Whenever I tell you a narration from Allah's Apostle, by
Allah, I would rather fall down from the sky than ascribe a
false statement to him, but if I tell you something between
me and you (not a Hadith) then it was indeed a trick (i.e.,
I may say things just to cheat my enemy).
No doubt I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "During the last
days there will appear some young foolish people who will
say the best words but their faith will not go beyond their
throats and will go out from (leave) their religion as an
arrow goes out of the game.
So, where-ever you find them, kill them,
for who-ever kills them shall have reward on the Day of Resurrection."
Bukhari Vol 9, Book 84, #64
[With thanks to Sis. Kristi]
[A better khutba influenced by New Trend?] Falls Church, Virginia
On July 5, an 8-page Jamaat al-Muslimeen document was given
to 140 Muslims at masjid Dar al-Hijra after Juma' salat.
It's the biggest masjid in Virginia.
Here is an outline of the 8-pager.
Japanese translation of al-Quran. [Hussain Khan].+Dr.
Kaukab on Badr.
China's ban on fasting in Uighur Muslim areas.
Criteria for Paradise [Hadith]. Sis. Kristi.
Global terror against Islam.[Dr. Firoz Kamal]
Russian/Iranian massacre in Syria.
Guidance on fasting secrets.. [Sis. Yasmin.]
Ethiopia. [Sis. Ashira]
Three briefs: Hijab in Quebec+Palestinians shot by
Israel+Pakistan:JI comment on I. Khan regime.
Nadrat Siddique's comment on the Khutba this day at Dar
al-Hijra:
The khutba today was very interesting. The relatively young,
articulate, Khateeb in his excellent english, spoke of the
Islamic imperative to stand for social justice and against
oppression. If I didn't know any better, I would almost
think he had been reading the New Trend. But unlike the New
Trend, the khateeb studiously avoided all specific, current,
controversial cases of oppression.
He cited very 'safe' examples like the stopping of Latin
American immigrants at the border, or the dated/historic
ones for example like the framing of the Central Park 5 and
the internment of Japenese Americans WWII.
He did not say anything on the U.S. bombing of Syria or Iraq
or the internment, torture, or executions of ISIS prisoners,
including the recent case of a U.S. military officer
convicted of killing an ISIS prisoner, and being sentenced
to exactly 4 months of prison for taking that human life.
Or, in the more recent past of renditions and torture of
Muslim prisoners, including Muslim women at Abu Ghraib,
Baghram, Guantanamo, or at any of the U.S.'s 'black' sites.
And he certainly did not speak on any of the special prisons
or controled units within prisons in the U.S., built
specifically for 'high profile' Muslim prisoners, or the
Muslim leaders, like Imam Jamil Al-Amin, Imam Siddique
Abdullah Hasan, Ali Al-Tamimi, or others who continue to
languish there.
New Trend of June 30 reached 161,289 people through the
Jamaat al-Muslimeen page.
Main articles were:
Massive march in Karachi.
Khutba on required participation of women in Islam.
Disgraceful silence on the death of Morsi.
Syria: Assad retreating despite Russian support.
The rising tide of hate in India.
The inner development of Islam in Bangladesh..
Eating habits by Sunnah (Sis. Yasmin)
CHINA
Erdogan's Big Let Down
Muslims were shocked to know that Erdogan, the president of
Turkey, has just visited China and did not say a word in
support of the more than 1 million Muslims whom China has
put in internment camps.
This is the biggest imprisonment of Muslims in the whole
world. Many Chinese Muslims have taken refuge in Turkey, and
seek Erdogan's support! What happened to him that he didn't
say anything??
Has his dunya overtaken his deen?
Palestine
On July 5, thousands of Palestinians again demonstrated for
their right to return home on the border between Gaza and
Israeli occupied territories. As before, the Israelis opened
fire on the unarmed demonstrators, injuring scores of them.
However, Palestine stands strong in the hearts and souls of
the young people of Gaza.
[Jamaat al-Muslimeen recommends boycott of all businesses
that support Israel, directly or indirectly. May Allah
reward your efforts]
Guidance
by Sis. Yasmin.
Why Supplications *Dua's* ARE NOT ANSWERED?
BECAUSE OUR HEARTS ARE DEAD
{8 REASONS}
Courtesy ~ Sis Yasmin~
Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam
'ala Rasulillah.
'As Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu'.
Ibrahim Bin Adham [Allah be pleased with him] was asked as
to why our Dua's do not get accepted even though ALLAH {Azza
wa Jall} has said...
"And ask of ME I shall grant you..."
So Ibrahim Bin Adham [Allah be pleased with him]
answered...
Your 'Dua's' do not get answered because your hearts are
dead...!
They said, 'why are our hearts dead ?' he answered, because
of 8 {eight} things...
You know the rights of ALLAH upon you but you do not
fulfill them!
You read the 'Qur'an' but you do not act on its
commandments!
You claim that you love the Prophet (may peace and
blessing of ALLAH be upon him) but you don't follow his
way...
You say we fear Death, but you don't prepare for
it...!
ALLAH {Azza Wa Jall} says, "Indeed shaytan is your
enemy,
so take him as your enemy..." but you obey him in committing
sins and disobeying ALLAH !
You claim that you fear the hell fire but you have
thrown yourselves therein...!
You claim that you love Paradise but you don't make an
effort for it!
When you get up from your beds in the morning, you throw
your deficiencies behind your backs and involve yourselves
with other people's faults...!
Thus... you have angered your Lord, so why would
HE answer your prayers?
MY 'SALAAMS' TO ALL
Y a s m i n.
Editorial
This was why the Muslim world needed Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn
Kathir, Ibn Abdul Wahhab, Shah Waliullah, Iqbal, Maudoodi
and Syed Qutb. Sufism meant defeat. The major schools of
thought had nothing to offer.
Here is what the historian says.
yyah, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Abdul Wahhab, Shah Waliullah, Iqbal,
Maudoodi and Syed Qutb. Sufism meant defeat. The major
schools of thought had nothing to offer.
Here is what the historian says.
1258-The Mongol Invasion and the Destruction of Baghdad
[lostislamichistory.com]
The 1200s started out looking good for the Islamic world.
The Crusaders had been defeated and Jerusalem liberated in
1187, the Ismaili Fatimids had finally been removed from
harassing the Muslim world in the mid-1100s, and a powerful
Khwarazmian Empire had emerged in Persia. However, all that
would soon turn around when the ruthless Mongols would make
their way into Southwest Asia. The destruction and
devastation they left in their path has scarcely been seen
anywhere else in history.
Who Are The Mongols?
The Mongols were a tribe of nomads from Central/North Asia.
They lived on the steppe of that region, relying on a
nomadic lifestyle of constant movement as a way of life.
They were forever dependent on and attached to their horses,
which was their main mode of transportation. Religiously,
they were polytheistic animists. They never established a
large, organized empire, and instead stayed as a loose
coalition of tribes north of China.
Throughout history, they were usually at war with their
neighbors. China to the south in fact built the Great Wall
of China during the reign of Emperor Shi Huang (247-221 BC)
as a means to keep the Mongols and others away from their
villages. The Mongols also feuded with other tribal groups
in Central Asia such as Turkic tribes and the Tatars.
Genghis Khan
Mongolian (and world) history changed forever during the
rule of Genghis Khan. He was a tribal chief for the Mongols
from 1206-1227. During his reign, he managed to unite the
many Mongol tribes along with numerous Turkic tribes as
well. With a large, unified group, he set about conquering
any and all land the Mongol horsemen could reach.
He conquered most of Northern China in the 1210s. In doing
so, he destroyed the Xia and Jin dynasties, as well as
conquered Beijing. He also managed to conquer most of the
Turkic tribes of Central Asia, leading all the way into
Persia. This led him to send armies into Eastern Europe as
well, attacking Russian lands and even the borders of
Central Europe's German states.
By the 1220s, Genghis Khan's armies had ravaged much of Asia
and even Europe
More important than what Genghis Khan conquered was how he
conquered. He deliberately used terror as a weapon of war.
If a city he was besieging gave up without a fight, its
people would usually be spared but would have to go under
Mongol control. If the city fought against the Mongols,
everyone, including civilians, would be massacred. This
reign of terror is a large part of why he was such a
successful conqueror. People were more willing to give up
than to suffer massacres at his hand. For example, when he
besieged the city of Herat, in present-day Afghanistan, he
killed over 1,600,000 people.
The Invasion of the Muslim World
Besides some raids and massacres on the borderlands of
Islam, Genghis Khan did not invade far into the Muslim
world. Under his successor, Ogedei, the Muslim world
continued to be spared Mongol wrath. However, in 1255 that
peace would end. The Great Khan, Mongke, put his brother
Hulagu Khan in charge of an army whose goals were to conquer
Persia, Syria, and Egypt, as well as to destroy the Abbasid
Caliphate. The campaign's goal appears to be a complete
destruction of Islam. Hulagu himself even had a very deep
hatred for everything attached to Islam. Much of this came
from his Buddhist and Christian advisors who influenced his
policies.
The Muslim world at this time was in no position to resist
the Mongol attacks. The Abbasid Caliphate was nothing but a
shell of its former self, having no power outside of
Baghdad. Most of Persia was disunited as the Khwarazmian
Empire had mostly deteriorated by then. The Ayyubid state
established by Salah al-Din was only in control of small
parts of Iraq and Syria. In Egypt, a recent revolution had
overthrown Salah al-Din's descendants and brought to power
the new Mamluk Sultanate. With his giant army of hundreds of
thousands, Hulagu did not encounter much resistance.
The Destruction of Baghdad
Baghdad had been established in 762 by the Abbasid Caliph
al-Mansur. Throughout its history, it had been the capital
of the Muslims, as well as the world in general. The
libraries of Baghdad were unrivaled. The House of Wisdom,
established soon after the city was built, was a magnet for
the most intelligent scientists, thinkers, mathematicians,
and linguists of the world. The caliphs were patrons of
literature, science, and the arts.
Although by the mid-1200s much of the glamour and importance
of Baghdad was gone. The caliphs were figureheads more
interested in worldly pleasures than serving God through
serving the people. The Abbasid army was effectively
non-existent, and only served as bodyguards of the caliph.
And the scientific achievements of the Muslim world were now
centered in places such as Cairo, Muslim Spain, and
India.
It was at this historic and landmark city that the Mongols
arrived in 1258. Their army, estimated at over 150,000
soldiers, stood before the city that was just a shadow of
the great capital of the Muslim world of the 800s. The siege
began in mid-January and only lasted two weeks. On February
13th, 1258, the Mongols entered the city of the caliphs.
A full week of pillage and destruction commenced. The
Mongols showed no discretion, destroying mosques, hospitals,
libraries, and palaces. The books from Baghdad's libraries
were thrown into the Tigris River in such quantities that
the river ran black with the ink from the books. The world
will never truly know the extent of what knowledge was lost
forever when those books were thrown into the river or
burned.
More important than the books, however, was the loss of
life. It is estimated that between 200,000 and 1,000,000
people were butchered in that one week of destruction.
Baghdad was left completely depopulated and uninhabitable.
It would take centuries for Baghdad to regain any sort of
prominence as an important city.
Defeat and Aftermath
After Baghdad, the Mongols continued on westward. They
conquered Syria from the Ayyubids, with help from the
Armenians and neutrality from the Crusaders. In Palestine
they reached the extent of their conquests. The new Mamluk
Sultanate of Egypt, under the leadership of Baibars defeated
the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260.
This prevented a Mongol invasion of the Holy Lands of
Makkah, Madinah, and Jerusalem. This also ensured the safety
of the only remaining powerful Muslim empire of the time,
the Mamluks.
Despite ultimately being unsuccessful in their attempt to
destroy Islam, the Mongols left a deep political, economic,
and military scar in the heart of the Muslim world. Entire
regions were depopulated. Irrigation canals, fields of
crops, and economic infrastructure were destroyed beyond
repair. The political institutions, such as the caliphate,
that held the Muslim world together for centuries were
simply abolished.
The empire established by Hulagu stretched over most of
Muslim Southwest Asia.
The Mongol Il-Khanate established by Hulagu's descendants
would rule over Persia, Iraq, and Anatolia for over 100
years. Over decades and centuries, the Mongols in Southwest
Asia slowly converted to Islam and became absorbed in a
Persian/Turkish culture. But there is no denying the immense
negative effect the Mongols had on the Muslim world in the
1200s.
The Mongol invasion is one of the most demoralizing times of
Islamic history. The death and destruction of the 1200s has
not yet been seen again in the Muslim world. While most
articles on this website illustrate the great achievements
of Islamic history, it is similarly important to be aware of
the negatives, particularly what causes them to occur. The
Muslim world was largely unable to repel the Mongol invasion
due to disunity and weak political and military
institutions. Throughout Islamic history, disunity has
always led to invasion and defeat, while unity has led to
great Islamic empires that benefited the entire world.
PAKISTAN
Imran's Sacrifices
Before his visit to Washington, DC.
[From New Trend's sources in Pakistan.]
July 5. Hafiz Saeed and his entire leadership team [12
Islamic scholars, teachers and activists] are under Imran's
orders to be arrested.
The scurrilous daily Dawn, mouthpiece of Pakistan's
secularist groupies, is blatantly claiming that Hafiz Saeed
teaches "hate" and "violence." Of course Dawn cannot bring
any evidence of "hate" and "violence" coming from Hafiz
Saeed..
Dawn's writers excel in being "mealy mouthed liars."
Pakistan's courts have examined Hafiz Saeed and never found
any evidence of hate or violence coming from him.
Flood relief and other humanitarian activities organized by
Hafiz Saeed and his co-workers have benefited thousands of
people in Pakistan. The Imran government decided to close
them down too.
All this power play is happening because the United Nations
and the United States see accumulation of money in Islamic
hands as a resource for Islamic resistance. Speeches by
Hafiz Saeed and his team draw very large crowds which of
course is seen as a threat to secularistic trends in
Pakistan.
Behind these moves by Imran is the Indian-American alliance.
India sees the unrest in Kashmir as an aspect of Pakistani
"terrorism." Indian troops were killed by a martyrdom
operator in Kashmir. For Kashmiris the martyr is a hero but
India pressured Imran through USA and the UN to claim that
an attack on Indian troops occupying Kashmir is an act of
terrorism.
America has put a bounty of $10 million on Hafiz Saeed.
The UN is threatening Imran that Pakistan will be declared a
terrorist state if the fund raising in Islamic hands is not
blocked.
Extra judicial killings are also going on. After the murder
of Bilal Khan, two more activists have been shot down in
fake "encounters" with the police. The regime, backed by the
army is quite ruthless in its latest moves. In a symbolic
move, a statue of Ranjeet Singh has been set up. Not only
are statues repugnant to Islam, Ranjeet Singh was a
genocidal killer of Muslims in the province of Punjab.
Imran started off slowly but systematically to please the
western powers. In one fell swoop, he arrested all the
leaders of the anti-blasphemy movement and sent the
blasphemer,, all expenses paid, to Canada. The western
powers could see right away that their hero was not afraid
of the "mullahs."
Now things have come to this that the Red Mosque has been
closed again right in Islamabad. The women and children
there were
not allowed to have food and water for two days till public
demonstrations created enough pressure to let supplies
through.
Observers indicate that a Shia-secularist-Qadiani alliance
has taken place in Pakistan. Recruitment seems to be taking
place via the Hazara population in the Quetta area.
Baluchistan is a complete mess. The army has a free hand to
do what it will in Baluchistan. All opponents of army action
are branded as Indian agents. There is some truth to the
"agent" story because India, Iran and Russia will infiltrate
areas of unrest where Pakistan is willing to commit
atrocities. Disappeared people are turning up dead or
severely traumatized.
CANADA
[A stunning report from Ottawa.]
Towards Understanding Terrorism in Canada: Perceptions and
Realities
By Mohammad Momin Khawaja
My Profile and implications of "Terrorism" - Criminal
Charges
As a fresh graduate in Computer Programming, I was working
with a federal government contractor (Foreign Affairs
Department) for a considerable time. I was dedicated to my
job and excellent performance, and this was reflected in my
evaluation by my supervisor. I had no knowledge what
"terrorism" meant and how to define its implications in my
day-to-day life. Throughout 2003-2004, there were highly
charged global public outcries and massive demonstrations in
UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the world
against the Iraq War. Many were angry and distressed about
how America and Britain were invading Iraq under a false
pretext, and bombing and killing the innocent people. The
aggression and civilian impacts were widely reported and
even shown regularly by the media. Like millions of others
across the globe, young and old, educated and not, I was
seriously disturbed by the pursuit of the "war on
terrorism", and what seemed to be war mongering.
While at work on March 29, 2004, I was arrested on the
accusation of being co-conspirator for the UK London 'Bomb
plan' under the "Canadian anti-Terrorism legislation." I was
kept at the Detention Center for five years without trial.
In 2008-2009, during the trial, the Canadian Trial Judge
Rutherford acquitted me of this focal allegation of the
case. There was no evidence to support the accusations.
Subsequently, the Government made up five other criminal
charges under the anti-Terrorism legislation. The trial did
not start because the Government wanted to hold a secret
trial away from the public. The legal defense team and
public were against this approach. I had no criminal
background whatsoever. Coming from a highly moral and
intellectual conscientious family, I always actively pursued
a balanced life style conscious of real human values.
Ultimately, I was charged with:
financing terrorism by sending approximately $850 (US) to
the Displaced Afghan Women and Children Fund for medicine,
foods and clothing;
making of a cell phone jammer (device);
sending emails to my girlfriend;
taking one day trip to a public shooting range in
Pakistan tribal area where it is a cultural activity and not
illegal;
and making a one day stop in London to meet few British
youngsters whose intentions were unknown to me, but who were
later convicted of terrorism.
I was also accused of "bomb-making", but the prosecution
chief witness Junaid Baber stated clearly in court that
"Momin Khawaja had no knowledge and was never involved in
the "bomb-making" scheme of the UK groups.
The trial judge sentenced me to ten and a half years with 5
years for parole, but the Supreme Court of Canada increased
the sentence to a Life and 24 years with 10 years for
parole. I was not charged with any such crime to get this
exceptionally harsh punishment.
"Terrorism" is highly charged term, and applied so broadly
that it has become an all encompassing term in the legal
system, and sentencing has become both arbitrary and highly
politicized. However, having oneself charged and prosecuted
under this umbrella can magnify minor offenses and mistakes
into life altering sentencing. One finds great irony of
opinion when Justice Label of the Supreme Court of Canada
(June 12, 2012 Appeal Hearing Judges), asked the
Prosecution: "Why should Mohammad Momin Khawaja be sentenced
to a Life and 24 years when he was not charged with the
crime nor he committed it?"
The prosecution asserted that "terrorism" is an
international problem and they wanted to send a message to
other offenders - even though I was not charged with this
crime! This clearly demonstrates that I was being sentenced
to send a political message, and not for true wrongdoing on
my part.
Mr. Glenn Greenwald ("New York Top Court Highlights the
Meaningless Menace of the Term Terrorism."The Guardian:
December 16, 2012), is a lawyer and internationally known
American journalist, explains the prevalent reality: ... "
a fascinating ruling unwittingly illustrates the separate
system of 'justice' invented for Muslims in the US after
9/11.""Under the Law", that "this newly created "terrorism"
crime is committed whenever one acts with the "intent to
intimidate or coerce a civilian population", but the law
contains no definition of that term."
I Value Human Life, Canadian Society and Respect for All
I do not know how or why the Canadian mass media identified
me as a "terrorist" for simply expressing opinions which
were shared by millions and influenced by their own coverage
of the Iraq War. There was no evidence of violence, or any
threat of violence, in my character or any acts -
substantiated by the lack of evidence presented against me
in court.
There is no one in the world who can claim being victim of
my thoughts and actions. There are logical gaps and factual
contrasts between what I am, my life and character; and what
media imagery was carved-up against me to distort the facts
of my life as a member of the Canadian civic society. During
the legal trial process, the news media had enlarged the
scope of its campaign against me and my family as if we were
all "terrorists." The media pattern clearly illustrated a
propaganda campaign by the vested interest against us. At
the St. Anne des Plaine federal prison (Quebec), I was
attacked by another inmate with boiling water causing
life-threatening injuries to my body but I forgave that
person. The scars of that incident are still fresh on me. I
was kept in arbitrary solitary confinement for three years
without any reason. This was clearly against the Canadian
laws and Chartered Rights of Canadian citizens. I have
fist-hand experienced an institutionalized scheme of torture
similar to that at Guantanamo Bay Prison.
Alex P. Schmid, a scholar/researcher at the International
Center for Counter-Terrorism (UK), compiled research for the
EU-UN that mentions among many things, that political
discontent, alienation and humiliation are part of the
process of violent extremism or sometimes individuals may be
motivated by a desire for revenge against acts of repression
in a society. Pinker Steven (The Better Angels of Our
Nature, P.509), explains the neurobiology of violence-
terrorism that most consequential cause of violence is
ideology.
I recognize the impact of violence on societies and how it
disrupts the socio-ethical norms of a society. I never
believed in violence, nor had any intent whatsoever to act
in any violent manner against anybody on this planet. If the
groups in UK were engaged in violence or terrorism or
"bomb-making", it was not known to me and I was never a
party to such cruel actions against any people or society.
While I was against the war, and influenced by anti-war
material on the internet, I am still deeply disturbed by the
impacts of the "war on terrorism's" devastating impacts on
civilians and civilian society. It is estimated that 3
million Iraqis were killed in the US-led war.
Professor Noam Chomsky (Power Systems, p. 97), mentions that
"historical amnesia is a dangerous phenomenon" and that the
consequences of ignorance towards global policy and conflict
undermines the founding principles of democratic freedom and
just societies whose moral and intellectual integrity must
have a high threshold. Chomsky adds that if you don't
recognize your own crimes, there is no impediment to
continuing them.
There is no human being or any entity in Canada, or
elsewhere in this world, negatively impacted by my thoughts
and individual actions. After more than 15 years of
incarceration, and pursuing my academic university degree
program, I am remorseful for any unintended thoughts and
action of internet-based affiliation with any group outside
Canada that might have caused concerns in Canadian society.
I do not believe in religious extremism nor can I ever be
involved in any such ideological pursuit. When I hear about
violent tragedies happening anywhere, it deeply affects me.
I value knowledge, freedom and respect for the Canadian
society in which I was born and highly value as a civilized
way of living and human progress for the good of all. I pray
for the day when I might be released from prison for crimes
I never committed.
Mohammad Momin Khawaja - a prisoner at the Correctional
Service Institution, Bath, Ontario, Canada and currently
doing a university graduate degree program from the prison,
and welcomes your thoughts and concerns at his website:
freemomin.com
War News
Syria
Chaos in Assad Controlled territories, Russian Backed
Offensive at Complete Standstill. YPG Attacks on Turkish
Supporters.
July 1 to July 7.
Air atrocities
July 6. A Russian air strike hit a hospital in Azaz [north
central Syria, killing 14 and injuring 40.]
July 5. A US air strike in north west Aleppo province killed
10 activists of the Harras al-Deen group which US says is
linked to al-Qaida.
July 5. An Assad air strike destroyed a mosque in Buwwabiya
village, southern Aleppo. Death toll not known.
In Mhambel suburb of Idlib, an Assad jet low level bombing
killed 13 civiliansincluding 5 children and 3 women
July 4. An Assad regime jet bombed surgical hospital in the
Kafranbel suburb of Idlib.
[On June 7, Israeli jets hit a research center and regime
military airport in the Homs area, killing 4 people and
injuring 14.]
Deraa province.
After months of graffiti attacks on Assad calling for his
removal, popular resistance has emerged. Every day there are
hit and run shootings on Assad's military leading to deaths
and injuries. In addition there are attacks on
collaborators, those who "reconciled" with the Assad regime
when they saw Assad winning with Iranian and Russian
support.
Thirdly there is the first time initiation of attacks on
Iranian troops by civilians.
A complication has also occurred owing to separate
recruitment by Russia of Syrians who need resources and
help.
Assad's troops are harassing these Russia-controlled
groups.
Assad's intelligence services are actively pursuing and
arresting Syrians who made peace with Assad but are
suspected of harboring opposition.
Suwaida province [south east of Damascus.]
ISIS sleeper cells are carrying out sneak attacks.
The area is inhabited by a heterodox sect. People here
complain of mistreatment by Assad's troops who came in to
fight IS but ended up mistreating the population. Gradually
clashes between the sect and Assad's troops increased.
Fighting with IS forces in the desert has continued for
months. Lebanese Hizbullah could not succeed and have
finally withdrawn leaving the rugged area in control of
IS.
Irbid province, northwest Hama province, northwest Aleppo
province and north east Latakia province.
These areas are under the control of Tahrir [al-Nusra]
supported by other Islamic groups.
On July 3, Assad's troops fired hundreds of phosphorous
shells into mujahideen positions in north west Hama
province.
However, after all out attacks by Iranians and other shia
groups, mujahideen defeated all such attacks. SOHR notes
that the real significance of the regime's failure here is
that the Iranian and other Shia attacks were supported by
thousands of Russian air strikes and ongoing shell fire by
Assad's Shia allies.
From our Christian Friends
Not all Christians support Israel:
IPMN supports proposed U.S. Law that will Promote Human
Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli
Military Occupation.
with thanks to Sis. Abigail
Israel Palestine Mission Network (IPMN) is an organization
of Christians who seek to demonstrate solidarity, educate
about the facts on the ground, and change the conditions
that erode the humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians,
especially those who are living under occupation in East
Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
The IPMN decisively endorses Rep. Betty McCollum's (MN)
legislation, HR 2407, "Promoting Human Rights for
Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military
Occupation."
Introduced on April 30th, the bill "amends a provision of
the Foreign Assistance Act known as the 'Leahy Law' to
prohibit funding for the military detention of children in
any country, including Israel." Additionally, the
legislation authorizes the appropriation of $19 million
annually to NGOs in Israel/Palestine who monitor the
treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military
detention and who are qualified to provide psychological and
emotional support to children returning from military
detention.
The 222nd General Assembly of the PCUSA (2016)
overwhelmingly adopted an overture in support of the safety
and wellbeing of children of Palestine and Israel, "calling
on the government of Israel to change its military detention
system [so as] to stop night arrests, stop blindfolds and
restraints, stop separation from parents and legal counsel,
stop physical abuse and verbal threats, and stop isolation
and coerced confessions." Unfortunately, in the nearly three
years since its passage, there have been no improvements in
the treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military
detention.
In her Press Release, Rep. McCollum notes "Peace can only be
achieved by respecting human rights, especially the rights
of children. Congress must not turn a blind eye to the
unjust and ongoing mistreatment of Palestinian children
living under Israeli occupation."
MURIC WADES INTO HIJAB SAGA IN UI SCHOOL
by Abdulkabir Oyemomi.
Officials of the International School Ibadan (ISI) on
Wednesday July 3rd and Thursday July 4th 2019 forced female
Muslim students in hijab to remove them about 100 meters
from the school's gate. A video showcasing this incident has
since gone viral on social media.
Wading into the recent development in ISI, the Muslim Rights
Concern (MURIC) has described the incident as the height of
religious apartheid, a show of shame and the mother of all
apartheid. The human rights body made this known in a press
statement issued and signed by its Founder and Director,
Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Sunday, 7th July, 2019.
The statement reads, "The video of officials of ISI recently
trending on social media is not only provocative, it is
nauseating, unethical, repugnant and barbaric. It is nothing
short of the height of religious intolerance, a show of
shame and the mother of all apartheid.
"We find it difficult to believe this is happening under the
watch of an internationally recognized higher institution
and premier university in Nigeria. This incident diminishes
the reputation of the University of Ibadan as a citadel of
learning and a center of excellence. It takes the
institution back to the Stone Age. Academic culture demands
openness, moderation and liberal disposition particularly on
matters of religion.
"The action of officials of ISI is a flagrant violation of
Section 38 (i) & (ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria which stipulates that every
Nigerian citizen has the right to 'practice and manifest'
his or her faith. In addition, by causing open embarrassment
to the parents and the victims, the school has openly
contravened the right to the dignity of the human person as
entrenched in Section 34 (b) & (c) of the 1999 Constitution
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended (2011).
"This stereotyping of female Muslim students at ISI
constitutes an assault on the African Charter on Human and
Peoples' Rights, Article 4, Clause 1 & 2 which says, 'Human
beings are inviolable. Every human being shall be entitled
to respect for his life and the integrity of his
person.'
"ISI school's show of shame also exposes the school's lack
of respect for the religious feelings of those female Muslim
students, their parents and the sensitivities of Nigerian
Muslims in general. It therefore infringed upon Article 9 of
the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights &
Fundamental Freedoms which contains a call to have 'respect
for the religious feelings of believers...'
"That is not all. Article 18 of the International Covenant
on Civil and Political Right, (ICCPR) guarantees the right
to freedom of religion unconditionally. The UN HRC General
Comment No. 22 on article 18 of ICCPR reveals a strong
support for religious freedom, particularly the use of
hijab.
"The relevant provision of the General Comment goes thus:
'The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion in
article 18 is far reaching and profound...the fundamental
character of these freedoms is also reflected in the fact
that this provision cannot be derogated from, even in time
of public emergency...The freedom to manifest religion or
belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching
encompasses a broad range of acts...may include the wearing
of distinctive clothing or head covering...'
"Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
also lays emphasis on 'Right to freedom from Discrimination
on grounds of race, nationality or religion ...'
"All the above international legal instruments empower us to
externalize the struggle if the authorities fail to act.
MURIC will have no option than to drag the Nigerian
government, the National Assembly, authorities of the
University of Ibadan, its Council and Senate Mrs. Phebean
Olowe as well as the governments of all South Western states
that allow the persecution of female Muslim students using
hijab or disallows the latter from using hijab to the United
Nations for actively persecuting and profiling the
girl-child in Nigeria. We will expose the hypocrisy of South
West leaders who pretend to support education for the
girl-child but discreetly encourage those who lock school
gates against female Muslim children.
"We demand the immediate sack of the school principal, Mrs.
Phebean Olowe. She is a huge disgrace to motherhood, an
unmitigated disaster in the pursuit of education for all, an
established Muslim-hater and a tyrant in academic garb. Our
call for action to be taken against Mrs. Olowe is based on
the provisions of Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution of
Nigeria which says:
(1) A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic
group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion
shall not, by reason only that he is such a person:-
(a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical
application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive
or administrative action of the government (or its
agencies-addition ours), to disabilities or restrictions to
which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic
groups, places of origin, sex, religion or political
opinions are not made subject;
"Also under the school principal's watch, female Muslim
students have been publicly stigmatized, publicly
embarrassed and traumatised. Her actions therefore
constitute a deliberate and calculated disregard for Section
13 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (1991)
which provides 'A public officer shall not do or direct to
be done, in abuse of his office, any act prejudicial to the
rights of any person knowing that such act is unlawful or
contrary to any government policy'
"ISI belongs to UI and UI belongs to the Federal Government
(FG). This implies that Mrs. Olowe is a public officer of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has blatantly abused her
office. FG must therefore call her to order through UI, her
employer.
"The problem with Nigeria is not a dearth of effective laws.
Our problem is lack of the necessary political will to
enforce those laws. Nigeria will therefore be in constant
crisis until we all call a spade a spade. The buck stops on
Mrs. Olowe's table as far as ISI is concerned. She is one of
those public officers who abuse their power due to personal
interest.
"MURIC has received a barrage of telephone calls, text
messages, etc, from several parts of the country since the
video went viral. This is capable of precipitating religious
crisis unless higher authorities wade in immediately. We
therefore call on the Honourable Minister of Education and
the National Assembly to immediately institute a probe into
the matter. Failure to act immediately will be an open
invitation to chaos.
"We are convinced that the ISI imbroglio, like other similar
hijab fracas in the South West, may not necessarily require
legal intervention. It must be settled by high authorities
desirable of implementing and enforcing the laws of the
land. The law is an ass and tyrants are known to have
manipulated it to satisfy their whims and caprices.
"That is why Muslims of the South West must change their
strategy. The recent trend showing a proliferation of
assaults on hijab in the sub-region calls for a change in
strategy. The era of restricted dialogue is over. We are
entering a period of extended-interface.
"Our people say human beings remain quiet when flies perch
on a man's wound but they scream in consternation at the
owner of the wound when he starts eating the flies (Omo
araiye ko ni soro nigbati esinsin ba nje elegbo, o di igba
ti elegbo ba nje esinsin ki araiye to bere si pariwo).
"The whole world has seen how all our statements, petitions
and appeals on the violation of Allah-given fundamental
rights of Muslims have fallen on deaf ears. The records are
there. The period of restricted dialogue lasted more than
ten years. Yet our oppressors and Muslim-haters in the South
West will not relent. From Ogbomosho to Abeokuta, from Lagos
to Ibadan, Muslims have become endangered species.
"MURIC hereby declares the extension of dialogue. We will no
longer limit our intervention to ordinary press statements.
We will no longer watch in silence and agony as our
daughters and mothers are defiled and disgraced in public.
All those schools where our daughters are being denied their
Allah-given fundamental human rights were built with public
funds. They are our common patrimony because Muslims are
also tax-payers. There is no Christian Central Bank of
Nigeria just as there is no Muslim Central Bank. Public
schools belong to all.
"You will see us on the streets from now on albeit for
non-violent expression of our rights. With this statement,
we are directing the Oyo State chapter of MURIC to join
forces with the Muslim Parents Forum (MPF) of ISI under the
leadership of Alhaji Abdul Rahman Balogun, Ibadan Muslim
Community under the leadership of renowned Muslim activist
and dynamic leader, Alhaji Kunle Sanni and the Muslim
Students Society (MSS) Zone 2. We must #occupy ISI, UI and
South West state assemblies until they do the needful.
To cap the edifice, MURIC calls on Muslims in all cities,
villages and hamlets of Yorubaland to join their brothers
and sisters in Ibadan for the peaceful mass protests. This
is intellectual jihad. Every Muslim must partake in this.
Any Muslim who fails to do so is living in a state between
the states (fi manzilatin baynal manzilatayn) unless he or
she is constrained by old age, health challenge, etc. In the
same vein, we warn against violent disposition during the
protests. Islam is a religion of peace and violence is
antithetical to the true teachings of Islam. Violence is not
the answer to religious intolerance in the South West.
"The Qur'an asks Muslims, 'Why should you not rise in the
cause of Allah to defend men, women and children who are
oppressed due to their weakness? The weak ones cry out, 'Our
Lord! rescue us from this city (ISI?) whose people are
oppressors; and raise for us from Thee one who will protect
us, and send to us a helper!' (Qur'an 4:75-76).
و ما لكم لا
تقاتلون
في سبيل
الله و
المستضعف ن من
الرجال و
النساء و
الولدان
الدين
يقولون
ربنا
اخرجنا من
هده
القرية
الظالم
اهلها و
اجعل لنا
من لدنك
وليا و
اجعل لنا
من لدنك
نصيرا
"UI has remained tacitly endorsed the unjust treatment of
Muslim girls in its international school and unleashed its
security staff to molest our daughters. We therefore call
for the commencement of sustained yet peaceful
demonstrations around UI and its environs. We call out all
Islamic organisations in Ibadan and Oyo State in general to
mobilise their members. The Federation of Muslim Women
Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN) cannot afford to close its
eyes to the molestation, harassment, intimidation and
coercion of its daughters and future members.
"#ourmumudondo. Rights anywhere in the world are never given
on platters of gold. They are demanded and struggled for.
Enough of Muslim docility. We must act now or never! Yoruba
Muslims have been pushed to the wall. Fingers have been
poked in our eyes because we elected to be civil and
tolerant. Now we are in pain. Our hearts are bleeding. Our
daughters are crying. The parents are angry. Muslim youths
are emotionally charged. The elders are torn between Chillan
and Charybdis. Olowe has murdered sleep. She shall sleep no
more.
"We ask NASFAT, QAREEB, Ansarud-Deen, Nawairu-Deen, etc, are
you not touched? You must not allow Nigerians to see you as
sleeping giants. We have the number. Unfortunately we are
too docile. MURIC is using the extant laws of the land to
challenge the status quo. There is nothing illegal in what
we are doing.
"We therefore call on the security agents to desist from
being overzealous over this. The police should consider this
statement as a notification of coming mass protests. Don't
hound MURIC. Don't harass Muslim leaders. What you should do
is to call those violating Allah-given fundamental rights of
our daughters to order. The security agents should even
invite Mrs. Olowe to explain the legality, lawfulness and
constitutionality of her actions. Does she have the right to
take actions capable of disturbing the peace?
"On a final note, we demand the immediate sack of the school
principal, Mrs. Phebean Olowe. We call on the Honourable
Minister of Education, the NASS and the UI authorities to do
the needful on the ISI imbroglio. Olowe must go. Hijab must
be allowed in the school. Not because MURIC wants it but
because that is what the law says and ISI, UI and others
must obey the rule of law.
With the present security challenges all over the country,
FG must see the need to nip this crisis in the bud. A single
overzealous school principal must not be allowed to set the
sub-region on fire. She must be called to order.
To douse tension, we call for a policy statement emanating
from the presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education the
NASS and the state governments of the South West
specifically on the boiling matter of hijab. This will be a
wholistic approach to the hijab saga in the South West. Only
these steps can make MURIC withdraw its call for peaceful
mass protests in all South West cities.
The struggle must be sustained even if security agents
arrest MURIC's leaders. No surrender, no retreat until all
our daughters suffering humiliation in Abeokuta, Ogbomosho,
Lagos and Ibadan are granted full, comprehensive and
irreversible permission to use hijab in all schools. We do
not issue threats but we repeat, No retreat, No
surrender.
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
