Donnerstag, 30. September 2010
Mittwoch, 8. September 2010
Eid-ul-Fitr (Id al-Fitr)
Eid-ul-Fitr (Id al-Fitr) is related with the Holy month of Ramadan. It signifies the end of the month of fasting (the first day of the month of Shawwal).
Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and contribute in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).
Eid-ul-Fitr is a unique festival. It has no relation with any historical event nor is it related to the changes of seasons or cycles of agriculture. It is not a festival related in any way to worldly affairs.
Its significance is purely spiritual. It is the day when the Muslims thank God for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy month of Ramadan.
This day, in Muslim world, brings rejoicing and happiness. The rejoicing is not, however, at the departure of the month of Ramadan; it is the happiness which man feels after successfully completing an important task.
It is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Eid-ul-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation.
The feast of Fitr is God's reward for those who fast during the holy month of Ramadan. In this month, man should try to add to his true knowledge of God, do acts of charity for the needy, renew his beliefs towards his Lord and this will be a real Bairam Feast (Turkish word meaning festival) for him. The prayers of the day of Bairam a reason of unity and solidarity of Muslims all over the world. On this day do honor God for His endless and all-enhancing mercy.
In view of the great significance attached to this day of Eid, numerous traditions consisting of prayers and worship of God on this day have been quoted from the Holy Prophet and his Ahl-al-Bait.
Taking a solemn bath (Ghusl) on the night preceding Eid is highly recommended (Sunnat). This is a night of great sanctity and profound virtues, and should be preferably spent in worship and prayer to God.
Imam Zainul Abedin used to spend this whole night in devotion, and has said: "This night is as important as that of Shab-e-Qadr" (that is to say, the odd night towards the latter part of Ramadan when the Holy Qur'an was first revealed to our Holy Prophet).
It is quoted from the Holy Prophet that "one who offers six Rakat prayers on this night reciting in each Rakat Sura 'Al-Hamd' once and Sura 'Qul Huwallah' five times God will pardon his sins".
Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and contribute in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).
Eid-ul-Fitr is a unique festival. It has no relation with any historical event nor is it related to the changes of seasons or cycles of agriculture. It is not a festival related in any way to worldly affairs.
Its significance is purely spiritual. It is the day when the Muslims thank God for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy month of Ramadan.
This day, in Muslim world, brings rejoicing and happiness. The rejoicing is not, however, at the departure of the month of Ramadan; it is the happiness which man feels after successfully completing an important task.
It is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Eid-ul-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation.
The feast of Fitr is God's reward for those who fast during the holy month of Ramadan. In this month, man should try to add to his true knowledge of God, do acts of charity for the needy, renew his beliefs towards his Lord and this will be a real Bairam Feast (Turkish word meaning festival) for him. The prayers of the day of Bairam a reason of unity and solidarity of Muslims all over the world. On this day do honor God for His endless and all-enhancing mercy.
In view of the great significance attached to this day of Eid, numerous traditions consisting of prayers and worship of God on this day have been quoted from the Holy Prophet and his Ahl-al-Bait.
Taking a solemn bath (Ghusl) on the night preceding Eid is highly recommended (Sunnat). This is a night of great sanctity and profound virtues, and should be preferably spent in worship and prayer to God.
Imam Zainul Abedin used to spend this whole night in devotion, and has said: "This night is as important as that of Shab-e-Qadr" (that is to say, the odd night towards the latter part of Ramadan when the Holy Qur'an was first revealed to our Holy Prophet).
It is quoted from the Holy Prophet that "one who offers six Rakat prayers on this night reciting in each Rakat Sura 'Al-Hamd' once and Sura 'Qul Huwallah' five times God will pardon his sins".
Dienstag, 7. September 2010
The storm's forecast path kept it away from major oil and natural gas installations in the Gulf of Mexico
The storm's forecast path kept it away from major oil and natural gas installations in the Gulf of Mexico.
Hours after Hermine made landfall, Coast Guard Ensign Scott Kimball said a fishing vessel had run aground at a jetty near South Padre Island.
Neighborhoods lost power while Hermine's center moved over Brownsville, said Joseph Tomaselli, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Parts of the Rio Grande Valley still drying out from Hurricane Alex braced for as much as eight inches of more rain.
"It doesn't take a lot of rainfall to cause any flooding down there whatsoever," Tomaselli said.
Hermine was expected to dump 4 to 8 inches of rain while moving north through Texas and weakening into a tropical depression. It's possible a few areas could see up to a foot of rain. Tomaselli said remnants of Hermine will be felt as far north as Oklahoma and Kansas in the coming days.
In Mexico, Hermine brought another unwelcome downpour after remnant rains from Alex killed at least 12 people in flooding. In July, Alex caused heavy flooding in the business capital of Monterrey. Damage from the storm was estimated at $700 million.
Hours after Hermine made landfall, Coast Guard Ensign Scott Kimball said a fishing vessel had run aground at a jetty near South Padre Island.
Neighborhoods lost power while Hermine's center moved over Brownsville, said Joseph Tomaselli, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Parts of the Rio Grande Valley still drying out from Hurricane Alex braced for as much as eight inches of more rain.
"It doesn't take a lot of rainfall to cause any flooding down there whatsoever," Tomaselli said.
Hermine was expected to dump 4 to 8 inches of rain while moving north through Texas and weakening into a tropical depression. It's possible a few areas could see up to a foot of rain. Tomaselli said remnants of Hermine will be felt as far north as Oklahoma and Kansas in the coming days.
In Mexico, Hermine brought another unwelcome downpour after remnant rains from Alex killed at least 12 people in flooding. In July, Alex caused heavy flooding in the business capital of Monterrey. Damage from the storm was estimated at $700 million.
Sonntag, 5. September 2010
RAMADAN HOLLY MONTH
Ramadan Mubarak -
Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food and drink. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are exempted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed.The fasting during Ramadan is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one's spiritual life.
Love And Protection Of Allah...
I Thank Allah For You...
Almighty Bless You On Ramadan.
Thee We Serve... Thee We Ask For Aid!
May Allah Be With You!
Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food and drink. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are exempted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed.The fasting during Ramadan is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one's spiritual life.
Love And Protection Of Allah...
I Thank Allah For You...
Almighty Bless You On Ramadan.
Thee We Serve... Thee We Ask For Aid!
May Allah Be With You!
Freitag, 3. September 2010
RAMADAN HOLLY MONTH AOROACHING END
Ramadan approaches, and Muslims worldwide are preparing for their annual (lunar) month-long fast.
To many non-Muslims this may mean grumpy corner-shop owners, not being able to get an evening taxi for love nor money, or the almighty shopping exodus towards Eid.And the not being able to get a restaurant table for love nor money.But to many Muslims, it is a time of reflection, inspiration, sacrifice, focus, family, and of God.
And so it will be for me again, albeit not with the full dedication it takes to not eat or drink (or for some orthadox muslims, swallow their own parched saliva) during daylight hours for a whole month.
My fast will include abstaining from certain food stuffs and drink stuffs, doing a liquid fast once a week (where I will only have fluids during the day), and during the last 10 days of ramadan will be hopefully fasting on alternate days.
Why am I, a non-muslim, doing this? Well for me, it is a time of relfection, inspiration, sacrifice, focus, family, and of God.
I hope to write about this, my struggle to resist that can of diet coke (cool, bubbly coke. Fresh, yummy coke...) , my search for meaning in my spirituality, my quest for a cleaner body and mind, and more focus.
Day 1 starts tomorrow, so my first decision starts tonight at a meal out with friends... do I partake one last time, or get a good start on abstaining???
To many non-Muslims this may mean grumpy corner-shop owners, not being able to get an evening taxi for love nor money, or the almighty shopping exodus towards Eid.And the not being able to get a restaurant table for love nor money.But to many Muslims, it is a time of reflection, inspiration, sacrifice, focus, family, and of God.
And so it will be for me again, albeit not with the full dedication it takes to not eat or drink (or for some orthadox muslims, swallow their own parched saliva) during daylight hours for a whole month.
My fast will include abstaining from certain food stuffs and drink stuffs, doing a liquid fast once a week (where I will only have fluids during the day), and during the last 10 days of ramadan will be hopefully fasting on alternate days.
Why am I, a non-muslim, doing this? Well for me, it is a time of relfection, inspiration, sacrifice, focus, family, and of God.
I hope to write about this, my struggle to resist that can of diet coke (cool, bubbly coke. Fresh, yummy coke...) , my search for meaning in my spirituality, my quest for a cleaner body and mind, and more focus.
Day 1 starts tomorrow, so my first decision starts tonight at a meal out with friends... do I partake one last time, or get a good start on abstaining???
Dienstag, 31. August 2010
RAMADAN MUBARAK
It often happens that we do not benefit from the early days of Ramadan as we do not prepare ourselves well for them. As a result, we do not feel the virtue of fasting and do not taste the majesty of reciting the Qur'an or the solemnity of performing Tarawih (supererogatory night prayer during the month of Ramadan).
Actually, such are precious moments! No doubt, Du'ah (callers to Allah), scholars and public speakers should work out a preparation program during the month of Sha'ban in order to incite people's energies and to activate non-ambitious persons. Programs should include being frequent in fasting, reciting the Qur'an and offering supererogatory night prayers so that we might be accustomed to performing such and like deeds and might not miss them unaware after the beginning of Ramadan. Actually, such preparation plans are good and even wonderful. To give an example, an athlete who do not warm up or exercise for a short time before an athletic event may not continue active performance till the end of the game. Similarly, a Muslim who comes unexpectedly upon Ramadan cannot make use of its times and moments in the best manner.
To this effect, our honorable Prophet (peace be upon him) advised us to frequently remember death. He said, "Always remember the destroyer of all pleasures." However, he did not define regular intervals for remembering death, e.g. he did not tell us to remember it once a day, once a week or more or less. He left the whole matter undefined so that we might vary as to it in accordance with the degree of our faith. Thus, we find that some Muslims might remember death only on seeing a dead person, on visiting a sick person or while listening to a sermon or a preachment. On the other hand, there are such Muslims as Abdullah bin 'Umar who would say, "If you reach the evening, then don’t expect to reach the morning, and if you reach the morning, do not expect to reach the evening."
If I knew so for sure, I would never miss an obligatory act of worship Allah enjoined me to do and would do my best to perform them in the best manner. Thus, I would offer all prayers in congregation at the mosque being distracted by nothing while performing prayer. In other words, I should show complete submission and solemnity while offering prayer while not pecking like a crow; rather, I should prolong may prayer and enjoy it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The delight of my eye is prayer."
If I, furthermore, knew for certain that the coming Ramadan is my last, I would never dare commit a sin or eagerly browse newspapers and magazines looking for show times of drama series, movies and disreputable programs. Actually, moments of our lives are limited. How come then that I destroy the huge structure of fasting, night prayers, recitation of the Qur'an and charities I construct during Ramadan through a look at unlawful thing, a foul word or an impudent laugh?!
Do we share in the fever and sleeplessness the pains felt by Muslims all over the world?!!
Actually, such are precious moments! No doubt, Du'ah (callers to Allah), scholars and public speakers should work out a preparation program during the month of Sha'ban in order to incite people's energies and to activate non-ambitious persons. Programs should include being frequent in fasting, reciting the Qur'an and offering supererogatory night prayers so that we might be accustomed to performing such and like deeds and might not miss them unaware after the beginning of Ramadan. Actually, such preparation plans are good and even wonderful. To give an example, an athlete who do not warm up or exercise for a short time before an athletic event may not continue active performance till the end of the game. Similarly, a Muslim who comes unexpectedly upon Ramadan cannot make use of its times and moments in the best manner.In my opinion, however, there is something more important whose significance many Muslims fail to realize, i.e. "mental" preparation for the glorious month. By mental preparation I mean being ambitiously waiting for its coming, passionately longing for its days and nights, restlessly counting remaining hours and obsessed by the fear of not living until then.
No doubt, such is a difficult emotional state. However, those who feel it will unarguably enjoy the glorious month and, in addition, benefit from every moment of it.
The easiest way, I suggest, to reach such a unique emotional state is to imagine that the coming Ramadan is the last Ramadan you will pass by in your lifetime.
To this effect, our honorable Prophet (peace be upon him) advised us to frequently remember death. He said, "Always remember the destroyer of all pleasures." However, he did not define regular intervals for remembering death, e.g. he did not tell us to remember it once a day, once a week or more or less. He left the whole matter undefined so that we might vary as to it in accordance with the degree of our faith. Thus, we find that some Muslims might remember death only on seeing a dead person, on visiting a sick person or while listening to a sermon or a preachment. On the other hand, there are such Muslims as Abdullah bin 'Umar who would say, "If you reach the evening, then don’t expect to reach the morning, and if you reach the morning, do not expect to reach the evening."Actually, Abdullah said such conscious words making a comment on the Hadith that reads, "Be in this life as if you were a stranger or a traveler on a path."
Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said referring to the necessity of remembering death each couple of days, "It is the duty of a Muslim man who has something which is to be given as a bequest not to have it for two nights without having his will written regarding it."
Accordingly, supposing that the coming Ramadan is the last one in life is a very realistic supposition and trying to reach such a feeling is a prophetic commandment. Moreover, the actual fact gives a strong support of it. In fact, there are how many friends and acquaintances of us who were alive during the past Ramadan but are now inhabitants of graves. Undoubtedly, death comes all of a sudden and no one can return to life thereafter. To this effect, Allah (the Exalted) said, "Until when death comes to one of them (those who worship other besides Allah), he says: “My Lord, send me back so I can do good in that which I have left behind!” No. It is but a word that he speaks, and behind them is a barrier until the Day when they will be resurrected."
Thus, it is impossible to return to life after death although all those who die wish to come back to life, wishing to repent if unrighteous or wishing to do more good if righteous. So, how do we think about dying at the end of the coming Ramadan? Either way, we would wish to come back to life in order to fast the month of Ramadan in such a manner as may be more beneficial to us in our graves and in the Hereafter. Let us then imagine that we are returned to life and have a last chance to give our lives a better sense during the last month of our life, to make up for what we missed during our long lives, to add weight to the scale of good deeds and to be well-prepared for meeting the Omnipotent King (Allah).
Through reaching such a feeling, our preparation for, and practice during, the glorious month will be successful, if Allah so wills. Actually, such is not a pessimistic point of view as may be argued by some people. Rather, such a viewpoint is more motivating to action and, at the same time, to exert effort, sacrifice and innovation. In this regard, earlier Muslims achieved many military victories and could subdue the whole world because of awaiting for death and always being prepared for meeting Allah (the Exalted).
How wonderful were the words said by Khalid bin Al-Walid, the Drawn Sword of Allah, describing the army heading for Persia "I have come to you with an army of men who love death as you love life."
In fact, those men who love death achieved glory and honor. Although some of them were martyred, most of them lived having authority over the world. However, their hearts were never attached to worldly pleasures as they always anticipated the soon coming of death.
Now, what should I do knowing that the coming Ramadan is the last in my life?
If I knew so for sure, I would never miss an obligatory act of worship Allah enjoined me to do and would do my best to perform them in the best manner. Thus, I would offer all prayers in congregation at the mosque being distracted by nothing while performing prayer. In other words, I should show complete submission and solemnity while offering prayer while not pecking like a crow; rather, I should prolong may prayer and enjoy it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The delight of my eye is prayer."If I, moreover, knew for certain that the coming Ramadan is my last, I would be keen to safeguard my fast against anything that might decrease its reward. "Perhaps a person fasting will receive nothing from his fasting except hunger and thirst." Thus, I should have the intention of devoting every moment of fast for the sake of Allah struggling against my inner self and worldly pleasure through fasting. In this regard, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven."
If I also knew for certain that the coming Ramadan is my last, I would be keen to offer the Tarawih prayer in a mosque where I can enjoy the recitation of the Qur'an and where the Imam goes through the whole Qur'an while I hear and contemplate. Moreover, I would come back home eager to the Words of my Lord and thus open the Mus-haf (Arabic copy of the Qur'an) and recite more. I would also offer Tahajjud (late night prayer) and then recite more and would also recite more during the period between Fajr (Dawn) Prayer and sunshine. Indeed, it is the Word of my Lord! 'Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl would often place the Mus-haf on his face and say, "The Book of my Lord, the words of my Lord" and he would cry out of the fear of God.
If I, furthermore, knew for certain that the coming Ramadan is my last, I would never dare commit a sin or eagerly browse newspapers and magazines looking for show times of drama series, movies and disreputable programs. Actually, moments of our lives are limited. How come then that I destroy the huge structure of fasting, night prayers, recitation of the Qur'an and charities I construct during Ramadan through a look at unlawful thing, a foul word or an impudent laugh?!In my last Ramadan, I do not accept wasting time through even sleeping for so long. How come then that I make way for committing sins, evils and bad deeds. Actually, this is by no means reasonable.
If I, in addition, knew for certain that the coming Ramadan is my last, I would not hoard money for myself or my heirs. Considering what is beneficial for me before my Lord, I would relentlessly look for a poor person in need, a helpless student, a young man who cannot afford marriage expenses, a Muslim in a calamity or any other kind of needy persons.
I would provide for such kinds of people through my money even if little. Actually, money given in charity remains while the money I keep for myself vanishes away.
Besides, If I knew the coming Ramadan to be my last, I would not forget the multiple calamities and hot issues of my Ummah. I would be interested in how to meet my Lord while I am not concerned with my Ummah, i.e. besieged Palestine, occupied Iraq and Afghanistan, persecuted Chechnya, oppressed Kashmir, divided Sudan and destroyed Somalia. In brief, Muslims are totally heedless while there Ummah is endeavored by world monsters!
What am I to say to my Lord when I stand before Him tomorrow?!
Will it be suitable then to give the answer that I was busy watching a football match, pursuing art news or even providing for myself and children.
Where is the feeling of the one Ummah?!!
Do we share in the fever and sleeplessness the pains felt by Muslims all over the world?!!Even if busy performing obligatory and supererogatory prayers, is it a valid excuse before the Lord to have forgotten men who are killed, women who are kidnapped, children who arestartled, houses that are destroyed, lands that are bulldozed and inviolabilities that are encroached upon?
In fact, the Prophet (peace be upon him) broke his fast and ordered Muslims to do the same while on the way to conquer Mecca after the Quraish and Banu Bakr tribes had committed treason.
This indicates that fast may be put off while Jihad may never be put off.
This is not my or your Fiqh (jurisprudence). Actually, this is how the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself judged the matter.
So far, I have presented how my last Ramadan should be.
In a better sense, this is how my whole life should be.
What if I live after Ramadan? Shall I accept to be seen by Allah in Sahwwal or Rajab while living in heedlessness, unconsciousness and oblivion?
How wonderful was the advice given by Abu Bakr to Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) while paying him farewell before the latter's departure to Jihad in Levant!
Abu Bakr said, "O' Abu 'Ubaidah! Do good, live as a Mujahid (struggler in Allah's Cause) and die as a martyr!"
Oh my God! What a wonderful advice and what a deep understanding!
Thus, good deeds are not enough. You have to be keen to reach the tip of Islam's peak, i.e. Jihad in Allah's Cause. Jihad covers all wakes of life, including Jihad in the war against Muslims' enemies, verbal Jihad said to an unjust ruler, Jihad using the Qur'an in face of those who cast doubts, Jihad using Da'wah to awaken those heedless of Allah's religion, Jihad persisting in performing acts of worship and Jihad refraining from committing sins.
This is how a Mujahid's life should be.
In fact, there is a great difference between a person who practiced Jihad for one or two minutes and another who practiced life-long Jihad.
Furthermore, Jihad is not even enough!
We should, moreover, die as martyrs.
It may be argued that we cannot chose to die as martyrs as we do not chose the time, place or manner of our death.
Anyhow, I do not need to speak in length to explain this delicate notion. Suffice to refer to one Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in order to grasp the notion. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever sincerely asks Allah to grant him martyrdom, Allah makes him attain the station of the martyrs, even if he dies in his own bed."
Please, dear Muslim brothers and sisters, pay a special attention to the Prophet's word "sincerely". Actually, Allah is fully aware of our inner intentions and secrets of hearts.
My dear Ummah,
It is not beneficial to disguise under a feigned appearance.
In our last Ramadan, we should never outwardly do acts of worship. Rather, we are to know that obeying the Merciful is our way to Paradise and that neither good deeds benefit Him nor do bad deeds harm Him. It is we alone who may benefit from doing good deeds, practicing Jihad and martyrdom.
My Dear Ummah, embark on good deeds, practicing Jihad and being sincere.
Undoubtedly, the remainder of our lifetime is less than the past.
In fact, a wise person is one who keeps a watch over his bodily desires and passions, and checks himself from that which is harmful and strives for that which will benefit him after death.
I ask Allah to glorify Islam and Muslims.
Dr. Ragheb ElSergany
Sonntag, 29. August 2010
Kei Kamara Finding New Life With Kansas City Wizards
CARSON, Calif. -- Though it was against the Galaxy that striker Kei Kamara became an unwilling YouTube star for a flukey handball in front of the goal, the Kansas City Wizards player has bounced back from the gaffe to put together a very solid season. The forward came full circle at the place where he first made an impact on the soccer scene, since Kamara played for Cal State Dominguez Hills, the college whose campus adjoins the Galaxy’s home stadium in Carson, California.
Yet despite his impressive athleticism, the Sierra Leone player has struggled a bit to stick with a club. The Wizards are his fourth team in his four-year professional career.
However, he might have found the right fit with the Wizards, as current coach/technical director Peter Vermes was full of praise for Kamara after a 2-0 win over the Galaxy.
“Kei has been a great professional,” state Vermes. “He has a burning desire to be successful in the game.”
The player himself was mostly glad his team was playing, picking up momentum in the season, unlike the slumping Galaxy. "It’s just about winning games," Kamara said. "We’re pushing for the playoffs."
Kamara used his strength and speed to set up Davy Arnaud's opening goal and bring his assist total to three for the season, in addition to his eight goals. However, Vermes believes the 25-year-old still has more unrealized potential.
"He has the makings to be an excellent soccer player," claimed Vermes of Kamara.
He also wasn't dismayed by his Internet notoriety, not when this time around he and his team managed to beat the Galaxy. "It’s not about what happened in the past."
Kamara helped create the opening goal for the Wizards by spinning defender Todd Dunivant to the ground on the play and sending a quality assist to Arnaud. Kamara shrugged off the idea that he might have fouled Dunivant on the play. "I kept pushing them, they kept pushing me, it’s part of the game."
Though he has three assists in his last three games, Kamara wasn't looking to change his game to facilitate more of that. "I’m a goalscorer, I look to score goals." he asserted.
He also clearly relished his California homecoming. "I love it, I played here during my college years, my whole family is here."
The comfortable win for the Wizards was especially welcome given Kamara's next move - overseas to play internationally next Saturday, which means a 25 hour flight. "I'm playing for my national team against Egypt," Kamara explained.
Wherever he goes, though, Kamara can rely on his tenacity and newfound nose for goal to forge a successful career for himself and bring success to his team.
ty Wizards
Yet despite his impressive athleticism, the Sierra Leone player has struggled a bit to stick with a club. The Wizards are his fourth team in his four-year professional career.
However, he might have found the right fit with the Wizards, as current coach/technical director Peter Vermes was full of praise for Kamara after a 2-0 win over the Galaxy.
“Kei has been a great professional,” state Vermes. “He has a burning desire to be successful in the game.”
The player himself was mostly glad his team was playing, picking up momentum in the season, unlike the slumping Galaxy. "It’s just about winning games," Kamara said. "We’re pushing for the playoffs."
Kamara used his strength and speed to set up Davy Arnaud's opening goal and bring his assist total to three for the season, in addition to his eight goals. However, Vermes believes the 25-year-old still has more unrealized potential.
"He has the makings to be an excellent soccer player," claimed Vermes of Kamara.
He also wasn't dismayed by his Internet notoriety, not when this time around he and his team managed to beat the Galaxy. "It’s not about what happened in the past."
Kamara helped create the opening goal for the Wizards by spinning defender Todd Dunivant to the ground on the play and sending a quality assist to Arnaud. Kamara shrugged off the idea that he might have fouled Dunivant on the play. "I kept pushing them, they kept pushing me, it’s part of the game."
Though he has three assists in his last three games, Kamara wasn't looking to change his game to facilitate more of that. "I’m a goalscorer, I look to score goals." he asserted.
He also clearly relished his California homecoming. "I love it, I played here during my college years, my whole family is here."
The comfortable win for the Wizards was especially welcome given Kamara's next move - overseas to play internationally next Saturday, which means a 25 hour flight. "I'm playing for my national team against Egypt," Kamara explained.
Wherever he goes, though, Kamara can rely on his tenacity and newfound nose for goal to forge a successful career for himself and bring success to his team.
ty Wizards
Samstag, 28. August 2010
Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger Surprised To See Jack Wilshere Omitted From England Senior Squad
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he was surprised to hear that Jack Wilshere had been called up by the England U21 squad, just weeks after making his international debut for the senior side in a friendly against Hungary.
The teenager was part of Fabio Capello’s last Three Lions squad but will be left out of the party to face Bulgaria and Switzerland in Euro 2012 qualifying after being demoted back to the U21 side.
Speaking to the Guardian, Wenger revealed his surprise and admitted he thought the decision was down to fierce competition for places in the England midfield.
"I'm surprised that he's not in the full England team but if Capello wanted to select him then not play him, maybe it's better he plays in the Under-21s,” he said.
"For me, he has done well. But England have many midfielders now. [Frank] Lampard, [Steven] Gerrard, [Gareth] Barry, [James] Milner and they try to recall [Paul] Scholes.
"It was a little surprise because he [Capello] had brought him on and maybe would even have started him in the friendly, so he must have had a good impression of him.
“What is happening to him [Wilshere] is fantastic. He is the only player who has been selected in England from his generation at the age of 18. That's a sign of trust from Capello."
The Frenchman, who also left Wilshere out of his side to face Blackburn Rovers today, also insisted that the midfielder would not be too disappointed at the news.
"That is part of the job being a footballer," he added. "You have to deal with not only the positive but the disappointments as well.
"Jack [Wilshere] is such a strong personality he can deal with that. He is 18, he is very young so you can understand he still needs some experience in the Under-21s.
"Maybe this week he will be a bit down, but I trust him because I play him in the big games. I played him at Liverpool and I played him against Blackpool."
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The teenager was part of Fabio Capello’s last Three Lions squad but will be left out of the party to face Bulgaria and Switzerland in Euro 2012 qualifying after being demoted back to the U21 side.
Speaking to the Guardian, Wenger revealed his surprise and admitted he thought the decision was down to fierce competition for places in the England midfield.
"I'm surprised that he's not in the full England team but if Capello wanted to select him then not play him, maybe it's better he plays in the Under-21s,” he said.
"For me, he has done well. But England have many midfielders now. [Frank] Lampard, [Steven] Gerrard, [Gareth] Barry, [James] Milner and they try to recall [Paul] Scholes.
"It was a little surprise because he [Capello] had brought him on and maybe would even have started him in the friendly, so he must have had a good impression of him.
“What is happening to him [Wilshere] is fantastic. He is the only player who has been selected in England from his generation at the age of 18. That's a sign of trust from Capello."
The Frenchman, who also left Wilshere out of his side to face Blackburn Rovers today, also insisted that the midfielder would not be too disappointed at the news.
"That is part of the job being a footballer," he added. "You have to deal with not only the positive but the disappointments as well.
"Jack [Wilshere] is such a strong personality he can deal with that. He is 18, he is very young so you can understand he still needs some experience in the Under-21s.
"Maybe this week he will be a bit down, but I trust him because I play him in the big games. I played him at Liverpool and I played him against Blackpool."
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Freitag, 20. August 2010
Lucio: Inter Are Not Satisfied By Last Season’s Exploits
Lucio: Inter Are Not Satisfied By Last Season’s Exploits
The Brazilian defender wants more silverware...
By Al Amin Muhammad
Aug 20, 2010 11:53:00 AM
Ahead of Inter’s Italian Super Cup clash with Roma at the weekend, Lucio has sent out an ominous warning to the European champions’ rivals all around the continent, indicating that the Nerazzurri want a prolonged spell of dominance at the top of the game.
Under Jose Mourinho last season Inter scooped a historic treble, and despite the loss of their talismanic coach to Real Madrid, Lucio believes the Nerazzurri can be just as successful this term.
“You don't expect people to be satisfied,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “In a big club, you are forced to forget successes in a hurry. Those who can't manage that, can't take it at a certain level.”
Looking ahead to the weekend’s game, Lucio is certain that Roma will provide a stern challenge, both over 90 minutes and over the course of the campaign.
“Last season, the Giallorossi were on course for the title with us until the last minute, both in the championship and the Coppa Italia. They are closer to Inter.
“Roma have exceptional technical qualities, as well as expert and talented players, people who know how to suffer.
“I expect a game that's already at a very high level notwithstanding the time of the season.”
At present the Super Cup resides in Rome, though with the Lupi’s arch-rivals Lazio, who beat Inter in Beijing in last year's contest.
Under Jose Mourinho last season Inter scooped a historic treble, and despite the loss of their talismanic coach to Real Madrid, Lucio believes the Nerazzurri can be just as successful this term.
“You don't expect people to be satisfied,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “In a big club, you are forced to forget successes in a hurry. Those who can't manage that, can't take it at a certain level.”
Looking ahead to the weekend’s game, Lucio is certain that Roma will provide a stern challenge, both over 90 minutes and over the course of the campaign.
“Last season, the Giallorossi were on course for the title with us until the last minute, both in the championship and the Coppa Italia. They are closer to Inter.
“Roma have exceptional technical qualities, as well as expert and talented players, people who know how to suffer.
“I expect a game that's already at a very high level notwithstanding the time of the season.”
At present the Super Cup resides in Rome, though with the Lupi’s arch-rivals Lazio, who beat Inter in Beijing in last year's contest.