“Never will they be pleased with you (Muslims) until you follow their Millah (religion, ideology, values and way of Life).” [EMQ 2:120]

The Messenger Muhammad (SAW) said, “Indeed, the best speech is the Book of Allah.”; so with that I begin. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’aan:

“And who turns away from the Millah (religion, ideology, way of life, values) of Ibrahim except him who befools himself?” [EMQ 2:130]

The Millah of Ibrahim (AS) is a divine, legislated way of life. It is an excellent example, not just for the followers of the Messenger Muhammad (SAW), but also for the Messenger Muhammad (SAW) himself. Allah (SWT) says:

iiii

“Indeed, there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people, ‘Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah! We have rejected you, and between us and you is hostility and hatred forever, until you believe in Allah Alone.” [Al-Mumtahinah, 60:4]

This was the da’wah (preaching) and hikmah (wisdom) of Ibrahim (AS) and his followers – who, if alive today, would undoubtedly be accused of preaching hatred. His da’wah was not diluted or sugar-coated, to please the authorities or sceptical disbelievers. Rather, his message was a message of hate for those who disbelieved in Allah (SWT) and a message of love, peace and glad tidings for the servants and worshippers of Almighty Allah (SWT).

His Manhaj (method) of da’wah cannot be disputed as it is clearly documented and preserved in the Book of Allah (60:4), until the Day of Judgement.

The da’wah of the Anbiyaa’ (Prophets), which we have been ordered to follow (especially ‘Ulama), will inevitably lead to trials, hardship and persecution. The Anbiyaa’ (Prophets) were the best men to walk the face of the earth. They are pleased with Allah (SWT), and He is pleased with them. Yet they were killed by their people (the prophets of Bani Israel), boycotted, attacked, imprisoned, deported, persecuted, ridiculed and slandered. Allah (SWT) says:

“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise without such trials as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken (for fear of the enemy – Tafseer Ibn Katheer) that even the Messenger and those who believed with him said, ‘when will the Help of Allah come?’ Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!” [EMQ 2:214]

It is further reported in an authentic (Saheeh) hadeeth that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:

“The saw would be placed on the middle of the head of one of those who were before you (believers) and he would be sawn from his head to his feet, and he would be combed with iron combs between his skin and bones, yet that would not make him change his religion.” [Fath ul-Baari, 6:716]

So these were the consequences, backlash and repercussions endured by the Anbiyaa’ and their pious, God-fearing followers, which they conceal from you, knowingly or out of ignorance.

They are those who are happy to live under the authority of the disbelievers, with their cosy jobs and lifestyles – from among the secular doctors, nurses, solicitors, accountants, bankers, teachers, lecturers, civil servants, social workers, imams on salaries, councillors and so forth.

And because the Millah of Ibrahim and da’wah of the Anbiyaa’ results in hardship, difficulties, persecution and trials, and is of great inconvenience to them, they are unwilling to sacrifice for it and thereby risk losing what they have spent more than three-quarters of their lives chasing – their dream careers.

Consequently, they begin to criticise and condemn this path – of declaring enmity towards the disbelievers and what they worship – and those who are upon it. Instead, they falsely claim that Islam is just a religion of peace and tolerance, and we ought to love all of mankind and God’s creations. And they say we should be wise and not proclaim any hatred for Western (kufr) values and kufr (non-Islamic) ideologies, concepts and philosophies, such as democracy and freedom.

Consequently, they take the disbelievers as their friends, helpers and protectors, instead of the believers who emulate the Anbiyaa’, replicate their da’wah and are labelled by the enemies of Allah (SWT) as extremists, fundamentalists and terrorists.

So you should know, oh servants of Allah (SWT), that the disbelievers will never be pleased with you until you abandon the essence and meaning of the Kalimah – even though you may utter it or decorate your homes with it – and follow their way of life or version of Islam, instead of the Shari’ah.

The Deen of Islam not only requires one to invite the unbelievers to Tawheed (worship and obey Allah alone) with the best styles and means, but also to declare Walaa’ (loyalty and allegiance to Allah (SWT) and the believers) and Baraa’ (hatred for the disbelievers and what they worship besides Allah (SWT)). Do not expect to enter Paradise without facing hostility from the disbelievers. The Anbiyaa’ were not loved or admired by their people (the disbelievers).

From your brother behind bars

July 2008/ Rajab 1429

The Promise of Divine Help and Victory

Allah (swt) says:-
“Verily, We shall indeed help/give victory to  Our Messengers and those who believe, [both] in this world’s life and on the Day when all the witnesses shall stand up.” (Ghaafir 40:51)

“When the Help of Allah comes and the conquest and you see the people enter the deen of Allah in large numbers” (an Nasr :1-2)

“Truly Allah defends those who believe. Verily Allah likes not any treacherous ingrate. Permission to fight is given to those who are fighting them, because they have been oppressed and surely, Allah is able to give them victory. Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said ‘Our Lord is Allah’ 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. Verily, Allah will help those who help His (cause). Truly Allah is Qawiun A’zeez.”(al-Hajj 22:38-40)

“O you who believe! Be you helpers (ansaar) of Allah as said I’sa ibn Maryam, to the huwaariyoon: ‘Who are my helpers (in the cause) of Allah?’ The huwaariyoon said ‘We are Allah’s helpers’ Then a group of the children of Israeel believed and a group disbelieved. So we gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost.” (as Saff 61:14)

“Or do you think that you will enter paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said ‘When (will be) the Help of Allah?’ But verily the Help of Allah is near.”(al Baqarah 2:214)

Ubay bin Abi Ka’b reported that Nabi (saw) said “Bring glad tidings to this ummah that it will have the power, the pride, the deen, the victory on the earth. So he who worked to reap the rewards in this life rather than the hereafter he woul have no reward in the hereafter.” (AHMAD [5/114])

In the Musral hadeeth from Hasan it is reported that Rasool Allah (saw) said “Whoever meets death while is search of knowledge to revive Islam, there will be only one degree in Paradise between him and the prophets.” (DAARIMI, Mishkaat [vol.1 p.256])

The Ultimate Dominance of the Deen is a Fact!

Allah (swt) says:-
“So do not become weak nor grieve and you will be uppermost [aa’aloon] if you are believers.” (aali I’mraan 3:139)

“It is He who sent his messenger with the Truth and Guidance so that it may prevail over all the ways of life even if the mushrikoon detest it.” (at Tawbah 9:33 & as Saff 61:9)

“It is He who sent his messenger with the Truth and Guidance so that it may prevail over all the ways of life and all sufficient is Allah for a Witness.” (al Fath 48:28)

“[For] Allah has thus ordained: ‘I shall most certainly prevail, I and My Messengers!’ Verily, Allah is Qaweeun, A’zeez!” (al Mujaadilah 58:21)

“And many a prophet fought and along with him large bands ribbiyyoon (religious learned men).  But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in the Way of Allah nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allah loves the patient. And they said nothing but ‘Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our transgressions establish our feet firmly and give us victory over the disbelieving people.’ So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the excellent reward of the hereafter. And Allah loves the muhsineen.”  (aali I’mraan 3:146-148)

“Whoever desires i’zzah (honour, power) then all i’zzah belongs to Allah. To Him ascend the goodly words and the righteous actions exalt it but those who plot evil [yamkuroona sayyiaa’t], theirs will be the severe torment. And the plotting [makru] of such will perish.” (Faatir 35:10)

The Plots of the Disbelievers against Islam and Muslims will Backfire

Allah (swt) says,
“Those who reject our ayaat, We shall gradually seize them with punishment in ways they percieve not. And I respite them certainly my scheme [kaydi] is strong” (al A’raaf 7:182)

“So if you (mushrikoon) repent it is better for you, but if you turn away, then know that you can not escape Allah. And give tidings of a painful torment for those who disbelieve.” (at Tawbah 9:3)

“And let not their wealth or their children dazzle you in reality Allah’s desire is to punish them with these things in the life of this world, and that their souls shall depart while they are disbelievers.”  (at Tawbah 9:85)
“Verily, This (Quran) is the Word that separates. And it is not a thing for amusement. Verily they are but plotting (yakeedoona) a plot [kaydan]. And I am too planning a plan[wakeedu kaydan]. So give respite to the disbelievers. Deal you gently with them for a while.” (at Taariq 86:13-17)

 “Like those before you, they were mightier than you in power and more abundant in wealth and children. They had enjoyed their portion awhile, so enjoy your portion a while and you indulged in play and pastime as they indulged in play and pastime. Such are they whose actions are in vain in this world and in the hereafter. Such are they who are the losers. Has not the story reached them of those before them? The people of Nuh, A’d and Thamood, the people of Ibraheem, the dwellers of Madyan and the cities overthrown (such as he people of Loot[a.s.]), to them came their messengers with clear proofs. So it was not Allah Who wronged them, but they used to wrong themselves.” (at Tawbah 9:69-70)

“Do then those who devise evil plots [makaroo sayyi’ati] feel secure that Allah will not sink them into the earth or that the torment will not seize them from directions they pecieve not? Or that He may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro so that there be no escape for them? Or that He may catch them with gradual wasting. Truly! Your Lord is Ra’oofun Raheem. Have they not observed things that Allah has created, their shadows incline to the right and to the left, making prostration to Allah and they are lowly? And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the live moving creatures and the angels and they are not proud. They fear their Lord above them and they do what they are commanded.”  (an Nahl 16:45-50)

“Then leave Me alone with such as belie this Quran. We shall punish them gradually from directions they percieve not. And I will grant them a respite. Verily My scheme [kaydi] is strong.” (al Qalam 68:44-45)

“This (is the fact) and surely, Allah weakens the plots [kaydi] of the disbelievers” (al Anfaal 8:18)

“To Fira’wn, Haman and Qaaroon but they called (him): ‘A sorcerer a liar’ Then when he brought them the Truth from Us, they said: ‘Kill the sons of those who believe with him and let their women live’ but the plots [kayd] of disbelievers are nothing but errors!’” (Ghaafir 40:24-25)

“Or do they intend a plot [kaydan] [against you O Muhammad]? But those who disbelieve are themselves in a plot [makeedoon]” (at Toor 52:42)

“And thus We have set up in every town great ones of its wicked people to plot [liyamkuroo] therein. But they plot [yamkuroona] not except against their ownselves and they percieve it not.” (al Ana’m 6:123)

“Did they then feel secure gainst the Plan of Allah [makrallaahi]? None feels secure from the Plan of Allah [makrallaahi] except the people who are lost. Is it not clear to those who inherit the earth in succession from its possessors that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not? Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you.And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs but they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus Allah does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers.” (al A’raaf 7:99-101)

“Their arrogance in the land and their plotting of evil [makras sayyi’i]. But the evil plot [al makrus sayyu’] encompasses  only him who makes it. Then, can they expect anything (else) but the Sunnah of the Peoples of old? So no change will you find in Allah’s Sunnah and no turning off will you find in Allah’s Sunnah.” (Faatir 35:43)

U.S. government purchased 1 million coffins. What for?

The Questions of Hijab: Suppresion or Liberation?

“Why do Muslim women have to cover their heads?”

This question is one which is asked by Muslim and non-Muslim alike. For many women it is the truest test of being a Muslim.

The answer to the question is very simple – Muslim women observe HIJAB (covering the head and the body) because Allah has told them to do so.

 

“O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed…” (Qur’an 33:59)

Other secondary reasons include the requirement for modesty in both men and women. Both will then be evaluated for intelligence and skills instead of looks and sexuality. An Iranian school girl is quoted as saying, “We want to stop men from treating us like sex objects, as they have always done. We want them to ignore our appearance and to be attentive to our personalities and mind. We want them to take us seriously and treat us as equals and not just chase us around for our bodies and physical looks.” A Muslim woman who covers her head is making a statement about her identity. Anyone who sees her will know that she is a Muslim and has a good moral character. Many Muslim women who cover are filled with dignity and self esteem; they are pleased to be identified as a Muslim woman. As a chaste, modest, pure woman, she does not want her sexuality to enter into interactions with men in the smallest degree. A woman who covers herself is concealing her sexuality but allowing her femininity to be brought out.

The question of hijab for Muslim women has been a controversy for centuries and will probably continue for many more. Some learned people do not consider the subject open to discussion and consider that covering the face is required, while a majority are of the opinion that it is not required. A middle line position is taken by some who claim that the instructions are vague and open to individual discretion depending on the situation. The wives of the Prophet (S) were required to cover their faces so that men would not think of them in sexual terms since they were the “Mothers of the Believers,” but this requirement was not extended to other women.

The word “hijab” comes from the Arabic word “hajaba” meaning to hide from view or conceal. In the present time, the context of hijab is the modest covering of a Muslim woman. The question now is what is the extent of the covering? The Qur’an says:

“Say to the believing man that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands…” (Qur’an 24:30-31)

These verses from the Qur’an contain two main injunctions:

1. A woman should not show her beauty or adornments except what appears by uncontrolled factors such as the wind blowing her clothes, and
2. the head covers should be drawn so as to cover the hair, the neck and the bosom.

Islam has no fixed standard as to the style of dress or type of clothing that Muslims must wear. However, some requirements must be met. The first of these requirements is the parts of the body which must be covered. Islam has two sources for guidance and rulings: first, the Qur’an, the revealed word of Allah and secondly, the Hadith or the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (S) who was chosen by Allah to be the role model for mankind. The following is a Tradition of the Prophet:

“Ayesha (R) reported that Asmaa the daughter of Abu Bakr (R) came to the Messenger of Allah (S) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: ‘O Asmaa! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands.” (Abu Dawood)

The second requirement is looseness. The clothing must be loose enough so as not to describe the shape of the woman’s body. One desirable way to hide the shape of the body is to wear a cloak over other clothes. However, if the clothing is loose enough, an outer garment is not necessary. Thickness is the third requirement. The clothing must be thick enough so as not to show the color of the skin it covers or the shape of the body. The Prophet Muhammad (S) stated that in later generations of his ummah there would be “women who would be dressed but naked and on top of their heads (what looks like) camel humps. Curse them for they are truly cursed.” (Muslim) Another requirement is an over-all dignified appearance. The clothing should not attract men’s attention to the woman. It should not be shiny and flashy so that everyone notices the dress and the woman. In addition there are other requirements:

Women must not dress so as to appear as men.
“Ibn Abbas narrated: ‘The Prophet (S) cursed the men who appear like women and the women who appear like men.’” (Bukhari)

Women should not dress in a way similar to the unbelievers.

The clothing should be modest, not excessively fancy and also not excessively ragged to gain others admiration or sympathy.

Often forgotten is the fact that modern Western dress is a new invention. Looking at the clothing of women as recently as seventy years ago, we see clothing similar to hijab. These active and hard-working women of the West were not inhibited by their clothing which consisted of long, full dresses and various types of head covering. Muslim women who wear hijab do not find it impractical or interfering with their activities in all levels and walks of life. Hijab is not merely a covering dress but more importantly, it is behavior, manners, speech and appearance in public. Dress is only one facet of the total being. The basic requirement of the Muslim woman’s dress apply to the Muslim man’s clothing with the difference being mainly in degree. Modesty requires that the area between the navel and the knee be covered in front of all people except the wife. The clothing of men should not be like the dress of women, nor should it be tight or provocative. A Muslim should dress to show his identity as a Muslim. Men are not allowed to wear gold or silk. However, both are allowed for women.

For both men and women, clothing requirements are not meant to be a restriction but rather a way in which society will function in a proper, Islamic manner.

Captivity, Imprisonment and Trials

By Shaykh Abu Qatadah

(May Allah protect Him from harm)

Is prison a necessary stage for the Dā’ī (the caller to Allāh)? Is it a praised rank, whereby the one that is included in it is better than the one who isn’t because of having entered this stage?
From what there is no doubt about is that the path of Da’wah is filled with dangers and hardships. Allāh, Ta’ālā, said:

Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allāh will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allāh knows all that before putting them to test)[1]

That is because the Dā’ī comes to the people with matters that are new, and he calls them to abandon their profits and their agreements, and he is grieved over the course and the path they are upon, and this is a tremendous matter for the people because he challenges their principles and their greatest convictions. Therefore, the Dā’ī is met with vehemence and violence. And for this reason, hardships separate the ranks [of the people], and through them, the people return to their rightful positions without ambiguity or falsification. Trials make the standing of the people known, and endurance is only for one who is patient. Allāh, Ta’ālā, said:

And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayāt (proofs)[2]

Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allāh have Mercy upon him, said in the exegesis of this Verse, “With patience and certainty, leadership is attained.” So, patience prevents rashness, and certainty prevents despair. So the Dā’ī has two strengths that fortify him against mistakes. A strength that drives him – and it is certainty, and a strength that bides him time – and it is patience; certainty about the forthcoming promise, and patience in the trials presently occurring.

Tribulations and tests are manifest in every calling, and they surround the insubordinate ones, whether their insubordination was with Truth or with falsehood. It is not only the Prophets or their followers who meet hardships in the path of their Da’wah, but rather, all those who come to the people with something new. But what distinguishes the people of Truth from others regarding this is that the difficulties [faced by] the Prophets and their followers is for the sake of Allāh:

That is because they suffer neither thirst nor fatigue, nor hunger in the Cause of Allāh, nor they take any step to raise the anger of disbelievers nor inflict any injury upon an enemy but is written to their credit as a deed of righteousness.[3]

But as for the others, their hardships are a plague for them, as Allāh, Ta’ālā, said:

“Labouring (hard in the worldly life by worshipping others besides Allāh), weary (in the Hereafter with humility and disgrace). They will enter in the hot blazing Fire”. [4]

And as He, Ta’ālā, said:

Verily, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to hinder (men) from the Path of Allāh, and so will they continue to spend it; but in the end it will become an anguish for them. Then they will be overcome. And those who disbelieve will be gathered unto Hell[5]

So tribulations are manifest in the course of the Da’wāt (callings), because the presence of the enemies are from the indications of Allāh’s Victory to His Awliyā‘. Allāh, Ta’ālā, said:

And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies – Shayāt īn (devils) among mankind and Jinn[6]

And it is one of the implications of the Name of Allāh: Al-Muntaqim (the Avenger).

The disparity amongst people is a cosmic Sunnah, and so is their scrambling so that each one of them achieves the goals he is striving towards. And the equilibrium between the two parties comes through the attainment of the Victory and the defeat extended in the Qur’ān. There is no Divine injunction except that it is an element from the elements of Victory, and there is no violation of the Sharī’ah except that it is a factor from the factors of defeat.

Prison is one of the manifestations of tribulation, and is one of the forms of torment with which every party threatens the other, as Fir’awn menacingly said to Mūsā, Peace be upon him,

(Fir’awn) said: “If you choose an Ilāh (god) other than me, I will certainly put you among the prisoners.”[7]

And it was one of the choices of Quraysh in their torment of the Messenger of Allāh, Peace and Blessings be upon him;

And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you (O Muhammad) to imprison you, or to kill you, or to get you out (from Makkah) [8]

And this is because prison is one of the forms of psychological and physical torment, and it shackles the will of the human being and prohibits him from exercising his civil and human [rights]. And for the Dā’ī, it is even more unbearable and fatiguing because it separates between the Dā’ī and the surrounding he needs for his Da’wah. The work of the Dā’ī is the light within the people, and [it is] teaching them what is good, and winning followers for his call, and advancing his call to the individuals on the way. So prison is a deprivation for him of all this because the Dā’ī is isolated from his surroundings so as to prevent him from impacting and aquiring [followers].

In this contemporary estrangement (Ghurbah), the callers began to call to Allāh and the Sunnah of vindication has been completed between the Party of Hāq and the party of Bātil, and the Tāghūt has filled the prisons with the callers, and the forms of tribulation have recurred. And until now, [many] large groups have been put in prison. But what did prison do to them?

The prison is like a vessel whose colour is established depending on the colour of what is within it. Some of them deteriorated and fell, and usually, those are a minority that are not noticed. But the majority emerged from prison carrying memories of pain and torment, emerging to write to the people Karbala-like memoirs, full of weeping and lamentation, every one of the [writers] attempts to draw the readers’ emotions towards him with his work, and [attempts] to win their pity over it. And there is a form of literature found in the Islāmic libraries that exemplify this form of art, that of weeping and Karbala-like lamentation. And the intention behind this is to hang medals over the chests so as to indicate that this man has been tortured and beaten. And until now, there has not emerged from this afflicted group a work or works resulting from their experience that may be a provision for the coming generation.

So prison is a trial; it will either break [you], or squeeze [you], or profit [you] so that the imprisoned one will emerge purified of all impurities – impurities of thought and impurities within his Nafs, so that his insight ascends, and his Nafs is polished in its development and training. The one that is tested should not be praised except according to the extent he benefited from the trial. He is not praised and sought after in and of himself, for the person might deteriorate within [prison], or he might emerge from it just as he entered it – ignorant, blind, and with bad character, or he might emerge having risen in rank while he was in it. And all of this depends on the person and how he looks at the phases and manifestations that pass him by in life. And prison is not a praiseworthy stage, nor is it something that a person should seek so as to be better than those close to him; rather he should look to the magnitude of benefit to be gained from such an experience.

- Al-Jihād Wal-Ijtihād 102-104

————————————
[1] Al-‘Ankabūt : 2-3
[2] As-Sajdah : 24
[3] At-Tawbah : 120
[4] Al-Ghāshiyah : 3-4
[5] Al-Anfāl : 36
[6] Al-An’ām : 112
[7] Ash-Shu’arā : 29

[8] Al-Anfāl : 30

The 7 Signs of Destruction for any Nation

By Shaykh Omar Bakri Muhammad

Allah (SWT) has placed certain bounds which if exceeded will result in the destruction of any nation. Currently, there are many nations, such as the USA, who have exceeded these bounds and are therefore destined to be destroyed, by the Will of Allah, very soon.

The seven signs of destruction for any nation

When a nation allows forbidden sexual acts to become rampant, and spreads corruption and oppression on earth in the name of God

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’aan:

And when they commit faahishah (evil deeds, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse etc.), they say: “We found our fathers doing it, and Allah (God) has commanded us of it.” Say: “Nay, Allah never commands of faahishah. Do you say of Allah what you know not?” (EMQ al-A’raaf, 7:28)

When people begin to openly indulge in homosexuality, fornication, adultery, incest and other illegal sexual acts, Allah (SWT) will destroy them indiscriminately, like He did to the people of Sodom, who resided in an area which is today the Dead Sea. Allah (SWT) says:

And (remember) (Prophet) Loot (Lot), when he said to his people: “You commit al-faahishah (i.e. sodomy) which none has preceded you in (committing) before.”

“Verily, you do sodomy with men, and rob the wayfarer (travellers etc.)! And practise al-munkar (disbelief and polytheism and every kind of evil wicked deed) in your meetings.” But his people gave no answer except that they said: “Bring Allah’s Torment upon us if you are one of the truthful.” (EMQ al-’Ankaboot, 29:28–29)

The people of Loot (Lot) belied the warnings.

Verily, We sent against them a violent tornado with showers of stones (which destroyed them all), except the family of Loot (Lot), whom We saved in last hour of the night. (EMQ al-Qamar, 54:33–34)

Countries such as Holland, Germany, Britain and the USA will inevitably face the same destiny as the people of Loot. Allah (SWT) will destroy them and send them all kinds of illnesses, sexually transmitted diseases and “natural disasters”. This is because they permit all forms of forbidden sexual acts and have killed thousands of innocent women and children in Afghanistan and Iraq – all in the name of God, freedom and democracy:

…They say: “We found our fathers doing it, and Allah (God) has commanded us of it.”

When they begin to plot against the believers, and seek to extinguish the Light of Allah

Allah (SWT) says:

They (the disbelievers) want to extinguish Allah’s Light (i.e. Islam) with their mouths, but Allah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the Kaafiroon (disbelievers) hate (it). (EMQ at-Tawbah, 9:32)

And they (disbelievers) plotted, and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of the planners. (EMQ Aali ‘Imraan, 3:54)

When they begin to hunt the true believers and kill them

The chiefs of Fir’awn’s (Pharaoh) people said: “Will you leave Moosaa (Moses) and his people to spread mischief in the land, and to abandon you and your gods?” He said: “We will kill their sons, and let live their women, and we have indeed irresistible power over them.” (EMQ al-A’raaf, 7:127)

When they force the Muslims to declare kufr

Nowadays the Kuffaar are working hard to push the Muslims to integrate into their kufr society and disassociate themselves from the true believers. New laws, such as the laws against inciting religious hatred and glorifying “terrorism” (jihaad), make it almost impossible for Muslims to hold fast to their religion.

The People of the Cave faced a similar situation to us. They were forced to integrate with their kufr society and follow the customs and values of their people. However, they, being true believers, refused to integrate and compromise their belief and thus fled to the Cave. They chose to isolate themselves from society instead of becoming Kaafir by committing kufr and shirk. Allah (SWT) says:

(Remember) when the young men fled for refuge (from their disbelieving folk) to the Cave, they said: “Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way!” (EMQ al-Kahf, 18:10)

And We made their hearts firm and strong (with the light of Faith in Allah and bestowed upon them patience to bear the separation of their kith and kin and dwellings, etc.) when they stood up and said: “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, never shall we call upon any ilaah (god) other than Him; if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity in disbelief. (EMQ al-Kahf, 18:14)

When they accuse the believers of outrageous crimes

The Kuffaar will call the true Muslims “people of Hell”, and the Munaafiqeen (hypocrites) will call them Khawaarij. They will claim that it is the believers who are spreading mischief, creating havoc and killing innocent people, even though it is only they who have a history of doing so. Allah (SWT) says:

Fir’awn (Pharaoh) said: “Leave me to kill Moosaa (Moses), and let him call his Lord (to stop me from killing him)! I fear that he may change your religion, or that he may cause mischief to appear in the land!” (EMQ Ghaafir, 40:26)

When they start to mock the believers and swear at them

The Kuffaar (Quraysh) used to satirise the Prophet of Allah (SAW) and call him a liar, lunatic, extremist, fundamentalist, magician, madman and sorcerer etc. Today, the Kuffaar are still adhering to their sunnah (tradition) and mocking the true believers and even the Prophet (SAW) himself. Undoubtedly, they will have the same fate as the Quraysh, Inshaa’ Allah.

When they start to spread evil across the land and sea

And when We decide to destroy a town (population), We (first) send a definite order (to obey Allah and be righteous) to those among them (or We (first) increase in number those of its population) who are given the good things of this life. Then, they transgress therein, and thus the word (of torment) is justified against it (them). Then We destroy it with complete destruction. (EMQ al-Israa’, 17:16)

All of these seven signs are present in the USA; and hence, it is only a matter of time before they are destroyed.

We ask Allah (SWT) to fulfill His Promise and grant victory (authority or martyrdom) to the believers.

The excellence of the scholars

The Excellence of the Scholars
Written by Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah

Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, says in the Noble Qur’aan: “Allaah bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He, and the angels, and those having knowledge (Oolul-’llm) (also bear witness to this; (He is always) maintaining His creation in justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He. the All-Mighty. the All-Wise.” (Soorah Aal-’Imraan (3):18)
This verse shows the superiority of knowledge (“ilm) and its people; the following points can be inferred from this verse:

1. Allaah chose the people of knowledge (Oolul ‘ilm) to bear witness to His Oneness (Tawheed) over and above the rest of His creation.

2. Allaah honoured the people of knowledge by mentioning their testimony along with His testimony.

3. He raised high the status of the scholars by associating their testimony with the testimony of the angels.

4. This verse bears witness to the superiority of those who possess knowledge. Allaah does not make any of His creation bear witness except the upright amongst them.

There is a well-known narration from the Prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam), who said: “The upright in every generation will carry this knowledge, rejecting the distortions of the extremists, the false claims of the liars, and the (false) interpretations of the ignorant.” (hasan)

5. Allaah, the One free from all defects. Himself bears witness to His Oneness, and He is the greatest of witnesses. Then He chose from His creation the angels and the scholars – this is sufficient to show their excellence.

6. Allaah made the scholars bear witness with the greatest and the most excellent testimony and that is, “None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah.” Allaah, the One free of all defects and the Most High, does not bear witness except to matters of great importance and only the greatest from Allaah’s creation bear witness to this.

7. Allaah made the testimony of the people of knowledge a proof against the rejecters. Thus they are its proofs and its signs, indicating His Oneness (Tawheed).

8. Allaah, the Most High, used a single verb (shahida) to refer to His testimony and the testimony of the angels and the scholars. He did not use an additional verb for their testimony; thus he connected their testimony to His. This shows the strong link between their testimony and Allaah’s testimony, as if He himself bore witness to His Oneness upon their tongues and made them utter this testimony.

9. Allaah, the One free from all defects, made the scholars fulfil His right (that none has the right to be worshipped but Him) through this testimony and if they fulfill it then they have fulfilled and established this right of Allaah upon them. Then it is obligatory upon mankind to accept this testimony which is the means to reach happiness in this life and in their final return (to Allaah). Whosoever takes this guidance from the scholars and accepts this truth because of their testimony, then for the scholars there is a reward equal to them. And none knows the value of this reward but Allaah.

May Allah reward the scholars of truth for their service at a time when the wolves in sheep’s clothing (the scholars of falsehood) have sold out the Muslim Ummah.

The difference between Ibn Laden & Bush

What is the difference between Osama bin Laden and George Bush?

Apart from their ideology, in what way are they different?

• Both are alleged terrorists.
• Both are engaged in war and recruiting people to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Both believe in supremacy for their religion and ideology.
• Both are accused of bombing buildings and the infrastructure of ’sovereign’ states.
• And both are accused of targeting civilians.

So what is the difference between the two men? Why is it illegal to support one and not the other? Why is it a crime to sing praises for Bin Laden, but not for Bush?

The only difference I can see between the two men is that one is a Muslim and the other is a non-Muslim (Christian).

If one were to stand outside on the streets of Britain praising George Bush and celebrate the killing of Iraqi civilians and so-called insurgents, I don’t think anybody, especially the police, would have a problem with that. In fact, it certainly wouldn’t be a crime.

But on the other hand, if one were to stand in a mosque, praise Bin Laden or celebrate the killing of British and American soldiers – accused of beating children, raping women, destroying mosques and killing civilians – that would be a crime and one would consequently be arrested under the Terrorism Act if it came to the attention of the police.

The democratic definition of terrorism has thus become very clear indeed.

It is now understood that a ‘terrorist’ is a Muslim who possesses a book on self defence or believes Muslims must physically and intellectually resist the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. But on the contrary, killing Muslims, labelling them as extremists and thereby stripping them of their civil liberties or torturing them in Abu Ghraib or Guantanamo Bay is not terrorism, but rather “necessary to ensure the safety of the public and our freedom.”

If it is a crime under the Terrorism Act to sympathise with Bin Laden or support Muslims in Iraq who are fighting to defend their lives and sanctity, it should also be a crime under the Terrorism Act to stand by George Bush and support his wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Furthermore, those that vote for him or his like should be arrested for aiding and abetting a terrorist. Their homes should be raided, their lives should be turned upside down, and they should be detained in solitary confinement for anything up to 28 days, without trial, in a high security police station.