Advice regarding Palestine from Shaykh Fawzan, Hafidahullah -

Earlier this evening Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan, via his open question-answer session on PalTalk, was asked about the position of a Muslim concerning what is happening now to our brothers (and sisters) in Palestine, with respect to supplication, giving wealth or making jihaad with them.

So he replied: “It is obligatory upon the Muslims to make supplication for their Muslim brothers and to assist them with wealth. To assist them with wealth and supplication, this is what is obligatory, and this is what will benefit them.”

Then the Shaykh was asked, “May Allaah be benevolent to you. And this questioner says, “What is the ruling pertaining to demonstrations, and are they considered to be from jihaad in the path of Allaah?”

So he replied: “There is no benefit in demonstrations. Rather they are confusion. They are from confusion, disorder. And what harm will be done to the enemy if the people demonstrate a street amongst the streets and raise their tongues?! Rather, this is from the matters on account of which the enemy actually rejoices, and so he says that he has harmed them and cause damage to them, so the enemy rejoices with this.

Islaam is a religion of sanctity, and religion of tranquility, a religion based upon knowledge, it is not a religion of confusion and noise. It is a religion that aims to bring about tranquility and sanctity, alongside the working of beneficial and praisworthy deeds, such as aiding the Muslims and supplicating for them, and providing them with wealth and weapons. This is praiseworthy, and also arguing for their case with the nations, so that the oppression can be raised from them. And that the nations are asked, those who claim democracy for themselves, they should be asked to give those Muslims their right, and the right of a human is what they themselves boast about! However, in their view the human is the disbeliever, and as for the Muslim in their view, he is not a human but a terrorist. They call the Muslims “terrorists”. And the disbeliever is the one who has rights, in their view!

So it us upon the Muslims to traverse upon the manhaj of Islaam in the likes of these affairs and other than them. Islaam did not come with demonstrations and clangor, and raising of the voices, or destruction of the state properties, or transgression. All of this is not from Islaam, it does not benefit, rather this harms the Muslims and does not harm the enemy. This harms the Muslims and does not harm their enemies. Rather their enemies rejoice with this, and he says, “I have affected them, I have made them angry, and I have affected them.”

Credit: IGNITE THE LIGHT WITHIN~ by Umm Travis on December 30, 2008.

Saudi Scholar, ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-’Ubaykan’s 7/7 Anniversary Warning Against Extremists

O Muslims Overseas! Beware of Conspirators

Shaikh ‘Abdul-Muhsin ‘Ubaykaan
6 July 2006-07-08
Taken from the paper ‘Ash-Sharaq Al-Awsat’

Read Original in Arabic

At this time last year a great evil took place. It visibly affected peoples’ wealth and lives, and injured the image of Islam and the Muslims throughout the whole world.

This time last year attacks were made against the London underground system and (London) buses and explosions went off. Tens of people died and were injured, as a result of these (actions).

Some Muslim youth, who reside in those lands, carried out these disgraceful acts.

What is the correct stance that the Muslim should adopt towards this type of activity?
What advice is it incumbent upon us to offer to the Muslims abroad?

I say that there is not a shadow of doubt that a small group of people, whom ascribe themselves to Islam, have arisen, in the last few years, traversing upon the methodology of the kharijites (a deviant sect) of the past.

This (deviant sect) have left the religion like an arrow leaves its prey. Actually, this present group of people could possibly be viewed as being more astray and misguided than the original kharijites, because they have not only declared Muslims to be infidels and killed them but, instead, they have added to this by violating their covenants and transgressing against the people of the book and other than them, who have agreements with the Muslims; even the kharijtes of the past never done this. So pay attention oh my Muslim brother.

Islam has not sanctioned this type of activity. Opposite to that, Islamic law warns against these acts in the clearest fashion and discourages going down these paths.
On top of that, even Arab and Islamic customs reject these appalling acts that deeply damage the image of Islam. This has caused many non-Muslims to flee from Islam and shun its people.

For this reason, the attacks against London last year that were carried out by some misguided, astray Muslim youth are forbidden. Especially, (bearing in mind) that they killed tens of innocent people with their bombs. These (youth) have committed a grave sin. In the light of Islamic law, this is viewed as a violation of a covenant and treachery. An affair that has resulted in many negatives which have (damaged) the co-existence of these people, and I am referring to how the British people (interact) with the Muslims who reside in those lands.

These bombings have placed the rest of the Muslims of Britain in a difficult situation and, perhaps, caused some aggravation. The least of them being that this has portrayed the Muslims as a possible security threat.

It is not acceptable to reserve the slightest doubt about the fact that those responsible for the bombings in London and any other similar acts have carried out something forbidden in the light of Islamic law. No matter what excuses they offer. I say (for arguments sake) even if the non-Muslims, whom we were residing in their lands, were at war with us and we entered their lands and remained there with an agreement of their protection, it is impermissible to deceive and betray them. The people of knowledge, like Ibn Qudaamah in Al-Mughni (a famous piece of classical Islamic jurisprudence), have mentioned this in the books of Islamic jurisprudence

Therefore, there is no ambiguity that these bombings of the subway in London were a blatant form of deception.

My advice to my Muslim brothers who are residing in Britain, in the west generally or in any non-Muslim land is to be cautious of those conspirators amongst you, who falsely claim that they are implementing the correct Islam. In reality, these people strive to destroy the relationship that (the rest of the Muslims) have with their countries that have hosted them for their whole life.

Also, their activities deprive them (i.e. the rest of the Muslims) of the benefits of life, ruin their relationship with their hosting nations and citizens, spoil their reputation before the people and damage the rights they have acquired.

It is upon the Muslims in those lands to work together to uproot this deviant group, if advice brings no fruits, they should abandon and shun them, and inform upon every trouble maker from amongst them. To allow the rest of the Muslims in that land can live in peace and spread the true Islam. They should be torches of light and guidance, guiding the people to the magnificence and excellence of this great religion that Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, revealed as a mercy for the whole of mankind.

Islamic Scholar ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-’Abbad On Killing Non-Muslims

This is an extract, with some abridgement, from the book, “With Which Religion and Intellect are Suicide Bombings and Destruction Considered Jihad?” by the senior contemporary Islamic Scholar from Saudi Arabia, Shaikh ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-’Abbad.

WHAT HAS COME CONCERNING KILLING THE ONE UNDER PROTECTION OF A TREATY, INTENTIONALLY OR BY MISTAKE

The killing of a dhimmee (free non-Muslim), mu’aahad (one under a treaty or truce) and musta‘man (one under the guarantee of protection) is unlawful. Indeed, a severe threat has been mentioned concerning that.

Indeed, al-Bukhaaree relates in his Saheeh (no. 3166), from ’Amr Ibn ’Abdullaah (radiyallaahu ’anhumaa), from the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) who said, “Whosoever kills a person who was a mu’aahad, he will not be able to smell the fragrance of Paradise, even though its fragrance can be smelled for the walking distance of forty years.”

This is mentioned by al-Bukhaaree in the book of al-jizyah (taxes for disbelievers) under the chapter, “Chapter: The sin of the one who kills a mu’aahad who has not committed any crime.”

And he mentions it in the book of compensations, under the chapter, “Chapter: The sin of the one who kills a dhimmee who has not committed any crime.” And it also occurs under the wording, “Whosoever kills a person who was mu’aahad will not smell the fragrance of Paradise, even though its smell can be found for the walking distance of forty years.”

Stated al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr in al-Fath (12/259), (commenting upon the action of al-Bukhaaree in the manner compiling these statements under these chapter headings), “Likewise, he brought the chapter heading of the dhimmee, yet he mentioned the mu’aahad. And in the chapter heading of al-jizyah (taxes for non-Muslims), he brought the wording, “Whosoever kills a mu’aahad…” as is apparent in the narration. So the intended meaning of this is that whosoever has a treaty with the Muslims, whether it be by agreement of a jizyah, or a truce with a Muslim ruler, or protection from a Muslim.”

And this hadeeth is related by an-Nisaa‘ee with the wording “Whosoever kills a person from amongst the people of dhimmah (protection), then he will not find the fragrance of Paradise, even though the fragrance of Paradise can be found for the walking distance of forty years.”

And he also relates it (no. 4749) with a saheeh isnaad, from a man from amongst the Companions of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whosoever kills a man from amongst the people of dhimmah, then he will not be able to find the fragrance of Paradise, even though its fragrance can be found for the walking distance of forty years.”

As for killing the one under protection unintentionally, then Allaah has obligated a compensation and retribution for it. Allaah the Mighty and Majestic said,

“And if he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, compensation must be paid to his family, and a believing slave must be freed. And whosoever finds this beyond his means, then he must fast for two consecutive months, in order to seek repentance from Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (an-Nisaa‘ 4:92)

And I say in conclusion: Fear Allaah – O youth – with regards to yourselves. Do not become prey for Satan. He gathers up for you the dishonour of this worldly life and the punishment of the Hereafter. And fear Allaah with regards to the Muslims, from amongst the elderly, the middle-aged and the youth. And fear Allaah with regards to the Muslim women, from amongst the mothers, daughters, sisters, maternal aunts and paternal aunts. And fear Allaah with regards to the elderly who ware bowing and the babies who are breastfeeding. And fear Allaah with regards to the spilling the blood of the innocent and the wealth of the unlawful.

“So fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones. (al-Baqarah 2:24)

“And fear a day when you shall be brought back to Allaah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.” (Sooratul-Baqarah 2:281)

“On the day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil.” (Soorah Aali-’Imraan 3:30)

“The day when a man shall flee from his brother, and his mother and his father, and from his wife and his children. Every man, that day, will have enough to make him careless of others.” (Soorah ’Abasa 80:37)

Awaken from your slumber and become attentive from your heedlessness. Do not be the riding animal for Satan to cause corruption in the earth.

And I ask Allaah the Mighty and Majestic to grant the Muslims understanding of their Religion, and to safeguard them from the misguidance of tribulations (fitan), whatever is apparent from them and whatever is hidden. And may the salutations, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon His servant and Messenger, Muhammad, upon his family and all of his Companions.

Shaikh ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-’Ubaykan’s Debates With Terrorists Leads Them To Recant and Repent - The Issue of Removing Non-Muslims From the Arab Peninsula

Ash-Sharq al-Awsat published an interview between Turki as-Suhail and the Saudi Scholar, ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-’Ubaykan on 12th September 2005. We reproduce below some extracts from it that highlight important Islamic issues, regarding which the extremists and terrorists had been misled by their ideological figureheads. A very large number of these people, who were youth poisoned by evil people like Abu Qatada al-Filisteeni and Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi (’Isam Barqawi) repented and recanted from their falsehood, on account of these dialogues.

Turki as-Suhail: What about removing the non-believers from the Arab peninsula?

‘Abdul-Muhsin al-’Ubaykan: This is another issue prominent amongst the wanted men. We tell them that removing non-believers from the Arab peninsula in context of the hadith (of the Prophet) is not how they interpret it.

This is because the area the Prophet (peace be upon him) was concerned about removing the non-believers from was that surrounding the two Sacred Mosques and not other areas such as the Eastern Province or other regions in Arabia.

Another point is that there were non-believers who lived in Arabia during the Caliphs’ times. Muslim men married non-Muslim women and lived together in the region.

I even found fatwas for Shaikh Mohammad Ibn Uthaimeen who supported this notion.

A third point is that this issue is the business of the country’s guardians rather than the people. The Caliph Abu Bakr did not have the Jews removed from Medina during his time, nor did he ask ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab to do so either.

A fourth point is that even if non-believers are to leave the region, it does not mean violating their properties or permitting their bloodshed. Furthermore, having them leave the region is related to what is in the best (interest) and it is not an indefinite general predicament.

Kingdom Arrests 208 Militants, Terror Financiers

http://arabnews.com/

JEDDAH, 29 November 2007 — Saudi authorities yesterday announced the arrest of 208 terror suspects, including 32 terror financiers and a 16-member media cell, adding that some of the suspects had planned to attack oil installations in the Eastern Province.Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman for the Interior Ministry, said the arrests took place following pre-emptive operations carried out by security forces over the last few months. He said the suspects had been influenced by a deviant ideology.

“Security forces foiled an impending attack on a support oil facility in the Eastern Province,” the spokesman said, adding that an eight-member cell led by an expatriate man was behind the plan.

The expatriate explained to police how he mobilized other militants to carry out the attack after encouraging them to take part in suicide operations inside and outside the Kingdom.

The arrested militants also included an 18-member cell, which had smuggled eight missiles into the Kingdom in order to launch terrorist operations, the Saudi Press Agency quoted the spokesman as saying. An infiltrator, who is an expert in missile launching, headed the team, he added.

“There was a 22-member cell which formed a special team to assassinate Islamic scholars and security officers,” Al-Turki said. The assassination move came after imams and khateebs across the country joined the fight against terrorism and extremism. “As many as 112 suspects were arrested for coordinating with foreign parties to facilitate the travel of militants to disturbed regions,” he said in reference to those that convince Saudis to travel to Iraq in order to fight alongside insurgents.

Al-Turki said the arrested terror financiers included Saudis as well as expatriates, adding that they had provided financial support to Al-Qaeda militants in the Kingdom and abroad.

Speaking about the media cell that was operating in Madinah to promote deviant ideologies and thoughts, he said the cell had provided militants every encouragement to commit various crimes. The media cell published a news bulletin named Sada Al-Rafidain (Echo of Iraq) and facilitated the travel of militants to the war-torn country.

During the security operations police confiscated a number of means of communication and documents, the spokesman said. Details of the confiscated items will not be disclosed at present in order to protect public interest. “Investigations made with the help of arrested militants have also led to information about persons who have links with the militants,” the spokesman said.

The Interior Ministry called upon Saudis who have been approached by deviant ideologists to contact the nearest security agency if they are in the Kingdom or the nearest Saudi mission abroad to clarify their stand. “This will be taken into consideration when dealing with their cases,” the spokesman said.

Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Salih al 'Uthaymeen, Rahimahullah ta'ala on Khawarij

Do The Teachings of Islam Encourage Terrorism?

In recent years, a great deal of attention in the media have been given to the threat of "Islaamic Fundamentalism". Unfortunately, due to a twisted mixture of biased reporting in the Western media and the actions of some ignorant Muslims, the word "Islaam" has become almost synonymous with "terrorism". However, when one analyses the situation, the question that should come to mind is:

Do the teachings of Islam encourage terrorism?

The answer: Certainly not!

Islam totally forbids the terrorist acts that are carried out by some misguided people. It should be remembered that all religions have cults and misguided followers, so it is their teachings that should be looked at, not the actions of a few individuals. Unfortunately, in the media, whenever a Muslim commits a heinous act, he is labeled a "Muslim terrorist".

However, when Serbs murder and rape innocent women in Bosnia, they are not called "Christian terrorists", nor are the activities in Northern Ireland labeled "Christian terrorism". Also, when right-wing Christians in the U. S. bomb abortion clinics, they are not called "Christian terrorists". Reflecting on these facts, one could certainly conclude that there is a double-standard in the media! Although religious feelings play a significant role in the previously mentioned "Christian" conflicts, the media does not apply religious labels because they assume that such barbarous acts have nothing to do with the teachings of Christianity. However, when something happens involving a Muslim, they often try to put the blame on Islaam itself - and not the misguided individual.

Certainly, Islaamic Law (Sharee'ah) allows war - any religion or civilisation that did not would never survive - but it certainly does not condone attacks against innocent people, women or children. The Arabic word "jihaad", which is often translated as "Holy War", simply means "to struggle". The word for "war" in Arabic is "harb", not "jihaad". "Struggling", i.e. "making jihaad", to defend Islaam, Muslims or to liberate a land where Muslims are oppressed is certainly allowed (and even encouraged) in Islaam.

However, any such activities must be done according to the teachings of Islaam. Islaam also clearly forbids "taking the law into your own hands", which means that individual Muslims cannot go around deciding who they want to kill, punish or torture.

Trial and punishment must be carried out by a lawful authority and a knowledgeable judge. Also, when looking at events in the Muslim World, it should be kept in mind that a long period of colonialism ended fairly recently in most Muslim countries. During this time, the people in these countries were culturally, materially and religiously exploited - mostly by the so-called "Christian" nations of the West. This painful period has not really come to an end in many Muslim countries, where people are still under the control of foreign powers or puppet regimes supported by foreign powers.

Also, through the media, people in the West are made to believe that tyrants like Saddam Hussein in Iraq and Moamar Qaddafi in Libya are "Islaamic" leaders - when just the opposite is true. Neither of these rulers even profess Islaam as an ideology, but only use Islaamic slogans to manipulate their powerless populations. They have about as much to do with Islaam as Hitler had to do with Christianity! In reality, many Middle Eastern regimes which people think of as being "Islaamic" oppress the practice of Islaam in their countries. So suffice it to say that "terrorism" and killing innocent people directly contradicts the teachings of Islaam.

..........
Prepared by: Abu 'Iyaad 



From: www.fatwa-online.com

In Light of the Somalian Piracy events.Shaikh Ibn Baz and Shaikh Ibn Jibreen on Hijacking and Kidnapping

Shaikh Ibn Baz and Shaikh Ibn Jibreen on Hijacking and Kidnapping

Source: Kaifa Nu'aaliju Waaqi'unaa al-Aleem

Article ID : MNJ140002

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Imaam Ibn Baaz on Hijacking planes and kidnapping

"From that which is known to everyone who has the slightest bit of common sense is that hijacking airplanes and kidnapping children and the like are extremely great crimes, the world over. Their evil effects are far and wide, as is the great harm and inconvenience caused to the innocent; the total effect of which none can comprehend except Allaah.

Likewise, from that which is known is that these crimes are not specific to any particular country over and above another country, nor any specific group over and above another group, rather it encompasses the whole world.

There is no doubt about the effect of these crimes; so it is obligatory upon the governments and those responsible from amongst the scholars and other than them to afford these issues great concern, and to exert themselves as much as possible in ending this evil."

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Kayfa Nu'aalij Waaqi'unaa al-Aleem - Page 108-109

Hijacking planes and ships

"Question: There are some people who hijack a plane or a ship, and do so to apply pressure upon the country to which this plane or ship is headed. It is possible they threaten to kill the passengers, and in some cases actually kill some of them, until their demands are met. So what is the ruling about such actions, especially since such actions terrify the passengers?

Response: It is upon (every) country to provide sufficient security to prevent the likes of these rebels from taking over (planes or ships). It is upon the (respective) country to provide every airline with security (whilst on their land) which is sufficient to resist any hijack attempts by the aggressors; just as they should also co-ordinate a full (passenger) inspection prior to (their) boarding. Thus, they should not permit anyone to proceed (to board) until after they have ascertained that no-one is in possession of weapons even if it be (a piece of) metal (bar or the like). In addition to this, some gangs force the aircraft to divert to another destination, so if there are (amongst the crew or passengers) anyone with sufficient physical training to overpower them, then the rebels' plans will be destroyed.

So there is no doubt that hijacking is a mistake, ignorance and falsehood. Further, it is a transgression beyond the limits causing terror to the passengers, and threatening them with that which they have no power to carry out, and Allaah knows best."

Shaykh Ibn Jibreen
Kayfa Nu'aalij Waaqi'unaa al-Aleem - Page 113

Is It a Religion of Terror?

Source: Invitation to Islam Newsletter [islaam.ca]
Published: October 1998

One of the many short comings which have arisen in the West is judging Islam by the conduct of a minority of its people. By doing this, segments of Western society have deliberately played off the desperate actions of many Muslims, and have given it the name of Islam. Such behaviour is clearly not objective and seeks to distort the reality of Islam.- Invitation to Islam
A bomb goes off in a marketplace in Jerusalem. A suicide bomber launches himself into a bus full of women and children in Tel Aviv. Foreign tourists get massacred at a holiday resort in Luxor, Egypt. Villages upon villages get annihilated in Algeria. The list of events worldwide which have come to symbolise the 'Islamic terror' are endless. From the times in the 70's and 80's when Pan Am and TWA aeroplanes would be highjacked, to the mid 80's in war torn Lebanon where Americans and Europeans would be held as hostages for years; all such incidents have come to be identified with the religion of Islam. Such incidents from past and present have undoubtedly affected Muslims worldwide and more so in the West. Any Muslim, who wants to practice his/her religion and expresses the pious desire to live under the banner of Islam, is labelled a fundamentalist or extremist. Any Muslim man who walks down a busy street in London or Paris (and Paris moreso) with a beard and a scarf on his head, is looked upon as being a potential terrorist who might have an AK47 stashed somewhere on his person. Muslim women who are veiled can't go anywhere in the Western world without being taunted as being oppressed or being mad (for covering up). However, are such beliefs and opinions about Islam really justified?
Exploding the myth
One of the many short comings which has arisen in the West, is judging Islam by the conduct of a minority of its people. By doing this, segments of Western society have deliberately played off the desperate actions of many Muslims, and have given it the name of Islam. Such behaviour is clearly not objective and seeks to distort the reality of Islam. For if such a thing was done Judge a religion by the conduct of its people) then we too could say that all Christianity is about is child molesting and homosexuality [1] whilst Hinduism was all about looting and breaking up mosques [2]. Generalising in such a manner is not seen as being objective, yet we find that the Western world is foremost in propagating this outlook on Islam. So what is the reality of Islam? How does one dispel the myths which have been created and spread so viciously? The only way to examine Islam is to simply examine its belief system. Look at its sources, the Qur'an and Sunna, and see what they have to say. This is the way to find the truth about what Islam says about terror, terrorism and terrorists. One who is sincerely searching for the truth, will do it no other way. The very name Islam comes from the Arabic root word 'salama' which means peace. Islam is a religion which is based upon achieving peace through the submission to the will of Allaah. Thus, by this very simple linguistic definition, one can ascertain as to what the nature of this religion is. If such a religion is based on the notion of peace, then how is it that so many acts done by its adherents are contrary to peace? The answer is simple. Such actions, if not sanctioned by the religion, have no place with it. They are not Islamic and should not be thought of as Islamic.

Jihad
The word jihad sends shivers down the spines of many Westerners. They readily equate this term with violence and oppression. However, it must be said that the meaning of jihad, as a 'holy war', is something which is totally foreign and not from Islam. If anything, such a description belongs more so to Christianity and its adherents. It was terms like this which were used to justify the slaughter and pillage of towns and cities during the crusades by the Christians. By simply looking into the sources of Islam, one is able to know that the true meaning of jihad is to strive/make effort in the way of Allaah. Thus striving in the way of Allaah can be both peaceful and physical. The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said: "The best jihad is (by) the one who strives against his own self for Allaah, The Mighty and Majestic"[3]. In the Qur'an, Allah also says:
"So obey not the disbelievers, but make a great jihad (effort) against them (by preaching) with it(the Qur'an)"
(Al-Furqan, The Criterion 25:52).
By controlling and fighting against ones desires, the Muslims can then also physically exert themselves in the path of Allah. It is this physical or combative jihad which receives so much criticism. Because of the sheer ignorance of this type of jihad Islam is regarded as terror, and Muslims are regarded as terrorists. However, the very purpose of this physical jihad is to raise the word of Allaah uppermost. By doing this, it liberates and emancipates all those who are crying out for freedom all over the world. If the likes of the pacifists of this world had their way, then the world would indeed be full of anarchy and mischief. The combative jihad seeks to correct this as Allah says in the Qur'an:
"And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the Earth would be full of mischief. But Allah is full of bounty to the worlds"
(Al-Baqarah, The Cow 2:251).
Such would be the corruption on this Earth if there had never been a combative jihad that Allah says:
"For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is mentioned much, would surely have been pulled down. Indeed Allaah will help those who help His (cause). Truly Allaah is All strong, All mighty"
(Al-Hajj, The Pilgrimage 22:40).
This combative jihad being both defensive and offensive, is something which is commanded by Allah upon the Muslims. Through this command the oppressed and weak are rescued from the tyranny of the world:
"And what is the matter with you that you do not fight in the cause of Allah and for those weak, ill treated and oppressed among men, women and children whose only cry is; 'Our Lord, rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors and raise for us from you one who will protect and raise for us from you one who will help"'
(An-Nisaa', The Women 4:75).
Anyone who knows the early history of Islam, will know that all those nations and empires which came under the fold of Islam were indeed previously oppressed. When the companions of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) went out for the offensive jihad against the Egyptians, the Persians and the Romans, we find that the people did not resist against them at all. Rather, they accepted Islam on such a scale, that it is inconceivable that the jihad of Islam could be anything other then a liberation for these people; a liberation from centuries of tyranny. In fact, with the Byzantine Egyptians and the people of Spain, the Muslims were even beckoned to come and liberate these lands from the oppression of their kings. This is the glorious track record of the Muslim jihad Compare this with the brutal track record of warfare in the Western world over the centuries. From the crusades against the Muslims to the days of colonial warfare, the Western world has killed, destroyed and plundered everything which has come in its way. Even today this merciless killing goes on by the Western nations. While claiming to be about world peace and security, Western nations are ready to bomb innocent civilians at the drop of a hat ('collateral damage' as it was coined). The classic example of this is the recent bombings of Sudan and Afghanistan. Whilst claiming that Sudan and Afghanistan were havens for Islamic terrorists, the bombings of these two nations could not have come at a better time for the American president Bill Clinton. The destruction of innocent lives which were a result of these bombings clearly seem to have been an attempt by Clinton to avert attention away from his sexual misdemeanours; [4] something which he so often gets caught up in. Without doubt this was the reason for such terror from the American military upon innocent people. This is the same American military which claims to enter the worlds trouble spots under the guise of being peace keepers. But
"… when it is said to them; 'Make not mischief on the Earth', they say; 'We are only peace makers'. Indeed they are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive it not"
(Al-Baqarah, The Cow 2:11-12)

The Hypocrisy of the West is Indeed Astounding
By looking at the rules and regulations of this combative jihad it will be clear to any sincere person that this is indeed the religion of truth. When fighting an unjust enemy, no matter how unjust they are, it is forbidden by Islam that their retreating forces are mutilated, tortured or slaughtered. The treacherous violation of treaties and carrying out assassinations after a cease fire, are also prohibited. Allaah says in the Qur'an:
"And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you. But do not transgress the limits. Truly Allah loves not the transgressors"
(Al-Baqarah, The Cow 2:190).
Not transgressing the limits means not to kill women and children, for the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him)"forbade the killing of women and children" [5]. Not transgressing the limits means that the elderly, the sick, monks, worshippers and hired labourers are not attacked. Not transgressing the limits means not killing animals wantonly, burning crops and vegetation, polluting waters and destroying homes, monasteries, churches and synagogues:
"Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion, nor drove you out of your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who deal with equity"
(Al-Mumtahinah, The Woman that Examines 60:8).
After reading such passages from the Qur'an and knowing about what Islam commands and prohibits in jihad, the rules of warfare are given a new meaning; a meaning of justice. How sad it is then, that whilst Islam is condemned for striking terror into the hearts of the people, the likes of the Serbs, the Indian army in Kashmir and the Israeli soldiers in Palestine are left untarnished for the atrocities they have committed in the name of warfare.
So what about suicide bombing, is this too a part of jihad in Allah's path? From what has already been stated above, it can be deduced that this is not from the religion. However, unfortunately many Muslims have taken suicide bombing as being a virtuous act by which one receives reward. This could not be further from the truth. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Those who go to extremes are destroyed" [6]. Suicide bombing is undoubtedly an extremity which has reached the ranks of the Muslims. In the rules of warfare, we find no sanction for such an act from the behaviour and words of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) and his companions. Unfortunately, today (some misguided) Muslims believe that such acts are paving the way for an Islamic revival and a return to the rule of Islam's glorious law. However, we fail to bear in mind that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Do not be delighted by the action of anyone, until you see how he ends up" [7]. So, for example what is the end of a suicide bomber in Palestine?, a leg here, an arm there. Massive retaliation by the Israeli's in the West Bank and Gaza. More Muslims killed and persecuted. How can we be delighted with such an end? What really hammers the final nail in the coffin of this act, is that it is suicide; something which is clearly forbidden in Islam. The Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) said: "He who kills himself with anything, Allaah will torment him with that in the fire of Hell" [8]. Some are under the misconception that by killing oneself for an Islamic cause, one commits an act which deserves Paradise. Once when a man killed himself, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "He is a dweller of the Fire". When the people were surprised at this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A person performs the deeds which to the people appears to be the deeds befitting the dweller of Paradise, but he is in fact one of the dwellers of the Fire" [9]. The taking of ones life which Allaah has given as a trust to the human, is a great sin. Likewise the taking of other lives (which is so often the case with suicide bombing) is also forbidden, as human life is indeed precious:
"...If anyone killed a person not in retaliation for murder or to spread mischief in the land, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind. And (likewise) if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the whole of mankind"
(Al-Maa'ida, The Table Spread Out 5:32).
Thus, all other types of extremities such as hostage taking, hijacking and planting bombs in public places, are clearly forbidden in Islam.

The Media
By going through the teachings of Islam, it is clear that such a religion has only come to benefit mankind -not to destroy it. So why is there so much hatred for this noble religion in the West? The answer is simple, the media. It is the Jewish influenced media of the West which has portrayed Islam to be something that it is not. During the 70's and 80's when the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organisation) were carrying out daring highjacks on the worlds airways, the media in the West portrayed it as being Islamic. When the Shi'ite suicide bombers of the 80's were causing so much havoc in the Lebanon and in the Gulf region, the media in the West portrayed it as a part of Islam. However, it is known by the heads of the media that the likes of the PLO were not an Islamic organisation, and that according to maintsteam Muslims and orthodox Islam, Shi'ites are outside the fold of Islam [10]. Yet such facts are never portrayed by a media which seeks to cover the truth of this religion. A number of years ago, when the Oklahoma City bomb went off, a headline in one of the newspapers, 'The Today' [11], summed up this attitude. With a picture of a fire fighter holding a dead child in his arms, the headline read:"In The Name of Islam" Time has of course proven that this bigoted assumption was incorrect, as Timothy McVeigh, a right wing radical now faces the death penalty for the crime [12]. Likewise the bombs which went off in the Paris metro in 1995, were also blamed on Muslim fanatics. It has now emerged that the Algerian secret service who having routinely bribed many European journalists and MPs, were actually behind it. The desire to throw a veil over Islam is immense by these people:
"They intend to put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will complete His light even though the disbelievers hate (it)"
(As-Saff, The Rank 61:8).
Whilst trying to destroy Islam through this instrument of the media, the Jews clearly try to portray an image of themselves as being the oppressed people. Every year, we are reminded as to how many Jews perished under the Nazis in World War II. We are made to feel sorry for these same people who have gone on to commit so many crimes upon the Palestinian people. Some may say that this is a racist and biased viewpoint. But we say; If this media was not run and orchestrated by the Jews and was truly neutral, then why are Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir, two former Israeli prime ministers, not held aloft as being terrorists? Anyone who knows about the history of the Palestinian occupation will tell you that these two men were members of the Stem Gang and Irgun, two notorious Jewish terror groups who killed many innocent people [13]. If this media was truly impartial, then why does it not tell about the extent of the Israeli bombardment and illegal occupation of Southern Lebanon and its people? [14] And if this media really had nothing against the religion of Allaah, then why does it not inform the people that every day hundreds are entering the religion of Islam? Such things will never be highlighted in the Western media, simply because to do so would be against their very interests.
With such immense pressure against it, it is indeed a blessing from Allah that Islam goes from strength to strength. It continues to grow faster then any other religion in the Western world, conquering the hearts and minds of thousands. All this should not even surprise us though, for Allah has promised us that this religion will prevail:
"It is He who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, so that He may make it victorious over all other religions, even though the disbelievers detest it"
(As-Saff, The Rank 61:9).
It is a must that humanity comes towards the religion of Islam. Without it, we will continue to slip down the road of inequity and darkness. With it we can establish a society of justice and peace. Religion of terror? ... no. The way forward? ... yes.
"There is no compulsion in religion. The right path has indeed become distinct from the wrong. So whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allaah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allaah is All Hearing, All Knowing"
(Al-Baqarah, The Cow 2:256)
Footnotes:
1 By using the many cases of child abuse and homosexuality by priests, Such a generalisation about Christianity could be made 2 By using the incident of the destruction of the Babri mosque in Ayodya, India in December 1992 by Hindu zealots, such generalisations could be made about Hinduism 3 Authentic - Reported by At-Tabaranee 4 Years of sexual liaison with a White House aide, Monica Lewinski, has been proved against Mr Clinton. Since this time, a number of other women have also claimed that they have had affairs with the president. And this is the same man who propagates family values and to whom millions look up to! 5 Reported by Bukhari - Eng. Trans, Vol.4, p. 160, No. 258 6 Authentic - Reported by Ahmed 7 Authentic - Reported by Ahmed 8 Reported by Muslim - Eng. Trans, Vol. 1, p.62, No.203 9 Reported by Muslim - Eng. Trans, Vol. 1, p.64, No.206 10 The beliefs which are contained in the books of the Shi'ites places them outside of the fold of Islam generally. However, upon the individual Shi'ite, the proofs need to be established before one can say that helshe is a disbeliever 11 This newspaper no longer exists 12 It is strange indeed that whilst the Western media criticises Islamic law for being barbaric and harsh, not a word is said about the fact that McVeigh too will be executed just as someone would in an Islamic state 13 These two groups killed Arabs, Jews and the British. They are accredited with the massacre at the village of Deir Yassin, in which many innocent people were butchered 14 Despite the fact that the UN has even made a resolution against Israel for this illegal occupation, no 'democratic peace loving nation' (like the USA!!) has bothered to implement it.

Justice to all Mankind, Even Those Who Make an Enemy of Islam- Statements from Islamic Scholars, Past and Present

Source: [islaam.ca]
Published: Oct. 2006

The Messenger of Allah, may peace be upon him, informed us that Allah said:O My Servants, indeed I have prohibited injustice for myself, and I have prohibited it amongst you.”The noble scholar; ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Aal Ash Shaykh comments:This is general to all mankind, whether they are Muslim or not, it is not permissible for any one person to oppress another even if they were enemies or harbored hatred for one another. Enmity and hatred do not authorize anyone in the legislation of Islam to be unjust or practice oppression.”
The saying of Allah the Exalted:"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as just witnesses; and let not the enmity and hatred of others allow you to avoid justice. Be just: that is closer to piety; and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do." [Al Maaidah: 8]
Ibn Katheer explains:“Do not let your hatred of a people cause you to be unjust to them, rather you must be just to everyone, friends or enemies, this is why Allah said: 'Be just: that is closer to piety' Meaning being just is closer to piety than being unjust.”At Tabari, a renowned scholar of the 8th century comments:“Do not let enmity between you and others cause you to be unjust in your dealings and rulings with them such that you oppress them due to the enmity that is between you.It has been stated that this verse was revealed when the Jews plotted to murder the Prophet.”Al Qurtubi, a scholar from the 12th century states:“This verse also proves that the disbelief of non-Muslims must not prevent us from being just to them...and it is not permissible for us to retaliate in the same manner, even if they kill our women and children and cause sorrow to befall us, it is not permissible for us to act likewise with the intention of making them feel grief and sorrow.”Allah the Elevated says:"Verily, Allah enjoins justice, beneficence, giving (help) to kith and kin, and forbids all forms of evil and Al-Munkar (i.e. all that is prohibited by Islamic law and oppression). He admonishes you, that you may take heed.)." [An Nahl: 90]Ibn Katheer states:“Allah orders his servants with justice, which is fairness and equity, and encourages them to be beneficent.”Allah the Mighty says:"Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice." [Al Hadeed: 25]At Tabari comments:“Meaning: So that people may interact amongst each other with justice.”Allah the Merciful says:"That no burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another." [An Najm: 38]Ibn Katheer comments:“Meaning: Anybody who has oppressed himself by disbelief or sins will be responsible for those sins, nobody else will carry the burden.”As Sa’di, a scholar of the 19th century explains:“…and no one shall bear the sin of another.”The noble scholar; ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Aal Ash Shaykh, current Mufti of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia comments:“Allah judged that no person shall bear the burden of another person’s sin due to His absolute justness.” The Messenger of Allah, may peace be upon him, informed us that Allah said:“O My Servants, indeed I have prohibited injustice for myself, and I have prohibited it amongst you.”The noble scholar; ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Aal Ash Shaykh comments:“This is general to all mankind, whether they are Muslim or not, it is not permissible for any one person to oppress another even if they were enemies or harbored hatred for one another. Enmity and hatred do not authorize anyone in the legislation of Islam to be unjust or practice oppression.”The former Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez ibn Baaz states:“It is not permissible for Muslims to transgress upon non-Muslims, not in their person, their wealth or their reputations if they are formal residents in a Muslim country, have a treaty with Muslims or are under Muslim protection, rather they must be given their rights. Muslims must not transgress upon non-Muslims by stealing from, betraying or cheating them with regards to their wealth. Likewise they mustn’t physically transgress upon them by hitting them and so on. The fact that they are residents, under treaty or protection secures them from that.”The noble scholar; Salilh al Luhaydan, chairman of the higher judiciary council of Saudi Arabia states:“During battles, the Messenger of Allah would advice the army:“Do not kill women, children, the elderly and those devoted to worship in their religious centers.”This means that Islam does not permit killing anyone except those who kill, wage war or oppress Muslims.”An Nawawi, a distinguished scholar from the 12th century states:“There is a consensus amongst the scholars that killing women and children is prohibited in battle except if they themselves engage in battle.”



Islam - The Religion of All Prophets
Last Updated ( Sunday, 15 October 2006 )