HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: irfan@maxwell.ece.wisc.edu (Irfan Alan)
Subject: DROPLET VOL 1, NO 5, PART 4
Organization: Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison; Electrical & Computer Engineering
Distribution: usa
Date: 23 Jan 93 14:43:06 CST

DROPLET VOL 1, No 5, Part 4

D R O P L E T
From The Vast Ocean Of The Miraculous Qur'an

Translations from the Arabic and Turkish Writings of Bediuzzaman
Said Nursi, 

The Risale-i Noor

VOL 1, No 5, Part 4
------------------------------------------------------------------
ON THE INTERPRETATION  OF  THE  QUR'AN (continued)

There are many great wisdoms and riddles in the Qur'anic oaths. 
For example, in the oath, "By the Sun and its (glorious)
splendor" [Al Qur'an 91:1], the universe is shown in the form of
a palace or a city as also indicated in the essence of the
parable in the Eleventh Word.  Further, by the oath of the
verse, "Ya Sin.  By the Qur'an full of Wisdom" [Al Qur'an 36:1],
the sublime degree of the Qur'anic i'jaz (2) is emphasized such
that the power of that i'jaz is shown in such a revered degree
that it can be sworn with.  In the oaths "By the star when it
goes down" [Al Qur'an 53:1], and "Furthermore I call to witness
the settings of the stars, And that is indeed a mighty
adjuration if you but knew" [Al Qur'an 56:75,76], it is
indicated that jinns and devils were cut off from receiving
information from the unseen alems by the thrown stars so that
any doubt about interference of soothsaying with the Qur'anic
revelations were completely eliminated.  Moreover, the greatness
of Allah's Power and Allah's perfect wisdom are shown in the
actions such as placing the stars in their orbits with utmost
order despite their enormous bodies and spinning those numerous
planets in the utmost spectacular way and ease.  The oaths in
"By the Winds that scatter broadcast" [Al Qur'an 51:1] and "By
the (Winds) Sent forth one another" [Al Qur'an 77:1] direct the
attentions to the benefits in the air-waves and their cleaning
of the air.  By the oaths made on the official angels of the
winds, these ayats draw the attention to the fact that the
events which seem to be occurring at random are in fact serving
many important and delicate functions.  Similarly, the stature
(Makam) of each oath has different remarks and wisdoms.  Because
of insufficient time, we will briefly explain one remark -out of
many- in this oath: "By the Fig and the Olive" [Al Qur'an 95:1]
(will continue)-

------------------------------------------
Footnotes: 
2. I'jaz: human's inability to reach the level of the Qur'an 
in any aspect.  (Irving's Translation of the Qur'an, p.xxi) 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

End of the Droplet Vol 1, No 5
To be continued from Vol 1, No 6   In$a Allah.
Your Br. Irfan in Islam.

Newsgroups: soc.culture.african
From: mukasa@panix.com (Michael K Mukasa)
Subject: MOI SUSPENDS PARLIAMENT !!!!
Organization: PANIX Public Access Unix, NYC
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 15:11:31 GMT

I heard on the BEEB (BBC) this morning (6.00 a.m EST, 1100 HRS GMT)  that
Moi suspended parliament and no date has been given as to when he will
allow it to reconvene.  Apperently, as President he has the power to do so
under the constitution, but the opposition immediately accused him of
"abuse of power".  There were heated arguments between opposition and
"ruling" party MP's just before Moi axed everybody.
I was half awake so don't ask for details.  But this is a move that I
would never have believed.  Real guttsy, not wise at all but real guttsy.
I think it shows he believes he can run the country without elected
officials.  Since he was not condemed for rigging the election, Lets see
if Mzungus will help him run the country. 

Comments anyone???????


Kiggundu.

Newsgroups: soc.culture.african
From: aali@vax1.umkc.edu
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african
Subject: Re: Ethiopia: response to Zemen's misinformation.
Date: 23 Jan 93 19:24:38 GMT
Organization: University of Missouri - Kansas City
NNTP-Posting-Host: vax1.umkc.edu


> I don't recall ever reading an article whereby someone expresses concern over
> Ethiopia's perpetually crumbling economic system, or views on how to establish
> a functioinal government -- not even one article based on a shred of truth.
> Modern technology at our disposal; and all those who talk loudest express 
> factional militantism, tribal affiliations  and shallow emotions. 


True that the mentioned articles were emotionally charged.  But you
too seem to be missing the point.  How can there be a functional government
without the major ethinic and tribal groups coming to some kind of agreement
as to what kind of government the country should have?  And can technological
and economic progress take place in the absence of reasonable stability ?


 
> How about some civilized discussions on:
> - the outcome of the upcoming referundum vote

It is generally accepted view that Eritrea will opt for a complete
seperation and that the referundum is a mere formality to legitimize
the new state of Eritrea. 

> - predictions on the future of Ethiopia (with or without Eritrea)

  without drastic change of the governing system ( stronger regional
governments and weaker central government),  Ethiopia will split into
more smaller countries.  Numerous groups are unhappy with the current
situation among them Oromos, Somalis(busy in their own civil war), the
Haffar people, and the Amaharas who still dream of the pre_Mingistu era.



> - or any other though generated by the HUMAN brain!!!!
 
> M. Metaferia
> College Park, MD



   Abdinur Ali
   University of Missouri
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african
From: gds@ikura.cs.uct.ac.za (Riel Smit)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african
Subject: Re: Questions about Angola
Date: 27 Jan 93 15:19:07 GMT
Article-I.D.: ucthpx.1993Jan27.151907.7624
Organization: University of Cape Town

The Wise Man from the East (Kauta) writes
> Riel Smit writes:
> >P.S. Congratulations Makala, I see you got your African name back in the  
> >password file at pitt.edu - good for you.
> 
> Mindless talk! He doesn't need any European to comment on his name.

So?  I don't see any European is commenting on his name.    ;-)
--
Riel Smit                                                 gds@cs.uct.ac.za
Computer Science                             gds%cs.uct.ac.za@rain.psg.com
University of Cape Town      "..and he walked his days under African skies"
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african
From: rafatm@sage.cc.purdue.edu (unknown)
Subject: Re: (Was: Re: THIS IS NOT A RELIGIOUS FORUM)- a Repost
Organization: Purdue University
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 21:10:08 GMT

In article <21JAN93.18522638@edison.usask.ca>, f54oguocha@edison.usask.ca writes:
> Movement, Guru Marahajiism, e.t.c. mainly used conviction and money as their 
> main tools. we are not talking about them. Islam and Christianity are the main
> culprits. so, limit your defense to these rapists.
> 
> >> >    Why not? Haven`t you ever heard of people converting?
> >> 
> >> At the end of a sword? Ask a Southern Sudani...
> >   Then why do two hundred million Africans insist that Islam is their natural
> >religion?   
> Islam can not be said to be natural to them. A christian cannot also say that.
> You know the victimization and deprivation which follow if someone decides to
> be on the fence. most are either christians or moslems just because they want to
> "belong"; because of the age long saying that " if you can't beat them, join 
> them"; because they have no choice. there are more than enough evidence to subs-
> tantiate this claim. of course, i know you are well aware of these things unless
> you are not an African.
       In this case should not the decisions of these followers of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism be respected. 
Let us for a moment assume that there is no arguement that conversion took placeby force centuries ago. However, we must still keep in mind that much time has
passed. It is not wise to censure people for choosing to maintain the religion
of their ancestors. Perhaps these Muslims, Christians, and Jews see something
in their religion that they wish to hang on to. I`ll wager that its more than
tradition. (the last sentence is my opinionated viewpoint).

> 
> no one has said it on this network that everything foreign is bad. that's is not
> the issue here. they give us aid because they are not in peace with their
> hearts. their conscience is now pricking them for all the atrocities they commi-
> tted in Africa. it's not that they love us. no way! no non-African loves an 
> African for nothing. look at the Arabs; look at the Europeans; look at the Jews;
> look at them all! those of you who think they love us are living in illusion.
   Agreed. Then perhaps the appropriate point you may wish to clarify is whetheror not foreign religions are bad.

> 
> 
> my friend, we are talking about Africa. check how they were spread in those
> countries and how they were spread in Africa, if at all you want to make a
> comparison.

   I understand that the issue is Africa. My reference on Europe was to provide
an analogy of where Africa`s situation is not unique. We can even look towards
South Asia. My bottom line is that religion is a personal choice. Condemning
others for "abandoning the original faith" will cause nothing but disunity.
I`m sure you`ll agree with me when I say that this is one trait Africa can 
currently do without.
regards
Rafat Sadiq
From: danb@digital.sps.mot.com (Dan Bizuneh)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african
Subject: art
Date: 21 Jan 93 23:22:43 GMT
Organization: Motorola, LICD, SPS, Mesa, AZ

Hi everybody:

I have a friend who has an african art and there is a word "INKERA"  written
on the art. If there is any body in this news group know where the art might
come from or what the word means or if the word is a name of the artist,
please let me know by e-mail.

Thanks
                               _______   ______
               			     /        ~~~      \
                             |                |~
 Daniel T. Bizuneh           \    ONE LOVE    \ 
 danb@digital.sps.mot.com     \_______         \____ 
                                      \            /
                                       | ONE LOVE /
                                       |         /
                                       |        |  
                                       \ONE LOVE| 
                                        |      /
                                         \____/
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african
From: operet@griffin.emba.uvm.edu (Eugene Tchana)
Subject: THE CAMEROONIAN CRISIS
Organization: University of Vermont, EMBA Computer Facility
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 16:45:31 GMT


     Seeking information about the current situation in Cameroun. Things seem
to have calmed down these days, is this true? The limited access to african 
news in my neck of the woods may be the reason for this perception.  Please
those of you who are informed on Cameroun, post articles to informed some of
us.  Thanks. 
                                                   Eugene Y. Tchana.



    Email -> operet@emba.uvm.edu
     
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african,soc.culture.bangladesh
From: bross@splatter.nas.nasa.gov (Bill Ross)
Subject: Re: IPS:ZAMBIA: RASTAFARIANS JOIN ANTI-AIDS CAMPAIGNS
Organization: NAS Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 93 01:20:29 GMT

	I thought "jah riddim" was "your rhythm"

I believe 'jah' means 'true' in this context, and that jah alone means 'truth'.

Bill Ross
From: detrolio@andromeda.rutgers.edu (David De Trolio)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african
Subject: South African Banking Information
Keywords: South Africa, Banking
Date: 23 Jan 93 16:40:00 GMT
Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.

I am seeking the mailing addresses and phone/fax numbers for the
following financial institutions. They are:

1) Standard Bank of South Africa
2) Volkskas
3) Bank Windhoek
4) Nedbank
5) Barclays National Bank
6) Boland Bank
7) Standard Bank of South West Africa

Thanks for any and all information.



-- 
David De Trolio                     (detrolio@andromeda.rutgers.edu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
We can have increased revenue in the United States without punishing
those who have obtained economic success and personal achievement.
From: paul@tantrum.csir.co.za (Paul Nash)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african
Subject: Re: e-mail to Zimbabwe anyone?
Date: 27 Jan 93 19:29:58 GMT
Reply-To: Paul Nash <paul@frcs.alt.za>
Organization: Infotek, CSIR, South Africa
NNTP-Posting-Host: nuustak.csir.co.za
X-Disclaimer: The opinions expressed below are purely personal
X-Disclaimer: and in no way represent the official view of CSIR.

Thus spake mariou@astro.astro.ufl.edu (Mariou Gottesman):

> Does anyone know if Zimbabwe is connected to the internet
> or bitnet or anynet??

There are a few individual sites in Zim with dial-up links to feed
sites in SA.  Those that spring to mind are Zimbix (at the University),
Mango (a NGO Fido-based BBS) and SATP (Aids coordination).  Mango is
probably the closest to a "general-purpose" connection.
-- 
 Paul Nash                                   (voice) +27-12-8413050
 Network Services, CSIR Infotek                (fax) +27-12-8414109
 PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa    (home) paul@frcs.alt.za
From: glovercj@duvm.ocs.drexel.edu
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african.american
Subject: Re: Caucasion Whimps?  You be the judge!
Date: 25 Jan 93 20:47:12 GMT
Organization: Drexel University

In article <74162@cup.portal.com> Arthur_T_Hu@cup.portal.com writes:
>I motion that we cancel MLK day and change it to Civil Rights day to 
>honor Mr. X, and all those of all races and sexual orientations and
>differing abilities just like president's day. I'm still waiting for
>Martin Luther King day stereo and car sales just like Washington's Birthday.
>
>Is this a "black holiday", or an Aemrican holiday? I detect even some blacks
>who treat this as a segregated holiday.
>
It'll never happen, Brother Malcolm was considered too much of a radical and an
anti-white figure. His misconstrued, "By Any Means Neccssary" statement,the
play from the media, and his so-called violent aproach will keep mainstream
America from recognizing his importance. The funny thing is though, Malcolm was
never involved in any violent activities once, he became Malcolm X, that is,
unless you call freedom of speech, a violent act.

Peace, :-)
Chad J Glover
glovercj@duvm.ocs.drexel.edu   or   glovercj@dunx1.ocs.drexel.edu 
Drexel University Software Testing Lab
"Give a Man a Fish, you Feed him for a Day,
Teach a man to Fish, you Feed him for a Lifetime."
From: taylor@hojo.larc.nasa.gov (Barney Taylor)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african.american
Subject: Re: Gabrielle's empty basket (of raspberries!)
Date: 28 Jan 1993 17:24:22 GMT
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA  USA
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: hojo.larc.nasa.gov

In article <C1Jtzu.97@panix.com>, lkk@panix.com (Larry Kolodney) writes:

|> Face it Gabrielle, you are just as "Western" as I (or any of your
|> other nemesises on this list) am.  Yeah you can criticize "western"
|> thinking (and practices) So can (and do) I.  But somehow you seem to
|> think that because you are black and I am white, I am "of" the West
|> (and thus have a stake in defending it), while you are really an
|> outsider who has no stake in the existing order (and thus may
|> criticize "honestly").
|> 
|> Sorry to have to hold up a mirror to you, but isn't it obvious that
|> someone like yourself, who spends as much time using (and enjoying) an
|> international computer network funded largely by the pentagon and
|> multinational corporations, clearly does have a stake in the existing
|> order (and is a part of it).  Your whole lifestyle (and your future
|> hopes to be a widely published author) are entirely dependent on
|> living in a society such as the U.S. which produces sufficient surplus
|> to support artists such as yourself.
|> 
|> Of course I'm not saying you shouldn't be critical of *our* society.
|> But don't pretend that you are somehow a passive victim of it all
|> while random white people, like myself, who are in no better a
|> position to change the fundamental relations of power than you are,
|> are somehow active perpetrators.

You really should read the ISIS Papers by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing a leading
psychologist who is supported by Siegmond Freud's final papers on Western 
behavior. I say this because after you read that, (if it is not too overwhelming
for you too understand) you will be better able to identify with the types
of psychological phenomena (brother or sister) Gabrielle is speaking about.

Barney,

I would guess Gabrielle is a brother from the letters, but if it is a sister
then indeed God is with us. For the black woman is the mother/goddess of the
universe.
_________________________________________
NASA Computer Scientist / Software Engineer

The previous comments do not represent the
opinions of my employer or the government in
any part.

Hetep
-------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african.american
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 18:33:00 -0500 
From: William Karamo Motley <wm1o+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: Inside the Numbers
	<1993Jan20.161913.10856@netnews.noc.drexel.edu>

Chad J. Glover writes:

>In article <EfKjdVW00WBLQ4al8=@andrew.cmu.edu> wm1o+@andrew.cmu.edu (William
>Karamo Motley) writes:
>>There has been Asian and European influence in Africa as far back as
3000 B.C.
>>
>>William K.  Motley
>>
>I don't think so, I suggest you read Stolen Legacy by George G.M. James,
>African knowledge predates Asian and European knowledge. Even Newsweek talked
>about the origins of man and technology stemming out of Africa.

Who said anything about the origins of technology and civilization? 
What does your comments have to do with the fact that there has been
INFLUENCE on the African continent since 3000 B.C.  European
civilization was established before 3000 B.C.  I suggest you read the
book I was talking about"The Destruction of Black Civilization."  I read
"Stolen Legacy" 5 years ago.

William K. Motley


                                The Lord is my light and my salvation.  
                                       Whom shall I fear?
 
 
                                The Lord is my strength and my guide.  
                                       Of whom shall I be afraid?
 

Newsgroups: soc.culture.african.american
From: glovercj@duvm.ocs.drexel.edu
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african.american
Subject: The Answer Comes from Within
Date: 26 Jan 93 18:30:45 GMT
Organization: Drexel University

White America and even better white supremacists(which includes white and black
people) can never understand the plight and oppression of African-Americans. No
one should expect that the answer to our problems will come from them. If White
Supremacy began correcting the unjustices against African-Americans, it would
destroy its own fabric and inner workings. The government has a very large part
in this white supremacists movement. The constitution guarantees the right to
the people to remove or change any government that does not work for the
people.
I say if the Clinton administration does not make effective changes, then it is
my belief that an African-American must step up and correct the problems. But
more significantly, African-Americans as a whole must step up and be leaders
and define themselves, through themselves. Knowledge of self comes through
what's inside and what was already there. It is our job to beat the system at
its own game by using our resources in a much more effective way. Political and
economic power must be ammased collectively, in other words, it's us against
against them. The leaders are within ourselves. We must lead and be the best
that we can be at all times. We must always GIVE BACK, and always respect and
love ourselves. From this stems my list of things to surviving and being
successfull:
		1. Know God.
		2. Strive to be Happy.
		3. Use every and any resource you can.
		4. Remember and learn from the past, but don't live in it.
		5. Don't drink, some, or do drugs.
		6. Be selective about your true friends.
		7. Know what team your playing for and stay with it.
		8. Know yourself, define yourself, and be yourself.
		9. Gain as much education as you can and never stop learning.
	   10. Be able to examine life from more than 1 perspective.
	   11. Practice what you preach.
	   12. Learn what selling out is, and don't do it.
	   13. GIVE BACK!
	   14. Know when to speak and when to listen.
	   15. Network
	   16. Whatever you do, do it to the best of abilities.
	   17. Economic Empowerment.
	   18. Control your own destiny.
	   19. Know your culture.
	   20. Be Afrocentric.
	   21. Realize the importance and the use of Perception.
	   22. Check yourself on a regular basis.
	   23. Stand up for what you believe is right.
	   24. Develop yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.
	   25. Remember, the best things in life are free: love, friends, and
happiness.

Peace, :-)
Chad J Glover
glovercj@duvm.ocs.drexel.edu   or   glovercj@dunx1.ocs.drexel.edu 
Drexel University Software Testing Lab
"Give a Man a Fish, you Feed him for a Day,
Teach a man to Fish, you Feed him for a Lifetime."
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african.american,alt.conspiracy
From: hallam@zeus02.desy.de (Phill Hallam-Baker)
Subject: Re: Masons
Reply-To: Hallam@zeus02.desy.de
Organization: Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron, Experiment ZEUS bei HERA
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 21:52:42 GMT

In article <1993Jan20.231802.7359@odin.corp.sgi.com>, zursch@whizkid.wpd.sgi.com
(Jeffrey B. Zurschmeide) writes:

|>In article <1993Jan20.163855.9773@midway.uchicago.edu>, Ted Frank writes:
|>>I'm not a big Mason fan, but this is completely false.  No one has
|>>thought this since the racist Know-Nothings in the 1840's.
|>
|>That's not wholly true, either, Ted. 
|>
|>Many looney fundamentalist Christians now believe the Masons to be a
|>satanic and cultist organization. 
|>
|>(Considering my Grandfather was a Mason and I myself was a DeMolay (junior
|>masonic group) I find that pretty funny...) 

So the Catholic church is "looney fundamentalist", perhaps but I don't think so
in this definition.

There is a big divide between US and european freemasonry. The latter was very
important in the last century and was used to break the power of the Catholic
church in Italy. It is no accident that Garribaldi was a freemason.

The corrupt P2 lodge and the banco ambrosiano scandal show that freemasonry has
a very shaddy side. Mafia and fascist infiltration is widespread. They were also
implicated in Gladio and the Raverna train station bombing, a plot by the
fascist right to create a red scare to smear the left.


--

Phill Hallam-Baker
Newsgroups: soc.culture.african.american
From: bvaughan@sheps.Princeton.EDU (Barbara Vaughan)
Subject: Re: The Term "Biracial"
Originator: news@nimaster
Organization: Princeton University
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 19:52:26 GMT

In article <1993Jan27.061116.25701@cbnewse.cb.att.com> ronaldd@cbnewse.cb.att.com (ronald.h.davis) writes:
>In article <1993Jan18.204854.7017@cgrg.ohio-state.edu> demetri@cgrg.ohio-state.edu  writes:
>
>>I realize that we will have some opposition, that our child will often be
>>perceived as Black, and that he or she may be criticized as a "traitor" for
>>identifying as biracial, and we will have to prepare our child for these
>>
>well, you won't get any opposition from me.  however, if your child
>depends upon being classified as "biracial" in order to establish a
>self-identity, then i think he/she is going to be a pretty confused
>kid.

The real problem boils down to this: 1) White people will consider your
child black, no matter what she calls herself.  2) Black people will
usually perceive her as "biracial", depending on her coloring, features,
etc., but if they hear her calling herself "biracial", they'll assume
she's trying to distance herself from them.

I'm a white woman with two black daughters, ages 16 and 19.

Barbara Vaughan