Introduction to Buddhists

Introduction to Buddhists 
by Dr.Zakir Naik

Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. His original name was Siddharth (meaning one who has accomplished). He was also called Sakyamuni, i.e. the sage of the tribe of Sakya. He was born in the year 563 B.C. in the village of Lumbini near Kapila Vastu, within the present borders of Nepal.

According to legend, an astrologer foretold his father, the king, that young Gautama would give up the throne and luxury and renounce the world the day he would see four things (i) an old man, (ii) a sick man, (iii) a diseased man and (iv) a dead man. Hence, the king confined Gautama in a special palace which was provided with all worldly pleasures. He was married at the age of sixteen to Yasoddhra.

At the age of 29 after the birth of his first son, Gautama on the same day saw an old man, a sick man, a diseased man and a dead man. The impact of the dark side of life made him renounce the world that same night and he left his wife and son and became a penniless wanderer.

He studied and practised Hindu discipline initally, and later, Jainism. For several years he observed rigorous fasting along with extreme self-mortification. On realising that tormenting his body did not bring him closer to true wisdom, he resumed eating normally and abandoned asceticism.

At the age of 35, one evening as he sat beneath a giant fig tree (Bodh tree), he felt that he had found the solution to his problem and felt that he had attained enlightenment. Thus, he came to be known as ‘Gautama’, ‘The Buddha’, or 'The Enlightened One'.

Later, he spent 45 years in preaching the truth that he felt he had discovered. He travelled from city to city bare-footed, clean-headed, with nothing more on his self than his saffron robe, walking stick and begging bowl. He died at the age of 80 in the year 483 BC.

Historical criticism has proved that the original teachings of Buddha can never be known. It seems that Gautama Buddha’s teachings were memorized by his disciples. After Buddha’s death a council was held at Rajagaha so that the words of Buddha could be recited and agreed upon. There were differences of opinion and conflicting memories in the council. Opinion of Kayshapa and Ananda who were prominent disciples of Buddha were given preference. A hundred years later, a second council at Vesali was held. Only after 400 years, after the death of Buddha were his teachings and doctrines written down. Little attention was paid regarding its authenticity, genuineness and purity. 

TEACHINGS OF BUDDHA :
A. Noble Truths:
The principal teachings of Gautama Buddha can be summarised in what the Buddhists call the ‘Four Noble Truths’:
First – There is suffering and misery in life .
Second – The cause of this suffering and misery is desire.
Third – Suffering and misery can be removed by removing desire.
Fourth – Desire can be removed by following the Eight Fold Path.
B. The Noble Eight Fold Path:
(i) Right Views
(ii) Right Thoughts
(iii) Right Speech
(iv) Right Actions
(v) Right Livelihood
(vi) Right Efforts
(vii) Right Mindfulness
(viii) Right Meditation
C. Nirvana:
Nirvana' literally means "blowing out" or "extinction". According to Buddhism, this is the ultimate goal of life and can be described in various words. It is a cessation of all sorrows, which can be achieved by removing desire by following the Eight Fold Path.
PHILOSOPHY OF BUDDHISM IS SELF – CONTRADICTORY:
 

As mentioned earlier, the main teachings of Buddhism are summarised in the Four Noble Truths: (i) There is suffering and misery in life. (ii) The cause of suffering and misery is desire. (iii) Suffering and misery can be removed by removing desire. (iv) Desire can be removed by following the Eight Fold Path. This Philosophy of Buddhism is self-contradictory or self-defeating because the third truth says ‘suffering and misery can be removed by removing desire’ and the fourth truth says that 'desire can be removed by following the Eight Fold Path'.   Now, for any person to follow Buddhism he should first have the desire to follow the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path. The Third great Noble Truth says that desire should be removed. Once you remove desire, how can we follow the Fourth Noble truth i.e. follow the Eight Fold Path unless we have a desire to follow the Eight Fold Path. In short desire can only be removed by having a desire to follow the Eight Fold Path. If you do not follow the Eight Fold Path, desire cannot be removed. It is self contradicting as well as self-defeating to say that desire will only be removed by continuously having a desire. CONCEPT OF GOD Buddha was silent about the existence or non-existence of God. It may be that since India was drowned in idol worship and anthropomorphism that a sudden step to monotheism would have been drastic and hence Buddha may have chosen to remain silent on the issue of God. He did not deny the existence of God. Buddha was once asked by a disciple whether God exists? He refused to reply. When pressed, he said that if you are suffering from a stomach ache would you concentrate on relieving the pain or studying the prescription of the physician. "It is not my business or yours to find out whether there is God – our business is to remove the sufferings of the world". Buddhism provided Dhamma or the ‘impersonal law’ in place of God. However this could not satisfy the craving of human beings and the religion of self-help had to be converted into a religion of promise and hope. The Hinayana sect could not hold out any promise of external help to the people. The Mahayana sect taught that Buddha’s watchful and compassionate eyes are on all miserable beings, thus making a God out of Buddha. Many scholars consider the evolution of God within Buddhism as an effect of Hinduism. Many Buddhists adopted the local god and thus the religion of ‘No-God’ was transformed into the religion of ‘Many-Gods’ – big and small, strong and weak and male and female. The ‘Man-God’ appears on earth in human form and incarnates from time to time. Buddha was against the caste-system prevalent in the Hindu society. MUHAMMAD (PBUH) IN BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES: 1. Buddha prophesised the advent of a Maitreya : Almost all Buddhist books contain this prophecy. It is in Chakkavatti Sinhnad Suttanta D. III, 76: "There will arise in the world a Buddha named Maitreya (the benevolent one) a holy one, a supreme one, an enlightened one, endowed with wisdom in conduct, auspicious, knowing the universe: "What he has realized by his own supernatural knowledge he will publish to this universe. He will preach his religion, glorious in its origin, glorious at its climax, glorious at the goal, in the spirit and the letter. He will proclaim a religious life, wholly perfect and thoroughly pure; even as I now preach my religion and a like life do proclaim. He will keep up the society of monks numbering many thousands, even as now I keep up a society of monks numbering many hundreds". According to Sacred Books of the East volume 35 pg. 225: "It is said that I am not an only Buddha upon whom the leadership and order is dependent. After me another Buddha maitreya of such and such virtues will come. I am now the leader of hundreds, he will be the leader of thousands." According to the Gospel of Buddha by Carus pg. 217 and 218 (From Ceylon sources): "Ananda said to the Blessed One, ‘Who shall teach us when thou art gone?' And the Blessed one replied, 'I am not the first Buddha who came upon the earth nor shall I be the last. In due time another Buddha will arise in the world, a holy one, a supremely enlightened one, endowed with wisdom in conduct, auspicious, knowing the universe, an incomparable leader of men, a master of angels and mortals. He will reveal to you the same eternal truths, which I have taught you. He will preach his religion, glorious in its origin, glorious at the climax and glorious at the goal. He will proclaim a religious life, wholly perfect and pure such as I now proclaim. His disciples will number many thousands while mine number many hundreds.' Ananda said, 'How shall we know him?' The Blessed one replied, 'He will be known as Maitreya'." (i) The Sanskrit word ‘Maitreya’ or its equivalent in Pali ‘Metteyya’ means loving, compassionate, merciful and benevolent. It also means kindness and friendliness, sympathy, etc. One Arabic word which is equivalent to all these words is ‘Rahmat’.              In Surah Al-Anbiya: "We sent thee not, but as a mercy for all creatures." [Al-Qur’an 21:107] Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was called the merciful, which is ‘Maitri’.(ii)  The words Mercy and Merciful are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an no less than 409 times. (iii)   Every chapter of the Glorious Qur’an, except Chapter 9, i.e. Surah Taubah begins with the beautiful formula, 'Bismillah Hir-Rahman Nir-Rahim', which means 'In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful'. (iv)  The Word Muhammad is also spelt as ‘Mahamet’ or ‘Mahomet’ and in various other ways in different languages. The word ‘Maho’ or ‘Maha’ in Pali and Sanskrit mean Great and Illustrious and ‘Metta’ means mercy. Therefore ‘Mahomet’ means ‘Great Mercy’. 2. Buddha’s doctrine was Esoteric and Exoteric: According to Sacred Books of the East, volume 11, pg. 36 Maha-Parinibbana Sutta chapter 2 verse 32: "I have preached the truth without making any distinction between exoteric and esoteric doctrine, for in respect of truths, Ananda, the Tathagata has no such thing as the closed fist of a teacher, who keeps something back". Muhammad (pbuh) on the commandment of Almighty God delivered the message and doctrine without making any distinction between esoteric and exoteric. The Qur'an was recited in public in the days of the Prophet and is being done so till date. The Prophet had strictly forbidden the Muslims from hiding the doctrine. 3.  Devoted Servitors of the Buddhas: According to Sacred Books of the East volume 11 pg. 97 Maha-Parinibbana Sutta Chapter 5 verse 36: "Then the Blessed one addressed the brethren, and said, ‘Whosoever, brethren have been Arahat-Buddhas through the long ages of the past, they were servitors just as devoted to those Blessed ones as Ananda has been to me. And whosoever brethren shall be the Arahat-Buddhas of the future, there shall be servitors as devoted to those Blessed ones as Ananda has been to me’." The Servitor of Buddha was Ananda. Muhammad (pbuh) also had a servitor by the name Anas (r.a.) who was the son of Malik. Anas (r.a...) was presented to the Prophet by his parents. Anas (r.a...) relates: "My mother said to him, 'Oh Messenger of God, here is your little servant'." Further Anas relates, "I served him from the time I was 8 years old and the Prophet called me his son and his little beloved". Anas (r.a...) stayed by the Prophet in peace and in war, in safety as well as in danger till the end of his life. i)   Anas (r.a.), even though he was only 11 years old stayed beside the Prophet during the battle of Uhud where the Prophet’s life was in great danger. ii)   Even during the battle of Honain when the Prophet was surrounded by the enemies who were archers, Anas (r.a...) who was only 16 years old stood by the Prophet (pbuh). Anas (r.a.) can surely be compared with Ananda who stood by Gautam Buddha when the mad elephant approached him. 4. Six Criteria for Identifying Buddha: According to the Gospel of Buddha by Carus pg. 214: "The Blessed one said, ‘There are two occasions on which a Tathagata’s appearance becomes clear and exceedingly bright. In the night Ananda, in which a Tathagata attains to the supreme and perfect insight, and in the night in which he passes finally away in that ultra passing which leaves nothing whatever of his earthly existence to remain.’ " According to Gautam Buddha, following are the six criteria for identifying a Buddha. According to Gautam Buddha, following are the six criteria for identifying a Buddha. i) A Buddha attains supreme and perfect insight at night-time. ii)On the occasion of his complete enlightenment he looks exceedingly bright iii)A Buddha dies a natural death. iv)He dies at night-time. v) He looks exceedingly bright before his death. vi)After his death a Buddha ceases to exist on earth. 5. Buddhas are only Preachers: According to Dhammapada, Sacred Books of East volume 10 pg., 67: "The Jathagatas (Buddhas) are only Preachers." The Qur’an says in Surah Ghashiya: "Therefore do thou give admonition, for thou art one to admonish. Thou art not one to manage (men's) affairs." [Al-Qur'an 88:21-22] 6. Identification of Maitreya by Buddha: According to Dhammapada, Mattaya Sutta, 151: "The promised one will be: i) Compassionate for the whole creation ii) A messenger of peace, a peace-maker iii) The most successful in the world. The Maitreya as a Preacher of morals will be: i) Truthful ii) Self-respecting iii) Gentle and noble iv) Not proud v) As a king to creatures vi) An example to others in deeds and in words".                                                            (edited summary : abuhunafa)

Kill the Mad man

Egyptian cleric: Kill Gaddafi 

A top Egyptian cleric has called on Libyan soldiers who can shoot Libya’s unpopular Leader Muammar Gaddafi not to hold their fire to free the nation of his oppression.

Yusuf al-Qaradawi, viewed as the spiritual leader of the Egyptian opposition Muslim Brotherhood, made the call on Monday through a fatwa (religious decree) against the 42-year-long head of state.
“Whoever in the Libyan Army is able to shoot a bullet at Mr. Gaddafi should do so,” he told the Qatar-based news channel al-Jazeera.
Libya has been swept by pro-democracy protests inspired by popular revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, which toppled the countries’ presidents.
Such killing would “rid Libya of him,” said Qaradawi. The scholar, who also heads the International Union for Muslim Scholars, returned to Egypt after three decades in exile following the revolution.

Gaddafi’s government has deployed fighter jets to open fire on the demonstrators to prevent what appears to be an imminent revolution.
Forces loyal to Gaddafi are also said to have used live rounds against protesters amid reports, pointing to the arrival of planeloads of armed foreign mercenaries in the capital, Tripoli.

Libyan protesters, however, have reportedly managed to seize several cities.
The International Federation for Human Rights says as many as 400 people have so far been killed during the protests.
Qaradawi also told Libyan soldiers “not to obey orders to strike at your own people,” and urged Libyan ambassadors around the world to dissociate themselves from Gaddafi’s regime.

Source : PressTV

Families of Martyrs / Shuhada'

Families of Martyrs Refugee Camp

Spouse and 3 orphans of a shaheed were rescued from Fenerbahce Refugee Camp which has been quite 'deplorable' for living

 http://imkander.org.tr/eng/

Statement of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Regarding the Martyrdom of Innocent Afghan Civilians as a Result of American Merciless Bombardment in Ghazi Abad District, Kunar Province

Rabi-ul-Awwal,19,1432 (February 23, 2011)

Five days ago, the invading forces in Afghanistan led by America launched brutal aerial attacks against civilian houses in Adargol, Chowki and Wigal areas of Ghazi Abad district, Kunar province, resulting in martyrdom of 70 common people. The victims comprised of old men, women and innocent children who embraced martyrdom. Similarly, numerous civilians have been wounded.

According to substantiated reports, the bestial American soldiers have totally looted people’s houses, taking all valuable items. About 50 houses have been destroyed (in the raid), which belonged to people who had no link of militancy whatsoever with any faction. They were common miserable people. The Americans made bombardment during night when people were sleeping. Official of the Kabul Administration in Kunar have also confirmed reports of the civilian casualties.

The civilian casualties perpetrated in a brutal manner at the hands of the Americans have been committed at the time that, the United Nations in its report had claimed a few days ago that civilian casualties had greatly decreased during operations by Americans and their Allies. One week has not elapsed since the issuance of the report by UNO that the callous Americans once again resorted to committing genocide. They made many innocent Afghans to mourn and grieve over (their kith and kin).

The so-called advocates of human rights have not raised their voice about this horrendous event as yet. But usually, these so-called protectors of human rights and the apparently free media which have share in the colonialist goals, usually put the blame of civilian casualties on the Islamic Emirate when they arrange figures of civilian casualties. They try to launch negative propaganda against the Islamic Emirate through every possible means with full strength and fanfare. Meanwhile, they cover up crimes of foreign invaders. Thus they endeavor to manipulate the views of the common man.

We strongly condemn the merciless bombardment by the Americans in Ghazi Abad district, Kunar province. We believe it is an unforgivable crime. In the meantime, we assure our miserable people and families of the martyrs that your Mujahid brothers will avenge the blood of the martyrs on the enemy in the battle fields. Also, we tell the invading America and her murderous Allies, if you think that you are going to weaken determination of the Afghans by martyring innocent Afghans or that you will put terror into their hearts, it only displays flaws of your guesswork. You have not realized this nation as yet. Your brutal actions will further speed up the pace of the Jihadic momentum.

Soon, you will be wiped out in the imminent cyclone brought about by your atrocity, arrogance, brutality and other merciless actions. The tempest, if God willing, is approaching destination, with its ever outspreading waves.

It is not a hard task for Allah to accomplish.

the unjustmedia

“Defending Islam"

Rabi-ul-Awwal ,1432H  ( February 2011) 

“Defending Islam must be understood, the way is with jihad, the goal is the establishment of Islamic Shari’ah. Islam will not be defended before a power is established, a power will not be established without jihad. Because, for the kafir, their way of fighting Islam is by forcing Muslims to be murtad. 
“And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion.” (Q.S. Al-Baqarah : 120) 

“… And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able…” (Q.S. Al-Baqarah : 217). 

Today the kafir divide the Islamic ummah into two camps; Radical Islam, which they are fighting against, or Moderate Islam, this is assisted first, but in the end will still be fought against until they want to be murtad. The proof? In Bosnia, there were no Muslim who were radical, all are moderate, even adjusting to the Christians, that was from their own confession when fleeing to Malaysia.

Inevitably, even the moderates were exterminated, that is the character of the kafir where the nas (texts) could be found in the Qur’an, therefore they must be confronted with the ‘power’. This is what should be understood, because day in, day out, the fitnah is increasingly intensified, more and more pressured, hopefully this will become a cause for the help of Allah to come until we can rise up.” Sheikh Ustadz Abu Bakar Ba’asyir (May Allah protect him)

the unjustmedia 

 

more and more young people in Russia and Europe embrace Islam

On the photo: The future of Russia, Insha'Allah

An enemy expert from a so-called "North Caucasus Center for Islamic Studies", Ruslan Gereyev, expressed fears of a growing influence of true Islam in the world in an interview to a Russian KGB news agency Regnum. We present to our readers some of his gloomy thoughts, keeping intact his abusive language:

"Islam is advancing more rapidly in non-Muslim than in Muslim countries. Why is it so? No studies were conducted on the subject, the issue has not yet been studied thoroughly. Look at reports on terrorist attacks. Each day, there are more and more ethnic Russians, former Russian Christian Orthodox believers, among the attackers. An expression "Russian Jamaats" have already appeared in North Caucasus. I've recently prepared a publication on "Russian Jamaats" for a Belgian newspaper - they have the same problems as we. This is a worldwide trend. And in Benelux countries, these processes develop much faster and broader, and not only due to intra-European migration.

http://www.islampolicy.com/2011/02/ 

Beyond the beards and burqas - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

They're all out to get 'us'

The former prime minister does not differentiate between extremists - and believes any attempt to try to comprehend the reasons for their murderous rage is futile.

Instead, he takes the much more comforting view that they are "at war with civilisation". We are being targeted, so the reasoning goes, because we are too civilised.

This simplistic view, so often repeated, has gained currency in the British popular imagination. Indeed, for most Britons, July 7, 2005, will be remembered as the day that al-Qaeda terrorists attacked London.

But five-and-a-half years on, no link has been established between the 7/7 bombers and al-Qaeda. While it is possible that two of the bombers, Shehzad Tanweer and Mohammad Sidique Khan, may have visited training camps in Pakistan and met with al-Qaeda operatives, there is no firm evidence of this.

Last year a report from the Centre for Social Cohesion analysing Islamist terrorist offences in Britain over the past decade found that only 14.5 per cent of terrorism offenders had links with al-Qaeda. And yet, despite this, a belief persists that most Islamic jihadist attacks, including the 7/7 bombings, are somehow masterminded by al Qaeda.

Beyond the beards and burqas - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

The Kidnapping of Dr Aafia Siddiqui

 by Victoria Brittain

A Counterpunch Special Report

In 2003 an MIT-educated expert in children’s learning patterns, Dr Aafia Siddiqui, disappeared with her three children in Pakistan. Was she, as the Americans said, an Al Qaeda operative who in 2008 emerged after five years undercover, carrying a handbag full of chemicals and plans for major terror attacks in the US, and then attempted to shoot US soldiers? Or was she, as her family, and most people in Pakistan have always maintained, seized by Pakistani agents for reasons unknown?

Now new evidence of the kidnapping of Dr Siddiqui prises open part of one of the most shocking of the myriad individual stories of injustice in the war on terror. It also underlines the recklessness and perfidy of a key United States’ partner in the war on terror, which carries its own threat of explosion.
Dr Siddiqui was sentenced in a New York court last year to 86 years for attempted murder of US soldiers in Afghanistan. Her mysterious five-year disappearance before that, her reappearance in Afghanistan in 2008, her subsequent trial in the US, and the confusion surrounding all these events, have made Dr Siddiqui’s a symbolic case in much of the Muslim world. Now a senior law enforcement officer has claimed to have been involved personally on the day she was seized, with her three children, by Pakistani police agents in Karachi in March 2003 and handed over to the Pakistani intelligence agency, the ISI.
read more:
http://justiceforaafia.org/articles/articles/735-the-siddiqui-case-a-new-turn-

The Zionist Terror Network

The Israel Connection
It is no secret that Israel provides training and weapons for local "Jewish defense groups" in the United States and many other countries. Victor Ostrovsky, a former intelligence case officer of the Mossad, Israel's spy and secret service agency, confirms this connection in his much-discussed book, By Way of Deception. (note 91) One department of the Mossad, writes Ostrovsky, is the Tsafririm, which is

responsible for setting up Jewish defense groups, called "frames," or misgerot, all over the world, now including some parts of the United States, where anti-Semitism is regarded as a threat ... The main job is to help the leaders of Jewish communities outside Israel plan for their own security. Part of this is done through the hets va-keshet, or "bow and arrow," Israel's paramilitary youth brigades.

... Often youths from other countries are brought over [to Israel] to spend the summer learning about security, picking up such skills as completing obstacle courses, pitching tents, and learning how to use a sniper rifle and Uzi assault rifle. Still others learn upgraded security skills, such as how to build a slick, for hiding weapons or documents, when and how to do security checks, as well as fundamentals of investigation and intelligence gathering.

Israel provides weapons for the many "Jewish defense groups," confirms Ostrovsky, indirectly through known arms dealers.

http://islamicdawahsociety.blogspot.com

A moment in a day - an anology:

VIEWS  AND  OPINIONS  - 
HOW WERE THE ATTITUDES  OF THE   COMPANIONS  OF THE  PROPHET 
AND  THEIR  PREDECESSORS  THE ULAMA   OF  MUJTAHIDOON
Interlude :
" I think we need to prioritize those things  because .... ... ... Bla bla bla", I tried to explain to my wife why I need to put up on something ... her reply , "But sweetie , I  do think  of this matter  so very much now, its so very important , we should give this a priority first hand, since we are now ... bla ... bla ... bla .. ". That halts the routine  of  a normal conversation , when  I'm  making a point of different view  on a  subject matter to  my spouse , well ...until reaching an amicable and  final  agreeable decision  or solution , both  of  us  frowned  briefly."

Different opinions ... yes! That is the reality of truth, but I always assume these things are common in our lives. Look ..  in ourselves  will  always  be valid  reasons  for differing  in opinion, conflict of the mind  is not uncommon ... until  reaching  a decision after much weighing of the pros and cons ... but it was not until we argued  with  ourselves  over something ,  before  we would  put  an  end  to  it  with  less  or  much  fuss  or  with  fuzzy logic  .. ( borrowing  the art  of  technology commonly found  in  the  household  item  of  today ) .

Because it is also part of human argumentative thinking , the  creation  called  man  himself ..  seek peace with a  purpose ,  to live a longer blessed  life, managing   differences  in  opinion , will  ultimately  produce  the  ultimate  resolve , the resolution  of  the mindful  thoughts , the wishful  thinking  of  man . That  was  the  original  plan  of  the  MIghty Lord , the Supreme Ruler  of  the earths  and heavens , bestowed  upon  the Prophet Adam  ( pbuh ) and  we ,  as  his  progeny , be  khilafah  with  that  purpose  of  total submission, dutily only  to Him , none other , verily  on  this  earth of His.                                          
Some examples of differences in opinion :

1. Differences of opinion among the Companions
There  are  many  narrations  found  as  to the  differences  of opinion among the companions of the Prophet shalallahu alayhi wassalam ( pbuh ). One  of  the many  was  between Abu Bakr( ra ) and 'Umar ( ra )  concerning   the  punishment  upon  the prisoners of Badr, until Allah Subhana wataala  sent down His revelation on the matter.

Take  heed , how sadly ,  the outcome  that  befelled  the Sahabahs  in   their  opinions  with their  conflicting  views , tainted  with  blood  in  our  history  that  led  them  to  the battle field  in the era  of 'Ali ( ra ).  When  people  ask  him  on  his  stand   concerning   those  who oppose  his  position  , when  amongst  them  were  member  comrades   in  the   battle  of  Jammal   and   included  with  them   was  Muawwiyah :  They  questioned  him ,  " Whether  those  persons  were  out  of  the  league ? ".          (  implying  the meaning  of musyriqeen )
'Ali ( ra ) replied:  " No , they  ran  away  from   polytheism",  then  they questioned  him  again: " Were not they  hypocrites ?". 'Ali replied: " No, they  were  not hypocrites  because the hypocrites  are  those who  did  mention  the  name  of  Allah , only  but merely  little." Then  they  thus asked: " What state are they  in  then ? ".  'Ali ( ra ) replied:  "They  are our brothers , too ,  but  they had  gotten  be fallen , against  us ( as traitors )."

Ali  ( ra ) was very careful in his judgement  in his  words  , even though  both parties  ultimately, fought and killed and be killed . This tragedy  with  particular  dissents  unfolded, a major part , being played by some group of munafiqoons . Indeed , it highlighted  the spirit of righteousness  in Ali  ( ra ) on  that  particular matter , even so , others , may  view  this , an apologetic  irony ,  since  Muslims  who  went  against  the  ruling  entity ,had  their  respective  school  of thought  concerning  the  opponents  in  dispute.

Hassan Basri ( rhm ) was once asked : "O Hassan Basri,  what  is  your  position regarding the war between  Ali and Muawwiyah  and  the battle between  'Ali and ' Aisha ( rha ), Talhah  and  Zubayr ?". Hassan Basri said:  "It  was a war  that  was witnessed  upon by  the companions  and the wife of the Prophet (pbuh) , they  were more aware of  that battle  and  its circumstances . It is  best  we reserve  this issue with wisdom and  we leave  it  to  God, the All Knowing . We're all fallible humans, so too were them .May Allah subhana wataala bless them , forgive them. As for all of  us , we  were  not  there  in  due time,  only  they  knew best  why they fought. If they had  their consensus done ( ijmak and ijtihad ) in  their respective reasoning and thoughts, then we must  follow  them.  But  if  they  had  their  shares  of conflicting  views , then  we  do not  say anything . " They  were  the  best  of  generations from  the Ummah.

2. Differences of opinion among  the Thabi'in,  venerated  elderly scholars
Some  written historical  biographies  mentioned  Said bin Jubair ( rhm ) and  other contemporary scholars, like Hassan Al Basri ( rhm) with  praise in the latter's  attitude of rejecting holding  office  in the court of the state and chose to focus on giving advices, as against  Said , who chose to hold  position  in  the government  in legal and juristic matters and  meetings  of  council  of  the state  court.

In reality , Said bin Jubair  was  giving assistance  and  came  to  the  defense  of  the  weak, striving  to mitigate  their  sufferings.  He  also  did  generosity  in  distributing  his wealth to the poor.
Despite embracing  to  their  respective scholarly  views and  opinions  personality wise  , Said bin Jubair was very strict and adamant  in his fight against injustice, finally enjoined the jihad with martyrdom , persecuted  at  the  witnessing  slaughter house of  Hajjaj!.  Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal  vehemently said: " While Said  was killed by Hajjaj , no one  on  this earth  were  not  in  the dire  need  of  knowledge  of  Said."  Hassan Al  Basri  exclaimed of the martyr , the best  of his  friends :  " Come of someone, who dare to fight such a clever fasiq, (Hajjaj). By Allah! If the people  from the whole of  the earth, from  the east and  the west combined , they come to shed the blood of Said bin Jubair, He , The Mighty Lord  will  surely cast  their  faces  into  the  fires of  hell. "
Being  informed of  the history of Imam Malik bin Anas ( rhm ), a contemporary of Imam Abu Hanifah (rhm) , significant  distinctive  comparisons  were  derived . Imam Abu Hanifah was seen  to  distant  himself and did not enjoin  closeness  to the  power  of  rule , while Imam Malik (rhm) saw  the  benefits  and  advantages  of  the visit  to  the reign.

In  his sermon of speech  Imam Malik (rhm) : "It  is   in   the  right  of  every  Muslim , that  God - given  knowledge  and  Fiqh to him ,  to intervene in the affairs of  the rulers. He  was  there, he can ask of him to do righteousness , prevent  evil  and  deliver  intelligent advice, hence  the involvement of  the knowledgeable, for that matter, is  in deed  to will  for  success  in  the  matters pertaining  to subject  of advice ( amrun makruf nahi mungkar ) . Having  to do so , which  means  he  has  no  other  priorities. "

However,  with  virtues of  true scholarship , he  was still  unperturbed  and stood firmed in his  fight against tyranny. The rebellion  in the time of Caliph al Mansour,  saw Imam Malik  steered  some people  who , at first,  hesitated  in  embracing  support  to  the  rising  voices of  the oppressed masses. This  group,  in  their opinions,  acted  vis a vis  to  the  popular revolting  masses , sticking   to  the  notion  of  having  proclaimed  loyalty  to  Al Mansur  as Caliph. Imam Malik  issued a fatwa that shook the government, proclaiming that one can nullify  oneself  from an  unwillingly  imposed  bai'ah  without  the  fear  of  sinning.
In fact, when someone  had asked him  about  the revolt, he firmly stated: "If the rebels were to revolt against the caliber of  caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz, with  quality  of a justly fair and  righteous behavior, in contradicton  to  that , they can be suppressed . Obviously, in  the fight not , against such  a  leader , then  it is  permissable by the rights of students of  the syariah.

Both  the noble jurists experienced excessive torture and inflictions  in due course , whipped  by  the  evil  hands of  the  power  in  reign  in  the  dusk of old age. The  martyrdom  marked the demise  of  Imam Abu Hanifah (rhm)),  while , the former Imam  Ahmad bin Hanbal , too was martyred. Due to agony of pain and bodily inflictions from wounds and excessive lacerations  done through whipping , Imam Malik bin Anas (rhm) found martyrdom whilst  he gracefully endured  the pain until  the  last  straw of  his  breath,  with sights  of unhealed bodily spreads throughout , still .

Even they  at  times  differed  in their  respective  interpretations  of  the Sunnah, by the means  of  ijtihads , they  all  possessed  the inherent virtues  of  righteousness , bravery of   enlightened hearts , composite approaches  of  integrity , dealt decisively   the  maslahah of  the  Ummah , alas  with  true  guts , fearing nothing , except , the Al Mighty ALLah. How thus  we  differ  vastly in this point of comparison , our state of the present Ummah and its ulama'. We have truly become drifting bubbles in the oceans of  the hour glass  race , seeking excessively wordly  leisures and pleasures unlimitedlessly. Thus , putting away  into garbages of  wimps , the  vitality  of  the Qurannul karim , the Sunnah and Seerah of the beloved Nabi Muhammad , Rasulullah shallallahu alayhi wassalam.

Wallahu'allam , Barokallahu fiq

Cruising The Path of Victory In 1432 H / 2011 M

In view of the status quo characterized by casualties and setbacks to the enemy and with the public opinions being against the war, what Obama and Petraeus expect to achieve in 2011 which would turn the tide in their favor or vice versa, is it not that they may face more humiliating setbacks and retreats? Those who have sagacity can draw a conclusion now that Afghanistan has become a hotbed of death, destruction and collapse for the Americans and no strategy by Obama will ever change it to their advantage nor the genocide launched by Petraeus will terrorize it into submission or control it. Contrarily, 2010 was the year of victory for the Afghan Mujahideen with the help of the Almighty Allah (SwT). The pure blood of the Afghan Muslim nation will bring in yield in the current year, God willing.
Source: Voice of Jihad

News From The Middle East

http://www.uruknet.info/ http://www.uruknet.

Southern Thailand Today and The Crime of Silence:

As a result of the Thai government’s decision to make the Southern Thailand conflict as part of the ‘War on Terrorism’ we have seen unimaginable crimes being committed against our brothers and sisters in Southern Thailand. However, the worse crime which has been committed in regards to the conflict in Southern Thailand is the crime of silence. The perpetrators of this crime are none other than each and every one of you. In fact if you wanted to see the face of those who have committed this crime you would have to do nothing more then look into mirror. All of us with the exception of very few are guilty of this crime of silence. We have been silent in regards to the conflict in Southern Thailand and have shown very little vocal and moral support for our brothers and sisters involved.

When we speak out against injustice of our brothers and sisters it must be universal. We must move towards a universal political movement, not limited to a specific region. As I had already stated in the introduction of this article, the conflict in Southern Thailand has made the headlines in various media outlets around the world. Each one filled with the usual anti-Islamist rhetoric that we have heard so much of. It is the duty of each and every one of us that we counter this rhetoric with facts and accurate political analysis. To spread awareness and refute the lies of the enemies of Islam is just as important as picking up a gun or grenade and silencing them through other means. My advice to our brothers and sisters out there is to educate themselves on the political history and current condition of each and every Muslim region. Then to create an outlet delivering news, political analysis, and intellectual reviews of the current events taking place in those regions in order to crush the lies and rhetoric of Neo-Imperialists. All in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure.

Multiculturalism has failed, says French president

"My answer is clearly yes, it is a failure," he said in a television interview when asked about the policy which advocates that host societies welcome and foster distinct cultural and religious immigrant groups.

"Of course we must all respect differences, but we do not want... a society where communities coexist side by side.

"If you come to France, you accept to melt into a single community, which is the national community, and if you do not want to accept that, you cannot be welcome in France," the right-wing president said.

"The French national community cannot accept a change in its lifestyle, equality between men and women... freedom for little girls to go to school," he said.

http://english.sina.com/world/2011/ 

Fighting an "Invisible Force"

"LEADERS" = ACCOMPLICES IN THE SYSTEM
We don't hear about this because everyone in a position of influence has a stake in the Rothschild's fraud. Organized Jewry and Freemasonry are the most prominent stakeholders  but it includes every government, religion, corporation or organization of significance. Take universities for example. People find the money like ants find jam.

You won't hear about this in the mass media but occasionally something will pop up in the Comment sections. This observation by a "Nick Rothschild" appeared recently on Marketwatch.com
"Hate to tell you guys, but all these "currencies" are the smoke screen. We get you to focus on the money while the real "currency" is the debt and the fact that we have enslaved all generations in the future to the servicing thereof... Those who control the debt, we Rothschilds, will never have to work AS LONG AS YOU CONTINUE TO BELIEVE IN THE MONEY. IT IS NOT THE MONEY THAT YOU SHOULD FOCUS ON .... IT'S THE DEBT, STUPID!"   

find out more :
 http://www.henrymakow.com/

Ten Principles of Success in the Light of the Seerah

Principles of Success—
In the light of Seerah
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
It is a well-known fact that the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) was the supremely successful man in the entire human history. But he was not just a hero, as Thomas Carlyle has called him. According to the Qur’an, he was a good example for all mankind. He has shown us the way of achieving supreme success in this world.
By studying the life of the Prophet we can derive those important principles which were followed by the Prophet. In short, the Prophet of Islam was a positive thinker in the full sense of the word. All his activities were result-oriented. He completely refrained from all such steps as may prove counter-productive. 
First Principle: To begin from the possible
This principle is well explained in a saying of Aishah. She said: "Whenever the Prophet had to choose between two options, he always opted for the easier choice." (Al-Bukhari)To choose the easiest option means to begin from the possible, and one who begins from the possible will surely reach his goal.
Second Principle: To see advantage in disadvantage
In the early days of Mecca, there were many problems and difficulties. At that time, a guiding verse in the Qur’an was revealed. It said: "With every hardship there is ease, with every hardship there is ease." (94:5-6).This means that if there are some problems, there are also opportunities at the same time. And the way to success is to ignore the problems and avail the opportunities.  
Third Principle: To change the place of action
This principle is derived from the Hijrah. Hijrah was not just a migration from Mecca to Medina. It was to find a more suitable place for Islamic work, as history proved later on.    
Fourth Principle: To make a friend out of an enemy
The prophet of Islam was repeatedly subjected to practices of antagonism by the unbelievers. At that time the Qur’an enjoined upon him the return of good for evil. And then, as the Qur’an added, "You will see your direst enemy has become your closest friend" (41:34).
It means that a good deed in return of a bad deed has a conquering effect over your enemies. And the life of the Prophet is a historical proof of this principle.   
Fifth Principle: To turn minus into plus
After the Battle of Badr, about 70 of the unbelievers were taken as the prisoners of war. They were educated people. The Prophet announced that if any one of them would teach ten Muslim children how to read and write he would be freed. This was the first school in the history of Islam in which all of the students were Muslims, and all of the teachers were from the enemy rank. Here I shall quote a British orientalist who remarked about the Prophet of Islam: He faced adversity with the determination to wring success out of failure.  
Sixth Principle: The power of peace is stronger than the power of violence
When Mecca was conquered, all of the Prophet’s direst opponents were brought before him. They were war criminals, in every sense of the word. But the Prophet did not order to kill them. He simply said: "Go, you are free." The result of this kind behavior was miraculous. They immediately accepted Islam.  
Seventh Principle: Not to be a dichotomous thinker
In the famous Ghazwa of Muta, Khalid bin Walid decided to withdraw Muslim forces from the battlefield because he discovered that the enemy was unproportionately outnumbered. When they reached Medina, some of the Muslims received them by the word "O Furrar" (O deserters!) The Prophet said "No. They are Kurrar" (men of advancement)."
Those Medinan people were thinking dichotomously, either fighting or retreating. The Prophet said no. There is also a third option, and that is to avoid war and find a time to strengthen yourself. Now history tells us that the Muslims, after three years of preparation, advanced again towards the Roman border and this time they won a resounding victory.
Eighth Principle: To bring the battle in one’s own favorable field
This principle is derived from the Ghazwa of Hudaibiyya. At that time, the unbelievers were determined to engage Muslims in fighting, because obviously they were in an advantageous position. But the Prophet, by accepting their conditions unilaterally, entered into a pact. It was a ten-year peace treaty. Until then, the meeting ground between Muslims and non-Muslims had been on the battlefield. Now the area of conflict became that of ideological debate. Within two years, Islam emerged as victorious because of the simple reason of its ideological superiority.
Ninth Principle: Gradualism instead of radicalism
This principle is well-established by a hadith of Al-Bukhari. Aishah says that the first verses of the Qur’an were related mostly to heaven and hell. And then after a long time when the people’s hearts had softened, the specific commands to desist from adultery and drinking were revealed in the Qur’an.This is a clear proof that for social changes, Islam advocates the evolutionary method, rather than the revolutionary method.  
Tenth Principle: To be pragmatic in controversial matters
During the writing of Hudaibiyyah treaty, the Prophet dictated these words: "This is from Muhammad, the Messenger of God." The Qurayshi delegate raised objections over these words. The Prophet promptly changed the word and ordered to write simply Muhammad, son of Abdullah.

These were the principles through which the Prophet of Islam gained that success which has been recognized by historians as the supreme success.
In the end, I would like to repeat those ten principles of success:
1. To begin from the possible
2. To see advantage in disadvantage
3. To change the place of action
4. To make a friend out of an enemy
5. To turn minus into plus
6. The power of peace is stronger than the power of violence
7. Not to be a dichotomous thinker
8. To bring the battle in one’s own favorable field
9. Gradualism instead of radicalism
10. To be pragmatic in controversial matters

Source : http://alrisala.org/Articles/prophet/success.htm

Prisoner 650

A Pakistani Muslim woman had been held in the notorious Bagram Prison in Afghanistan for years and now her current whereabouts unknown. Have you heard about her? Most likely not. A Muslim woman is lingering in such a torturous jail and no alarms have gone off in her country or in any part of the Muslim world. How low have we, as an Ummah, stooped to not only allow such a thing to happen, but to be so oblivious about it?

http://md-dawn.blogspot.com/2011

RECITATIONS

Shishan und Sheikh Utheimin über unseren Verhalten gegenüber Shishan

The Decade Ahead: Changing Dynamics in the Middle East

Dispatch: Regime Change in Egypt and a Radicalizing Region

Dispatch: The Muslim Brotherhood's Strategies in Egypt and Jordan

"Hal Nahnu Muslimoon"

Relating Islam as a Deen to its monotheismatic virtues , how is it that the understanding of Islam has changed so completely in the mind of the average person from an all-embracing life system to merely a few acts of worship - often done half-heartedly in an automatic way or not even done at all? Today we find Muslims, most in fact, who consider that being a Muslim involves praying and fasting, but that otherwise they are free to live their lives according to any social, political or economical system they please. We also find those that claim to love Allah but profess that good feelings and intentions are sufficient as proof of Islam.

How was such an idea ever adopted - the notion that one’s loyalty to Islam is unrelated to his behavior? How did a Muslim come to imagine that he could oppose the teachings of his Lord and betray His trust; that he could lie, cheat and deceive; that he could refuse what is lawful, preferring what is unlawful; that he could accept humility and humiliation in order to preserve his status in a society based on immorality and oppression… and still claim allegiance to Islam? How could a Muslimah come to imagine that she could oppose the teachings of her Lord and betray His trust; that she could lie, cheat, deceive, covet and backbite; that she could go out, exposing herself to every eye; that she could willingly raise her children as contended members of an un-Islamic society... yet still imagine that the "good intention" in her heart would cancel all of that before Allah (subhaanahu wa ta`aala)?

From the very outset of Prophet Muhammad’s call to the worship of Allah alone and in the days when Islam was a vital movement attracting most of those who came in contact with it (which was a long period in history), the average Muslim was quite a different example than what we have today. When he said, "La ilaha ill Allah" and "Muhammadun Rasulullah," he did not consider those words as something to be pronounced and repeated without leaving any effect upon his thinking and behavior. He understood them to mean that Allah, the Creator, is the rightful governor of this universe. He understood that from the time Adam was set upon the earth, Allah had sent an eternal message to mankind, stating that whoever follows His guidance will be guided for his own benefit, but those who turn away in rejection will harm their own souls; and every soul will bear the consequences of its choice. He understood that Allah, God of the universe, is alone worthy to be worshipped and obeyed and that He alone has the right to direct one’s life. No other man or government has that right, and rulers are to be obeyed only as long as they uphold the laws of Allah. He understood that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, chosen by Him to relay the guidance that was meant to reach mankind, and that he was a living example of this guidance - a teacher to be followed and obeyed.

No one ever imagined that sincerity was enough. How could it be when the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) had made clear that faith is neither by desire nor by adornment, but it is what has settled in the heart and is proven by deeds.

One might imagine while seated comfortably in his chair that he could move the universe. But when he reaches out to move a nearby table, he finds that the effort needed to do so may require that he arise from his seat; and if the table is large, it may require even greater exertion on his part. Thus, the belief that sincerity alone suffices is deception. No doubt, there can be no deliberate or fruitful action without prior intention. But what good is sincerity or intention in practical terms? Unless it is translated into effective behavior, what is gained? There will be no reform, no progress, no accomplishment - no change at all.

And so Allah (subhaanahu wa ta`aala) repeats over and over in the Qur’an that His reward will be for those who believe and do righteousness. He never said that faith alone or intention is sufficient. Faith must become a motive to positive action - to doing as one is directed. That means putting the word of Allah above all else - above customs and traditions, above the opinions of man, above one’s own desires, laziness or reluctance.

Among the contemporaries of the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) were those who erred and those who sinned. They were never free of human feelings or human weaknesses. They knew fear and anger and worldly temptation. The material of their creation was no different from our own. But the ever-present consciousness of Allah and the firm relationship with Him prevented them from decline, protected them from despair and continually renewed their hope. The first Muslims became unique examples of human excellence while never losing their human nature. Their society was one in which human potential was utilized to the utmost as simply a reflection of their understanding of Islam.

Source :
"The Concept Of Islam And Our Understanding Of It"
 Shaykh Muhammad Qutb
Summarized and excerpted by Umm Muhammad from Prof. Muhammad Qutb's 
"Hal Nahnu Muslimoon"
© 1995 Abul-Qasim Publishing House

Notice of war from Allah and His Messenger

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

 

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ [٢:٢٧٨

O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers.

فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ [٢:٢٧٩

If ye do it not, Take notice of war from Allah and His Messenger: But if ye turn back, 

ye shall have your capital sums: Deal not unjustly, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly.

Translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali 002.278 : O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers. 002.279 : If ye do it not, Take notice of war from Allah and His Messenger: But if ye turn back, ye shall have your capital sums: Deal not unjustly, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly. Translation: Pickthall 002.278 :  O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah, and give up what remaineth (due to you) from usury, if ye are (in truth) believers. 002.279 : And if ye do not, then be warned of war (against you) from Allah and His messenger. And if ye repent, then ye have your principal (without interest). Wrong not, and ye shall not be wronged. Translation: M.T. Hilali / M.M. Khan 002.278 : O you who believe! Be afraid of God and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. 002.279 : And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from God and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums).

1. The Simple and Apparent Understanding (02.278 & 02.279)

Uncomplicated and straight oration; is it simple for us just today? Or it was equally
simple as well when the verses were first revealed? It is a matter of the relevance of
Qur’an in all ages for its practicability and applicable sense – here we may include
all those commands which are articulated for implementation by believers; however
it may not relate to those informative messages like unfolding the past or indicating
the future or some truths including scientific facts et cetera.
It will certainly be helpful to derive an answer to the question above if we could get a
bit clue as what was the understanding and reaction of the companion believers of
Prophet Mohammed (SAW) when they were enlightened? This is a difficult task for
me at least as I am neither proficient nor inclined to research and quote from the
chronicles, and also for the good reason of avoiding any subsequent debate on its
standing (I am not equipped well to enter in such dialogue, only few could be sure
enough to offer unarguable piece of history in this regard from many possible
versions – so to call such an insertion is like inviting confusion and distraction).
However, there is another way around, as we all know and indisputably agree on the
virtue, belief, and characters of companion believers of Prophet Mohammad (SAW),
we can get an answer using the imaginational power of our minds to visualize about
their behaviours? Just briefly, I will try doing that in my own control. Let me place
myself in two different points in time to visualize the perceptions that may help to
show the practicability of Quran within its ‘apparent understanding’ for all ages, this
way we could be surer than debating the history.
Only dreaming, (I wish) I were there in the majestic age of the Prophet Mohammad
(may ALLAH’s peace and blessing be upon him), and listened these commands for
the first time in my life, I can see in my mind's eye and would have reacted like:
Yes, I believe in You and Your messenger (SAW), my Lord. I can understand that I
am being addressed as I used to charge Riba, I know what Riba is. Now it has been
ordered to me from my Lord that I shall surrender any and all Riba that is due on
others to pay me, ALLAH (SWT) has set a test for me, I will prove insha’ALLAH that
I am a true believer and will walk around the small town and will not hesitate to go
beyond to call on my debtors and will tell them - from this moment onward – just
return the principal that you owe me, I don’t ask you any Riba or if there is any extra
due on you, that is cancelled. I can also understand that charging Riba is now
outlawed.
I can not think to disobey you my Lord, I beg Your mercy – I did not know it before
that my act of charging Riba was so grave a sin like be in war with my GOD, I can
not dare even to imagine that. Surely, I will not entail in the wrong again. It is made
very much clear to me that charging Riba is a severe injustice thus prohibition is
imposed by my Lord. I recognize the justice of my Lord, I am not punished for the
wrong that I committed before this warning, my principal is guaranteed and I am allowed to take it back.

My mind’s eye is still employed, envisaging a believer never involved in charging the
Riba. Thanks my Lord, You saved me from the wrong and the trial. It is very clear to
me that Riba is declared illegal. I have become aware of the truth that charging Riba
is a crime of fighting war with GOD. I am a true believer my Lord, I will never entail
in the wrong of Riba insha’ALLAH, I have noticed charging Riba is the act of serious
injustice, and I beg to protect me from getting in it. You are the best judge my Lord;
I can see Your fairness and justice that You allowed them to take their principal back without penalizing them.

source :
RIBA – A War with GOD
A different insight in coherence with the concept of Riba
By: Qazi Irfan, Islamabad (Pakistan), author@hazariba.com
http://hazariba.com/Riba%20-%20A%20War%20with%20GOD.

Part 1 : The Story of Riba Prohibition

Allah prohibited riba in three steps (as in the case of another big evil: alcoholism), taking into account the deeprootedness of this social illness in the Arabian society. Jahiliyya Arabian society was deep in the hold of riba at the time of the nubuwwah of the prophet (pbuh). Poor people suffered greatly because of the cut-throat attitude of the usurers who were the only social establishment for funding the needy. The Jewish community in Madinah and around not only gave approval for this but practiced it in the most notorious way. (Recall Shakespeare’s Jewish moneylender Shylock).

Its impact was quite visible in all walks of life. Even Muslims were not fully unaffected by the evil of ribah. Greed and avarice was widespread in the society in general. The urge and pull to amass wealth was widespread. People were not aware of the fact that wealth was something divinely released for each individual as part of his qadr depending on various factors that Allah has as criteria for this, again dependent on his great wisdom. They were persuaded to believe that it was the result of their efforts and cleverness. In fact, individual’s effort and cleverness are only instrumental reasons Allah bring in for giving or denying wealth to anybody. The Quran reminds us of this on several occasions.

What the Quran does first to bring about the social atmosphere for prohibiting riba is to make people educated in the basic economic philosophy explained above i.e. economic prosperity is not the result of our cleverness or efforts. But Allah’s choice and discretion for reasons known only to him for giving opportunities for testing us. This is why he makes some of us rich and some others poor. Each of these states involves a test to the person concerned and for the rest of the society. Followed by this he taught mankind the value and greatness of charity and its benefits and the consequences of frugality and miserliness. Then he established the rights of the poor and the mahroom (the deprived) in the wealth of the rich and encouraged, persuaded and chastised the rich (step by step) for the carrying out of this responsibility.

It was followed by this that Allah revealed the first ayah on riba in surah Al Rum (30: 38) pointing out that the riba you give to your lenders for it to grow with their wealth will not make any growth (neither in the individual’s or the economy’s case) in their concerns. The basis of growth is the zakah (two kinds of charity) that you give to the needy seeking Allah’s pleasure. This is so because it’s not you but Allah who gives and who blocks. This was about 5 years before hijra.

وَمَا آتَيْتُم مِّن رِّبًا لِّيَرْبُوَ فِي أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ فَلَا يَرْبُو عِندَ اللَّهِ ۖ وَمَا آتَيْتُم مِّن زَكَاةٍ تُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ فَأُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُضْعِفُونَ

Then after the defeat at Uhud, one caused by the greed to amass the ghaneemah / war spoils, Allah warned the Muslims in Surah Ali Imran (ayah 130 onwards) against the greedy or avaricious mentality of amassing wealth unmindful of the situation that one is in, the condition of those around us, and forgetful of what one’s own state will be in the coming days. Here again people are reminded of the source of wealth, their responsibility pertaining to it, and that Allah is who gives and who blocks. This was in the third year after hijra.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَأْكُلُوا الرِّبَا أَضْعَافًا مُّضَاعَفَةً ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

The final proclamation of the all time prohibition of riba comes after the victory of Makkah. At this stage it is in the form of a warning to the tribes in Arabia to end their practice of usury or be ready for a battle with Allah and his apostle. The Prophet (pbuh) carried out this instruction by including the prohibition of riba in his pact with all non-Muslim tribes who came for peace talks with him after Makkah victory. This occurs in Surah Al Baqarah (ayah 275 on), a little before the prophet’s (pbuh) demise.

الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ الرِّبَا لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ الَّذِي يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا إِنَّمَا الْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ الرِّبَا ۗ وَأَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَا ۚ فَمَن جَاءَهُ مَوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِ فَانتَهَىٰ فَلَهُ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ وَمَنْ عَادَ فَأُولَـٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ

يَمْحَقُ اللَّهُ الرِّبَا وَيُرْبِي الصَّدَقَاتِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ أَثِيمٍ

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ

وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ ۚ وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ

Remember: the first issue that Abu Bakr ( ra ) had to declare war with any was the denial of turning in Zakah. So is the seriousness of the evil of money and money matters on people of all societies. It is not easy to part with money. One should have good level of Iman to be able to dispense the rights of others and part with one’s own excess / surplus money.

The Logic of Zakah Being the Right of the Poor

Now the logic of the Zakah being treated as the right of the eight groups of people: Economic activity and growth in the society is solely because Allah has created men with different potentials, abilities, status and levels. If all were created with equal potentials, status, and facilities, there will be nobody to initiate economic activities. It is only because of all of us dependent on others for everything that we are pushed into economic activities. Therefore, it is easy to find that a rich man is rich only because Allah has made others poor. He is rich at the expense of others. And Allah has done this by giving the share of the poor to him. And when he gives the poor the portion of his wealth that is due to him, he is only giving his due which was the basic reason for his being rich and the latter poor. This Allah has done so because of his great wisdom for initiating economic activities on the earth. If all were in the same level of fortune in all respects, no economic activity will take place. Therefore, no doubt, there is a portion due to the poor in a rich man’s wealth. It is his right and not the rich man’s magnanimity. This is so because Allah has made human beings this way and made it as the basis of the economic growth.

Everyone knows it’s the TV people who run the world

The New War Against Terror
By Noam Chomsky
October 18, 2001 - Transcribed from audio recorded at The Technology & Culture Forum at MIT The Talk (audio).
The Are Telling Us What They Think
They are telling us just what they think. The United States wants to silence the one free television channel in the Arab world because it’s broadcasting a whole range of things from Powell over to Osama bin Laden. So the US is now joining the repressive regimes of the Arab world that try to shut it up. But if you listen to it, if you listen to what bin Laden says, it’s worth it. There is plenty of interviews. And there are plenty of interviews by leading Western re-porters, if you don’t want to listen to his own voice, Robert Fisk and others. And what he has been saying is pretty consistent for a long time. He’s not the only one but maybe he is the most eloquent. It’s not only consistent over a long time, it is consistent with their actions. So there is every reason to take it seriously. Their prime enemy is what they call the corrupt and oppressive au-thoritarian brutal regimes of the Arab world and when the say that they get quite a resonance in the region. They also want to defend and they want to replace them by properly Islamist governments. That’s where they lose the people of the region. But up till then, they are with them. From their point of view, even Saudi Arabia, the most extreme fundamentalist state in the world, I suppose, short of the Taliban, which is an offshoot, even that’s not Islamist enough for them. Ok, at that point, they get very little support, but up until that point they get plenty of support. Also they want to defend Muslims elsewhere. They hate the Russians like poison, but as soon as the Russians pulled out of Afghanistan, they stopped carrying out terrorist acts in Russia as they had been doing with CIA backing before that within Russia, not just in Afghanistan. They did move over to Chechnya. But there they are defending Muslims against a Russian invasion. Same with all the other places I mentioned. From their point of view, they are defending the Muslims against the infidels. And they are very clear about it and that is what they have been doing.
Why did they turn against the United States?
Now why did they turn against the United States? Well that had to do with what they call the US invasion of Saudi Arabia. In 1990, the US established permanent military bases in Saudi Arabia which from their point of view is comparable to a Russian invasion of Afghanistan except that Saudi Arabia is way more important. That’s the home of the holiest sites of Islam. And that is when their activities turned against the Unites States. If you recall, in 1993 they tried to blow up the World Trade Center. Got part of the way, but not the whole way and that was only part of it. The plans were to blow up the UN building, the Holland and Lincoln tunnels, the FBI building. I think there were others on the list. Well, they sort of got part way, but not all the way. One per-son who is jailed for that, finally, among the people who were jailed, was a
Egyptian cleric who had been brought into the United States over the objec-tions of the Immigration Service, thanks to the intervention of the CIA which wanted to help out their friend. A couple years later he was blowing up the World Trade Center. And this has been going on all over. I’m not going to run through the list but it’s, if you want to understand it, it’s consistent. It’s a con-sistent picture. It’s described in words. It’s revealed in practice for twenty years. There is no reason not to take it seriously....And of course their support for the Israeli military occupation which is harsh and brutal. It is now in its thirty-fifth year. The US has been providing the overwhelming economic, mili-tary, and diplomatic support for it, and still does. And they know that and they don’t like it. Especially when that is paired with US policy towards Iraq, to-wards the Iraqi civilian society which is getting destroyed. Ok, those are the reasons roughly. And when bin Laden gives those reasons, people recognize it and support it.
Leaderless Resistance
You know, it could be that the people who did it, killed themselves. Nobody knows this better than the CIA. These are decentralized, nonhierarchic net-works. They follow a principle that is called Leaderless Resistance. That’s the principle that has been developed by the Christian Right terrorists in the United States. It’s called Leaderless Resistance. You have small groups that do things. They don’t talk to anybody else. There is a kind of general back-ground of assumptions and then you do it. Actually people in the anti war movement are very familiar with it. We used to call it affinity groups. If you as-sume correctly that whatever group you are in is being penetrated by the FBI, when something serious is happening, you don’t do it in a meeting. You do it with some people you know and trust, an affinity group and then it doesn’t get penetrated. That’s one of the reasons why the FBI has never been able to fig-ure out what’s going on in any of the popular movements. And other intelli-gence agencies are the same. They can’t. That’s leaderless resistance or af-finity groups, and decentralized networks are extremely hard to penetrate. And it’s quite possible that they just don’t know. When Osama bin Laden claims he wasn’t involved, that’s entirely possible. In fact, it’s pretty hard to imagine how a guy in a cave in Afghanistan, who doesn’t even have a radio or a telephone could have planned a highly sophisticated operation like that. Chances are it’s part of the background. You know, like other leaderless resis-tance terrorist groups. Which means it’s going to be extremely difficult to find evidence.
Reactions in Afghanistan
Well, what about the reactions in Afghanistan. The initial proposal, the initial rhetoric was for a massive assault which would kill many people visibly and also an attack on other countries in the region. Well the Bush administration wisely backed off from that. They were being told by every foreign leader, NATO, everyone else, every specialist, I suppose, their own intelligence agencies that that would be the stupidest thing they could possibly do. It would simply be like opening recruiting offices for bin Laden all over the re-gion. That’s exactly what he wants. And it would be extremely harmful to their own interests. So they backed off that one. And they are turning to what I de-scribed earlier which is a kind of silent genocide. It’s a…. well, I already said what I think about it. I don’t think anything more has to be said. You can figure it out if you do the arithmetic.
A sensible proposal which is kind of on the verge of being considered, but it has been sensible all along, and it is being raised, called for by expatriate Af-ghans and allegedly tribal leaders internally, is for a UN initiative, which would keep the Russians and Americans out of it, totally. These are the two coun-tries that have practically wiped the country out in the last twenty years. They should be out of it. They should provide massive reparations. But that’s their only role. A UN initiative to bring together elements within Afghanistan that would try to construct something from the wreckage. It’s conceivable that that could work, with plenty of support and no interference. If the US insists on running it, we might as well quit. We have a historical record on that one.
You will notice that the name of this operation….remember that at first it was going to be a Crusade but they backed off that because PR (public relations) agents told them that that wouldn’t work [audience laughter]. And then it was going to be Infinite Justice, but the PR agents said, wait a minute, you are sounding like you are divinity. So that wouldn’t work. And then it was changed to enduring freedom. We know what that means. But nobody has yet pointed out, fortunately, that there is an ambiguity there. To endure means to suffer. [audience laughter]. And a there are plenty of people around the world who have endured what we call freedom.

http://www.e-text.org/text/Chomsky - America's war on terror