Ashura and the doom of a Pharaoh

No doubt, the day when a tyranny dies is remarkable!! Even if oppressed subjects are non-Muslims, we hate and condemn oppression and rejoice to see its end. Indisputably, oppression is by no means acceptable. In this regard, Allah said in a Qudsi (sacred) Hadith reported by Muslim on the authority of Abu Dharr who reported Allah's Messenger to have reported that Allah says, "O My servants, I have made oppression unlawful for Me and unlawful for you, so do not commit oppression against one another." After the Hijrah (emigration to Madinah), Ibn 'Abbas reported, as related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) found the Jews fasting on the tenth of Muharram. The Prophet (peace be upon him) inquired of them, "What is the significance of this day on which you fast?" They replied, "This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued the children of Israel from their enemy. So, Musa (Moses) fasted this day." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "We have more claim over Musa than you." And the Prophet (peace be upon him) fasted on that day and ordered Muslims to fast on that day. Fasting on the Day of 'Ashura' was prescribed before the fast of Ramadan. When the latter was prescribed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) made fasting on the Day of 'Ashura' supererogatory. However, aiming at giving Muslims stronger motivation to fast on that day, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, as related by Muslim on the authority of Abu Qatadah, "Fasting on the Day of 'Ashura' will blot out all the sins of the proceeding year." A question has to arise here; why this day is so significantly celebrated? In fact, the reason is clear as the Prophet (peace be upon him) obviously did not want such a memory to pass without enough contemplation and reflection. He perhaps wanted us to carefully examine this greatly inspirable event even once a year. Actually, the Children of Israel lived for so long feeling that victory is very far-reached and that there is hardly any hope for a change. They further felt that Pharaoh's tyranny will continue for ever and that their persecutors will remain to enjoy their authorities regardless of whatever efforts exerted be the persecuted children of Israel. So what happened? Actually, we know in detail what happened but we just forget! We came to know that Pharaoh, who led his army trying to break into the sea after eye-witnessing the miracle of dividing the sea waters, was drowned along with his soldiers and retinue at a moment. No doubt, we know about this event indicating that Allah is Omnipotent and of infinite power and that tyrants has to come to an end no matter how long they continued in power and tyranny. In this regard, it is very interesting to read the Prophet's words, as related by Al-Bukhari on the authority of Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him), "‘Indeed Allah prolongs the life of an oppressor so that when he is taken, nothing can release him.’ He then recited: ‘Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful, and severe.’ [Hud, 102]" Indeed, this is the lesson Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) wanted us to learn. We should never lose heart, for Allah the Almighty is capable of saving Muslims from whatever calamity they suffer. Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) said, "… and the (blessed) end is for the Muttaqun (pious)." [Al-A'raf, 128] Moreover, the Divine law of destroying oppressors is not applied to a unique event that took place only during the lifetime of Musa (peace be upon him) through the destruction of Pharaoh; rather, it is frequently applied along the world history. To this effect, Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) said, "How many a town (community), that were wrong- doers, have We destroyed, and raised up after them another people!" [Al-Anbia', 11] How profound indeed is the sentence the Prophet (peace be upon him) said on the day of the Battle of Badr upon the death of Abu Jahl! He said Takbir (Allahu Akbar) "Allah is the greatest" and then said, "This Abu Jahl was the Pharaoh of this Ummah." In a single statement, the Prophet (peace be upon him) made a connection between the first Pharaoh who is mentioned in may occurrences in the Qur'an and the new tyrant Abu Jahl. In fact, he did so to stress the fact that the account given in the Qur'an for Pharaoh does not merely represent a historical narration of a past figure. Rather, it gives an accurate embodiment of a recurrent type of oppressive tyrants, giving a detailed explanation of their biographies, way of thinking, means of tyranny and how believers face them. However, it culminates by giving an account of the doomed end of their tyranny and oppression. Through his wonderful statement, the Prophet (peace be upon him) presented the Qur'an as a realistic book pulsating with life. Thus, when a Muslim browses through the Qur'an and comes to the occurrences of Pharaoh will understand them in the context of the Pharaohs of his time. In fact, how many Pharaohs there are and how many forms they take! They sometimes take the form of disbelieving pagans, sometimes of the Crusaders, sometimes of Tatars, sometimes of European colonialists and many times of Muslims! Indeed, how many Pharaohs there are! However, they will sure come to their fatal end, for, certainly, Allah does not fail in His Promise. This is the notion Allah's Messenger wanted us to comprehend and this is the actual reason why we celebrate this day. Undoubtedly, this is the lesson we are to learn from this event. Moreover, we should not give mass media or some sects the opportunity to keep us from understanding this perspective. Furthermore, we may not allow them to fool us or make us concern for such objectives and principles as totally different from those taught to us by our ideal and Prophet (peace be upon him). Undoubtedly, the Day of 'Ashura' is a good day, during which tyranny came to an end, faith was granted victory and the infinite power of the Lord of the Worlds was dominating. I pray Allah to confer upon us such a vicarious day, in which honorable believers of this Ummah raise the flags of glory and dignity. Amen.

The Prophet's Hijrah in the Spotlight

Introduction

Success of the Second 'Aqabah Pledge resulted in a considerably increase of the number of Ansar (Supporters), who accepted to host Allah's messenger and to protect him like they would protect their women, children and property. After such great events that took place within a very brief period, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was ordered through Divine Revelation to permit his Companions to emigrate to Madinah.

The command was to the effect that all those who can emigrate must do so.

The command applies to both the weak and the strong, the poor and the rich, men and women, free persons and slaves.

Everyone must emigrate to Madinah, for there is a great project to be established there, a project that needs all Muslims' energy, i.e. the project of establishing the Muslim community.

No true believer was allowed no to take part in the establishment of the great enterprise.

Now, read the following Qur'anic verses dealing with the subject of Hijrah:

"Verily! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): "In what (condition) were you?" They reply: "We were weak and oppressed on earth." They (angels) say: "Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?" Such men will find their abode in Hell - What an evil destination! Except the weak ones among men, women and children who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way. For these there is hope that Allah will forgive them, and Allah is Ever Oft Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving. He who emigrates (from his home) in the Cause of Allah, will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by. And whosoever leaves his home as an emigrant unto Allah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, his reward is then surely incumbent upon Allah. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Al-Nisa', 97-99]

In fact, the way to Hijrah (emigration) was not that paved with gold. Actually, emigrants did not leave a given country to another country of better facilities and capacities (it was not an emigration for a work contract of a higher salary). Hijrah, on the other hand, meant leaving homeland, properties, business, and memories. Hijrah meant a journey to the unknown, to a new life, which is, undoubtedly, hard.. very hard. Hijrah meant preparation for a fierce war, a comprehensive war against all the polytheists of Arabia and even against the whole world. In the words of Al-'Abbas bin 'Ubadah Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him), the Hijrah was described as a "war against the black and the red (that is, against all kinds of people)". The Hijrah was not an escape or flight; rather, it was a preparation for a great day or great days.

Therefore, Allah promised Muhajirs (emigrants) with a great reward. "Those who emigrated in the Cause of Allah and after that were killed or died, surely, Allah will provide a good provision for them. And verily, it is Allah Who indeed is the Best of those who make provision. Truly, He will make them enter an entrance with which they shall be well-pleased, and verily, Allah indeed is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing." [Al-Hajj, 58, 59]

All Muslims who can emigrate were commanded by the Prophet to emigrate. However, he was the last to emigrate to Madinah. In fact, he did not aim at only saving and rescuing himself or safeguarding his own property. Rather, his sole concern was to be reassured regarding emigrating Muslims. He behaved in a captain-like manner refusing to leave the ship until all passengers are safe. Leadership from a Prophetic perspective was that of responsibility, sacrifice and self-accountability rather than that of luxury or comfort.

Some characteristics of Hijrah

(1) A special attention paid to intention: Why emigrate?

Al-Bukhari related on the authority of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "(The rewards of) deeds depend upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what he (or she) has intended. So, whoever emigrated for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, then his (or her) emigration was for Allah and His Messenger; and whoever emigrated for the sake of worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, then his emigration was for what he emigrated for."

Although emigrating for marriage or for a worldly purpose is not unlawful, such emigration will not be equal in weight to the one undertaken for the purpose of establishing the Muslim community.

What a difference between some person who forsook all what he has seeking Allah's satisfaction and the establishment of the new Muslim community and another who lived only for himself although adopting lawful means!

(2) The Hijrah project including all Muslims was ordained only after all gates of propagating Islam in Makkah were blocked. Actually, all ways of propagating Islam in Makkah were blocked by the death of Abu Talib and Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her). Since then, the Prophet (peace be upon him) started planning for the Hijrah. In fact, the Hijrah destination could have been a place other than Madinah had any other hajj delegation whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) called to Islam, such as Banu Shayban, Banu Hanifah or Banu 'Amir, adopted Islam. However, it is Allah's will that decided the Hijrah destination, for important is not the place. It is important here to notice that Hirah was not at all a result of laziness or being fed up with practicing Da'wah (call to Islam) in Makkah. In fact, practicing Da'wah in Makkah was difficult from the first encounter, and Muslims did not leave the country as a whole until the gates of Da'wah were completely blocked. It is better, in general, to stay and practice your sentry duty in case gates of Da'wah are open even if with hardships.

(3) The Hijrah command included all Muslims. This is in contrary to the emigration to Abyssinia, whose command was to only a group of Muslims. The reason is the difference between the nature and circumstances of Abyssinia and Madinah. To clarify, Muslims who emigrated to Abyssinia wanted only to keep themselves safe so that Islam might not be completely eradicated in case genocide is committed against Muslims in Makkah. Thus, the purpose of this emigration was not to establish an Islamic government in Abyssinia; rather, Muslims were no more than refugees protected by a just king. However, the purpose of Hijrah to Madinah was to establish a Muslim state based in Madinah.

The question is: why Madinah is more fit for the establishment of the Muslim state than Abyssinia? Actually, this is not only due to the factors of remoteness from Makkah and language and tradition difference, although they are important factors. The main factor, in my opinion, is that reliance on one man, the Negus – a king in whose land no one is wronged - in the case of Abyssinia, will greatly endanger Muslims in case he dies or is deposed. In fact, the peril was about to materialize when a civil war was about to outbreak and would cause the Negus to lose his throne. However, he could then only make an easy way out for emigrant Muslims to escape, which was the only solution within his capacity. As for Madinah, Hijrah did not depend on one man; rather, it depended on the people of Madinah as a whole, bearing in mind that the general atmosphere therein was pro-Islam or at least prepared to co-exist with the Islamic ideology. Therefore, emigration to Madinah was a collective one.

(4) Hijrah was not random. Actually, the Muslim leadership specified the destination, which led to the success of the Hijrah and the establishment of the community. However, emigration to different destinations could have temporarily ensured safety of individuals but could have never established a community. In general, Muslims who flee with their religion from persecution should keep this lesson in mind.

No doubt, Hijrah to Madinah was well-organized and planned. The Hijrah was patiently, wisely, systematically and consciously prepared for, which indicates that Islam does not recognize haphazard change.

(5) Undoubtedly, this successful Hijrah marked the end of a very important stage of the Prophet's Sirah (biography), i.e. the Makkan era.

By then, the Makkan stage with all its events, pains and problems came to an end. In fact, this stage was of very distinctive nature, during which Islam started as a strange ideology. Strangeness of Islam lasted by the Ansar's conversion to Islam near the end of the Makkan era (may Allah be pleased with Ansar, Muhajirs and all the Prophet's Companions).

During this stage, the Prophet's main concern was to reinforce the faith-related aspect in the hearts of his Companions. Thus, they should believe in no deities other than Allah, worship none but Him and obey nobody breaking His Commands. Moreover, they should rely on Him, repent to Him, fear His chastisement and hope for His mercy.

Such is a deep faith in Allah, His honorable Prophet (peace be upon him) and all other prophets and messengers.

Moreover, it is to be decisively believed that there is a day on which all creatures will be resurrected and will be gathered before the Lord of the Worlds to be reckoned for their deeds. No one will be wronged on this day by as much as an atom's weight and people will be admitted for either Paradise or Hellfire to abide eternally therein.

Besides the deep-rooted faith, believers were taught in this stage good morals and sublime characteristics. Their souls were purified and exalted and rose far above materialistic desires to adopt the supreme heavenly and spiritual values and morals. The balance of truth, based on which people can correctly judge their deeds, was indeed sent down.

During this stage also, Muslims came to know that the way to Paradise is so hard and full of calamities and trials; a trial after trial, the life is full of hardships. However, Allah is fully aware of whether His servants will endure patience, forbearance and struggle. In fact, all people unexceptionally will be put to trials, each in accordance with the power of his/her faith.

Dear brothers, the Makkan era constituted the strong basis for the great Islamic establishment.

It was really impossible for Muslims to succeed in such difficult encounters as the battles of Badr, the Troops, Khaybar, and Tabuk had not they been well-prepared during the Makkan stage.

It is also impossible to build a good powerful nation or state, to practice jihad successfully or to be firm-footed in a fierce battle unless we live the Makkan period with all its dimensions. Moreover, sincere Du'ah (callers to Islam/Islamic preachers) has to deeply examine this stage inferring lessons from every single event no matter how short or brief it may be.

Actually, this is the inevitable start.

Without the Makkan stage, there will be no Madinan stage.

In other words, without Muhajirs, there will be no Ansar and without faith, morality and patience, there will be no community, sovereign state or authority to practice religion.

(6) Hijrah is a historic event that took place hundreds of years ago, which no other generation after the generation of Muhajirs can achieve. This is stated by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Haith related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that reads, "There is no Hijrah after the conquest of Mecca (but there is jihad and intention of jihad)." Nevertheless, the Prophet (peace be upon him) left the door wide open for later Muslims generations to work hard. In the same Hadith, he said, "… and when you are called for Jihad, you should immediately respond to the call." Accordingly, practicing jihad and participating in the Islamic activity will never come to an end. In fact, real happiness can be found when one's actions are louder than sayings, when reforming one's shortcomings distracts one from the defects of others and when the Hereafter is paid more attention than worldly affairs.

(7) The first stage of Hijrah is abandoning sins and keeping oneself away from doubtful matters. In fact, people who indulge in desires from top to toe will never be able to support the religion. It is an intuitive that abandoning sins is given priority over doing god deeds. In other words, one may have an excuse for not performing Qiyam (night prayer), supererogatory fast or charity, but can have no excuse for doing a sin. Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him), on the authority of Abu Hurairah, to have said, "If I command you to do something, then do as much of it as you can. If I prohibit you from something, then abstain from it." Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave the following accurate and eloquent definition of a true emigrant. He said, in the Hadith related by Ahmad on the authority of Abdullah bin 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both), "A Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who gives up (abandons) all what Allah has forbidden."

Al-Aqsa in my heart

I have mentioned before how much I think about Al-Quds-Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa mosque. I love this holy city more than anything even though I have never been there. As a matter of fact, I would do whatever takes just to bow forehead to kiss the soil of this beautiful, sad city. This might not happen soon, but in my heart, I know that someday, somehow I will…In sha Allah!
I would love to share with you these photos taken by a photographer residing in Al-Aqsa compound. May Allah bless all our fellow heroes residing in Al-Aqsa compound to protect it from those who want to destroy it.

Dome of the Rock

Dome of the Rock

Al-Aqsa Mosque

Al-Aqsa mosque

Two Types of Hijrah

Hijrah (emigration) to Allah the Almighty is a lofty notion of faith and one of the greatest sacrifices one can ever offer in order to gain Divine Satisfaction.

Hence, Allah promised to reward plentifully and raise high the degrees of those who migrated. Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) said, "Those who emigrated in the Cause of Allah and after that were killed or died, surely, Allah will provide a good provision for them. And verily, it is Allah Who indeed is the Best of those who make provision." [Hajj, 58]. He also said, "And as for those who emigrated for the Cause of Allah, after suffering oppression, We will certainly give them goodly residence in this world, but indeed the reward of the Hereafter will be greater, if they but knew!" [Al-Nahl, 41]. He, moreover, said, "… so those who emigrated and were driven out from their homes, and suffered harm in My Cause, and who fought, and were killed (in My Cause), verily, I will remit from them their evil deeds and admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); a reward from Allah, and with Allah is the best of rewards." [Al 'Imran, 195].

Actually, the great reward is deserved for the great sacrifice offered by one, who, in favor of Divine Satisfaction, supporting his religion and raising high the flag of Islam, left their country, home and property.

The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) set for us the greatest examples in this respect. Leaving behind stories of the highest level of sacrifice, they left Makkah and fleeing with their religion to Madinah. One great example is Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), who emigrated with Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) sacrificing his money which he spent in Allah's cause. In this regard, Ibn Is-haq reports Asma' bint Abu Bakr to have said, "Embarking on the Hijrah with the Prophet (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr took away with him all his property, amounting to five or six thousand dirhams. My grandfather, Abu Quhafah, who was blind came to us and said, “I think Abu Bakr has deprived you of his property as well as his person”, but I replied, “By no means, grandfather. He left us a great deal.” Then I took some stones and placed them in a hole where my father used to keep his valuables, and covered the hole with a cloth; and I took hold of my grandfather’s hand, saying “Lay your hand upon this, grandfather.” When he had done so, he said, “There is no harm; if he has left you this, he has acted well; it will suffice you.” But in truth, he had left us nothing, and I dissimulated to ease the old man’s mind.’[1]"

Another brilliant example is that of Suhaib Al-Rumi, who, giving us a narrative of his emigrant, said, "The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “I saw in a dream that I was migrating from Makkah to a land in which there are date-palms, and I thought that it was al-Yamaamah or Hajar, but it turned out to be al-Madeenah, Yathrib…”" Suhaib Added, "When the Prophet gave permission for his followers to migrate to Madinah, I resolved to go in the company of the Prophet and Abu Bakr. The Quraysh however found out about my intentions and foiled my plans. One cold night, I pretended I had some stomach problems and went out repeatedly as if responding to calls of nature. My captors then said one to another, 'Don't worry. Allah is keeping him busy with his stomach.' They became relaxed and sleep got the better of them. I quietly slipped out as if I was going to the toilet. I armed himself, got ready a mount and headed in the direction of Madinah. When my captors awoke, they realized with a start that I was gone. They got horses ready and set out in hot pursuit and eventually caught up with me. I then asked them, 'Would you be interested in some gold in return of my journey out?' When they said yes, I told them to dig under the door-threshold; they would find gold there. (Having given away that) I left the town and joined up with the Prophet (peace be upon him) who had not yet moved from Quba'.

On seeing me, he said, "Your transaction has been fruitful, O Abu Yahya. Your transaction has been fruitful." He repeated this three times. I then said: "By God, no one has come before me to you, Messenger of God, and only JibriI (Gabriel) could have told you about this.[2]"

Accordingly, Hijrah constituted a great step in the long way of struggle to spread Islam. The term "Hijrah" is therefore very dear to, and is highly estimated by, all Muslims.

In fact, a revival of the term "Hijrah" has currently taken place in the Muslim world during the few last years. However, waves of Muslim emigration nowadays do not particularly reflect an attempt to raise high the religion. Rather, a Muslim might leave his country for another in search for means of sustenance, an emigration whose destination might be Madinah itself as was in the earlier Hijrah. Nevertheless, today's emigration is not as sincere as the earlier one; an emigrant aims, in the first place, at searching for money, which is not unlawful, in fact, in case it is lawfully gotten. However, such an emigrant should not deceive himself claiming that he emigrates in the cause of Allah. The fact that such a person is willing to leave Madinah for another city in case a better job is offered is a support of my suggestion. Therefore, Qur'anic verses and Hadith highlighting the excellence of Hijrah may not be applied to such cases unless one leaves his country mainly fleeing with his religion even if the salary is less and circumstances are harder.

More sorrowful is the wave of Muslim emigration to Western countries in search for better financial circumstances, higher standard of living, knowledge, personal freedom or marriage.

In fact, all the abovementioned reasons for emigration are unobjectionably permissible to be sought after. What I mean is that they are not included under the Hijrah as defined by Shari'ah (Islamic Law). This can find support in the Hadith that reads, "(The rewards of) deeds depend upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what he (or she) has intended. So, whoever emigrated for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, then his (or her) emigration was for Allah and His Messenger; and whoever emigrated for the sake of worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, then his emigration was for what he emigrated for.[3]"

The phrase "then his emigration was for what he emigrated for" indicates that emigration for a worldly reason such as marriage is not unlawful. "The context gives a negative notion of one who emigrates solely for a woman to marry. As for one who emigrates both for the sake of Allah and to marry, he will receive a reward less than that received by sincere emigrants. The same applies to one who seeks to marry, which is absolutely permissible, he will be deserving of reward in case a valid intention such as seeking chastity is prompted.[4]"

Nevertheless, emigration motivated by worldly reasons may not take place through encroaching upon relevant laws in targeted countries. Actually, some youths, obliged under local harsh living circumstances and having no respectable job while officials are heedless of their sufferance, try to sneak into other countries without having relevant authorization. In fact, breaking the laws of such countries is unlawful according to the Shari'ah, which respects regulations laid down by whatever state so long as they do not run counter to the Shari'ah rulings. Thus, those youths have to search for a legal way to leave.

Actually, I am fully aware of the harsh living circumstance people suffer. No doubt, responsible for this situation are those in authority who do not fulfill their duties toward their peoples and even contributed to their sufferings in service of their own personal interests. Definitely, they will be held accountable before Allah for such a crime. Anyway, I say to those who might run the risk of imprisonment, displacement in best cases if they could arrive and death sinking into the sea trying to break the laws of other countries, "You should seek another means for making a living and never despair, for, verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong." We pray Allah to make better Muslims affairs in this world and admit them to Paradise in the Hereafter.

Egypt and Algeria: Hajj season a reconciliation opportunity

Eid Al-Adha this year, 1430 AH/ 2009 AD, coincides with the tension that arose between the two Muslim Algerian and Egyptian peoples. In fact, these two peoples have a common history of deep love and strong unity. Moreover, both peoples are characterized by stern commitment to religion and keenness to observe Islamic fundamentals as possible in spite of conspiracies woven against them. However, it seemed that conspiracies began to fructify having been promoted by artists and footballers.

How astonishing and ridiculous!

Amazingly, foreign occupation or colonization did not succeed in severing the ties of love, unity and compassion connecting Muslim peoples to each other. However, biased, weak-willed and ill-intentioned people speaking in a Algerian and Egyptian false patriotic language managed to achieve objectives occupation forces could not achieve. They managed to sow the seeds of discord, which is the main fruit to be reaped. Fierce grudge and hate now filled the hearts of both parties. It even happened that some intellectuals say very sorrowful words. As for masses, we need not mention to what extent of tension they have reached due to media frenzy. In fact, all this resulted from ignorance and ill-mindedness and paying attention to insignificant issues while neglecting significant ones.

I do not like to add fuel to the fire through giving mention of examples of shameful behaviors I have seen and heard myself. Actually, such behaviors are shocking and heart-breaking to true believers, even to those of minimum cultural level and to those aware of conspiracies aiming at having people concern for insignificant matters and making them retarded in all walks of life.

In fact, time was opportune for the Zionist entity to declare the highest level of schadenfreude through offering to intermediate between the two sister countries to settle the dispute. It seems that Muslims unity is something important to Jews!

Amid this poisonous and dark atmosphere, Allah conferred a great bounty on Muslims, i.e. the season of Hajj, the great season that comes only once in lifetime. This time the opportunity comes after the troublesome events lived by Algerians and Egyptians.

Hajj season came to draw the attention of forgetful Muslims to the fact that it is inevitable that Muslims, regardless of their places, languages and colors, have to be one united Ummah and that there are more serious issues than football to unite them.

Hajj season came once again to stress the fact that the tie connecting Muslims is more stronger than to be severed by a leather-made football kicked by feet of some young men. It is sorrowful that thousands watch a football game, not to mention millions watching TV, neglecting everything else and concentrating wholeheartedly and completely enthusiastic on the so-called "round witch" which I call the "blown up leather piece".

Dear Egyptians,

Dear Algerians,

Dear all Muslim peoples,

The tie connecting us, religion, is much more powerful than any other tie.

It is the Islamic tie,

… the tie of faith.

It is indeed too strong to be weakened by a game or sport.

It is, undoubtedly, too strong to be weakened by souls filled with grudge and hate and are far away from religion.

Dear furious Egyptian youths,

Dear enthusiastic Algerian youths,

Let us all calm down, for the case in hand is too simple to be a cause of conflict between Muslim brothers.

Let us make use of these days we live, and hopefully of all our days, to strengthen love, fraternity, brotherhood and compassion ties, in respond to the command of Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). Allah (the Exalted) said, "And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur'an), and be not divided among yourselves," [Al 'Imran, 103].

I ask Allah to unite the hearts of Muslims in general and those of Egyptians and Algerians in particular. I also pray Him to guard us against Fitnahs (trials) both known and secret. May Allah's peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.

Western Civilization: The Ugly Face

Knowing about statistics of financial and political transactions in Western countries, Many people are amazed by justice-application aspects in such countries. Example of this can be found in those facts we referred to while speaking about transparency reports and internal affairs in Western countries.
Although we tend to trust the reliability of such statistics, excluding the possibility of forgery as we have personal acquaintance with such facts on visiting Western countries, we still view it is necessary to see the image from all dimensions so that we might have a truthful evaluation.

While standards of justice are used by the West within its countries, it does not use them, in most cases, outside Western countries borders. Analyzing this suggestion, we find that the most eye-catching aspect supporting it is the repeated Western attempts to militarily, economically or politically occupy Muslim and non-Muslim countries. Other aspects of occupation are besieging and starvation policies as well as restrictions and stipulations they impose having the effect of depriving people of enjoying full independence.

Actually, the aforementioned facts make no effort to cross one's mind. However, I will highlight another aspect of the West's ugly face. In fact, it is astonishing, due to many reasons, to know that these aspects take place in such countries.

Child sexual abuse

The aspect I mean is frequent cases of child sexual abuse, especially children from poverty-stricken countries that are, on the contrary, in need of care and protection.

Many of us have read the report issued by the Save the Children UK organization on the last week giving account of obscenities committed by those acting on behalf of the international community in Southern Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Haiti and Congo. Holding 38 focus group discussions with a total of 250 children and 90 adults, it was deduced that UN soldiers exploit children sexually in exchange for food and money. Astonishingly, it was even identified that children as young as six have been abused!

Click here for the Save the Children UK organization report:
http://english.islamstory.com/uploads/image/27_05_08_savethechildren.pdf

Sunday Telegraph also confirms

Actually, this does not indicate an incidental or individual case in the Western society; rather, it indicates a widespread habitual practice. In the last month, we read the Sunday Telegraph report stating, "Hundreds of young children are being sold and trafficked to "civilized" Britain from Africa to be exploited as modern-day slaves." The report added that boys are sold for an average of £2,500 and that "Teenage girls – including some still pregnant – were willing to sell their babies for less than ₤1,000." Moreover, "Some of the children are also subjected to physical and sexual abuse, while others even find themselves accused of being witches and become victims of exorcism rites in "traditional" African churches in Britain." They "are exploited as domestic slaves, forced to work for up to 18 hours a day, cleaning, cooking and looking after other younger children, or put to work in restaurants and shops," the daily SUNDAY TELEGRAPH said!!

These reports remind us of child trafficking crimes we heard of along the past month in Mauritania, Sudan, Chad and other poor countries.

The ECPAT Report

The ECPAT 'End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes' organization stated that many world countries do not exert significant efforts to combat the sexual exploitation of children. An ECPAT report stated that the US ranks high on the list of worst countries in this respect. Moreover, research findings of a study conducted in New York illustrate that children under 12 years of age are exploited in child prostitution.

Click here for the 2006 ECPAT annual report:
http://www.ecpat.net/EI/Publications/Annual_Reports/ECPAT_Annual_Report2005-2006.pdf
Click here for the 2008 ECPAT annual report:
http://www.ecpat.net/EI/Publications/Annual_Reports/ECPAT_Annual_Report2007-2008.pdf

CNN Report

In fact, this is not something newly discovered in the West. I have till now kept the CNN report giving reference to the Protection Project, based at Johns Hopkins University in 2000. The Project stated that an estimated two million women and children are sold into the sex trade every year. "Up to 120,000 women are smuggled into western Europe, mainly from central and eastern Europe, and forced into prostitution," CNN added. The report also says more than 15,000 women are trafficked into the United States every year for the same purpose.

Western double standards

No doubt, such Western-based reports leave unveiled the ugly face of Western Civilization, which makes use of multiple standards.
In fact, we are astonished because Westerners involve in such heinous child sexual abuse practices when illicit sexual relations among adults are widely acknowledged and practiced! Unarguably, this is an indicator of a very mean and low level Western personality!
We are actually astonished to hear Westerners in many occasions advocate woman, child, animal and environment rights while they commit such heinous practices in such great numbers of cases. I wonder whether they feel that world children are lifeless solid creatures!
Likewise, we are astonished on seeing Westerners bitterly attack Muslims claiming them to be lustful as they are permitted to marry more than one woman. More astonishingly, they judge Muslims to be criminals on account of giving their 16 or 17-year-old daughters in marriage.

We are also amazed because Westerners call for holding conferences on a regular basis in world poor countries on woman and child abuse. We wonder whether the US, UK, France and other civilized countries need to hold such conferences in order to protect world children against human trafficking!

Do not be charmed by the West

Finally, I amazed to see those Muslims who view the West as completely radiant without any ray of darkness and good without any stain of evil. While they take into account only positive aspects and overlook negative aspects, the right position is to view both their light and darkness, justice and injustice and to know that there are both good and evil Westerners. Actually, we have to have such a balanced point of view so that we might not overlook positive or negative aspects.

In fact, using double standard is a distinctive characteristic of Western society. To clarify, the standards they use within their countries are totally different from those used while dealing with poor countries. Moreover, the standards they have to protect their children are not applicable to children of other parts of the world. Furthermore, they fight to keep their rights and overlook the rights of others.
Actually, such practices typically reflect powerful merciless people who do not give their conduct a moral color and concern only for material aspect of life at the expense of spirituality.

Islam: Justice with all

Although dreadful, such statistics make us feel proud, in spite of circumstances, of adherence to a religion that imposed dealing justly with those near and those far, men and women, Muslims and non-Muslims, citizens and foreigners. It also demanded justice while dealing with one whom you love as well as with one whom you hate.
In this regard, Allah (the Exalted) said, "… and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice." [Al-Ma'idah, 8].
Praise be to Allah who guided us to Islam.