The Afterlife

It is the story of a girl who, before embracing Islam, belonged to a family associated with extremist Hindu organization Shiv Sena. Here is a brief interview of the girl named Kavita. Her name was later changed to Nur Fatima when she converted to Islam.

Question: What was your name before embracing Islam?
Answer: My name was Kavita. While my nickname was Poonam.
Question: And what is your Islamic name?
Answer: I have been named as Nur Fatima after embracing Islam.
Question: Where were you born and what is your age now?
Answer: I was born in Mumbai and I am 30. But I consider myself as a five-year-old because my knowledge about Islam is not more than a five-year-old Muslim kid’s knowledge.
Question: Would you please tell us about your education?
Answer: After schooling from Mumbai, I went to the Cambridge University for higher education. After completing my masters there I did many a computer courses. I regret that I have attained a number of degrees for this world but have done nothing for the world hereafter. Now I want to do some-thing for the purpose.
Question: Would you share with us some facts of your life?
Answer: I had joined a school in Mumbai. The school is big enough and only children of royal families studied there.
Question: Where were you married and how many children you have?
Answer: I was married in Mumbai but later I came to Bahrain along with my husband. I’ve got two sons.
Question: How did you convert to Islam?
Answer: First of all I shall love to pay my gratitude to Allah for His blessings. As Allah’s Messenger? said: “When Allah wishes well for someone He grants him under-standing of Deen.” I say Allah has showered me with His blessings. The environment in which I grew up was extremist Hindu where Muslims were severely hated. I embraced Islam after my marriage but I disliked worship of idols since my adolescence. I remember that once I had removed an idol to a washroom in my house. When my mother admonished me on it, I replied that if it cannot protect it-self then why do you seek bless-ings from it? Why do you bow be-fore it? What does it grant you? There is a ritual in our family that when a girl is married, she washes feet of her husband and drinks that water. But I refused to do so on the very first day due to which I was severely admonished. As I told you that I had joined a school (for teaching purposes) and since I was alone and used to drive my car; I started visiting a nearby Islamic centre. I heard their conversation and knew that Muslims did not worship idols. They were seeking blessings from some other person. Their Bhagwan was someone else. I liked their views. I knew later that this is Allah Who accomplishes everything.
Question: How did you attract to Islam?
Answer: the prayer (Namaz) of Muslims impressed me. I did not earlier know that it is called as prayer. However, I was aware of the fact that all the Muslims do like that. At first I thought it was some sort of exercise. I learnt that it was called as Namaz when I started visiting the Islamic centre. I dreamed of one thing whenever I went to bed. It was a four-dimensional room that I dreamed daily. I would get harassed and wake up sweating. The same room would re-appear in my dreams when I would sleep again. I learned much later about this room.
Question: How your family learnt about your conversion to Islam?
Answer: After marriage I shifted to Bahrain which helped me a lot in understanding Islam. As it is a Muslim country, our house was surrounded by Muslims. I befriended a Muslim girl. She seldom visited me but I used to visit her mostly. One day she forbade me from visiting her for it was Ramazan, the month of worship. “My worship is disturbed due to your visit” she told me. As I wanted to know about the rituals of worship performed by Muslims I got more curious and requested her not to forbid me from visiting her house. I said: “Do whatever you want to. I shall just see you doing all that. I would say nothing and would rather hear whatever you would recite.” So she did not forbade me from visiting her house. When I would see her worshipping, I my-self would be attracted to copy it. Then I asked her about the “exercise.” She told me that they call it Namaz. And that the book she used to recite is the Holy Quran. I wished to do this all. I would lock a room of my house and copy my friend in private though I did not know much about it. One day I forgot to lock the room and started offering Namaz when my husband entered there. He asked me what I was doing. I replied: “Offering Namaz.” He said: “Are you in your senses? Do you know what are you saying?” At first I got harassed. My eyes were closing out of fear. But, suddenly, I felt a huge power in my inner self that made me courageous enough to face the situation. I cried out that I had converted to Islam so I was offering Namaz. He said: “What! What have you said? Would you repeat your words?” I repeated my words with an added emphasis: “Yes! I have converted to Islam.” Hearing this he started to beat me. Hearing the noise my sister reached there. She tried to rescue me. But when my husband narrated the entire story she too advanced to beat me. I stopped her saying: “You should not come in my way. I know what is good for me and what is bad. I shall walk on the way I have adopted.” Hearing this my husband got furious. He tortured me so much that I lost my senses.
Question: Where were your children when you were being tortured? What was their age? And how did you manage to escape from there?
Answer: My children were at home when this gory drama was being played. My elder son was in 9th and younger son in 8th at that time. But after this incident I was not allowed to meet anyone. I was locked in a room. Though I had not formally embraced Islam, I had uttered these words that I had converted to Islam. One night when I was there locked in the room; my elder son came there and burst into tears in my arms. I asked where the other family members were. He said they had gone to attend some function and no one was at home. (There was our religious festival on that night.) My son requested me to escape from the house for the family wanted to kill me. I consoled him that nothing such would happen. They would not hurt me. And he should take care of himself and his younger brother. But he continued to insist amid sobs that I should escape from the house. I tried to make him under-stand that then I would be unable to meet them. But he replied that you could meet us only if you were alive. “Go away, Mama, they will murder you.” At last I decided to leave. I could never forget those harsh moments when my elder son went to wake up his younger brother and said to him: “Get up. Mama is leaving. Meet her now for who knows that whether she will meet us again or not.” The younger one had met me after many days. He was rubbing his eyes while looking at me. But when I stepped forward, he clung to me and burst into tears. The children perhaps al-ready knew all. He just asked me, “Mama, are you leaving?” I nodded in affirmative saying we would meet again. My both sons were seeing me off on that dark and chilly night. I was crushing the love of mother under my own feet. On one hand was the love of children and their separation and on other was the love for Islam which was overcoming the former. I was moaning, clinging to my children.... crushing my love for them. My injuries were fresh. I was un-able to walk on foot. However, I somehow managed to do so. Both the children were waving their hands to me with tears in their eyes at the gate. I could never forget those moments. Whenever I recall this scene, I remember the Muslims who had abandoned their homes and families for Islam.
Question: Where did you go then and where did you embrace Islam?
Answer: From my house I headed straight to the police station. My biggest problem there was that they did not know my language. One of them, however, could understand English. I was out of breath and was unable to speak for I was nervous. I requested him to let me take rest until I collect my-self. Then after a while I collected myself and told him that I had left my house and wanted to embrace Islam. I was anxious to narrate all these facts. However, he consoled me and said that he too was a Muslim and would help me as much as possible. He took me to his family and provided me shelter in his home. In the morning, my husband reached the police station to seek help saying his wife had been kid-napped. But he was told that his wife had not been kidnapped rather she herself had come there. As she wanted to embrace Islam, he did not have any relation with her (being a non-Muslim) so she could not go with him. He insisted and hurled threats. But I myself refused to go with him. I said he could take all my jewellery, bank balance and property, but I would not go with him. At first he did not give up, but seeing my consistent refusal he got a written statement to obtain all my belongings.
The person who had given me shelter said that now your family would not harm you and you might embrace Islam. I thanked him and went to a hospital for my whole body was wounded. I remained admitted to the hospital for some days. Once a doctor asked me: “Where have you come from? No one from your family had ever visited you at hospital.” I remained quiet and did not reply. For I had left my house in search of only one thing...... Now I neither had any home nor any family..... Now my only relation was Islam which had extended me affection on the very first step...
The Muslim policeman had called me his sister and kept me at his home like a sister. He had provided me shelter on that chilly night when I had lost all my relations. I could never forget his favour. When I was hospitalized, I was anxious about my next step. Where to go in search of peace and protection? After being discharged from the hospital I straightaway went to the Islamic centre. There was no one at that time except an elderly person who perhaps lived there. I went to him and narrated my account. He hesitated for some moments and then said: “Daugh-ter! This sari is not the dress of Muslims. Go, wear headscarf and clad yourself like Muslims.” I had some money with me when left the police station. I purchased a suit with this money and returned to the centre. He told me how to per-form ablution. As I performed the ablution he took me to a room. Entering the room, I found a big picture hanging on a wall. Seeing the picture I halted as it contained the room that I used to dream in my dreams. I immediately cried out: “That’s it which I have been seeing in my dreams.....which have been disturbing my sleep.” He smiled and said it is the house of Allah. Muslims from across the world come to this house for Hajj and Umra. It is called Baitullah. I was surprised to learn it. I asked, “Does Allah live in a house?” He was answering my questions with a smile and affection. Perhaps he knew a lot about Islam. I was facing no difficulty in talking to him. He was explaining each and every thing in my own language. I was feeling a strange happiness which I could not understand at that time. He made me recite the Kalima and then told about Muslims and Islam. Now I was neither anxious nor feeling any burden on my mind. I was feeling myself very light. I felt like I had swum from polluted to clean waters. The owner of this centre where I had embraced Islam adopted me as his daughter and took me to his home. Later, he arranged my marriage in a Muslim family. My first desire was to see the “house of Allah.” And then I performed Umra.
Question: Did you go to India after embracing Islam?
Answer: No, I neither went to India after that nor I want to go there. My family has links in political as well as religious organizations there. They have announced head money for me. I am a Muslim, a Muslim daughter.... and I am proud to be a Muslim..... I want to lead my life in the light of Islam.
Question: What was your thinking about Mujahideen before embracing Islam?
Answer: We had been told that they were oppressors who had crossed every limit of oppression. We were made to hate them. But now I have come across the truth and have love for them. I offer prayers for their success in every Namaz. I also pray to Allah that if He blesses me with sons I shall love to see them lined up as Mujahid. I shall devote them for the glory of Islam. Inshallah.
Courtesy: www.islamway. com

Honey, Honey, Honey, Oh Honey, It's a Qur'aan's Word !!

Scientific research that is in accordance with Sharia has helped us a lot in understanding some honey issues in much greater depth. A Hadith points out a tradition that says, “If it is used at least thrice in a month at early morning, the one who uses it will remain safe from diseases.” Fresh honey is highly beneficial but should not be used with fish, vinegar, radish or melon. Always store honey in a glass jar that should not have even a single drop of water, as even a few drops of water can destroy honey’s value.

Beneficial for cardiac patients

The heart muscle works continuously and needs glucose to make up energy expended. When a very small quantity of glucose (0.1 percent) is added to physiological saline in which an isolated heart is immersed, the heart will continue working outside the body for four days.

Honey has a beneficial effect on the heart because it contains much easily assimilated glucose. It has been noted that it has an invaluable effect on the weakened heart muscle in various types of cardiac diseases. Even diabetics can take honey, since pure honey improves cardiac activity. Honey causes veins to expand and improves circulation through coronary arteries.

Anti-diarrheal properties

At a concentration of 40 percent, honey has a bactericidal effect on various intestinal bacteria known to cause diarrhea and dysentery such as Salmonella, Shigella and enteric pathogens like E. coli and Vibrio cholera. In one study, honey given with oral dehydration fluid was shown to reduce the duration of bacterial diarrhea in infants and children. (1).

Anti-tussive and expectorant properties

Honey’s anti-cough properties are related to its capacity to dilute bronchial secretions and improve function of the bronchial epithelium. Uncontaminated or pure honey is a natural, healthy, energy-rich and easily-digestible food. Observation of treatment for lung abscesses in professor F. A. Udintsev’s clinic at the Kiev Medical Institute has drawn attention.

Three patients were given 100 to 150 grams of honey a day, resulting in considerable improvement. They began to feel better, their appetites improved and they began putting on weight. Their hemoglobin increased, while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) decreased. Patients coughed less and the amount of sputum decreased; they began urinating more during the day than at night (the opposite was the case before honey was given); and a beneficial effect also was noted on the gastrointestinal tract.(1).

Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties

These are well-established properties of honey. Undiluted honey inhibits bacterial growth such as Staphylococcus aureus, certain intestinal pathogens and fungi such as Candida albicans. At a concentration of 30-50 percent, honey has been shown to be superior to certain conventional antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections. (1).

Diabetic cure

A recent study published in the Journal of Family Practice reports the case of a 79-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes who developed foot ulcers. After 14 months of care costing $390,000, which included five hospitalizations and four surgeries, the ulcers measured 8x5 cm and 3x3 cm and were resistant to effects of the best antibiotics.

During this time, the patient lost two toes but refused below-the-knee amputation, despite being informed by two different surgical teams that without it, he likely would die. The patient eventually was discharged to his home at his request. He lost a third toe before consenting to a trial of topical honey.

Once-daily, thick applications of ordinary honey were smeared on gauze and placed on the wounds, which then were wrapped. Oral antibiotics and saline dressings were discontinued, but otherwise, treatment was unchanged. Dressing changes were painless and the serum glucose remained in excellent control.

New tissue appeared within two weeks, with the ulcers healing completely in six to 12 months. Two years have passed and the ulcers have not reoccurred. The patient moves about with a walker and reports improved quality of life.

Researchers state that as diabetes incidents increase, it’s important to identify effective strategies to reduce amputation rates, both to improve quality of life and decrease costs. They also recommend random controlled trials to determine efficacy and invite physicians to consider topical honey therapy for patients with refractory diabetic foot ulcers. (2).

Medical experts still dispute the topic, with some firmly believing that honey is a cure, while others say it’s injurious to diabetics.

The Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) drank honey in the early morning and in the afternoon. The Sunnat is a blessing if one has no doubt. The user achieves two advantages simultaneously: one is physical, which is a cure, and the other is spiritual blessing.

Sayedna Abdullah bin Abbas provided the Hadith, “You have sources of cure and remedies – Qur’an and honey.” This Hadith is a forceful categorical reply to arguments based on the opinion of medical experts who disallow honey’s use for diabetics. Honey provides the quickest energy boost for longer endurance without a big drop in blood sugar later.

Wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties

Al Shaikh Al-Rais, Abi Ali Ibn Sina, considered honey to have absorbing properties, recommending a waterless ointment of honey and wheat flour to treat wounds. Honey is of value in treating burns, infected surgical wounds and decubitus ulcers in that honey is very viscous, thereby enabling it to absorb water from surrounding inflamed tissue. It also has been suggested that honey may be useful in treating chronic, foul smelling ulcers seen in leprosy. Honey is unique and has an excellent “track record” – more than 4,000 years’ usage as a wound dressing.

Dr. Peter Molan, a leading honey researcher for the past three decades and a biochemistry professor at New Zealand’s Waikato University, says of honey’s anti-microbial properties: “Honey speeds healing of open wounds and also combats infection. Modern science now acknowledges honey as an anti-microbial agent, meaning it deters growth of certain types of bacteria, yeast and molds.

“Honey and beeswax form the basis of many skin creams, lip balms and hand lotions. Thanks to honey’s ability to absorb moisture from the air, it facilitates the healing process and prevents scarring because it stimulates growth of epithelial cells that form the new skin covering a healed wound. In this way, even in the case of large wounds, honey may eliminate the need for tissue transplantation.” (1). (3). (4).


Quick burn treatment

Random trials have shown that honey is more effective in controlling infection in burn wounds than silver sulfadiazine, the antibacterial ointment hospitals use most widely (Honey against infected skin lesions). A 1991 study by Dr. Subrahmanyam compared results of topical honey application on burns with conventional burn treatment using silver sulfadiazine. Results showed that within a week, 91 percent of infected wounds treated with honey were free of infection, compared to less than seven percent of silver sulfadiazine treated burns.

Gastroenteritis and stomach ulcer treatment

Research by Haffejee and Moose (1985) found that honey treatment shortened the duration of diarrhea in patients with bacterial gastroenteritis, in that patients treated with honey had an average recovery of 58 hours compared with 93 hours for control patients.

Additionally, research conducted by Somal, et al (1994) at New Zealand’s Waikato University showed that Manuka honey successfully inhibits Helicobacter pylori, the organism responsible for upper gastro-intestinal dyspepsia in stomach ulcers.

However, it should be noted that research is ongoing in this field, and although initial results are promising, full clinical trials are yet to be completed. As well as its other therapeutic properties, the presence of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium means that honey is capable of neutralizing body acid, thus maintaining the acid-alkaline balance. (5) (6)

Allergy relief

At the University of Connecticut Health Center-Farmington, immunologist T.V. Rajan, M.D., Ph.D., is studying simple honey’s healing powers to treat seasonal allergies. The study is based on the theory of oral tolerance, which reasons that humans become accustomed to things they ingest. So if people eat local pollens via pollen-rich honey, allergic pollen reactions in the spring and summer should diminish. Study subjects receive either a tablespoon of local honey, non-local honey as a placebo or their usual allergy medications.

University of Illinois researchers reported in the 1998 Journal of Agricultural Research that antioxidants in 14 honey varieties are highest in the darkest honeys (Manuka honey is very dark). Antioxidants are important to the diet because they slow production of free radicals that cause DNA damage and have been implicated in age-related illnesses like arthritis, stroke and cancer.

Enhance exclusive pleasure

In the East, ginger has lived up to its reputation of being a powerful herb. Indian literature recommends a mixture of ginger juice, honey and half-boiled eggs, taken nightly for a month, as a remedy against impotence. Taking a teaspoon of honey and milk before hitting the fire increases virility and is even said to cure premature ejaculation. According to traditional Indian herbal medicine, it also increases masculine power.

Powdered cardamom seeds boiled with milk and mixed in a glass with a spoon of honey is believed to be an excellent remedy against impotence and premature ejaculation, as well as recommended as an ointment for recovery from impotency (Qaratis Yamaniyah manuscript written Hijra year 871).

Honey and the eyes

Honey long has been considered a most effective remedy for many eye diseases. Only sterile honey from the honeycomb should be used on the eyes and only under doctor or ophthalmologist supervision. Honey applied as a kuhl (eye ointment) strengthens weak eyesight. If used by those under age 40, it improves vision and also removes their need for glasses. An added benefit is that honey has no side effects.

Cure for dental problems

Dentists have no doubt about the harmful effect of sweets on teeth. It has been established that the remains of sugar in the mouth increase bacteria’s effect, leading to slow but considerable teeth decalcification and cavities. Honey, on the other hand, has active antibiotic properties and in fact disinfects the mouth.

Pure honey may refine with age, but its food value remains unchanged. Various honey varieties taste differently, depending on its source: clover honey tastes like clover, while citrus honey has a citrus scent.

Honey is Allah’s gift to humans. No medicine can ever equal its cure and benefits. If you’ve not tasted honey yet, now is the perfect time to benefit from it. Firm faith is indispensable in the commandments of the Qur’an and “Sahib al Qur’an.” It is highly beneficial to recite prayers before and after taking honey to cure any disease. If we judge with full justice, the divine commandments are sweet to the taste, sweeter even than honey.

Dr. Qazi Shaikh Abbas Borhany is an attorney at law in Karachi, Pakistan and a member of Pakistan’s Ulama Council.


(1) Bees & the Hidden Miracles of Honey, Dr. Monzur Ahmed, MRCP (UK), M.D. Muslim Technologist, November 1990.

(2)Topical honey for diabetic foot ulcers, Jennifer J. Eddy, M.D., Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, 617 W. Claremont Ave., Eau Claire, Wis. 54703.

(3)Effects of topical honey on post-operative wound infections due to gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria following Caesarean sections and hysterectomies, N.S. Al-Waili, K.Y. Sallom. European Journal of Medical Research, 1999, Vol. 26, pp. 126-30.

(4)Using honey as a dressing for infected skin lesions, C. Dunford, et al. Nursing Times, 2000, Vol. 96, pp. 7-9.

(5)The Curative Properties of Honey and Bee Venom, N. Yoirish. New Glide Publications (US), 1977, pp. 46-54.

(6)The Antibacterial Effects of Honey: Medical Fact or Fiction? J. McCarthy. American Bee Journal, May 1995.

Israel opens organ theft hearing

Israel opens organ theft hearing

Israel's parliament opened testimony on Wednesday over the organ theft allegations  [AP] Israel's parliament has begun hearings on the theft of human organs from Palestinians, Israelis and foreign workers without their relatives' permission. Israeli health officials testified on Wednesday that Israeli authorities harvested organs from the dead bodies of Israelis and Palestinians in the 1990s for transplant purposes. The testimony came three days after the government admitted to the practice, following previous denials. Al Jazeera's Sherine Tadros, reporting from Jerusalem, said Wednesday's hearing was not the first time Israeli officials have had to face difficult questions in parliament about the organ theft issue. "What we tended to see in the past was officials trying to skirt around the issue, really not wanting to confirm or deny that organ theft took place," she said. "What we had on Wednesday was a very public admission by an Israeli official that organ theft was in fact taking place. "But the health ministry said it was a practice that happened in the past and is no longer a problem." Practice 'continuing' However, Ahmed Tibi, an Israeli Palestinian member of parliament, told the assembly on Wednesday that he had evidence that organ theft was still taking place. "You said that it was ended in the '90s. But Fadul Ordul Shaheen who was from Gaza passed away. He died of diabetes this year.  When his body was given back to his family, his eyes were bleeding and there was a deep cut through his body," he said. In depth  Video: Israel angered over Swedish 'body parts' story  Video: Israel in 'organ theft' row  Palestinians seek organ theft probe "The family is saying that both the corneas and the kidneys were taken. "I am asking you if you're willing to look into this complaint and see if this activity is continuing, if organs are being harvested from Palestinian prisoners." Yaacov Litzman, the Israeli deputy health minister, said he would investigate the case "with all seriousness" to determine if any wrongdoing was committed. Tibi later told Al Jazeera that he would continue to pursue the health ministry for answers for the families of those who were affected. 'Highly informal' The government's admission this week followed the release of an interview with Jehuda Huss, the former head of Israel's forensic institute, in which he said that workers at the institute had harvested skin, corneas, heart valves and bones from Israelis, Palestinians and foreign workers. In the interview, which was conducted in 2000 when Hiss was head of Tel Aviv's Abu Kabir forensic institute, he said: "We started to harvest corneas ... Whatever was done was highly informal. No permission was asked from the family." Nancy Scheper-Hughes, who conducted the interview, said that she made the article public because of the controversy last summer over allegations of organ harvesting made by a Swedish newspaper. In August the Aftonbladet newspaper ran an article alleging that the Israeli army had stolen body organs from Palestinian men after killing them. Israel denied the claims, calling them anti-Semitic, and the incident raised tensions when Sweden refused to apologise for the article, saying that press freedom prevented it from intervening.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel admits to organ thefts

Israel admits to organ thefts

Harvested organs were alleged to have been used by the military and in public hospitals [File: AFP] Israel has admitted that it harvested organs from the dead bodies of Palestinians and Israelis in the 1990s, without permission from their families. The admission follows the release of an interview with Jehuda Hiss, the former head of Israel's forensic institute, in which he said that workers at the institute had harvested skin, corneas, heart valves and bones from Israelis, Palestinians and foreign workers. In the interview, which was conducted in 2000 when Hiss was head of Tel Aviv's Abu Kabir forensic institute, he said: "We started to harvest corneas ... Whatever was done was highly informal. No permission was asked from the family." Nancy Scheper-Hughes, who conducted the interview, told Al Jazeera on Monday that Hiss had said the "body parts were used by hospitals for transplant purposes - cornea transplants. They were sent to public hospitals [for use on citizens]. Guidelines 'not clear' "And the skin went to a special skin bank, founded by the military, for their uses", such as for burns victims. The practice is said to have ended in 2000. The interview was also reported on Israel's Channel 2 television, which quoted an Israeli military statement that said: "This activity ended a decade ago and does not happen any longer." Israel's health ministry said in the Channel 2 report that at the time the guidelines for transplants "were not clear" and that for the last 10 years "Abu Kabir has been working according to ethics and Jewish law". Scheper-Hughes, who is a professor of anthropology at the University of California-Berkeley, said that she made the interview public because of the controversy last summer over allegations of organ harvesting made by a Swedish newspaper. In August the Aftonbladet newspaper ran an article alleging that the Israeli army had stolen body organs from Palestinian men after killing them. Israel denied the claims, calling them anti-Semitic, and the incident raised tensions when Sweden refused to apologise for the article, saying that press freedom prevented it from intervening. 'Conflict deaths' Donald Bostrom, the journalist who broke the story in Aftonbladet, told Al Jazeera: "UN staff came to me and said that you have to look into this very serious issue. Palestinian young people were disappearing in the areas and five days later they appear back in the villages with an autopsy done on them against the will of the families. "We need to know who are the victims. Mothers need to know what happened to their sons." Bostrom said that there is no proof that people were killed for their organs but that an investigation is needed to find out whether there was a policy in place or if the bodies used were random. Bostrom added that Hiss is the "main key" to solving such unanswered questions, but that there would also be other people involved who could help uncover the truth. Scheper-Hughes said that some of the dead Palestinians from whom organs were harvested were killed during military raids. "Some of the bodies were definitely Palestinians who were killed in conflicts," she told Al Jazeera. "Their organs were taken without consent of families and were used to serve the needs of the country in terms of hospitals as well as the army's needs." 'Technically illegal' She said that Hiss told her "that the people who did the harvesting were sent by the military. They were often medical students". "He did it informally and without permission, and it was technically illegal," she said. The military establishment gave their "sanction and approval" to the procedures, according to Scheper-Hughes. During his interview with Scheper-Hughes, Hiss said that the eyelids of bodies were glued shut to prevent the removal of corneas being found out. Hiss was dismissed as head of Abu Kabir in 2004 over irregularities in the use of organs, but charges against him were eventually dropped. He still holds the position of chief pathologist at the institute.

Source: Al Jazeera and agencies