The Report is a product of the combined efforts of the experts in economics and banking and those of the Shari ah. This Report, besides Introduction consists of 5 Chapters with a Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations at the end. In the introductory Chapter, the Report discusses the nature and the nationale of the prohibition of riba in Islam. The first Chapter entitled "Issues, Problems and Strategy" deals exhaustively with practical considerations in applying the profit/loss sharing system, other possible devices for replacing interest and safeguards for the success of the new system. The second Chapter discusses in detail the mechanisms for the elimination of interest from the operations of the commercial banks

Culture is the spirit of a nation and the mark of its identity. It is an essential pillar in the founding of nations and their progress. Every nation has its own culture from which it derives its elements, components and attributes, by which it is characterized and to which it belongs. Every society has its own culture that characterizes it, and each culture has its own features and characteristics. Human history has known many a culture: Greek, Roman, Hellenic, Indian, ancient Egyptian, and Persian. When the Arabs held the reins of thought and culture in their hand for the whole of humanity during the seventh century A.D., a remarkable position which they occupied until the fifteenth century, the world witnessed the Arab-Islamic culture as its apogee

One of the cardinal issues engrossing prominent scholars and intellectuals and focusing the attention of prospective studies specialists as well as all those concerned with the fate of civilizational race on all levels is inter-religious coexistence. Such engrossment is ascribed to the intricate nature of the subject, as it ramifies into complex issues and generates formidable challenges that, for the most part, go beyond the religious, civilizational and cultural scope, posing broader questions pertaining to thought and opinion at large

The relationship between heritage and identity is a subject that is becoming increasingly important amid the growing risks arising from a globalization that is eroding people s cultural and civilizational specificities, as well as from the incessant international changes impacting ideas, perceptions, opinions and positions expressed by human cultures and civilizations, however their multiple backgrounds and diverse sources. This is particularly true at this critical moment in human history where identities run the risk of melting in the dominant sweeping identity

The Islamic civilization epitomizes both the treasure and the shelter. It is the treasure, given its copious contribution, over ages, in the promotion of science, literature, crafts, and arts, but it is also the shelter and the safe haven securing protection of the Nation s identity and values, and ensuring proper impetus for renovation and creativity, safeguarding, all the while, the Islamic entity and preserving it against all forms of alienation and deviation. Indeed, research on the Islamic civilization is boundless. This civilization is an open- end subject that can never be exhausted by study

The notion of coexistence of nations and peoples has evolved in international affairs from "mutual understanding" into "international cooperation", then from "concord" into "entente", then from "dialogue of religions", particularly Islam and Christianity, into "dialogue of cultures and civilizations" and eventually from "respect for cultural diversity" into "alliance of civilizations". The process from "coexistence" to "dialogue" took decades during which the international community experienced two mechanisms of intergovernmental cooperation. The first was the League of Nations, founded shortly after World War 1, and the second was the United Nations, established at the end of World War 11

In the early years of the 20th century, the U.S. was seen in the Muslim world as an inspiring nation that espouses the lofty values and principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. In the eyes of Arab and Muslim beholders, the U. S. once conjured up truly shining and vivid images. The U. S. was perceived as a magnet of liberty, a beacon for democracy, and a melting pot which wonderfully combines various ethnicities, cultures and doctrines to form the American citizenship

The indispensable guide for all who take an interest in Finland. Who was Alvar Aalto? Why is Finland a musical superpower? What have the Finns achieved with their sisu - in the Winter War, in technology, in the economy and in sport? Did you know that Nokia is a Finnish company? Portraying Finland is a wide-ranging introduction to a fascinating country in the north of Europe. Finnish experts discuss the nation s history, social development, culture and scientific achievement, plus the economy and nature, and the Finnish way of life

The Deutsche Bergbau Museum in Bochum with its 68 m high observation tower/head-frame was founded in 1930 and deals with the historical development of the different areas of mining. Rare and precious original tools and equipment document the creative achievements of this traditional economic sector. The extensive collection "Mining in Art and Cultural History" serves as a connecting link. The model mine (the gallery is 3 km long) gives a vivid impression of modern mining methods