The War and Sanctions on Iraq, Syria, and in Future Egypt - as foretold in Hadith

With what has been transpiring in Iraq, and now Syria - it is extremely sad that the Muslim Ummah is SLEEP WALKING from one disaster into another - without paying much attention to what has been foretold to us in Ahadeeth and without realizing that Taaghooti forces are conveniently PLAYING our differences and Perceived fault-lines while the vast majority of the Ummah are getting exploited resulting in thousands of Muslims getting killed.

I encourage and invite all to go through some Ahadeeth and see for themselves what has been foretold and then put their hand on heart and ask themselves - if they want to be part of the problem - or part of the solution - a solution that unites and brings the ummah together - rather than cause its further destruction.

The following very interesting Hadith clearly foretold what is happening in Middle-East these days.

I first read the following hadith in Ibn'e Katheer's summary of Bidaya Wan Nihaya... but then on noted that it is from Sahih Muslim (as the original source).

 
Sahih Muslim Book 041, Hadith Number 6923.

The Book Pertaining to the Turmoil and Portents of the Hour

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as saying:

1. Iraq would withhold its dirhams and qafiz;

2. Syria would withhold its mudd and dinar and

3. Egypt would withhold its irdab and dinar and

4. You would recoil to that position from where you started and
(Repeated). You would recoil to that position from where you started and
(Repeated). You would recoil to that position from where you started,
 

5. The bones and the flesh of Abu Huraira would bear testimony to it.

Muslim: Book 41, Number 6961:

Abu Nadra reported: We were in the company of Jabir b. ‘Abdullah that he said:

“It may happen that the people of Iraq may not send their qafiz and dirhams. We said, “Who would be responsible for it?” He said, “The non-Arabs would prevent them.” He again said,

“There is the possibility that the people of Syria may not send their dinar and mudd.” We said, “Who would be responsible for it?” He said, “This prevention would be made by the Romans.” He (Jabir b. Abdullab) kept quiet for a while and then reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) having said: “There would be a caliph in the last (period) of my Ummah who would freely give handfuls of wealth to the people without counting it”. I said to Abu Nadra and Abu al-’Ala, “DO you mean ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-Aziz?” They said, “No (he would be Mehdi).”

When reading the above two ahadith together – it clearly explains what is happening in the Middle-East these days and who would be responsible for it.

Some research on this Hadith:

According to this Hadith - "sanctions" would be imposed on 3 countries in the Middle-East in specific order as mentioned in the Hadith:

1st Iraq, 2nd Syria, and finally 3rd Egypt.

Let us do some detailed evaluation of this Hadith.

The hadith above mentions – Dirham and Qafiz in reference to Iraq.

The Hadith says:

“Iraq would with hold its dirham and qafiz”

Dirham = Money (see below for details)

Qafiz = A Measure of Oil!

1 Dinar = Gold Coin weighing 72 grains of average barley. This is now calculated as: 4.45 gm of Gold.
1 Dirham = (7/10) = 0.7 Dinar. (i.e. Dirham is 70% of a Gold Dinar).

It should be noted that the word “Qafiz” has been used through history for a measure of oil! Because of the Arab influence over southern Italy the Sicilian language has also borrowed some words from Arabic. One such word is clearly from the Arabic “Qifaz” and that word in Sicilain language is “Cafisu”  - (cafiso: measure of oil) - [Arabic: qafiz]


This means that the sanctions imposed on Iraq would be about “Money and Oil”. i.e. An economic sanction with holding Money and Oil. (Remember the UN sanctions on Iraq and the Oil for Food programme).

The Non-Arabs would prevent them

As the Hadith about Iraq sanctions mentions - "The Non-Arabs would prevent them" - meaning that generally the Arab population would not be in favour of the sanctions in Iraq and it would be implemented by groups of nations - mostly non Arabs (i.e. Western Powers + United Nation)

We now know as a fact that economic sanctions were imposed on Iraq - after which there was 1st Persian Gulf War and then a 2nd Persian Gulf War.

The Persian Gulf War (2 August 1990 – 28 February 1991), codenamed Operation Desert Storm (17 January 1991 – 28 February 1991) commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged under the U.N. authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the US and closely in cooperation with UK, against Iraq.

Duration of the Sanctions & War on Iraq

Sanctions were imposed (which can be seen in military terminology as a technique with the goal of “Softening up the Target”.

The war against Iraq started in August, 1990 – and ended in December, 2011 (although very strong foreign influences remain). The U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq was completed on December 18, 2011

Approximate Total time: Around 22-23 years. However – if you add the pre-war sanctions – the actual duration against Iraq is much longer. According to some estimates just the pre-war sanctions on Iraq were responsible for nearly 5 million deaths of children due to lack of medicine, medical supplies, and healthy nutrition.

The Number of Muslims Killed in Iraq

The result of the war on Iraq is clear. Although Saddam Hussain is gone – thousands upon thousands of Muslims have perished in this “foreign imposed war”.

A study, published in prestigious medical journal The Lancet, estimated that over 600,000 Iraqis had been killed as a result of the invasion (as of July 2006). Iraqis have continued to be killed since then.

The updated estimate as of 2012 is that more than a million Muslims died in Iraq. The estimate that over a million Muslims in Iraq have died received independent confirmation from a prestigious British polling agency in January 2008. Opinion Research Business estimated that the death toll between March 2003 and August 2007 was 1,033,000.

Syria would withhold its mudd and dinar ...

The Hadith mentions “Mudd and Dinar” in reference to Syria.

Mudd = typically used as a measure of Wheat, or more generally food (rice, wheat, barley, bread, etc). One Mudd is equated to ¾ of a kilogram, or sometimes as 708 grams. A mudd is a measure, commonly translated in today's terminology as a "Bushel"

This means that the sanctions imposed on Syria would be about Wheat and possibly general Food and (dinar) Money.

Further - the general food sanctions/witholding would be of a smaller nature compared to the sanctions imposed on Iraq (as Mudd refers to a small measure of general food items of around 708 grams).

Considering the sanctions on Syria - the hadith mentions “This prevention would be made by the Romans". Also please note that this time it was not mentioned that "The non-Arabs would prevent them" - this means that not just non-Arabs but even Arab government and population will be included in this.

This is clearly visible by the direct involvement of many Arab countries in the Middle-east such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Gulf Countries, and even “fighters” have poured in from as far as Tunisia and Libya.

This means that the key driver of sanctions against Syria would be present day Romans - i.e. Europeans and USA plus UK.

Considering what happened with Iraq - a similar fate seems to now be emerging as the expected outcome in Syria - resulting in war, then destruction of the country and finally withdrawal of occupation forces. Already nearly 80,000 plus Muslims have perished in this internal strife and war in Syria.

Considering that war in Syria started in 2012 – although without direct and visible involvement of “Roman” forces yet (no boots on the ground) - if we expect this to take around the same time as in Iraq, it may take potentially until 2012+22 = 2034.

Muslims should pray that insha Allah – that the situation in Syria does not drag out in a long drawn out war and would end quickly.

Egypt would with hold its irdab and dinar and

Taking the hadith to its logical conclusion - we can expect that after the conflict in Syria finishes - a situation similar to that which happened in Iraq / Syria - would finally happen in Egypt.

When Husni Mubarak was in power - I used to think how the west can be against Egypt - as Mubarak was their own man. However - as the "revolution" started and Ikhwan (Muslim Brotherhood) started to come to power - it became clear to me that - this will happen after Ikhwan or may be a combination of "Islamist" parties stay in power for sometime in Egypt and start to change the policies - specially the policy of being friendly with Israel and blocking aid to Palestinians. Further imagine if the Islamic parties in Egypt rip apart the agreement signed with Israel about Sinai - and take ownership of Sinai - then - it will be considered as "open challenge" to Israel and the US and according to the current terms of agreement would be “an act of war”. Only Allah (swt) knows how the situation in Egypt would develop – however – already the “Islamist” parties have come to power in Egypt and already the relationship between Egypt and the Western Powers has changed.

The words used in reference with Egypt are Irdab and Dinar.

Irdab is a special measure especially related to Egypt.
1 Irdab = 73 KG (of Wheat)

When talking about grain - Irdab generally means wheat free from rubblish, dirt and the husks. More generally Irdab also refers to fruit in their dried state - such as dried dates and raisins.

Hence the economic sanctions against Egypt would impact dried fruits and wheat imports/exports and ofcourse dinar (money).

The present and future governments and citizens of Egypt - specially those who have any concern for the Muslims there - should take heed and start preparing for such eventuality by making sure that they can protect and defend themselves from certain onslaught that is to befall them in the future - as Hadith can never be wrong. 

Update on Egypt: 08/04/2015
I am compelled to make some clarification and dare I say "predictions" based on the above ahadeed about Egypt, since now it is ruled by another ruthless wolf in sheeps clothing named "Sisi". As - it is abundantly clear that ethnic and religious "fault-lines" are being used to divide and rule the Muslims in the Middle-East - specially Iraq, Syria, Bahrain, & Yemen - mostly on Shia/Sunni divide - a new fault-line is emerging that I fear will rip apart not just Egypt but the rest of the Middle-East. This new fault line is - Salafi vs Ikhwan. A quick search would reveal that Billions of Arab Middle-East Petro-Dollars have been poured into Egypt to support "Sisi" and the "Ḥizb Al‑Nūr (Al-Nour) Salafi party, while Ikhwan all over Middle-east are being persecuted and even donations for Hamas - that used to be common through-out Middle-East has been left high and dry. Hence - to me it seems clear that the destruction of Egypt will be done using the Salafi vs ikhwan fault-line in addition to various other divides in the Egyptian society.

Finally the hadith mentions

you would recoil to that position from where you started and
you would recoil to that position from where you started and
you would recoil to that position from where you started,

It is good to remember that when Rasul Allah (saw) wanted to emphasize some point so that those who listen - can memorize and pay special attention – he (saw) repeated in 3 times. Hence when we notice that this phrase is repeated 3 times - this is a sign that we should pay special attention and take heed/note.

"You would recoil to the position from where you started" to me means exactly what it says - that the muslims in various parts of the world - would recoil (i.e. return) to the position from where they started. This can most likely mean that muslims return to their places of origin - so the majority of muslims in non-muslim lands (like Muslims living in North America, and Europe) would potentially return to their land of origin in the Middle-East in great numbers. This would happen if the economic situation in these countries continue to deteriorate to the point that racism, islamophobia and islam bashing becomes common place and a muslim wearing islamic dress or a woman wearing Hijab or Niqab will be banned... early signs of all these have already started happening and I fear that this trend will only continue over time.




Additional Comments Added On:08/04/2015:


Some readers are incorrectly assuming that " you would recoil to that position from where you started," means returning to the true path, true deen, and true manhaj. This is incorrect, although over time Muslims will have no choice BUT to return to the true path. This specifically means - return to the places of origin. Otherwise the text would have read something like " you would recoil to your deen (or to Sunnah, or to your true manhaj) from where you started, ".


For those who say "what about the reverts" - please understand that the Islamic rules explain the "General Principles" and NOT the exceptions. E.g. A general rule is that the animal horse is Haram, although according to the rule on exceptions - if a Muslims' life can be saved - then under such situation eating a "horse" would become temporarily halal for such person or people (imagine people dying of hunger in Syria, or in Gaza - when under blockade). So here this section talks about the "general rule". There will always be exceptions and it can't be that 100% all Muslims will leave - but what should be taken from this - is that certain events will unfold that will make it impossible for the vast majority of Muslims to continue to live and practice their deen or live with security of life and property. This is very easy to see - as the situation is only getting from bad to worse for Muslims in the West. Now imagine - if some "extremist group" as part of a blow back, or some black ops results in an event such as another 9/11 (May Allah protect all from it)... I leave it to the readers to come to their own conclusion.

And Allah (azza wa jal) knows best.

Ahl-e-Qur'an | New Fitna among muslims

Dear All Readers,

Pls be warned about this website http://www.ahl-alquran.com/

The info is available both in English and Arabic and both is extremely dangerious to the very core and basic aqeedah of islaam.

How stupid that such people say that Muslims should follow the Qur'an yet do not follow the Sunnah and the Ahadeeth of Rasul Allah (saw). From the very first words of "Alif, Laam, Meem" - til the end "...Wan Naas" - all of it is transmitted to us from the lips of our beloved Rasul Allah (saw). The same lips that has given us advices to live our lives according to the rules of Allah (azza wa jal).

When Ayesha (ra) - the wife of Rasul Allah (saw) was asked about him (saw) - she mentioned that means - that Rasul Allah (saw) was like a walking, talking Qur'an!

May the curse of Allah be upon those who deny even a single Hadith uttered from the lips of our beloved prophet - Mohammad (saw) and may they be destroyed - in the next life - A'meen.

The Sacred Duty of Defending Jerusalem

By Shaikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

It is very important to note that the land of Islam is not for sale; it is not to be relinquished, and no damages can possibly make up for its loss. Therefore, it is incumbent on Muslims, wherever they may be, to shoulder their responsibility of defending Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Elaborating more on this issue, the prominent Muslim scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi states the following:

No Muslim, be he in authority or not, is allowed to abandon any of the lands of Muslims. The land of the Islamic world is not the property of any president, prince, minister or group of people. It is not up to anyone therefore to relinquish it under any circumstances.

Conversely, it is the duty of individuals and groups to strive hard to liberate occupied territories and retrieve usurped land. The entire nation is jointly responsible for that and it is not up to the ruler or his subjects to choose to give up the land. If a particular generation lapses in idleness or is incapable of shouldering the responsibility, it has no right to force its idleness or incapacity on all the coming generations up till Judgement Day, by giving up what it has no right to. Therefore, I have issued a Fatwa indicating that it is unlawful for all homeless Palestinian refugees to accept damages in return for their lost land, even if they amount to billions. The land of Islam is not for sale; it is not to be relinquished, and no damages can possibly make up for its loss.

If this is the ruling concerning any ordinary piece of land in an Islamic state, what will be the case with the holy land of Jerusalem, the land of the first of the two qiblahs and Al-Aqsa Mosque and the third most venerable city in Islam, after Makkah and Madinah? This land was the destination of Al-Israa' and the land from where Al-Mi`raj was launched. Nothing better explains its revered status than Allah's words, (Glory to (Allah) Who did take His servant for a journey by night from the sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless, in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who Heareth and Seeth (all things) ) (Al-Israa' 17:1).

Therefore, Jerusalem has come to enjoy a special place in the heart of every Muslim in the entire Arab world. The occupation of Jerusalem moves his heart and pains him, out of love, keenness and jealousy over it as well as his concern about it. It is mainly on account of Jerusalem that the Palestinian cause comes first on Muslims' list of priorities. It is Jerusalem that Muslims fear for and are keen to preserve, defend and fight for. It is for the sake of Jerusalem that they willingly give their lives and all they hold dear. Jerusalem is the symbol of the cause of Palestine. It is the backbone and the very core of the problem. True are the words of the poet who once said,

Palestine is meaningless with no Aqsa or Jerusalem.
Without Jerusalem, it is like a body with no head.

Jerusalem is not for the Palestinians only, but for all Muslims, be they Arabs or not. It is a city for all Arabs, be they Muslims or Christians. Therefore it is incumbent on Muslims, wherever they may be, to shoulder their responsibility of defending Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque. This is an obligation for them all. They are to jointly defend it, offering in the process their lives, their money and all they possess, or else they will be subject to Allah's punishment, for Allah says: (O ye who believe what is the matter with you, that when ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do ye prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter ) (At-Tawbah 9:38).

During my tours across the Arab world, many a time have I been asked by Muslim youth who would hide their heads in their hands and fervently crying, would ask, “How do we clear our conscience and shoulder the responsibility of defending Jerusalem?”

We have seen how the Arab world in its entirety was turned upside down when a Jewish fanatic attempted to burn Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1969. Muslims called on each other across the world. The first Islamic Summit was held, which in turn gave rise to the Islamic Conference Organization.

When the crusaders formerly occupied Jerusalem, it was liberated by non-Arab Muslims, like Turkish Emad Ed-Din Zinky and his son Nour Ed-Din Mahmoud Eshahid as well as his disciple, Kurdish Saladin Al-Ayoubi, who was able to regain Jerusalem from Christians. Muslims everywhere are still, as they have always been, ready to do all what they can in defense of Jerusalem. This is the case with all the nations I have visited, starting with the Philippines and Indonesia in the very East through Morocco in the Muslim West, though unfortunately this was not the temperament of Muslim rulers.

Jerusalem is an invaluable part of the homeland of Islam. For more than 14 centuries, Muslims have lived there. They have not usurped it from the Jews who had already ceased to live there hundreds of years before that. The Jews’ longest reign in Palestine lasted for only several hundred years, while Arabs and others have been there for thousands of years. The Christian patriarch of Jerusalem handed it to `Umar ibn Al Khattab. Among the patriarch's conditions was that no Jew should live there.

The sovereignty over Jerusalem, particularly East Jerusalem, must be Islamic, Arab, and Palestinian. This will not prevent any Jew or Christian from observing his religious rituals with the perfect freedom and tolerance which Islam has been famous for throughout the eras. The international legitimacy embodied in the Security Council resolutions assert that Jerusalem is part of the Arab lands occupied since 1967.

Hence, evidence based on history, religion and international law all jointly prove that Jerusalem belongs to the Palestinians. The crisis of Jerusalem should be the number one item on the agenda of the Islamic World.

Muslims planning killing non-muslims in non-muslim lands | Clear violation of Islamic Sharia

Bismillah HirRahman Nirraheem

It has now become a common news item to hear of muslims - sometimes young and impressionable, who get VISA permit to visit some non-muslim country - only to be caught preparing to commit acts of murder or mass murder.

Sadly - these young muslim men - who consider themselves to be on the right path - and consider it to be their duty to inflict harm on non-muslims (infidels / kuffars) are totally on the wrong - and their basic understanding of Islamic law and Islamic Sharia is totally incorrect.

There is no difference between these jahil men and those who commit wrongful acts because of hate and anger.

This article is to simply show that any such person who plans or supports such actions:

1. That their basic islamic belief is incorrect and while they may "think" that they are benefitting the muslim ummah, they are actually going against the orders of Allah (swt) and His Rasul - Muhammad Mustafa (saw).

2. They need to stop and realize that what they are planning to do - not only brings harm to non-muslims, but also brings harm and dis-respect to islam and muslims - all over the world.

3. Anyone who encourages these people, or supports these people - with their time or with money is also supporting wrong understanding of Islam and of Islamic Sharia.

Let's start with the fact that Islam strictly forbids treachery, betrayal and violation of treaties, and promises.

Quran mentions about the fulfillment of promises in various aya - only a selected few are mentioned here for brevity.

“And fulfill (every) covenant. Verily! The covenant will be questioned about.”
(Surah Isrâ 17:34)

“O you who believe! Fulfill (your) obligations.” (Surah Maeda 5:1)

“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do.” (Surah Saff 61:2,3)

“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:177)

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: Rasulullah (SAW) said:

“Three are the signs of a hypocrite:

1. When he speaks, he lies;

2. When he makes a promise, he breaks it; and

3. When he is trusted, he betrays his trust.”

(Source: Al-Bukhari)

Another narration adds the words: “Even if he observes Saum (fasts), performs Salaat (prayer) and claims to be a Muslim.”

Imam Ibn Qudama said:

"Those who came in to the enemy's land, receiving a guarantee of security, has no right to falsely impinge on their property or to engage with them usurious transactions. As for treachery towards them, it is forbidden, because their guarantee of security means that, there would not be committed treason against them. Even if these conditions were not negotiated in good faith in words, the meaning is clear from the action itself." "Al-Mughni", 13-152.

Imam As-Sarhasi said:

"If a Muslim came to the infidels with their permission, he must not have a perfidy against them (i.e. not be disloyal to them). And if he did show them the perfidy and usurp their property, and then he was kicked out to the Islamic country, then it is condemned for a Muslim to buy anything from this man, if a Muslim knows that it was gained through a bad way!" "Al-Mabsut" 10-96.

Imam An-Nawawi said:

"If a Muslim entered the enemy territory under warranty and had taken something that belongs to them or had stolen something, and then returned to the land of the Muslims, he is obliged to return what has been misappropriated" See "Ravdatu-talibin" 10-291.

In conclusion - as stated by many modern scholars, including Muhammad al-Maqdisi, Abu Al-Basyr Tartusi, and others , a muslim man who arrives in a country that is even at war with Muslims, with the original non-military purpose of visit, for example, to live, work, learn, get an education and so on, is under a contract between him and the country he is visiting, and the blood, honor and property of all non-muslim citizens and residents of the country the person is visiting are thus totally forbidden to him.

Standing United against Terrorism & al-Qaeda

Author: Sheikh Salman al-Oadah

This article contains some harsh words for those who choose to follow the path of violence. However, I find it necessary to use a harsh tone – which departs from my normal writing style – in order to confront those people who take up arms with the purpose of bringing death to numerous people and reducing societies to ruin.

When I wrote about al-Qaeda, some of my dear friends took exception to my doing so, warning me that I would be the brunt of libel and attacks upon my honor, or worse. However, I replied that the situation required that we speak clearly and frankly, and it does not matter what people will say.

I have persistently called upon our sincere scholars and preachers – and continue to call upon them – to describe things by their proper names, and to disassociate the word "jihād" (a word rich in meaning which is found in our sacred texts) form the activities of those killing organizations which murder innocent people and undermine security in societies around the world – regardless of whether those societies are Muslim or non-Muslim – since carrying out atrocities and targeting civilians is categorically forbidden in Islam.

Today, I must stress how important it is for us to condemn the abominable and criminal acts being perpetrated around the world in Islam’s name and which are being misrepresented as "jihād". We must expose those acts and the people who carry them out by calling them what they really are, whether their perpetrators refer to themselves as al-Qaeda, or a jihad organization, or a militant organization or an "Islamic state". It is not enough to give vague indications and make ambiguous general statements.

At the same time, I must stress that it is the right of every country in the world to defend itself against external aggression and to carry out resistance against an invader or occupying power. This is an international right acknowledged by all nations. Nevertheless, carrying out such legitimate resistance neither justifies nor excuses the targeting of civilians and innocents, regardless of where they are.

It is not enough that we speak up. Things have gone farther than that. A crisis has rent the intellectual and cultural fabric of our society. Therefore, I appeal to myself and to my fellow preachers to condemn this great evil in the clearest and most unambiguous terms, an evil which is causing bloodshed, destroying society, and blackening Islam’s good name. It is also hampering our development, bringing ruin to our countries, inciting transgression against human life, while violating both the tenets of Islam and the dictates of basic human values.

Therefore, we must take care not to confuse our message by discussing other wrongdoings at the same time we discuss this matter, tying them in with each other. Some ignorant people might claim that we are justifying those atrocities or seeking an excuse for them. Indeed, we should not bring up the question of terrorist attacks when we discussing social and political issues, or the media, and say: "This is the cause of that. Avoid these mistakes so as not to give cause for extremism…" This is not a good way to address the matter. It could make some of those people feel, when they see things they dislike, that they have an excuse to perpetrate acts of violence. We need to make a clear distinction between issues, and take care how we speak, so as not to unwittingly have a negative impact upon such people.

We should be wary of how we use the words "but" and "however", words which can lead some young people to fall into misunderstandings, as if what we are saying has many angles to it which can be interpreted in various ways.

The problem we are addressing is one of blind civil strife, where "every time it seems to come to an end, it just goes on" as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in an authentic tradition describing the tribulations of the Last Days. The onus of quelling this strife and exposing how it violates Islamic teachings falls upon the sincere scholars and preachers of Islam who do not fear the censure of others and who feel no hesitation in calling a crime a crime, regardless of the consequences.

I do not care if some people who dislike what I say are going to accuse me of working for this or that interest group, or of being a "government stooge". I call Allah to witness for what I say. My condemnation of terror stems from my religious faith and my firm convictions. No one has any sway over my beliefs. I am neither for nor against the governments. Regardless of the consequences, I am against deviance, destructive behavior, and acts of atrocity in general, and especially when those acts are perpetrated in the name of religion. I make my position plain.

I do not care if my opponents insist on making false accusations against me. I say what I mean, loudly and clearly. These are my religious beliefs, which I have not changed and which have not been any different in the past. However, there is a more pressing need today than at any previous time to reiterate those beliefs and announce them all the more forcefully. Indeed, ever since the outbreak of these violent acts, speaking out against them has become a religious, educational and moral imperative for anyone who cares about the future of Islam, our country, the generations to come, and preserving what little stability is left in the Muslim world.

That which is happening in Somalia and elsewhere is a heartbreaking tragedy. Everything is being laid to waste and people are killing each other over the ruins – all in Islam’s name. People have being killed by the droves, without pause, even in the month of Ramadan.

I declare that Allah does not make right the deeds of those who perpetrate atrocities. Nor does He bring the plots of the deceivers to right guidance. Those who, in the name of Islam, kill innocents – and very often they happen to be Muslims – or who claim that by doing so they are upholding Islamic teachings, they will not succeed and they will not set things right. Rather, they will face Allah’s punishment and become a warning to others unless they repent beforehand.

Al-Qaeda is not what it was before September 11. It has turned into a media phenomenon with many people claiming the name merely for its symbolic value, mobilizing the youth under its umbrella. In this way, the strategy has changed, the evil has shaken loose from its reins and become like shrapnel all over the place, possessing a regional character but making a global noise. Al-Qaeda has become like a trademark that anyone can get hold of and carry out their activities in its name. It is no longer a cohesive organization with strong ties between its leaders and followers.

I call upon those who still make excuses and hesitate when they speak to think about the judgment they will face when they will stand before Allah. They should not let the oppressive acts of governments or their policies – like what took place in Algeria – or the embargoes that governments impose upon them, cause them to be unjust. The heavens and the Earth are only set aright by justice.

The merciful thing to do is to tell those young people who have been deceived, and those who are set to join their ranks tomorrow, that: "This path you are taking is not going to bring you to your goal. It will not save you from Hell or earn you Paradise. Whoever wants success in this life, salvation in the next, and Allah's pleasure should adhere to the true teachings of Islam and keep far away from bloodshed and strife. Do not attempt to reinterpret the faith so as to justify acts that are clearly and patently evil. In the boldness with which you commit such mortal sins, you engage in crimes far worse in Allah's estimation than those whom you purport to condemn."

This should be the message that parents give to their families, that mothers teach their children, that teachers impart to their students, and that preachers address to their congregations. The condemnation of terror should not be connected with any official campaign, media drive, or salaried work. Rather, it should come from an inner sense of religious duty, from our obligation to raise the next generation correctly and to call people to what is right. It should be carried out with the intention of fostering reconciliation in society and building bridges between ourselves and those who disagree with us, which can be achieved on the basis of our shared concern to safeguard our faith and our worldly lives. In our thinking, we need to get beyond defending our individual interests and look to the general good and to the future. Our concern should be for society: its common folk and its leaders, its rich and its poor, those who are righteous and those who are sinners. All of these people are part of our society, and we must share a sense of loyalty with them all.

When we talk about this issue, which is of the utmost seriousness, we must not mix it up with talk about other things. Those other matters might very well be equally important, or more important, or less. In any case, those issues can be addressed on other occasions.

In all earnest, I call upon our young people to discuss this matter both in person and on the Internet, to uncover the reasons why some people have sympathies for such activities and organizations and how to remedy the causes for those sympathies. I call upon them to hold fast to the clear and explicit teachings of Islam, as set forth in the Qur'an and Sunnah, which warn against sowing dissention, killing, and murder. Indeed, this was one of the last exhortations that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made to his followers at the end of his life, on the occasion of his final pilgrimage.

Some sick-minded people have started talking about assassinations as if they were a tradition established by the Prophet. This is more than a misunderstanding – it is delusional. Did the Prophet permit the execution of the leaders of Quraysh in Mecca when they sought to stamp out the Muslims in their midst? No. Or the leaders of the traitorous hypocrites in Madinah when the sought to undermine the nascent Muslim community? No. Did he call for executing the leaders of the Jews when there was a covenant between them? No. Did he ever grant anyone the right to pass personal judgment over others and their faith and carry out punishments? No. Never did he permit such things. What chaos would have been worse than that? But this is what these people today want to reduce us to.

I assert, on the basis of certain conviction, that the people who follow that extreme path, if they ever come into power, will bring destruction and ruin to everything. Society, from its civil cohesion, to its family integrity, to its agriculture, would waste away. Those people would foster civil strife and suffer for it in turn. This is because they have deviated from the straight path. They have no understanding of Islamic teachings and the wisdom behind those teachings. They are ignorant of the natural laws that Allah has placed in His creation. Therefore, they will never be successful and never find divine support. That is for certain, as anyone who has understanding can see. Nevertheless, those people are quite successful in spreading chaos and confusion. They are good at misleading the simple-minded and causing discord, and they are given support in this whenever we are silent, mince our words, or withhold judgment.

May the peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, who brought the clear message and established the clear proof. And praise be to Allah, the Lord of All the Worlds.

Courtesy: www.islamtoday.net

Gaza – The Imperative of Keeping Focus

Article by: Sheikh Salman al-Oadah
(Post: Thanks to www.islamtoday.com)

This present wave of blind violence against the people of Gaza comes right on the eve of a new administration in the White House and right before the Israeli elections. It would seem that election success in Israel is dependent on how much destruction a political party can mete out against the Palestinians.

The pain that constricts our hearts is an expression of our humanity, and of our identifying with our kindred in humanity as well as in faith. Allah says: "The believers are naught else but brothers." [Sûrah al-Hujurât: 10]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) "believers are to each other as a single body." As long as the body has sensation, the whole body feels pain if any limb feels pain.

We must translate this pain into hope and into productive effort. Our words, if they are to be good words, we cannot allow them to be words that stir up division between us or support one faction at the expense of another. We have no reason to deliberately curse or malign one another in our frustrations. We should also never invoke hopelessness or despair. Our voice should be a bold cry of faith in the face of the terrible flood that is bearing down on us.

Full news coverage of what is unfolding in Gaza is an imperative, and everything that happens should be rigorously followed by the media. This is, in fact, part of the solution. Were it not for the news cameras and the news reporters, the suffering of the people of Gaza would pass by most people of the world with no more effect than the stirring of a light breeze. However, the media has made an impact on our hearts and has made everyone distinctly uncomfortable about what is taking place. Even if the right-wing factions in Israel do not care about human sentiment, they are concerned when the scale of the crisis makes the political environment restrictive for them and exposes their racism and the violence of their deeds.

Allah says: "Those who do wrong will come to know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!" [Sûrah al-Shu`arâ': 227]

It is an injustice when various factions use this crisis for their own political gain. It, in fact, makes light of the human tragedy that is unfolding for some people try to use it as a means to score points against their political rivals. The truth of the matter is simple: It is a case of an oppressive entity acting in a high-handed, violent manner, wantonly killing and destroying. It is a case of a people who are under fire, under siege, and being denied the most basic necessities of food, medicine, and security - a people whose lives are being treated as cheap. We must stand together, resolute, upon this description of what is going on in Gaza. We must show respect for that great people and refrain from using their suffering as political currency in our domestic, regional, and international disputes. It is imperative that we all stand together in support of the people of Palestine.

Our faith in Allah's decree should give us resolve. We know that Allah has wisdom in what he brings about in the world. At the same time, we should be proactive and dispel what we dislike of Allah's decree with Allah's decree. As `Umar said when he was criticized for fleeing Allah's decree by his avoiding a plague-ridden town: "We are fleeing from Allah's decree to Allah's decree."

One way we can do this is to expend our utmost efforts in assisting the victims of this brutality, giving them all the support and help that we can afford to give.

Beyond this, our sincere prayers brings about Allah's help from whence we cannot perceive. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

Beware the supplication of the oppressed, for indeed it is carried up to the clouds, and Allah says: "By My might and My glory, I will help you, even if after a time."

This is a case even when the oppressed person is an unbeliever or a sinner. How much more we can expect the supplication to be answered when the supplicant is a Muslim who worships Allah alone?

We should be constant in offering supplication in qunût during our congregational prayers at the mosques and at home when we pray alone. We should beseech Allah in qunût to grant the Muslims victory against those who transgress upon them. We cannot doubt the effect of the supplications of no less than 1.5 billion Muslims. The imam should keep the supplication in focus and to the point, so as not to set the hearts of some of the congregation wandering.

Any opportunity should be availed to speak a good word about this crisis and keep it at the forefront of people's minds. This can be on television, the radio, the newspaper, the Internet, at a meeting or social gathering, in a petition to an official, or on the pulpit of the mosque. Online forums and e-mail mailing lists are also valuable in this regard.

Those who can - should donate blood to medical relief agencies to assist the wounded. Charitable donations should be given to relief organizations which are working to provide assistance.

Every legal and sound means should be used to lobby and put pressure on the politicians and decision-makers of one's countries so that they adopt policies that are correct and just and that are helpful to our brothers and sisters.

Expressing our solidarity and identification with our brothers and sisters brings about positive results. It keeps us from falling into despair. When we engage in positive action, it improves our mindsets and gives us emotional balance. This is better than seeing nothing but bloodshed and violence on television.

We need to put our trust in Allah and in His divine justice. He may let an oppressor act iniquitously for a while, but His justice is inevitable.

Allah says: "Such is the chastisement of thy Lord when He chastises communities in the midst of their wrong: grievous, indeed, and severe is His chastisement." [Sûrah Hûd: 102]

Allah also says: "And you shall certainly know the truth of it (all) after a while." [Sûrah Sâd: 88]

We are impatient, but Allah is not hasty.

The present excessive Israeli violence against those who are defenseless is not something that just happened today. It has a long history, as long as the history of the Israeli nation. It is not just a sudden reaction to present circumstances, but a continuation of past policies, and Israel continues to prove quite capable of finding justifications for its transgression. Today, they are blaming their conduct on Hamas. Yesterday, it was someone else.

This issue is not just the responsibility of every Palestinian, or Arab, or Muslim, it is the responsibility of everyone on Earth who possesses a human heart.

Fear Not - Not Grieve. Trust in no one except Allah (swt)

As israeli forces keep indiscriminately murdering and maiming hundreds of Muslim Men, Women and Children - for the simple fact that they are resisting israeli zionist expansion plans with nothing more than their own bodies - the carnage is nothing short of horrific to say the least.

Excellent wall to wall coverage is available on Press TV here.

At this time - muslims must remember that the most powerful weapon they have is reliance and trust in Allah - azza wa jal.

Here is a presentation that insha Allah would help... as it shows various Quranic ayas and ahadeeth that remind us of what we should be doing when in distress.