analysis results. Therefore, the conclusion is that Mono-tower as minimum facility platform is suitable for marginal field development that is fulfilling the requirement of reliability, safety and certification. The minimum structure demonstrates equal or higher reliability index for selected members as per ISO. The environmental load calibration has result in factor of 1.26, as against 1.35 suggested by ISO, indicates the potential reduction for Malaysian region without compromising the safety level of structure

Modeling physical interaction and understanding peer group learning dynamics: Graph analytics approach perspective

Physical interaction in peer learning has been proven to improve students’ learning processes, which is pertinent in facilitating a fulfilling learning experience in learning theory. However,observation and interviews are often used to investigate peer group learning dynamics from a qualitative perspective. Hence, more data-driven analysis needs to be performed to investigate the physicalinteraction in peer learning. This paper complements existing works by proposing a frameworkfor exploring students’ physical interaction in peer learning based on the graph analytics modeling approach focusing on both centrality and community detection, as well as visualization of the grap model for more than 50 students taking part in group discussions. The experiment was conducted during a mathematics tutorial class. The physical interactions among students were captured through an online Google form and represented in a graph model. Once the model and graph visualization were developed, findings from centrality analysis and community detection were conducted to identify peer leaders who can facilitate and teach their peers. Based on the results, it was found that five groups were formed during the physical interaction throughout the peer learning process, with at least one student showing the potential to become a peer leader in each group. This paper also highlights the potential of the graph analytics approach to explore peer learning group dynamics and interaction patterns among students to maximize their teaching and learning experience

Diagnosis and predictive molecular analysis of non-small cell lung cancer in the Africa-Middle East region : challenges and strategies for improvement

The identification of tumor biomarkers provides information on the prognosis and guides the implementation of appropriate treatment in patients with many different cancer types. In nonesmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), targeted treatment plans based on biomarker identification have already been used in the clinic. However, such predictive molecular testing is not currently a universally used practice. This is the case, in particular, in developing countries where lung cancer is increasingly prevalent. In September 2012 and November 2013, a committee of 16 lung cancer experts from Africa and the Middle East met to discuss key issues related to diagnosis and biomarker testing in NSCLC and the implementation of personalized medicine in the region. The committee identified current challenges for effective diagnosis and predictive analysis in Africa and the Middle East. Moreover, strategies to encourage the implementation of biomarker testing were discussed. A practical approach for the effective diagnosis and predictive molecular testing of NSCLC in these regions was derived. We present the key issues and recommendations arising from the meetings.Pfizer Inc.http://www.journals.elsevier.com/clinical-lung-cancer/hb201

Type 2 diabetes – an autoinflammatory disease driven by metabolic stress

Type 2 diabetes has traditionally been viewed as a metabolic disorder characterised by chronic high glucose levels, insulin resistance, and declining insulin secretion from the pancreas. Modern lifestyle, with abundant nutrient supply and reduced physical activity, has resulted in dramatic increases in the rates of obesity-associated disease conditions, including diabetes. The associated excess of nutrients induces a state of systemic low-grade chronic inflammation that results from production and secretion of inflammatory mediators from the expanded pool of activated adipocytes. Here, we review the mechanisms by which obesity induces adipose tissue dysregulation, detailing the roles of adipose tissue secreted factors and their action upon other cells and tissues central to glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, given the emerging importance of adipokines, cytokines and chemokines in disease progression, we suggest that type 2 diabetes should now be viewed as an autoinflammatory disease, albeit one that is driven by metabolic dysregulation

NEW FLUORESCENCE BAND SYSTEMS OF THE DIATOMIC MOLECULES BiS, BiSe AND BiTe

Author Institution:The series of diatomic molecules BiS, BiSe and BiTe, with both natural and enriched isotopic abundances, have been examined in solid inert gas matrices. Laser irradiation of the matrices produced in each case fluorescence band systems which have not previously been observed in the gas spectra of these molecules. A total of 9 new systems appeared with their origins at approximately the following frequencies: BiS, 21200, 20650 and $18400 cm^{-1}$; BiSe, 19950, 17000, and $13240 cm^{-1}$; BiTe, 18725, and $18025 cm^{-1}$. These spectra will be discussed

Frequency and Resistance Pattern to Enterobacteriacae

Background To determine the frequency of Enteriobacteriaceae species and resistance pattern from clinical isolatesMethods: In this descriptive study,500 samples were collected from the patients showing signs and symptoms of bacterial infection and isolates were screened for primary selection. These specimens (n=500) were divided into four groups: (a) 200 samples of urine were taken from UTI suspected patients, (b) 150 samples of pus were taken from wounds, irrespective of its site, (c) 100 samples were taken from respiratory tract (tracheal aspirates and sputum) and (d) 50 samples of blood were taken from suspected patients of septicemia. After overnight incubation, established microbiological methods, which included colonial morphology, gram’s staining and biochemical characteristics were used for identification. E. coli ATCC 25922 was used as quality control strain for the antimicrobial sensitivity.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolated organisms was performed by the disk diffusion technique.Results: From amongst (402) organisms, 200 (49.75%) turned out to be Enterobacteriaceae while Escherichia coli was leading pathogen (65%). There was an increase in resistance against cephalosporin 3rd and 4th generation (upto74%). The lowest resistance was observed against Amikacin and Carbapenems.Conclusion: There is a surge of infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae and resistant strains are also increasing

Investigating the improvement of Degradation Resistant with the Addition of SDBS Anionic Surfactant to PEO polymer

Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) is one of the most common drag reduction agents. However, its ability to reduce drag in turbulent flow decreases with the time due to the degradation of its molecules. Thus, the enhancement of its degradation resistance by the addition of Anionic surfactant is presented. The Polyethylene oxide (PEO) was used in different concentration ranges from 10 to 60 ppm and with addition of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as the anionic surfactant with five concentrations between 100 to 500 ppm. The degradation measurements were done using rotating disk apparatus (RDA). The RDA results have shown a considerable improvement in the degradation resistance of PEO with the addition of surfactant to the polymer solution. The interaction between the polymer and the surfactant results in transferring the polymer chain from coil to straight-like body. Thus, enhance the polyme